While pretty and well made Victorinox MTs don't seem well used or carried.

[Wanimator]

I plan on getting a Swiss Tool RS soon, to carry to rotate with the Rebar.

Good decision. While I like the "X" model the RS is great since I rarely need a file and will gladly replace it with a rescue blade.

"Rescue blade" I like serrated blades for opening boxes, cutting strands and other things like that, the scissors are a good file replacement. The real reason I want it is because I seek the F&F and well polished aspects of the tool, lol.

[captain spaulding]

I plan on getting a Swiss Tool RS soon, to carry to rotate with the Rebar.

Good decision. While I like the "X" model the RS is great since I rarely need a file and will gladly replace it with a rescue blade.

"Rescue blade" I like serrated blades for opening boxes, cutting strands and other things like that, the scissors are a good file replacement. The real reason I want it is because I seek the F&F and well polished aspects of the tool, lol.

Well you will get it with the Swisstool. 

[kaput]

Is it weird of me to only not like the swisstool because of the non uniform, "bent" handles? Yes. 

The handles feel amazingly comfortable when the pliers are opened. But when they are closed I just feel like it looks like it didn't close all the way, because it has a gap. I have only handled one once, I would really like to edc one for work and put it through its daily paces.

 I know it's among the very best multis out. It's on my list for sure.

[jerseydevil]

As big of a fan of Gerber that I am, I LOVE my Spirit RT.  Limited edition tools aren't spared from my carry options.  The Spirit is an absolute tank of a tool.  Considering the number of times it's been used as a hammer, I'd say it's a definite user.

[ducttapetech]

That's almost a troll post, Aloha. Watch yourself. 

I often hear "It's too nice to use".  I initially thought the cost associated with these tools was a big determining factor for the non usage but a LM Charge TTi or MUT can be as costly.

Because they're not highly polished, so they don't feel too nice to use.

I finally got one and yes it is a wonderful tool and all things said were true, (snip)

..and here, you can see why it is "one and done"

I then got a Spirit and as with the Swisstool carried it and it performed as expected tho the scissors did disappoint me.  IIRC Enki did a wire cut test and the Spirit actually didnt do so well in that test.

Huh? Since when are scissors intended to cut wire?  Use the wire cutter.

So what I'm saying or asking is simply if these tools are so great then why aren't hte majority of MTo using them?  With the vast experience and tool knowledge here it seems these tools are the "One and Done" tools.

The reason mine sits is because I'm a desk jockey 5 days a week, and an apartment-dweller 7 days a week. I just don't need an MT that much, and when I do, I usually don't need pliers. So a SAK is my weapon of choice. When I'm expecting work on my off time, I carry it. When I'm expecting work on the job, I carry my Gerber MP600 ProScout. (as opposed to my MP400 Amateur Scout)

I have been thinking simply that these tools are like the Ferrari or Lamborghini that one finally obtains and while one cherishes these cars only drives them on special occasions.  Heck one rarely sees cars like these with high mileage even tho they are so called cars to be driven.

I consider it more like a Honda Accord EX, in mint condition, with the manual transmission: Super nice, super capable, does everything well. But do I really NEED something that nice? Nah. Let me take the Prius C, because this is just a ride to the local grocery store.

Me, I carry the Wave or Surge or ST300 because they IMO are really that much better and more versatile in what I do.  I do take my Swisstool out from time to time however.       

I've got a Surge. Just how is a Surge "that much better?" OHO implements, I'll give you that. Interchangeable saw blades; I haven't needed that yet. Bigger pliers? Unnecessary. Bigger flat-head screwdriver? Yeah, that's awesome.

ST300 isn't even in the same league. Everything's hard to get at. Doesn't matter how nice the tools are, if they take so long to get to. With the SwissTool series, everything is right there. The pliers are the only thing that is harder to deploy than a knife blade on a SAK.

I think you prefer the ST300 and Surge just because you already made up your mind that they're better, rather than for any practical reason. 

Aloha does not troll nor has he ever trolled here. He is an outstanding member here and I have never even so much as heard a whisper that says otherwise.


That's us mobile

[Poncho65]

That's almost a troll post, Aloha. Watch yourself. 

I often hear "It's too nice to use".  I initially thought the cost associated with these tools was a big determining factor for the non usage but a LM Charge TTi or MUT can be as costly.

Because they're not highly polished, so they don't feel too nice to use.

I finally got one and yes it is a wonderful tool and all things said were true, (snip)

..and here, you can see why it is "one and done"

I then got a Spirit and as with the Swisstool carried it and it performed as expected tho the scissors did disappoint me.  IIRC Enki did a wire cut test and the Spirit actually didnt do so well in that test.

Huh? Since when are scissors intended to cut wire?  Use the wire cutter.

So what I'm saying or asking is simply if these tools are so great then why aren't hte majority of MTo using them?  With the vast experience and tool knowledge here it seems these tools are the "One and Done" tools.

The reason mine sits is because I'm a desk jockey 5 days a week, and an apartment-dweller 7 days a week. I just don't need an MT that much, and when I do, I usually don't need pliers. So a SAK is my weapon of choice. When I'm expecting work on my off time, I carry it. When I'm expecting work on the job, I carry my Gerber MP600 ProScout. (as opposed to my MP400 Amateur Scout)

I have been thinking simply that these tools are like the Ferrari or Lamborghini that one finally obtains and while one cherishes these cars only drives them on special occasions.  Heck one rarely sees cars like these with high mileage even tho they are so called cars to be driven.

I consider it more like a Honda Accord EX, in mint condition, with the manual transmission: Super nice, super capable, does everything well. But do I really NEED something that nice? Nah. Let me take the Prius C, because this is just a ride to the local grocery store.

Me, I carry the Wave or Surge or ST300 because they IMO are really that much better and more versatile in what I do.  I do take my Swisstool out from time to time however.       

I've got a Surge. Just how is a Surge "that much better?" OHO implements, I'll give you that. Interchangeable saw blades; I haven't needed that yet. Bigger pliers? Unnecessary. Bigger flat-head screwdriver? Yeah, that's awesome.

ST300 isn't even in the same league. Everything's hard to get at. Doesn't matter how nice the tools are, if they take so long to get to. With the SwissTool series, everything is right there. The pliers are the only thing that is harder to deploy than a knife blade on a SAK.

I think you prefer the ST300 and Surge just because you already made up your mind that they're better, rather than for any practical reason. 

Aloha does not troll nor has he ever trolled here. He is an outstanding member here and I have never even so much as heard a whisper that says otherwise.


That's us mobile

It is sort of my fault for bringing this 2 year old thread back Still don't think he was trolling though

[ducttapetech]

Your good man. We love a little necromancy every now and again.

That's us mobile

[Poncho65]

Your good man. We love a little necromancy every now and again.

That's us mobile

I do like myself some old threads it really shows a person's opinion and if that opinion has changed over the years. I know my opinion on certain tools and what I carry has Plus I like.to go back and read all my spelling errors and be all like

[Demel]

Another aspect is the Swisstool line is made with such quality that even the users still look great despite regular usage. My spirit still looks relatively new. They are expensive, but I have no problem pushing them because of Victorinox lifetime warranty. If something goes wrong (within reason ) then send it to them for repair. I like using other tools as well, but when I need guaranteed results then it's the Swisstool  every time.

[Poncho65]

Another aspect is the Swisstool line is made with such quality that even the users still look great despite regular usage. My spirit still looks relatively new. They are expensive, but I have no problem pushing them because of Victorinox lifetime warranty. If something goes wrong (within reason ) then send it to them for repair. I like using other tools as well, but when I need guaranteed results then it's the Swisstool  every time.

I know I look great when I use mine

 

[Etherealicer]

Another aspect is the Swisstool line is made with such quality that even the users still look great despite regular usage. My spirit still looks relatively new. They are expensive, but I have no problem pushing them because of Victorinox lifetime warranty. If something goes wrong (within reason ) then send it to them for repair. I like using other tools as well, but when I need guaranteed results then it's the Swisstool  every time.

Concerning the price we should probably mention that in Europe a Spirit is about the price of a Wave

England (heinnie.com, today) you pay 99£ (stainless) to 112£ (BO) Wave, The Spirit is 109£
Switzerland (galaxus.ch, today) you pay 99CHF (stainless) to 106CHF (BO), The Spirit you get from 87CHF (too many variations). In all fairness I have to say, that on a good day you can get the Wave for about 80CHF.

[Poncho65]

Another aspect is the Swisstool line is made with such quality that even the users still look great despite regular usage. My spirit still looks relatively new. They are expensive, but I have no problem pushing them because of Victorinox lifetime warranty. If something goes wrong (within reason ) then send it to them for repair. I like using other tools as well, but when I need guaranteed results then it's the Swisstool  every time.

Concerning the price we should probably mention that in Europe a Spirit is about the price of a Wave

England (heinnie.com, today) you pay 99£ (stainless) to 112£ (BO) Wave, The Spirit is 109£
Switzerland (galaxus.ch, today) you pay 99CHF (stainless) to 106CHF (BO), The Spirit you get from 87CHF (too many variations). In all fairness I have to say, that on a good day you can get the Wave for about 80CHF.

Thanks for the price comparison

[Smaug]

I wasn't trolling either.

To me, the SwissTool Spirit series are just better-designed than Leatherman. I know, that is blasphemy around here, but it's what I believe.

The Spirit never pinches the hand when using pliers. Even a little bit. The curved plier grip is the best in the industry. Yes, it looks awkward when using the other tools, but don't feel bad.

The wire cutter is not quite as good as that of the SOG PowerLock series, but pretty close. The snips are also quite good, though admittedly it's more of a snip than a proper scissor. Saw, file, phillips are all first class, and the cable stripping tool is unique and useful for anyone who works on electrical equipment. Locking mechanism and fit & finish are also first rate.

While it's true that Leatherman invented this type of tool, it is Victorinox who perfected it. Well, at least in my humble opinion.

I still have my Surge in my car's glove box, and a Charge Al in my shoulder bag, but I think the Charge is about to be replaced by the Spirit X, just so I carry it more. I like the serrated blade and pull cutter of the Charge, as well as the superior blade steel, but I have to admit those things just never come into action in my day-to-day life, like the tools of the Spirit do.

Getting back on topic a bit, my SwissTools used to sit, while I was in this phase of trying every high-grade MT on the market. Now that I've tried them all, I've found that there is not a more well-rounded MT available. It just does everything well.

[Aloha]

Thanks DTT  I appreciate the words.

@Smaug, I can see where the post may come across as anti Victorinox Multitools so let me try to better state why I made the thread. 

When I first got on this forum and previously had read another regarding multitools all I heard was how amazing the Spirit and Swisstools were.  Please keep in mind at the time I had neither ( I know own all models, except the Spirit S ). 

When someone came here to ask what tool to get inevitably we did and do seem to always suggest the Sprit and sometimes the Swisstool.

I noticed however there seemed to not be regular users of either so it confused me, hence my thread. 

If you have seen either of my Waves OG/New they are both highly polished so for me the high polish looks would not detract me.  I know some would not want to scratch their tools so this is why I even brought up the high polish.  I now can totally understand this about some members.  Early on I honestly had no clue that people were hesitant when it came to their tools.  Just for the record, I have no opinion about what others do with their tools.

I think I got my Swisstool first  then a Spirit with butter blade.  At the time I had a new Wave and mostly older LMs.  I wont sit here and say nor have I ever said that the Spirit or Swisstool aren't super quality tools.  I used the Ferrari and Lamborghini analogy to better understand why possibly these tools seemed to not be used as much as they were touted as being "end all be all".  Truth be told I kinda already figured the reason at this point.  Your response makes sense and I'd tend to agree it holds true for some. 

We have seen however those who use their tools hard and yet with care.

As to the scissors on the Spirit, I am not a fan. I was talking about the wire cutter when I was trying to recall Enki's post about stranded wire being an issue for them.  Back to the scissors of the Spirit, yes the work and yes they will cut and do cut in my experience.  Having had some of the most pleasurable experience with the 91mm SAK scissors I guess I am spoiled.  Truth is I never use my Wave scissors as a result of my SAK scissors. 

"One and done tool",  oh the naive Aloha  .  This showed my ignorance so you got me there.  I also forget at times that we are a complex group of enthusiasts.  We do a wide range of jobs and as such some of us have no need for plier based tools in our day to day work.  As I mentioned I have nearly all Sprits and Swisstools ( I also am missing the Spirit RT, 97' Swisstool, and unicorn CC Swisstool ) so "One and Done" tool eh.

I will finish by saying with regards to the Surge and Wave in particular, they are the best tools as I tend to always say for what I do.  Those tools for me solve problems on jobs that make my day easier.  Regarding the pliers on the Surge, I'm not certain they are better than the Swisstool nor have I said that.  I've said many times that I dig the Swisstool bluntish ones and that the replaceable wire cutters on the Surge are not a big deal to me.  Concerning the bits, OHO, exchangeable blades and over all heft of the tool yeah those matter in what I do as I mentioned.

I have used the Swisstool and I have treads saying that I was using my ST on Sundays.  I no longer have that contract but they still are in my truck. 

About the ST300 I agree with you.  The Wave and Surge tho more recently the OHT ( bumping the ST300 and MUT ) are my go to tools for what I do.  I have not completely made up my mind as I did run with my MUT for months till I got the OHT and now keep that on me for work.  I do admittedly also carry my Wave nearly everyday as well and my Surge is there as well along with my Swisstool.     
   

I try to stay away from ever saying outright that one tool is "better" than another since what we do for a living really decides.  I don't think I have ever flat out said one tool is better than another  . 

I hope this clears up my reasons for starting this thread 

     

[Poncho65]

I knew the reason you started it after reading through it that is one of the reason I brought the thread back from the dead I was having a similar conversation with my nephew and similar thoughts to yours as well I was looking some info up a a tool (which one I have no idea now )and this thread popped up in search so I read it Didn't mean to stir a hornets nest just thought it a nice coincidence to my similar thoughts 

[ducttapetech]

You didn't stir a hornet's nest. Just some of us really love to tools we use. It's all good man. Keep doing what you have been doing. It keeps the forum alive and healthy.

That's us mobile

[Tomcat_81]

Even though I sold my soul to those Swiss chaps, I still have to admit that the percentage of heavy-used tools seems to be much more on the LM, SOG, Gerber, ... and brandless-side, for whatever reason.

But still it should never be Leatherman OR Victorinox (and many many other brands), but always be Leatherman AND Victorinox.

I deeply distrust those who carry only one tool.

 

[kkokkolis]

As much as I like to play with my OHO Leathermans (or is it Leathermen? :-)), the Spirit is the one I EDC and use and after 2.5 years it is still nice and shinny. I use the Vic ratchet and a 91mm Vic scissors on a custom alox and the only thing I miss isn't a Leatherman but a big Victorinox, the XLT in particular, but mostly for playing since all the most useful tools are there on the Spirit, locking and with more reach. But in this consumeristic world, with free market and everything, we shouldn't just suffer from the bads (recession, unemployment, homelessness, drug abuse and such), we should also enjoy the goods, product options and enginearing evolution. We may have any tool the two survivors of the Great Multitool Wars make and some of us (MTO maniacs) might have most or even all, together with dinosaurs from the recent past and suggestions from SOG, Gerber etc. For everybody else, especially in Europe, I would suggest a Spirit or a SAK, if they don't need the pliers.

Στάλθηκε από το LG-V500 μου χρησιμοποιώντας Tapatalk

[Gareth]

I carry a Spirit, SAKs (Wenger and Vics), Gerbers and Leathermans without prejudice, depending on my needs or desires.  All MT's have their own pros and cons.  The Spirit does a lot of things very very well, but other MT's do some things better.  As an "all-rounder" though I do think the Spirit is hard to beat.

[Poncho65]

Even though I sold my soul to those Swiss chaps, I still have to admit that the percentage of heavy-used tools seems to be much more on the LM, SOG, Gerber, ... and brandless-side, for whatever reason.

But still it should never be Leatherman OR Victorinox (and many many other brands), but always be Leatherman AND Victorinox.

I deeply distrust those who carry only one tool.

 

Well 7 days a week I have a SAK usually my Executive (Sometimes a Keychain LM on weekends or nights out ) and a LM of some sort, work it is a Rebar and several I rotate for weekend or nights out carry I usually carry a SAK with scissors but on occassion I carry my alox Electrician Plus so I try and pair it with a MT with scissors If I carry my Wave 9 times out of 10 I will carry a SAK still but there is the 1 time out of 10 I carry it by itself Mostly this is just habit and I tend to overkill

[Poncho65]

I even find myself sometimes with more than 1 knife in my pocket and still have a MT

[Wanimator]

I even find myself sometimes with more than 1 knife in my pocket and still have a MT

I try to have at least 1 knife and 1 multitool.

[Aloha]

Even though I sold my soul to those Swiss chaps, I still have to admit that the percentage of heavy-used tools seems to be much more on the LM, SOG, Gerber, ... and brandless-side, for whatever reason.

But still it should never be Leatherman OR Victorinox (and many many other brands), but always be Leatherman AND Victorinox.

I deeply distrust those who carry only one tool.

 

Pretty much sums it up. 

You will not find me without a Victorniox on my person.  Manager on my vehicle key and whatever other SAK I feel like carrying. 


 

[Aloha]

I knew the reason you started it after reading through it that is one of the reason I brought the thread back from the dead I was having a similar conversation with my nephew and similar thoughts to yours as well I was looking some info up a a tool (which one I have no idea now )and this thread popped up in search so I read it Didn't mean to stir a hornets nest just thought it a nice coincidence to my similar thoughts 

I didn't take what Smaug typed personal just felt I may not have ( as I tend to do ) communicate myself properly.

For that matter I rarely take anything personal  . 

I always love such spirited conversations   

[Tomcat_81]

That's why you are a top guy

[Aloha]

I even find myself sometimes with more than 1 knife in my pocket and still have a MT

Uh like we should be so different 

So on my truck I have a Swisstool, Surge, OHT, Champion, PW2, and a fixed blade.  On my belt at all times I have a Wave and a Manager on my keys along with my knife in my pocket. 

The funny part is I have this morning debate whether I should bring my Cadet, Minichamp, or Swisschamp along too 

[anditsgone]

After having owned 5 leatherman's i am never turning my swisstool x for another tool or brand. I get it that on paper a leatherman wave looks much better. But when you have both tools in your hand and you see the small details the swisstool is much better in my opinion.

[Aloha]

After having owned 5 leatherman's i am never turning my swisstool x for another tool or brand. I get it that on paper a leatherman wave looks much better. But when you have both tools in your hand and you see the small details the swisstool is much better in my opinion.

The Swisstool is a great tool no question.  What I love is pretty much everything.  Its so densely packed with tools and so freaking smooth to operate.  I much prefer it to the Spirit tho in my day to day work I come across various materials I cut as well as various screw heads ( torx, allen ) so having an adaptable tool is important.  The bits and blade exchanger are wins for me and how I earn my living.   

OHO is not critical as I could always use a dedicated knife or a fixed blade for that matter.  That being said having the option on my tool is rather convenient.  I work atop ladders so this becomes useful and again a nice feature.

I think I've mentioned it tho its worth mentioning it again, I take my other Swisstool hiking and camping.  It has become my go to for any outdoor activity I engage in.  I was carrying my OG Super tool but it lost out the my Swisstool. 

 

 

[Kampfer]

100 days anniversary of carrying Spirit.

[Aloha]

  Happy Anniversary. 

Awesome flipping gear Kam