Got a Swisstool, here's what I don't like:

Viking · **on:** February 20, 2008, 11:31:46 PM

So, I bought a Swisstool after all you enablers finally got to me and I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I've been carrying it this week for work (electrician) to give it the run through.

Here's what I don't like. When the tools lock open, there's a bit of "play" back and forth. When my Leatherman's lock open, there's no "play", just a solid tool. Now, I'm not worried that the lock will fail, but the "play" just doesn't do it for me. Why can't they lock tight like Leatherman?

I like the tools on the outside of the Swisstool, but it doesn't have a one-hand knife opener like the Charge or Wave that I use. I've probably missed that the most during my work. I'll be holding up something in my left hand and need the cut a strap loose or whatever, it's nice to just keep holding the conduit or light fixture and grab my Charge with my right and use my thumb to open the blade and cut it loose.

The rounded screwdrivers. I just can't get stuck lugs or some screws loose with them that I could with the Leatherman or even my Paladin screwdrivers.

I also didn't like the sheath. It doesn't have a horizontal carry option (which is how I carry my multi's). It also didn't have a nice web pocket to hold my microstream.

I do like some things about it, but I guess I've been comparing it to my Charge TTi which has been perfect for my kind of work. If the Swisstool was my first and only multi, I'm sure I would like it more.

It sure looks pretty though....

Benner · **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2008, 11:36:24 PM

I have to say I agree with all of those points, accept the sheath comment though. The sheath that came with mine is the best I have ever owned.

The play is there but I don't feel it is a problem. It is a shame it isn't tight though.

I must say that when I first got mine I liked it but I didn't love it like I do now. This tool will really grow on you in time and if you are anything like me you will find yourself carrying it more and more.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2008, 12:47:12 AM

I also agree with your points! It is a shame that the screwdrivers are so rounded off!! Well, maybe you should try the SURGE now! If you like the OHO blades then the SURGE is your tool!

NutSAK · **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2008, 01:08:59 AM

My Swisstool is the same, and the file is the loosest-locking implement of all of them.

However, my Spirit locks up tight as a drum. There's absolutely no play in any of the tools.

Splat · **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2008, 02:34:09 AM

Ditto on my Spirit being tight, too. I can agree with all the comments except the sheath seemed nice and sturdy to me. The soft drivers are what really made me eventually sell my Spirit. I love my LM Core and feel it's the best MT out right now. I wish LM would come out with an outside-opening version of the Core. I think that would sell like hotcakes. Viking, sounds like the play irks you so maybe return it and get another?

ducktapehero · **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2008, 05:30:32 AM

My Spirit has no play. Do most Swisstools have play in them?

Anthony · **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2008, 05:54:51 AM

The main blade on my Swisstool has some play, but nothing major. I'm confident in the locking system.

My Spirit has no play that I can remember.

Benner · **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2008, 12:47:42 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on February 21, 2008, 05:30:32 AM

My Spirit has no play. Do most Swisstools have play in them?

If I get chance I'll do a video showing the play. Might not be today though.

Viking · **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2008, 02:50:13 PM

It looks like you enablers are driving me towards the spirit!

I'm sure I'll get one soon, and it'll be a Spirit S with the actual knife blade. Do they make a black oxide version of the "S" model?

LM123 - looks like I'll have to get the SURGE!!! too. I've had my eye on it for awhile.

Splat · **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2008, 03:03:37 PM

Yes, the Spirit S in black is model# 53815 and averages around $55.

Benner · **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2008, 03:05:02 PM

I'm sure Tim will be able to help you out with getting one.

Leatherman123 · **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2008, 03:07:33 PM

No doubt!

parnass · **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2008, 04:23:19 PM

Quote from: Viking on February 20, 2008, 11:31:46 PM

So, I bought a Swisstool ...
The rounded screwdrivers. I just can't get stuck lugs or some screws loose with them that I could with the Leatherman or even my Paladin screwdrivers....

I squared up the very tips of the flat blade screwdrivers using a bench grinder so they are no longer rounded. The phillips screwdriver remains a little slippery in its stock form.

carl · **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2008, 08:41:58 PM

Would anyone venture to guess why a Spirit, with the same rivets, be tighter than the Swisstool? I thought the Swisstool was the one with the "tougher" reputation. Hopefully, Vic will take notice and tighten up the Swisstool and square-off the drivers on both.

NutSAK · **Reply #14 on:** February 21, 2008, 09:00:09 PM

I would guess that it's due to the Spirit being a newer design. Victorinox may have realized that the lockup could be improved and made changes to achieve better tolerances with the Spirit tooling.

I don't think the play in the Swisstools locks make them any less "tough". They will probably take just as much pressure as the Spirit.

carl · **Reply #15 on:** February 21, 2008, 10:33:32 PM

NutSAK,
thanks for the info. The Spirit (rather than the Swisstool) seems like the way to go for me, now that some have mentioned some "play" in their tools. I'm sure it doesn't affect function but no play is much preferred by me. Now if SAK would square-off the drivers, put a point on the blade (I prefer serrations but how do you sharpen it?) and I'm good to go.

Sea Monster · **Reply #16 on:** February 22, 2008, 11:45:37 AM

I do like hearing bad things about Swisstools and Spirits.

I get so caught up in all the pretty pictures, that a great dissatisfaction hangs over me, feeling that my Humble Leatherman is but a toy compared to this decked out, Ultra tools with their snappy action, outside opening blades, and huge list of functions.

It does the psyche some healin' to hear the tools are loose and the drivers are nonfunctional.

Benner · **Reply #17 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:31:20 PM

Just so you all know, I have done a video showing the Swisstools play but I am having a few technical difficulties so I will upload it ASAP.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #18 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:36:59 PM

The play really is negligible though, and in no way interferes with using the tools

Benner · **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:38:10 PM

Quote from: micky d on February 22, 2008, 07:36:59 PM

The play really is negligible though, and in no way interferes with using the tools

That's what I am trying to show.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2008, 07:38:51 PM

Good man

Anthony · **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2008, 12:46:39 AM

Quote from: micky d on February 22, 2008, 07:36:59 PM

The play really is negligible though, and in no way interferes with using the tools

Agreed...the other night after I posted about play in the main blade, I took it out and looked it over again...only if I force the blade back and forth does it move (and even then just slightly).

Spoonrobot · **Reply #22 on:** February 23, 2008, 02:31:07 AM

My Spirit has some side-play in the outer implements but it decreases to nothing when you move to the center implements. The amount of play is similar to a Spyderco lock back, if you're in to knives, it's just enough to notice but not enough to actually affect anything.

crls1 · **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2008, 02:12:55 AM

i have to swisstools and a spirit, and they are all rock solid.

Carlos

Tom Munch · **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2008, 05:31:26 PM

Quote from: parnass on February 21, 2008, 04:23:19 PM

I squared up the very tips of the flat blade screwdrivers using a bench grinder so they are no longer rounded. The phillips screwdriver remains a little slippery in its stock form.

That's a great idea! I think I'll try that with mine.

Now what to do to make the Phillips grab better. Maybe some ridges like some screwdrivers have on the bit would help.

Anthony · **Reply #25 on:** February 24, 2008, 06:18:15 PM

Maybe something like a spray on automotive paint to give it some grit.

Splat · **Reply #26 on:** February 24, 2008, 06:44:09 PM

I thought about using a Dremel with very small grinding bit to rough up, maybe even make the wings/teeth/crosshair (whatever you call them) a little more angular. I was too timid to try it though. My Dremel skills are excellent but we're talking about a Swisstool Spirit here. $:-\$

Leatherman123 · **Reply #27 on:** February 24, 2008, 06:54:35 PM

I have never really used the Swisstools screwdrivers.. I always use the SURGE ones! But, if I used them a lot then I would def. square them off using my bench grinder..

Tom Munch · **Reply #28 on:** February 24, 2008, 07:37:27 PM

Those are both good ideas. A little fine sand in the paint would work too.

parnass · **Reply #29 on:** February 25, 2008, 01:29:38 AM

Quote from: Tom Munch on February 24, 2008, 07:37:27 PM

Those are both good ideas. A little fine sand in the paint would work too.

I've noticed that the tips of more expensive screwdrivers are dark gray/black color. Wonder what that is and whether it improves grippiness?

Also, would zapping the tip with a laser, as used in laser engraving, improve the grip? Alas, I don't own a laser.

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Got a Swisstool, here's what I don't like:

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