Swisstool Spirit X (with clip)

silentio · **on:** July 04, 2009, 06:45:10 PM

Right, so I got my Spirit X from Tim, and here's my review. I'm quite excited about this one because I had been obsessing about it for some time. Not the decision as to whether to buy one, but about how to get a pocket clip on it. I do not have the ability nor tools to perform the excellent mod done by J-Sews, so I had to think of something else.

This something else is the Clipdraw, which I first read about on this forum. This is not so much a review of the Spirit X as it is one of the Clipdraw on one.

First up, the Clipdraw. Here's what I bought

http://www.clipdraw.com/store/index.php?rn=395&action=show_detail

The package is very comprehensive, with even alcohol cleaners to help prepare the surface. Installation was pretty straightforward. Just paste the adhesive onto the mounting plate, cut off excess then position it on the Spirit. Thereafter, just screw on the clip, and you're set. Here are the pictures of my new "clipped" Spirit

View closed

With pliers opened

Put it so it doesn't obstruct when using the blade. But anyway, it's pretty all right gripped in the palm, so even if you are using the file on the other side, there's no issue

Here's a super close up side view. You can see the clip itself isn't that great, curved a bit high. The tape and mounting plate are thick-ish, but that's a small compromise to make. It really isn't that bad when held in the hand. The fact that the colour is very similar makes it not so obvious.

I didn't get it right the first time. I put the Clipdraw below the rivet at first. This was how it looked

This was one of the things I worried about before getting the kit, that it would ride too high because i had to paste it below the rivet. After doing this, I realised that the tape is so thick and strong, it would run over the rivet safely. I pryed out the mounting plate with a screwdriver and the tape came out mostly cleanly. A little wipe with the alcohol swab, and you never knew it was there. Repositioned the clip, and now I'm a happy camper. The tape is incredibly strong. I didn't hang a weight to test it out, but it's safe to say it won't unadhere itself.

So, here's my final assessment of a Clipdraw Spirit X

Pros:
You get a pocket clip (duh)
Easy to install
Secure
Warranty remains (compared to J-sew's mod)

Cons:
Tool may feel thicker
Doesn't look seamless like J-sew's mod

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2009, 06:49:50 PM

Fine review and mod mate

Let us know how the clip holds up please

cliosguy · **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:04:18 PM

Quote from: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on July 04, 2009, 06:49:50 PM

Fine review and mod mate

Let us know how the clip holds up please

+1

very nice mod

J-sews · **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:19:28 PM

Looks good sir!

Does the adhesive bond well? Any concerns that it might come un-stuck accidentally?

Benner · **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:31:56 PM

Quote from: J-sews on July 04, 2009, 07:19:28 PM

Looks good sir!

Does the adhesive bond well? Any concerns that it might come un-stuck accidentally?

My questions exactly.

Craig · **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2009, 10:42:00 PM

Looks good

prime77 · **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2009, 11:32:06 PM

That looks really great.

Please let us know how well it stays in place over time.

Poncho65 · **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2009, 02:58:59 AM

Very cool Silentio

Keep us updated on how it holds up mate

WhichDawg · **Reply #8 on:** July 06, 2009, 05:36:02 AM

nice job!

silentio · **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2009, 03:01:27 AM

A little about the adhesive--it's strong. I mentioned I had to remove it once, and getting that done requires you to pry it off. Even then, it wasn't easy. Once you stretch the tape though, the material loses its stickiness. It's almost impossible to stretch the tape while the clip is on though, so I reckon I'm pretty safe.

Clipdraw has an image on its site showing a dumb bell weight hanging on its clip to demonstrate strength. I'm not inclined to try that out, but as far as I'm concerned, the strength of the steel clip itself is the weakest link in this setup. Of course, I've only carried it for 2 days, will report back if I find any signs of weakness. I could have some bias, because if there's one American company I admire more than Leatherman for quality products, it's 3M.

BTW, borrowed a nice camera for a little while, so here's another pic. I couldn't help using my new Spirit X as a test model

Forgive the griminess, I forgot to wipe it down before shooting

max6166 · **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2009, 07:45:30 AM

Nice work! I have heard good things about Clipdraw. Please give us an update in a few months!

Leatherman123 · **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2009, 09:14:47 PM

That's cool!

Yeah, 3M is a great company! I buy 3M products as much as possible!

J-sews · **Reply #12 on:** July 08, 2009, 02:01:49 AM

Bandage on the index finger eh. By chance were you bitten by a serrated butter knife?

Leatherman123 · **Reply #13 on:** July 08, 2009, 02:06:15 AM

The Spirit X doesn't have the peanut butter blade!

J-sews · **Reply #14 on:** July 08, 2009, 02:17:51 AM

I stand corrected!

silentio · **Reply #15 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:12:19 PM

Quote from: J-sews on July 08, 2009, 02:01:49 AM

Bandage on the index finger eh. By chance were you bitten by a serrated butter knife?

I sliced through my nail when peeling potatoes. The tape (made by 3M, incidentally) is there to make sure it doesn't lift and leave my index finger nail-less.

BTW, has anyone found it hard to pull out a tool on the Spirit? I have weak nails I think, find it tough to pull the scissors sometimes.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:58:34 PM

The tool's are more difficult to get out compared to other MT's, but that's because there under spring tension

There is a knack to getting them out, usually hooking you little finger under the tool you need (as long as it's not the blade

) will work

Benner · **Reply #17 on:** July 08, 2009, 07:09:53 PM

Quote from: Mike, Lord of the Spammers! on July 08, 2009, 06:58:34 PM

The tool's are more difficult to get out compared to other MT's, but that's because there under spring tension

There is a knack to getting them out, usually hooking you little finger under the tool you need (as long as it's not the blade ) will work

That's what I generally do.

Freudian Frog · **Reply #18 on:** July 08, 2009, 07:11:23 PM

Man, what's with you people and your weak sissy nails?

I actually have to bathe or soak my nails in hot water before I can cut them with anything. Yeah, they're tough.

EDIT: By the way, thanks for doing this. Was gonna do the same myself but decided to hold off until someone slapped one on before me.

silentio · **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2009, 06:55:06 PM

Quote from: One Lame Frog on July 08, 2009, 07:11:23 PM

Man, what's with you people and your weak sissy nails?

I actually have to bathe or soak my nails in hot water before I can cut them with anything. Yeah, they're tough.

EDIT: By the way, thanks for doing this. Was gonna do the same myself but decided to hold off until someone slapped one on before me.

Haha, I fully concede that I have "sissy" nails. I have trouble with the awl on SAKs even sometimes. Let me know how your own clipdraw application turns out.

Thanks, Mike, for the tip on opening.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2009, 06:58:20 PM

No probs

David Bowen · **Reply #21 on:** March 10, 2010, 01:54:55 PM

I got my Clip Draw the other day and it immediately went on my Spirit! I must say it works like a charm, like I was telling Grant yesterday, it might not be as pretty as the LM clip mod but it works very well. I carried the Spirit all day yesterday at work in a pair of dress pants and didn't even notice it was there. I have had some minor issues with the clip, this would happen to any clip but I corrected the issues. The clip got caught on stuff a few times and was not center on the plate. I just loosened the screws repositioned and tightened them back down. Maybe I didn't tighten them enough the first time or something, who knows. The clip pulls out of your pocket easily, it's got enough tension but not too much. I will take some time getting use to finding which tools are on what side though, I keep thinking I am carrying a Wave or something and are expecting to open up the main blade one handed....I WISH. Anyways, very cool quick and easy mod that I recommend for folks to try.

nuphoria · **Reply #22 on:** March 10, 2010, 02:05:31 PM

I'm considering getting one too as it would make me carry the Spirit, which I think is a great tool.

However, I'm still working on a way to get Bob to make his sexy mod for me instead.... not sure if I'm going the emotional, pleading or blackmail route yet, but I'll think of something eventually

David Bowen · **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2010, 02:18:55 PM

I didn't like the idea of voiding the warranty on the spirit so I thought this method might work better for me. I really do love the spirit, have for quite a while but since I am at work MOST of the time I don't have room on my belt for a sheath. A clipped tool is usually what is in my pocket and the spirit just was not seeing the love. Now it's very happy and has jumped to the head of the EDC rotation, let's hope the clips continues to work wonders.

nuphoria · **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2010, 02:20:42 PM

Very sensible reasoning there.... and it is great to have something else in rotation I agree. I generally only pocket carry tools which can be clipped on or attached to a lanyard. Not planning on losing any in a hurry!

kottskrapa · **Reply #25 on:** September 23, 2017, 12:17:40 PM

So.. I kinda dug this one up with a Google search and ordered a clip to put on my spirit. Has time been nice to it and how has the tape been holding up almost 10 years after?

[It's not failure if you learn something from it]

clown · **Reply #26 on:** September 27, 2017, 04:07:49 AM

I'm curious too. Hope we get some follow ups!

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Swisstool Spirit X (with clip)

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