Over decades now, I have owned two Swisstools and two Spirits, one with the PE blade. During the same time period, I have also owned a Leatherman Super Tool, ST300, Charge TTi, and Rebar, all comparable to the Vic models, plus Juice, Micra and a couple of Squirts, all types Vic doesn't offer. In addition to their practical functions, I also took note of how they performed in comparison with each other. In the end, I went with Leatherman in every category and either sold or gave away the Vics. That's because I'm not really a collector and don't like to have more m-ts around than I think will be used.
No question, Vic fit and finish are unsurpassed. But as the saying goes, "Perfect is the enemy of Good Enough". Leathermen do what they are designed to do, overall more effectively (IMhO) and in many years of using them, none have failed me while on a job.
Even though Swisstools are outside opening, there is the matter of working a nail nick against a stiff spring. Doing it repeatedly for any sustained period and my fingernail beds complained plenty about it. The problem is compounded in cold, wet conditions. Because it is necessary to take my gloves off to open an implement, fingers get clubby and nails too soft to function with the Swisstool, although not quite as bad with the Spirit. Leatherman implements are much easier to access in these conditions and can be worked without taking off my gloves.
Screwdrivers on the Super Tools are sharper cut and less likely to slip than the Vic drivers, which are highly polished. That helps make them very rust resistant (I have never seen a rusted Vic anything), but also compromises their grab in screw head slots. One time I tested that by turning a screw into some very hard wood as tight as I could until it slipped, and even with pressure could not budge it anymore. Then I followed with a Super Tool driver of the same size, easily turned the screw down another revolution and a bit more, with no slipping at all. Also, the Super Tool/ST300 pliers jaws open wider than those on the Swisstools, but I must admit that was only an issue for me once, ever.
One hand opening is more than a convenience, preventing fumbling when you need to open a blade while your other hand is occupied, and can be a safety issue if youre up on ladder. Thats a big reason my EDC multi-tool is a Charge TTi, although the others also have their place, depending on circumstances. Another is the compact bit kit that allows me to carry a pretty complete outfit in one small package, made for the Wave/Charge but can be adapted to the other LT models. A comparable Swisstool accessory outfit takes up more space.
Finally, in my case, there is force of habit. I started with a Super Tool, and over years sort of bonded with it, much like a baby duckling. Although I very much admire all the good qualities of Victorinox products (I love SAKs, own and use a few,) Leatherman is more like an old companion. I never got that from the Swisstools, which were more like just things. In conclusion, its a personal choice; what you like and what fits you best. That cant always be broken down on a spreadsheet.
One last thing; while Vic offers a lifetime warranty, Leatherman's is 25 years, but I would confidently bet that if you sent them a tool out of the warranty period, they would take care of it. In my case, I am old enough that 25 years would probably exceed my remaining life expectancy, so if I'm wrong, I wouldn't be around to pay off, anyway
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