Is the Spirit XBS worth the extra $100+ ?

[JazzPorcupine]

From what I can tell it's just a different color? The price different is over $100 on the Victorinox site. I see it as low as $167 on Ebay and $175 on SwissKnifeShop. Is it really worth the price increase? Will it last longer? Or is price increase just because it's black?

[firiki]

IMHO, unless you (royal you) are concerned about glare giving away your position during a stealthy operation, or working on rooftops and getting your retinas scorched by sunlight reflecting on the shiny Spirit's body, or just looking for the extra wow factor -black tool, relatively rare- then I say it's definitively not worth the extra cost.

Better get a second Spirit wth the money you save

[Smashie]

Is it worth it? (Looks at collection of knives and multis) probably not, is it cool? Hell yes! 

Also as far as I can tell it's the only X version of the Spirit they make now, for those adverse to the butter blade.

I'm also going to add that I'm now pretty sure that the Spirit is the closest anyone has come to an off the shelf perfect multi tool.

[firiki]

Some threads of interest:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69116.msg1383865.html#msg1383865

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,70454.msg1418555.html#msg1418555

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69572.msg1473045.html#msg1473045

[firiki]

[...] Also as far as I can tell it's the only X version of the Spirit they make now [...]

I'm pretty miffed they seemd to have disco'ed the Spirit's S version, myself.

Seeing the pics you uploaded, Smashie, I must admit the XBS version looks way better than the BO one 

Edit: Just noticed, the XBS only comes with a cap crimper? Personally, I don't need that feature.

[Smashie]

[...] Also as far as I can tell it's the only X version of the Spirit they make now [...]

I'm pretty miffed they seemd to have disco'ed the Spirit's S version, myself.

Seeing the pics you uploaded, Smashie, I must admit the XBS version looks way better than the BO one 

Edit: Just noticed, the XBS only comes with a cap crimper? Personally, I don't need that feature.

Cap crimpers are a pet hate of mine, not needed on 99.9% of tools that are sold and don't do as good a job as the dedicated cap crimpers.

[firiki]

They do help boost tool count, though At the expense of pliers. 

[AimlessWanderer]

Thankfully I have an X, and a mint RT as back up, so I don't have any yearnings for this very nice looking version with compromised (in my opinion) pliers 

[glenfiddich1983]

I'd say it's not worth so much extra money.

The only reason I have a BO model myself is that this was an army issued model, and that's what I collect. And I bought it in used (but "as new") condition for less than the price of a new-in-box "normal" Spirit 

[JazzPorcupine]

Didn't even realize the pliers on the XBS are smaller. Does the cap crimper make the pliers fragile? I see a few bundle deals on Ebay for the regular Spirit X, new, with a sharpener and MT lubricant (the Victorinox brand) for $109. A lot more with the blade that's serrated for cheaper ($60+)

[ThePeacent]

It's worth it if the BO finally gets you to use it!
Some (many) complain about the "it's so shiny to use" but I have no problem with that so, to me, it ain't worth a $ more!

[Nightshade]

Wow, such exorbitant pricing. Definitely geared toward the mall ninja, tactikewl, edc gear queer , pristine pocket possession post a pic subculture. One could buy 2-3 Spirits for the cost of that. I remember buying Vic BO Spirit S models on clearance for $40 USD or less. I bought several and sold them, several years later on a auction site, with one selling for $212.00. Although grateful for the return on that investment, I still can't wrap my mind around it. I carry a very well used BO Spirit S, but if lost, I'm not paying that premium.

[Syph007]

Sure looks like normal BO finish to me?  What are they saying it is now?  In their ad it says note the finish can come off on your hands on first use.  That's BO.  DLC wouldnt do that or any other black coating.

Burnishing happens during parts tumbling, maybe they did something different at that stage?  Or changed the burnishing liquid. 

So do I need to buy another one?  I though I only had to collect 6!







Spirit
Spirit X
Spirit S
Spirit RT
BO Spirit X CC
BO Spirit S

[Syph007]

I just panic bought another normal spirit x.  I had 2, one is back in pieces, one is staying mint so I wanted one to use.   On amazon canada they are $100 CAD right now.  It told me I bought the same item in 2011 and it was 93 then.

[Aloha]

Worth it huh?  I can only add if the tool appeals to you on any level and your wallet wont cry too much afterwards then sure thing. 

I'd be curious as to the finish as well.  I have a BO Spirit and Swisstool and both are quite slick neither tool left BO on my hands.   The only really chalky BO tools I've ever gotten were Leatherman.  That being said I did get a BO OG Supertool that I still think is some other coating since it chipped.  I wasn't aware of BO chipping however I accept the help I got at that time.

 

[Guardian]

I'd say it's not worth so much extra money.

The only reason I have a BO model myself is that this was an army issued model, and that's what I collect. And I bought it in used (but "as new") condition for less than the price of a new-in-box "normal" Spirit 

That's what I did as well;  nice Dutch army version found on evil bay. It's sat in its case and I work with the plain versions....

[twiliter]

Sure looks like normal BO finish to me?  What are they saying it is now?  In their ad it says note the finish can come off on your hands on first use.  That's BO.  DLC wouldnt do that or any other black coating.

Burnishing happens during parts tumbling, maybe they did something different at that stage?  Or changed the burnishing liquid. 

So do I need to buy another one?  I though I only had to collect 6!

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

Spirit
Spirit X
Spirit S
Spirit RT
BO Spirit X CC
BO Spirit S

Nice collection Syph! 

Looks like the XBS is nearly the same as the BO Spirit X CC in configuration, with just the normal year stamping variations and maybe a different blackout method, dunno if it's worth adding if that's the case, given the current price. 

[JazzPorcupine]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

[Syph007]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see. 

[Mechanickal]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

[Smashie]

As prices are high in the UK the standard Spirit X is £130 the XBS £165 so not $100 more like $29.70

[Syph007]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

Ya I bet it's just the store salesman making that part up.  Lots of knife makers would like black metal and other than dlc and BO I've not heard of any other options.

[twiliter]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

Ya I bet it's just the store salesman making that part up.  Lots of knife makers would like black metal and other than dlc and BO I've not heard of any other options.

I read somewhere the Spirit RT handles are PVD coated, not sure about the reliability of the source.

[Syph007]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

Ya I bet it's just the store salesman making that part up.  Lots of knife makers would like black metal and other than dlc and BO I've not heard of any other options.

I read somewhere the Spirit RT handles are PVD coated, not sure about the reliability of the source.

Yes PVD is the process.  Dlc is what is deposited.  Not sure what the specific coating on the RT was though but there are lots of options ands it's not a very dark color either.

[twiliter]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

Ya I bet it's just the store salesman making that part up.  Lots of knife makers would like black metal and other than dlc and BO I've not heard of any other options.

I read somewhere the Spirit RT handles are PVD coated, not sure about the reliability of the source.

Yes PVD is the process.  Dlc is what is deposited.  Not sure what the specific coating on the RT was though but there are lots of options ands it's not a very dark color either.

Well if it leaves a residue, I'm thinking it's like the other black oxide ST's and Leathermans that I've handled.

[Syph007]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

Ya I bet it's just the store salesman making that part up.  Lots of knife makers would like black metal and other than dlc and BO I've not heard of any other options.

I read somewhere the Spirit RT handles are PVD coated, not sure about the reliability of the source.

Yes PVD is the process.  Dlc is what is deposited.  Not sure what the specific coating on the RT was though but there are lots of options ands it's not a very dark color either.

Well if it leaves a residue, I'm thinking it's like the other black oxide ST's and Leathermans that I've handled.

Ya exactly.  Now doing BO on stainless steels is alot trickier so maybe they developed a better process, but its still going to be making magnetite Fe3O4 as that's what is black.  Some of the BO'd spririts in the past were streaky/splotchy though so maybe the new process is more uniform.

[twiliter]

According to this guy (if what he says is true) the black for the XBS is mixed in with the metal? So getting scuffed and scratched it'll still be black instead of silver.

(Around 4 minutes in)

Highly unlikely but we'll have to see.

Would amaze me too...

My reasoning tells me it would interfere with the density/hardness of the metal.

If it is true however, and they found a workaround, then I'm mindblown and I'll be able to understand the pricing.

Ya I bet it's just the store salesman making that part up.  Lots of knife makers would like black metal and other than dlc and BO I've not heard of any other options.

I read somewhere the Spirit RT handles are PVD coated, not sure about the reliability of the source.

Yes PVD is the process.  Dlc is what is deposited.  Not sure what the specific coating on the RT was though but there are lots of options ands it's not a very dark color either.

Well if it leaves a residue, I'm thinking it's like the other black oxide ST's and Leathermans that I've handled.

Ya exactly.  Now doing BO on stainless steels is alot trickier so maybe they developed a better process, but its still going to be making magnetite Fe3O4 as that's what is black.  Some of the BO'd spririts in the past were streaky/splotchy though so maybe the new process is more uniform.

The Spirit I had needed some scrubbing to get the stuff off, and it was a little splotchy, along with the Surge I had, same story, but the BO Charge was pretty clean, although I think the handles were not black oxide at all, maybe some kind of paint process, not sure.

[G-Dizzle]

Going to revive this topic with this confusing picture. A stainless picture with black oxide in the title. Do I risk it?

[zr0dfx]

Going to revive this topic with this confusing picture. A stainless picture with black oxide in the title. Do I risk it?

(Image removed from quote.)

I would you can always return it if it's wrong 

[captain spaulding]

Going to revive this topic with this confusing picture. A stainless picture with black oxide in the title. Do I risk it?

(Image removed from quote.)

I would you can always return it if it's wrong 

Agreed. If it is on Amazon and fulfilled by them you should have no problem returning it if it is not black oxide.