Honestly, my only reason for picking up a Spirit was a clearance price. My thinking was to try it out, if I liked it, keep it. If not, I could sell it as slightly used and at least get my money back. I have done this successfully with other knives/multitools, even made a little $ (although not enough to give up my day job anytime soon
).
Initially, I was skeptical. Earlier I had done the same with a Swisstool, and concluded that the design and workmanship were exceptional, not so much the slippy screwdrivers, stubby pliers jaws and ripped fingernails. Some days I couldn't get tools out without using a key or coin. I went back to my trusty Leathermen and oh, well. I figured the Spirit would be more or less similar in that regard, and then there was that off-putting wierdly shaped serrated knife blade to deal with.
After a few weeks of EDC, I turned around completely. The implements were much easier to access than those on the Swisstool, and the knife blade proved to be just fine. While still not a true needlenose, the pliers were tending more in that direction and the handles were so much more comfortable in use. Nothing is perfect, so I learned to live with the drivers and dinky scissors.
Although I still prefer a Leatherman Core for heavier use, the Spirit is IMHO the best all-around multi-tool yet. It is my constant companion. Even my other constant companion
, who usually has no interest in these things, wants one. If anyone finds another Spirit on sale any time soon, please let me know.
