Please help me decide. Charge AL or Swisstool RS/Spirit

CH-guy · **on:** February 17, 2012, 07:12:46 AM

Hi all,

I'm new in the world of MT. I didn't think that I would struggle that much deciding which MT will be my first.

Yes I'm from Switzerland, don't live their anymore but I'm Swiss. That doesn't mean it has to be a Swisstool

Basically I can't decide between the LM Charge ALX and the Swisstool RS or Spirit.
I will carry it with me on a daily basis but I always carry a backpack anyway, so weight won't matter that much. I will not use it for heavy duty tasks at work BUT I will take it with me for camping, outdoor activity and whatsoever.

I will list you what I like/dislike about the different MTs, I only list the things which are THE points that make my decision so hard:

Swisstool RS + Spirit:
+ Quality
+ Tool choice just looks awesome
- I believe it is quite a struggle to get the blades out if it's cold and/or you are wearing gloves. I had a lot of Swiss Army Knives in my life, and I always struggled with the flimsy "tiny pull it out with your nail thing". Is it easier to pull them out with the RS/Spirit?

Charge:
+ Possible to open blades with one hand
- not quite sure if the bit lockers are great

I can tell you, if it would be possible to open the Swisstool blades with one hand like the Leathermans, my vote would go to Swisstools without even thinking a second

I'm not a huge fan of SOG, they just seem a bit too lose in my opinion.

Thanks in advance.

Dunc · **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2012, 08:07:47 AM

Welcome to the forum

Thats a really tough choice . How do you feel about victorinox steel ? The Charges main blade uses 154cm which is a lot harder then Vics . Plus side is it keeps it's edge longer down side is you have to know what your doing when it comes to sharpening . One of the biggest complaints you hear about the charge is the lack of an Awl , one complaint about the swisstools is they can be slippery when wet of covered in oil . I think the Spirit has the most comfortable handles ( when using the pliers ) of any multitool on the market but the Charge isn't uncomfortable . The swisstools incl the Spirit have all outside opening tools . While the Chrge and Swisstools have a measure on the handles the Spirit doesn't . The bit drivers on the Charge are very handy but you can buy a vic ratchet bit driver and while this doesn't actually attach to the tool it does mean you can hold a nut with the pliers while screwing a bolt with the ratchet ,
May I also make matters worse by suggesting a Leatherman Wave , same tool selection as the Charge AL but with a 420 HC blade and a cheaper price tag .

The Swisstool is a big handful and heavy so I tend to keep one in my bag or car and the Spirit gets to go in my pocket . I don't have a Charge (at the moment ) but my Wave gets carried on my belt . All three tools are very good and you have a tough decision . Do you wear gloves a lot ? Because that could be your deal breaker but remember its only the knife blades on the charge that are one hand opening .

Good luck and let us know what you decide .

edcgear · **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2012, 08:19:11 AM

Welcome to the MTO

That is one tough decision!

I have Charge Ti and Spirit plus...

My vote goes always to swiss, though my Charge see more pocket carry. But that's only because I don't want to ruin my Spirit...

Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk

CH-guy · **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2012, 08:35:04 AM

Wow, already two answers. Thanks.

I didn't list the Wave because I've often read that if one has the additional money, take the Charge over the Wave.
No, I barely wear gloves, just trying hard to make my decision easier by using "what if" scenarios :-) .
Is the Vic RS comfortable?

As I said, I'm not going to carry it in my pocket, it will lay in my backpack.
Decision breakers could be if I'd know how comfortable the RS and Spirit is and if it really is that a struggle to get the blades out.

The one handed opening of the knife is the only thing that holds me back from placing the RS or Spirit order.

Oh dear,....

Oh yeah I forgot, I don't really have a clue about what steel is good..,

edcgear · **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2012, 08:49:30 AM

Spirit is the most comfortable of all listed IMHO.

If OHO blade is deal breaker get Spirit + dedicated OHO folder. Or even fixed blade if it is mainly for camping and hiking...

Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2012, 09:42:48 AM

Quote from: edcgear on February 17, 2012, 08:49:30 AM

Spirit is the most comfortable of all listed IMHO.

If OHO blade is deal breaker get Spirit + dedicated OHO folder. Or even fixed blade if it is mainly for camping and hiking...

Sent from my GT-S5570 using Tapatalk

You need a Spirit and OHO folder for sure. Even if you get a Wave/Charge, you need to get a Spirit too. The Spirit should be compulsory and the Charge optional

For outdoors (camping/hiking and such) I personally wouldn't take a Charge as I'd be concerned about the toughness of the blade. Great edge retention, but almost impossible to sharpen in the field unless you take dedicated equipment with you, and it is more brittle than a Spirit blade. Great edge retention means nothing if the edge isn't fastened to the rest of the blade

. I would suggest a Charge would be better for work scenarios - dirty environments, oils and greases - and the Spirit for everything else

Dunc · **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2012, 09:55:53 AM

If you keep your nails really short or bite them then you may struggle with the Vic blades but otherwise its not a problem .They do open really smoothly though .If you did buy one and didnt like it then you wouldn't have too much trouble selling or trading it on here .

CH-guy · **Reply #7 on:** February 17, 2012, 10:03:16 AM

A Spirit X, it will be.

Order placed.

Dunc · **Reply #8 on:** February 17, 2012, 10:15:20 AM

Great , your going to love it

Threeme2189 · **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2012, 12:25:39 PM

It's blasphemy!
Just kidding

Enjoy your new swisstool!

Singh · **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2012, 12:38:43 PM

great choice!

Carlos · **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2012, 05:16:30 PM

Lots of spirit x getting bought by MTo members these days

Chain Gang · **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2012, 05:45:18 PM

Get both,problem solved.

edcgear · **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:01:09 PM

Quote from: Chain Gang on February 17, 2012, 05:45:18 PM

Get both,problem solved.

Hangin' here will lead him to that... Eventually...

Syph007 · **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:03:36 PM

Swisstool all the way. The charge and swisstool both get the job done, but to me the charge is like a stormtrooper blaster, blasting the bad guy, whereas the swisstool is a jedi light saber.. refined elegance. Something to marvel at and use.

My personal con for the leathermans is rust prone. I left my wave in a damp garage, not even wet, damp, and it rusted good. The swisstool just wont rust, its nice.

Did I mention I love swisstools? I own 3 of them and 3 leathermans, but if it was down to having to pick one, there is no contest.

Now if I had to pick a specific Model it would have to be the spirit X, than the swisstool RS, then Swisstool X...

Chain Gang · **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2012, 06:55:33 PM

Quote from: edcgear on February 17, 2012, 06:01:09 PM

Quote from: Chain Gang on February 17, 2012, 05:45:18 PM
Get both,problem solved.

Hangin' here will lead him to that... Eventually...

No kidding!!!I have bought so many SAK's and MT's since I have been here I'm real close to living in a box under a bridge somewhere.

turnsouth · **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2012, 07:17:41 PM

Good discussion here:

Anyone want to play SwissTool vs Charge?

CH-guy · **Reply #17 on:** February 18, 2012, 08:46:06 AM

I'll give you guys an update how I like it. Can't wail for the mail guy

. If I do like it, what I probably will, I'll order the Swisstool RS in May for my camping season

.

Thanks again for the great help.

Threeme2189 · **Reply #18 on:** February 18, 2012, 10:40:36 AM

Quote from: Syph007 on February 17, 2012, 06:03:36 PM

Swisstool all the way. The charge and swisstool both get the job done, but to me the charge is like a stormtrooper blaster, blasting the bad guy, whereas the swisstool is a jedi light saber.. refined elegance. Something to marvel at and use.

Han Solo doesn't seem to agree.
I quote him saying:
“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side”

Syph007 · **Reply #19 on:** February 18, 2012, 02:07:49 PM

Quote from: Threeme2189 on February 18, 2012, 10:40:36 AM

Quote from: Syph007 on February 17, 2012, 06:03:36 PM
Swisstool all the way. The charge and swisstool both get the job done, but to me the charge is like a stormtrooper blaster, blasting the bad guy, whereas the swisstool is a jedi light saber.. refined elegance. Something to marvel at and use.

Han Solo doesn't seem to agree.
I quote him saying:
“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no substitute for a good blaster at your side”

Yep, but thats why Han Solo carries his Charge with bit kit!

Also he must remember to clean and oil it regularly to prevent rust! Jedi's are too busy getting the girls to worry about tool maintenance, or whether their light saber will develop a patina if they cut acidic jawas.

Singh · **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2012, 02:52:07 PM

the more suitable quote for describing the Swisstool (lightsaber) vs Leatherman (Blaster) is this:

This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster; an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.

scrappy · **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2012, 05:17:00 PM

You made a great choice. I personally would take a wave or blast first.
I have never had rust or a need to oil them. the pliers open wider (which I use) and I really like the oho. The nail nicks on the blast are great and I like the drivers on both more than the vic. That said I own at least 10 Swiss tools. And they have their better qualities also. I love them all

Carlos · **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2012, 07:28:37 PM

Quote from: scrappy on February 18, 2012, 05:17:00 PM

You made a great choice. I personally would take a wave or blast first.

I agree a fuse or a blast are fantastic tools. I'm appreciating much a recent fuse I got from edcgear. Due to the price point difference, they could be a great choice for a first tool, but ... he got better served with the spirit

gustophersmob · **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2012, 09:59:39 PM

I don't think you have much to worry about opening blades/tools on the Spirit. The way the handles curve it makes it very easy to access the nail-nicks, at least for me.

I tried a swisstool and didn't really care for it because the nail nicks were harder to get to, although I am a nail-biter, so keep that in mind.

Personally, I've not been to keen on Leatherman's, as each one I've owned has started out as a real nail breaker. To the piont that I had to use another tool to deploy some of the implements. I know they loosen up over time, but something to consider.

Anyway, I think you'll love the Spirit. I'm not really into pliers-based tools much and yet I hnow have 3 spirits!

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Please help me decide. Charge AL or Swisstool RS/Spirit

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