My Favourite Full side multitool

[hennypenny]

I love polls. I think it is a good way to make recommendations for a tool in each class. I have combined different models in some options, e.g. Gerber MP400 and MP600. The Leatherman Surge is the new 2013 model with replaceable wire cutters. Imaging you can only afford one multitool in each category, so vote wisely. To see the results of the voting, you need to vote first. Obviously, I can't have every single tool there is around, so I have selected what I think I would like in each of the following categories:
Key chain
Pocket sized
Full size (covers both 4" and heavy duty)
Tools to admire and never use (collectors pieces)

[Zed]

Went for swisschamp but was thinking wave,but no charge 

[kirk13]

Spirit...just has to be!

[Vladimir]

+1

[Zed]

I also would of gone surge but not new one as not out yet 

[Monrogue]

This one's a toughy for me   I have 3 faves for full size as many have probably heard by now (Rebar, Spirit and Charge TTi), so it's hard to choose.  Although the Charge is not on the list, the Wave is more or less the same thing in terms of functionality (I also own one of these and it lives in my car).  It more came down to Rebar or Spirit, and in terms of putting the tool to actual use, and for the pliers, the Rebar just edged out the Spirit for me.  Yes, the Spirit had all tools on the outside, which is a big advantage, and it is versatile, but the thing is just too beautiful that I don't want to really do much with it other than admire/fiddle with it (hence my vote on for the Spirit on the droolworthy poll). 

[Top-Gear-24]

This one's a toughy for me   I have 3 faves for full size as many have probably heard by now (Rebar, Spirit and Charge TTi), so it's hard to choose.  Although the Charge is not on the list, the Wave is more or less the same thing in terms of functionality (I also own one of these and it lives in my car).  It more came down to Rebar or Spirit, and in terms of putting the tool to actual use, and for the pliers, the Rebar just edged out the Spirit for me.  Yes, the Spirit had all tools on the outside, which is a big advantage, and it is versatile, but the thing is just too beautiful that I don't want to really do much with it other than admire/fiddle with it (hence my vote on for the Spirit on the droolworthy poll).

I was thinking about you when I read this topic, this must be pure agony for you, picking only one  .

Anyway, I voted for the Spirit.

Before I bought my first Spirit I used to carry my ST300 and sometimes my Wave (old and new style) or my Charge TTi, but most of the time I picked the ST300 because of its great pliers and real phillips- and regular screwdrivers instead of the bits (which I really don't like). 

But when I got my first Spirit it quickly became my favorite tool, I also had problems with really using it at first because it's so pretty, I solved this by buying a second one (and a third ...  ).  That way I'll always have two (and my Road Tour) in mint condition for my collection and one to carry every day, and I can now confirm that, although it's a real beauty, it's also a true workhorse.  The Swisstool comes close, but I still prefer the Spirit.

[kkokkolis]

The Surge. Otherwise the Spirit.

[captain spaulding]

I don't know why, but I don't really consider the Spirit or Rebar to be "Full Size'' tools. I know they are marketed as so. That's why i'm going with the regular Swiss Tool on this one.

[Monrogue]

This one's a toughy for me   I have 3 faves for full size as many have probably heard by now (Rebar, Spirit and Charge TTi), so it's hard to choose.  Although the Charge is not on the list, the Wave is more or less the same thing in terms of functionality (I also own one of these and it lives in my car).  It more came down to Rebar or Spirit, and in terms of putting the tool to actual use, and for the pliers, the Rebar just edged out the Spirit for me.  Yes, the Spirit had all tools on the outside, which is a big advantage, and it is versatile, but the thing is just too beautiful that I don't want to really do much with it other than admire/fiddle with it (hence my vote on for the Spirit on the droolworthy poll).

I was thinking about you when I read this topic, this must be pure agony for you, picking only one  .

Anyway, I voted for the Spirit.

Before I bought my first Spirit I used to carry my ST300 and sometimes my Wave (old and new style) or my Charge TTi, but most of the time I picked the ST300 because of its great pliers and real phillips- and regular screwdrivers instead of the bits (which I really don't like). 

But when I got my first Spirit it quickly became my favorite tool, I also had problems with really using it at first because it's so pretty, I solved this by buying a second one (and a third ...  ).  That way I'll always have two (and my Road Tour) in mint condition for my collection and one to carry every day, and I can now confirm that, although it's a real beauty, it's also a true workhorse.  The Swisstool comes close, but I still prefer the Spirit.

Oh yes, it's always agonizing for me to make choices like that   I too am not a big fan of the bits as I will only have what's in the tool available since I don't sheath/belt carry.  I like the idea of the actual dedicated drivers on something like the Rebar and Spirit. 

Do you have the regular Spirit, or the Spirit X (probably both since you have a few )?  Also please tell me: Since you say it's a workhorse, how does that beautiful finish hold up to use/abuse?

[enki_ck]

The one I carry the most, Spirit X.

[THE_LONGBOW]

Rebar because I own and use one.

[Gareth]

The one I carry the most, Spirit X.

Funnily it's not the one I carry the most just now, but it is the last one I'd get rid of.

[kirk13]

The one I carry the most, Spirit X.

Funnily it's not the one I carry the most just now, but it is the last one I'd get rid of.

That's a rather neat way of putting it

[enki_ck]

The one I carry the most, Spirit X.

Funnily it's not the one I carry the most just now, but it is the last one I'd get rid of.

I carried it for most of the last 6 months and never missed anything (well a couple of times I needed different drivers, torx, different security bits, ... but the MTO bit kit helped out there ) Last few weeks I've been carrying the ones I rarely did before or haven't carried for a long time but still miss some of the features the Spirit has to offer. Oh, and that CLICK it makes.

[Top-Gear-24]

This one's a toughy for me   I have 3 faves for full size as many have probably heard by now (Rebar, Spirit and Charge TTi), so it's hard to choose.  Although the Charge is not on the list, the Wave is more or less the same thing in terms of functionality (I also own one of these and it lives in my car).  It more came down to Rebar or Spirit, and in terms of putting the tool to actual use, and for the pliers, the Rebar just edged out the Spirit for me.  Yes, the Spirit had all tools on the outside, which is a big advantage, and it is versatile, but the thing is just too beautiful that I don't want to really do much with it other than admire/fiddle with it (hence my vote on for the Spirit on the droolworthy poll).

I was thinking about you when I read this topic, this must be pure agony for you, picking only one  .

Anyway, I voted for the Spirit.

Before I bought my first Spirit I used to carry my ST300 and sometimes my Wave (old and new style) or my Charge TTi, but most of the time I picked the ST300 because of its great pliers and real phillips- and regular screwdrivers instead of the bits (which I really don't like). 

But when I got my first Spirit it quickly became my favorite tool, I also had problems with really using it at first because it's so pretty, I solved this by buying a second one (and a third ...  ).  That way I'll always have two (and my Road Tour) in mint condition for my collection and one to carry every day, and I can now confirm that, although it's a real beauty, it's also a true workhorse.  The Swisstool comes close, but I still prefer the Spirit.

Oh yes, it's always agonizing for me to make choices like that   I too am not a big fan of the bits as I will only have what's in the tool available since I don't sheath/belt carry.  I like the idea of the actual dedicated drivers on something like the Rebar and Spirit. 

Do you have the regular Spirit, or the Spirit X (probably both since you have a few )?  Also please tell me: Since you say it's a workhorse, how does that beautiful finish hold up to use/abuse?

I have three Spirits with the butterknife (one being a Spirit Plus), the only Spirit X I have (until now ...  ) is the Road Tour, but like I said here before, I really like the butterknife. 

And my "workhorse" Spirit does has some scratches, nothing really serious, just some minor surface scratches mostly through my own fault, doing "stupid" things like placing it in my pocket along with my car keys, placing it on a rough surface while working outside ... things like that.  I must say, the first one did hurt, now I think it just adds character to this magnificent tool (easier when you have two spare tools in mint condition  ).  The rest of the Spirit (phillips screwdriver, regular screwdrivers, chisel, awl ... are all in great condition, even after being used quite a bit).

[mikekoz]

   If I had not sold my Swiss Champ, I would own every one of those!! 

[jerseydevil]

Guess which one I voted for..... 

[mikekoz]

Guess which one I voted for..... 

   I need to get another Swiss Champ!!

[JAfromMn]

I had to go with the Swisstool.

its virtually indestructible and has a great set of useful tools.

it does have one flaw. Its a very heavy tool.

[mulou]

I thought the SOG power lock is cool, but not very useful when I bought it (which was my first real MT) - tools & cover felt flimsy. So I bought all the popular MTs of the same size.
I like the tools and blades on some tools like the wave and the charge. I like the quality of the spirit.

But at the end of the day, when I want to get stuff done with the tool, I take the SOG. (Yeah, I don't use blades too much on MTs, else that'd be a problem I guess).

I feel like the SOG can actually be used as a real tool while the others are more "nice to have" and "cool" (and don't get me wrong, I love them for that too)

[Monrogue]

This one's a toughy for me   I have 3 faves for full size as many have probably heard by now (Rebar, Spirit and Charge TTi), so it's hard to choose.  Although the Charge is not on the list, the Wave is more or less the same thing in terms of functionality (I also own one of these and it lives in my car).  It more came down to Rebar or Spirit, and in terms of putting the tool to actual use, and for the pliers, the Rebar just edged out the Spirit for me.  Yes, the Spirit had all tools on the outside, which is a big advantage, and it is versatile, but the thing is just too beautiful that I don't want to really do much with it other than admire/fiddle with it (hence my vote on for the Spirit on the droolworthy poll).

I was thinking about you when I read this topic, this must be pure agony for you, picking only one  .

Anyway, I voted for the Spirit.

Before I bought my first Spirit I used to carry my ST300 and sometimes my Wave (old and new style) or my Charge TTi, but most of the time I picked the ST300 because of its great pliers and real phillips- and regular screwdrivers instead of the bits (which I really don't like). 

But when I got my first Spirit it quickly became my favorite tool, I also had problems with really using it at first because it's so pretty, I solved this by buying a second one (and a third ...  ).  That way I'll always have two (and my Road Tour) in mint condition for my collection and one to carry every day, and I can now confirm that, although it's a real beauty, it's also a true workhorse.  The Swisstool comes close, but I still prefer the Spirit.

Oh yes, it's always agonizing for me to make choices like that   I too am not a big fan of the bits as I will only have what's in the tool available since I don't sheath/belt carry.  I like the idea of the actual dedicated drivers on something like the Rebar and Spirit. 

Do you have the regular Spirit, or the Spirit X (probably both since you have a few )?  Also please tell me: Since you say it's a workhorse, how does that beautiful finish hold up to use/abuse?

I have three Spirits with the butterknife (one being a Spirit Plus), the only Spirit X I have (until now ...  ) is the Road Tour, but like I said here before, I really like the butterknife. 

And my "workhorse" Spirit does has some scratches, nothing really serious, just some minor surface scratches mostly through my own fault, doing "stupid" things like placing it in my pocket along with my car keys, placing it on a rough surface while working outside ... things like that.  I must say, the first one did hurt, now I think it just adds character to this magnificent tool (easier when you have two spare tools in mint condition  ).  The rest of the Spirit (phillips screwdriver, regular screwdrivers, chisel, awl ... are all in great condition, even after being used quite a bit).

I like the butterblade as well, mainly due to its uniqueness.  I'm considering getting a plain edge folder like the Leatherman Crater (not sure if I just want to get the blade version, or splurge with the one with the drivers ) to carry when I'm carrying the Rebar or Spirit.  That way I've got a PE OHO blade and the butterblade (or serrated blade on the Rebar) for anytime I need that kind of blade. 

I agree about scratches, etc. adding character, although I think it would bring me sadness if that happened to my Spirit.  I also wouldn't mind getting the Road Tour Edition, but it's rather pricey

[baja820]

[Top-Gear-24]

I like the butterblade as well, mainly due to its uniqueness.  I'm considering getting a plain edge folder like the Leatherman Crater (not sure if I just want to get the blade version, or splurge with the one with the drivers ) to carry when I'm carrying the Rebar or Spirit.  That way I've got a PE OHO blade and the butterblade (or serrated blade on the Rebar) for anytime I need that kind of blade. 

I agree about scratches, etc. adding character, although I think it would bring me sadness if that happened to my Spirit.  I also wouldn't mind getting the Road Tour Edition, but it's rather pricey

Before I got myself a Spirit, I used to carry my ST300 every day, along with my Swisschamp, and I started thinking about my "one hand opening needs", so I bought myself a Crater C33L (I had some store discount worth just about what the Crater costed  ). 

Turned out this knife was exactly what I needed to make my EDC kit complete, and I liked it so much that I bought myself (and my father) another one, this time I picked the Expanse E33T, with the 154cm blade and the phillips- and flat screwdriver and I love that one even more.

I stopped carying it when I started carrying my Spirit, but you do have a point about having a PE OHO blade next to the Spirit's butterblade ... 

So thanks to you I'm back to carrying 3 pieces for EDC instead of 2  .

 

[Monrogue]

I like the butterblade as well, mainly due to its uniqueness.  I'm considering getting a plain edge folder like the Leatherman Crater (not sure if I just want to get the blade version, or splurge with the one with the drivers ) to carry when I'm carrying the Rebar or Spirit.  That way I've got a PE OHO blade and the butterblade (or serrated blade on the Rebar) for anytime I need that kind of blade. 

I agree about scratches, etc. adding character, although I think it would bring me sadness if that happened to my Spirit.  I also wouldn't mind getting the Road Tour Edition, but it's rather pricey

Before I got myself a Spirit, I used to carry my ST300 every day, along with my Swisschamp, and I started thinking about my "one hand opening needs", so I bought myself a Crater C33L (I had some store discount worth just about what the Crater costed  ). 

Turned out this knife was exactly what I needed to make my EDC kit complete, and I liked it so much that I bought myself (and my father) another one, this time I picked the Expanse E33T, with the 154cm blade and the phillips- and flat screwdriver and I love that one even more.

I stopped carying it when I started carrying my Spirit, but you do have a point about having a PE OHO blade next to the Spirit's butterblade ... 

So thanks to you I'm back to carrying 3 pieces for EDC instead of 2  .

 

I like the looks of that knife   How does it fit in your pocket bulk/weight wise?  So why did you stop carrying a OHO blade once you had the Spirit?  Oh, and you're welcome my friend   I'm still debating which knife to get.  I would like the Crater with drivers, but it's around double the price of the simple blade version.  Also, I can't exactly say that I need the drivers when I'd have those covered by my Rebar or Spirit, but if I happened to only be carrying the Crater, then I'd have those drivers at least.  Oh decisions, my arch enemy

[Top-Gear-24]

I like the looks of that knife   How does it fit in your pocket bulk/weight wise?  So why did you stop carrying a OHO blade once you had the Spirit?  Oh, and you're welcome my friend   I'm still debating which knife to get.  I would like the Crater with drivers, but it's around double the price of the simple blade version.  Also, I can't exactly say that I need the drivers when I'd have those covered by my Rebar or Spirit, but if I happened to only be carrying the Crater, then I'd have those drivers at least.  Oh decisions, my arch enemy

Why did I stop carrying it ... that's a good question  .

Probably because I was so overwhelmed by the Spirit, and the fact that it had an outside opening knife which was a lot easier to deploy like the one on the ST300 (no need to open the tool first, I mean).

Anyway, I really like the Crater/Expanse knives, they are great for carrying in your front pocket thanks to the pocket clip, my Crater is a blade only version, which is so thin I don't even notice it's there.  The Expanse has the screwdrivers and is a bit thicker and heavier, but I prefere this one.  I like the fact that you feel the knive in your pocket, that way I don't have to check every 5 minutes to see if it's still there (my wife thinks I have OCPD ...  ).  That also why, while I'm hiking in the outdoors, I clip it on the shoulderstrap of my backpack, so I can see it's there all the time.

And indeed, the screwdrivers are there, so in case I'm only carrying my Expanse (which we both know is NEVER goin to happen  ) I still have those.

Oh, and the 154cm blade on the Expanse series is also better looking (shape and material wise) than the "normal" one on the Crater.

P.S. Not the best pic, taken indoors with poor light ... 

[Mr Biriyani]

Had to go with the wave because I use it so much at work. The rebar comesin very close in second place.
I don´t have any of the Vics but i think I would like them if I had them.

[Monrogue]

Why did I stop carrying it ... that's a good question  .

Probably because I was so overwhelmed by the Spirit, and the fact that it had an outside opening knife which was a lot easier to deploy like the one on the ST300 (no need to open the tool first, I mean).

Anyway, I really like the Crater/Expanse knives, they are great for carrying in your front pocket thanks to the pocket clip, my Crater is a blade only version, which is so thin I don't even notice it's there.  The Expanse has the screwdrivers and is a bit thicker and heavier, but I prefere this one.  I like the fact that you feel the knive in your pocket, that way I don't have to check every 5 minutes to see if it's still there (my wife thinks I have OCPD ...  ).  That also why, while I'm hiking in the outdoors, I clip it on the shoulderstrap of my backpack, so I can see it's there all the time.

And indeed, the screwdrivers are there, so in case I'm only carrying my Expanse (which we both know is NEVER goin to happen  ) I still have those.

Oh, and the 154cm blade on the Expanse series is also better looking (shape and material wise) than the "normal" one on the Crater.

P.S. Not the best pic, taken indoors with poor light ... 

Yeah, I don't want it to disappear so to speak when I'm carrying it, but at the same time, I don't want it to be too thick or heavy considering I would still have at least one other item in that pocket (probably my Pioneer), if not still the normal two that I currently carry.  Since it's a pocket clip, it wouldn't interfere with what I carry currently in that pocket (Pioneer and usually Micra or PSTII), but it would probably be overkill at that point.  I like to think that I do have a limit to what I am willing to carry

The majority of the time I wouldn't be only carrying one item, but during the summer when I'm in shorts outside of work (not jean shorts, which could handle multiple items if I really wanted), I suppose I'd have to limit it to one fairly lightweight item   I have the Pioneer, and that would probably be sufficient, but I like the OHO of the Crater, and if I got the c33T with the drivers, I'd at least have that extra bit of utility.  However, I also like having pliers and a few more tools in one little package for this situation, so I may be willing to attempt carrying my Juice KF4 or PSTII.  They are both pocketable, but still possibly a bit too heavy for the shorts I'd be wearing.  I guess I'll be finding out in the next few weeks what will work for this situation.  Although first, I need to get me one of the Craters.  I just need to get the $$ to spare for it, but I'm impatient with that   Thanks for the pic, the 154CM does look nice, but unfortunately that's retired

[TurkTeen]

I have no full-size MTs---however, as from what I have observed, I liked the Charge TTi(new) and the swisstool X the most(I do not like Spirits except the Spirit X and the Road Tour Spirit X [ ] because I did not like that butterknife as a main blade, I prefer PE over serrated).

No Charge, so I will go with the regular Swisstool.

[Aleister]

I consider Swisschamp a medium size tool, so I am not going to vote it as the best full-size tool.

Really close on top for me, for different reasons, are Charge TTi, Surge and Spirit (I don't have a Swisstool but if I had, it would probably made it to the top too).

So... I would have gone with Charge TTi if the poll had that option... Since it hasn't and I can't see the results if I don't vote, I am voting for the Spirit.