Best swiss tool?

R

Recurve 7

Joined
Mar 19, 2014
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I recently managed to lose my Leatherman "charge" multi tool. I'm giving much consideration to a Victorinox Swiss Tool as it's replacement. I would not want anything larger or heavier than the "charge". Also, a friend told me the older Swiss Tools were much better made than later models. Any recommendations and comments would be appreciated. I'm scouting ebay at this time.
Thanks,
Mike
 
I have a leatherman for work but it's too cumbersome. I just ordered a sak mechanic, I think this will work well for me in the construction field.
 
I have the reg Swisstool and it's great. Lots of folks like the Spirit series.

Here's my reg Swisstool...it's bigger and heavier that the Spirits (from what I have read).
Swisstool_zpsd8c7b947.jpg
 
Recurve 7 said:
I recently managed to lose my Leatherman "charge" multi tool. I'm giving much consideration to a Victorinox Swiss Tool as it's replacement. I would not want anything larger or heavier than the "charge". Also, a friend told me the older Swiss Tools were much better made than later models. Any recommendations and comments would be appreciated. I'm scouting ebay at this time.
Thanks,
Mike
Click to expand...

I truly don't know if the older Swisstools were better made. There seems to have been some corners cut on the late models, but minor stuff, like no longer painting the handle logos red or stamping the Vic trademark into the pliers jaws. There are some differences in the pliers head and serrated blade, but I think those are actually design improvements. I don't have a new one for side by side comparisons of build quality, though. Can anyone confirm or deny?

SAK Guy said:
I have the reg Swisstool and it's great. Lots of folks like the Spirit series.

Here's my reg Swisstool...it's bigger and heavier that the Spirits (from what I have read).
Click to expand...

You read right. Swisstool=9.8 oz., Spirit=7.4 oz.
 
I just acquired a older model Swiss Tool that appears to be in excellent shape. It weighs about an ounce more than my Leatherman charge though. Hopefully it will be here by the end of next week. If it's bigger than I like I will be looking hard at the " Spirit S ". Looks to be well built with excellent reviews. Time will tell!
Thanks,
Mike
 
I like the older model Vic Multitool with the scissors instead of the second serrated blade. Bullet proof and great to throw into a coat pocket or your bag when heading out.

I also have the smaller and lighter Spirit as well that is a great multitool. The "S" I think that one is, but not sure off the top if my head. If you watch the large auction site, good used models pop up from time to time.

Forum guru Felinevet is a good source for new. I suggest checking the Vic website to see which variant suits you.
 
The quality on the older and newer Swisstools are both fantastic. They did make some improvements in the newer models like beefed up Pliers head as well as switching the side of the pivot to increase torque and actually push the Pliers head together when used in a certain direction like tightening bolts. There is a thread explaining this and shows all the different Pliers head designs, but it is from another forum. Not sure if I can post a link, but I will if it is alright. If you wan't the link I can PM it to you.

As far as the best Swisstool it would all be preference of tools. The quality is there on any Swisstool model. My personal favorite is the Spirit models. The spirit X in particular. I like having the Scissors.
 
Thanks Capt. S
I found that info you are referring to. There is a wealth of knowledge out there for sure. Thanks for prompting me to do further searching. The tool I have coming is a 1998 model.
Thanks!
 
I have an older original Swisstool, but the tool that I carry is the Spirit S. I don't think I need to buy any more multi-tools. And for years, I previously carried various Leatherman tools. I like the size and bow-shaped handles of the Spirit, which makes tool access easier, and makes using the pliers more comfortable, IMO. It feels great that I have found 'the one" as far as multi-tools is concerned (for myself)...the Spirit S.

Jim
 
You will not be disappointed in any Victorinox multitool, new or old. Swiss engineering is great. The quality is apparent as soon as you put one in your hand. And design is superb; not having to open the pliers to access the other tools is very nice. I never went back to Leatherman after purchasing my first Vic multitool.
 
Recurve 7 said:
Thanks Capt. S
I found that info you are referring to. There is a wealth of knowledge out there for sure. Thanks for prompting me to do further searching. The tool I have coming is a 1998 model.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Very cool. I actually quite like the 1998 pliers head design and they are getting harder to find. Wish I never got rid of my 98. Good score. Glad I could help. :thumbup:
 
Got my 1998 Vic Swiss Tool in today. This is my first as I have owned nothing but Leathermans. It is in very good shape as expected, appears to be very well made. Probaly not my last Swiss Tool. It is a little large though.
Mike
 
I would say give the Swisstool Spirit a try. Smaller and more compact, plus the handles have a very well thought out design.
 
You can buy a Swisstool with confidence in its quality - it will certainly be on par or superior to your old Charge. There are reasons to prefer leatherman over victorinox, but build quality is not one of them.
 
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