Victorinox Spirit Multi Tools : What Leatherman Could Learn From Them
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- One of the things I like about Victorinox, they have variations of their flagship multi tool. I believe if Leatherman would incorporate this thinking into their own flagship multi tool, the Wave+, it would appeal to a lot more people.
I mistakenly referred to the SwissTool Spirit XC as the SwissTool Spirit CS. My apologies for the confusion. CS is a designation for one of the larger SwissTool models.
I mistakenly referred to the SwissTool Spirit XC as the SwissTool Spirit CS. My apologies for the confusion. CS is a designation for one of the larger SwissTool models.
Victorinox has only two main models with several variants for something like 20 years, and is still very competitive. It's impressive.
Imagine if they decided to make more.
They're some seriously impressive pieces of precision engineering, I bet it costs a lot to develop the design and create the tooling. I hope they do iterate a bit more in the future, very happy with my XC though.
Imagine if they gave customers one handed opening knives ?
@@edwardfletcher7790 They do. The Soldier and One-handed Trekker (obviously) plus there are one handed opening Sentinels, Foresters, Trailmasters and more. They are the larger 111mm models with linerlock blades.
@@simonh6371 Sorry, I suspect I was half asleep when posting that, I meant on the smaller pocket sized models.
I've got a Trekker and a Hercules but with the older style thumbnail catch blade...
Carried my Spirit X for over 8 years and it's been a fantastic companion on many vacations and in daily use, still locks up like a bank vault when I close and open it.
I used to either carry a wave or supertool 300, depending on what I was doing that day. I like both tools alot, but about a year ago I bought a spirit x and that thing hasn't left my belt since. I think the big selling point for me was the fact that all the tools are accessible from the outside. It's a really handy feature.
It sure makes it more convenient to be able to access all of the tools without opening the pliers. Do you have the added benefit of smooth handles whenever you are using the pliers as well.
My favorite channel hands down and I live on UA-cam. I rewatch videos every evening
I appreciate that very much, thank you.
I didn’t even know Victorinox made Leatherman type multi tools.
I don’t think Leatherman will ever change the Wave. They probably figure, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Solid video. Keep it up.
Thank you sir.
They made a crappier version of the wave recently called the Leatherman curl. And a crappier version of the rebar called the Leatherman bond.
Another outstanding video my friend, I’ve been running the spirit XBS as my edc mt for about a month now. It’s replaced the leatherman surge as I didn’t have much use for a heavy duty mt for my day to day tasks with this job (trucker) I’m quite fond of it and will be adding more of the Victorinox multi tools to my collection. Thanks for sharing Ben.
First of all thank you. It is really hard to go wrong with a Victorinox multi tools. The only issue that I take with them is the fact that they don’t have one-handed operable blades, with the exception of the MXBS.
100% Agree with everything you have said, the only thing I would add is that Leatherman needs to up their QC. I'd love to grab a Swisstool but it is a little "elegant" for me, I like my harder more industrial lines.
Their quality control has been lacking as of late. I have also noticed this.
The 2 companies that i use is leatherman and Victorinox. I have to state that Victorinox is not just an elegant tool. Its the polish look that fools you.it can stand in an industrial environment as good as a leatherman could. From my personal experience, and I don’t say its the correct one but how i feel it, is that Victorinox tools are way more efficient than any company i used. Its scissors are unbelievably precise and they do their job like nobody’s business, their file is incomparable and their saw cuts faster from any other. The awl opens holes easier and better than leathermans. On the other hand i do prefer my surge for its design and the size of the tools. Everything is bigger and the screw driver options have better shape/design. At work i have with me on my belt a leatherman surge and in my pocket a modified farmer x ( has also a metal file). When im not at work i carry on me only the Victorinox because pliers are not primary for everyday life but the surge is always near by ,either in the truck or on the key hanger on the wall. I don’t know if these companies combined and make a tool what would they achieve. Either the best thing ever made or the worst
Your videos convinced me that the Spirit was the one for me. The ergonomics are effectively perfect. Now, all I need is the one-handed blades on that special Spirit you displayed in an earlier video. The Spirit is a fantastic tool and replaced my Charge TTi
I have been hearing rumblings that Victorinox might introduce that to the regular line up in the fourth quarter of this year. Again those are just rumors.
I would love to be able to personalize my Leatherman. Being able to pick the outside tools, or even inside would be awesome. Customers who disassemble their tool probably void the warranty. The wave scissors should be improved if left on the inside. Not everyone likes the micro screwdriver which should be swappable with an awl/screwdriver. A wave option that's more like a mini Surge would be cool. I've started carrying a dedicated folder so could probably give that up for outside scissors. If you don't want an additional knife to your folder make a built in outside accessible 'bit extension'; that would be awesome!
I've always been an advocate of Leatherman doing a 'build your own' tool. But having said that, the Wave in its current configuration is still my (go to) all arounder. But I think the company would re-establish itself as the dominate multi-tool force if it introduced this line!
I really think they could benefit from a jump in sales by making variance of their flagship model.
I’ve always been an advocate of a custom Victorinox tool service.
I’d love to see a Wave with outside scissors and inside awl. You make a good point about dedicated folders, so I think I’d sacrifice the straight edge in favor of the serrated blade as a beater. It wouldn’t hurt to have the Charge’s aerated blade as well!
It would be awesome if they would make outside accessible scissors for the wave plus. I can’t imagine why they have never done it.
That serrated blade looks like a steak knife lol! I bet it would make a very good rescue blade though because of the blunt straight razor shaped blade.
I'd like to see a high quality multi-tool with a utility blade instead of a normal knife blade.
The ergonomic angle of the handles is a major thing for me, wish Leatherman would do that as I think it makes a lot of sense for plier use. Also personally I will always have a dedicated folding knife on me, so I'm just happy with a serrated blade on a multitool.
I have carried and used an XC daily for 8 or 9 years. You're correct, also carry a main blade so the XC was a great fit for me. Much love for it, but honestly it is feeling dated now. Have a Red G10 Charge on the way, as I'm ready to try something different (after the Free P2 and P4 were both big time fails IMO)
I think you have made a very good point. Seeing the Spirit S next to the Wave makes it very clear that the corresponding outer tools on the Leatherman are all significantly beefier. Offering the same sort of ability to pick one's preferred combination ought to give a sales advantage over not having that choice if Leatherman can match the quality of the Victorinox scissors and handle the design and manufacturing changes necessary to do it.
I’m so glad I found this channel! You are so good at what you do!!!
That is very much appreciated. Thank you.
My army issued Victorinox Swiss Tool is my go to. It just fits my hand better than my 2 Leathermans. I just carry another SAK with scissors.
Very informative and well presented reviews. I watch with pleasure your videos. Keep up the good vibes!
Thank you very much!
Victorinox make the best Multitools on the eorld, period. I love my leatherman, i carry a squirt daily atm, but if it’s getting serious i have a victorinox (sak or swisstool) with me.
It’s a 74mm, not a 91mm, but I can’t recommend the victorinox Ambassador enough. The scissors are close to the size of a 91mm, the entire tool feels much better in the hand than the 58’s do, and it’s single-layer. Overall it’s only as thick as a Classic!
I feel like it got ignored a lot but it’s by far the best of the line to carry if you just need scissors. It never leaves my keychain.
If I didn't know that you're actually a hands-on field engineer, I'd guess that you're a professional TV show host ..... Excellent review; typical
Thank you very much.
I would argue that a straight blade is the easiest tool to obtain compared to the scissors. I purchased the swisstool with the serrarted since I already use / have swiss army knives with the straight blade. Further if I were to drop an exterior tool for something else it would be the saw on the swiss tools since it is a duplication of what is on the huntsman, etc. Not the topic of this video, but if victorinox had a pocket plier to compete with the gerber dime and leatherman ps4 they would likely take over that market. It would only be fair since those two have introduced swiss army knife competetors.
I often thought that if Victorinox made their version of a Juice - so same size plier head, with two Alox victorinox knives as handles with blade, saw, scissors, file, opener/flathead and inline Phillips, that would be amazing. Also the smaller size like the PS4 as you say, although on my PS4 I'd say only the scissors aren't as good as those on a small Victorinox, I actually quite like the chisel-ground blade on it for small jobs like opening packages. It's great as a compact pocket EDC together with a SAK, within it's limitations.
I like your thinking concerning Victorinox making a keychain plier tool. I would add to that, it would be awesome to see them make a scissor based keychain tool as well.
To me theres absolutely nothing better than the leatherman surge. But I appreciate them trying.
I agree. I haven’t found anything better than a Leatherman Surge to date.
I've often thought about a single layer scissors only model. Even throw a combo cap lifter on if they want. It would be a home run for sure.
Wouldn’t it though? I never understood why Victorinox never made this one.
Would love to see a Spirit x plus v an arc
Recently sold my rebar after receiving a spirit at work (UK) Goes well with my compact edc & farmer home/edc :)
I would carry a Spirit over the Rebar I think, though both are very good tools.
Great Video!
I carry a dedicated folder, currently a Böker Plus LRF and I'm very glad about the option to have the serrated blade only on my Swisstool.
Keep up the good work
Lot of people like to carry a separate folder, this is one of the biggest reasons I feel Leatherman should consider going this route.
@@txtoolcrib I agree 100%
While watching this, something in my brain clicked and I now understand why the MXBS was the tool to finally compel me to get a Swisstool.
My favorite multitools are my Surges, and I keep my file attached to it instead of the saw, which stays in its sleeve in between my bit kit.
With that configuration, the four outside tools on the Surge and the MXBS are identical (and the two knives are one-hand operable). Boom. That’s why I like it so much. Lol. I just wish the MXBS had a diamond file on one side like a Leatherman.
I agree with you completely concerning the diamond file. I get a tremendous amount of use out of mine.
Hello Ben, Do you think any of these models are as rouged as say the super tool 300 or even the surge?
Spirit X with Vctorinox Explorer make a great edc combo. Add a Knipex Cobra 150 and you get, the best possible edc quality tool box, in a small package!
Sounds like a nice load out.
That's one of my load out.
Quite good one, but expensive.
Almost the same as I carry.Mine is the older Leatherman Charge with the 2 bit drivers (I need the Robertson #2),the Victorinox Explorer (with the pocket clip),and the Knipex cobra 100(Also the bit kit and extension.) Expensive but it suits me. Tried carrying the Surge and the Victorinox Workchamp but it was just too big.
@@garymorton9426 the spirit comes with a ratchet, so you have a bit kit in this load out.
@@hellsing56666 Thanks thinking of looking at them they seem to be highly thought of.
My Wave can opener/ bottle opener does not work very well on some type bottle caps. I like that Victorinox has separate tools on their offerings.
I like the way leatherman did the blade exchanger for the file on the surge but I don't want to have to choose between a saw and file. I don't think I've ever used the file on any of my other good multitools, not because I never needed a file, but because the thought of dulling the file makes me seek other options. I don't really get leatherman's obsession with serrations. If they don't have one of each they have to ruin the main blade with partial serrations or take up a tool space with a useless tiny serrated blade like on the sidekick.
I think the reason that they don’t do that on the Wave+ is that you would have to have a very short file or saw to close properly.
I would very much prefer external scissors rather than a serrated blade. I've been watching the Spirit X for a long time but have trouble justifying a purchase when my current multitool, a Leatherman Sidekick, is still perfectly usable. The Spirit X has had a rather significant price increase recently.
I haven’t kept up with the current prices. What are they running these days?
@@txtoolcrib For a long time Amazon was listing the Spirit X for about $103, then a couple of weeks ago it jumped to $129. Now it is no longer listed on Amazon at all except for one with a black finish for $180.
This looks like it might be a supply/demand issue. I haven't checked any other sources.
I gave a vintage one to a friend that my dad never used. I had no idea it was going for $135 or so now being nos. I kinda regretted it! Lol
I have the Spirit XC which I like but do not prefer the serrated blade. Carry the Wave + most of the time.
Your right...but imo... leathermans ability to deliver good scissors is suspect
You’re absolutely correct. The only viable option would be to reconfigure the surge scissors to be able to fit the wave.
single layer, 91mm, scissors + the hook off the compact, complete with "plus" pen scale, would be great
Replacing one blade with scissors would be great. How about putting the small serrated blade of the sidekick in the original place of the scissors?
Scissors is useful in every day carry and is not expendable.But please tell me, the file ,what is the meaning of having it in every tool for edc? you must have an exceptional file not to be expendable for even a few times u are going to use it.So if u have a hand tool with the low guality files they provide , soon if u use it a lot u are going to have a really useless tool that is biting only your nails. in normal life screws and nuts you are handling with, pliers also and cuts with blades and scissors not filling. I changed in my leatherman charge the file with a s30 v spare blade keeping it razor sharp.File is a really anesesery tool for every hand tool and in my experience should be provided only if asked to.Nice videos sir
"Done right the first time" thats what i had in mind for victorinox though i have a couple of leathermans.
Which model of Victorinox do you like the best?
For me personally if the wave would drop the saw in favor of the surge style scissors it would pry money right out of my hands. The saw is easily the least used outer tool for me on the wave, which I see more as an EDC style multi tool. If I’m doing some outdoors work that would require a saw I would take the larger surge anyway.
I hadn’t considered removing the saw. That would probably appeal to a lot of people as well.
I have a Leatherman Charge TTi+ and if I could make only 1 modification it would be to replace the serrated blade with the scissors from the Surge and replace the crappy internal scissors with either an awl or a small serrated blade like what the Sidekick has...
This is a very popular configuration. Lot of people would want exactly what you described.
I would drop serrated blade and inside instead of scissors they can place packet opener or cut blade similar to top of current serrated blade
Great video 🎓💡👍.
Wait, now I‘m confused. Doesn‘t the Spirit X have a half serrated half normal blade?
No, It only has a fully plain edged knife, scissors, saw, and file for the outer tools.
@@txtoolcrib Thanks! I think I got confused with the XC. That has got a combo blade, right?
@@hercules221mf6 it does. Though the straight section of the blade is located near the back of the blade. This seems counter intuitive, but this design is fantastic for cutting through rope.
@@txtoolcrib Thanks for the information!
Please review the Victorinox Workchamp
I will try to get one.
@@txtoolcrib Yay , finally a quality review
Cool😀😀😀😀
Yeah, I’m not a huge fan of my Victorinox Spirit X. Yes, it has held up, but I’ve had to make some modifications .
Such as?
@@txtoolcrib Having the main blade reprofiled so the straight edge leads the serrated, the awl “fixed” by having it reshaped, and (some of my FAVORITE tools on the tool) the chisels sharpened more. Why can’t more tools have chisel tools? I’ve also “customized” the tool loadout a bit on my PowerLock 2.0. I removed the partially serrated blade in favor of a straight edge, and replaced the file with a full length serrated edge.
I need all my tools to lock ... injured my self to many times by pushing to hard lol
I prefer everything to be locking myself.
I'd drop the scissors. I'd prefer an awl instead.
You’re saying drop the scissors entirely and add an awl while leaving the remaining tools as they are configured now?
@@txtoolcrib I mean drop the scissors and add an awl to Wave
I don't use scissors, if I do I take Micra instead.
I thought that is what you meant. I had to go back and edit my comment. I forgot the word “add”.
To many blood blister on my thumb from the wave design for me to care what tools are on it. Poor design
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Wave scissors are fine. When they aren’t big enough you should be using the knife anyway. Thanks for the video.
Ehhhhh, that might be stretching it.
@@txtoolcrib I’m a Wave fanboy 🤷♂️ I’m going to try to defend it.
Leatherman is not the best at listening to customers 😕!
Ain’t that the truth!
I really wish that Leatherman would create an online multitool customization shop. An online customization shop where you could select for example the Wave+ or Rebar body/frame and then select the tools and where they would go on your multitool. That way you could custom create a Leatherman multitool that would specifically fit your exact needs.
That would be ideal, but I think that is going to be a pipe dream.
There is a modder community, we change some tools set on our leatherman. But that's expensive as you need to buy multiples leatherman
I agree completely. I used to think that having a knife, I didn't need scissors. I've been carrying a Victorinox Handyman for 5 years now and I use the scissors almost more than the knife blade.
On the wave I would personally drop the saw on the outside. I would like to see a beefier pair of scissors on the outside like my surge. I like having both serrated and straight blades on the outside of the tool and the Dimond file on the outside is kind of a no brainer for me. Put a package opener in place of the current scissors on the wave and "Take my money!!
The one in the center is the real masterpiece the
butter knife is a perfect sharp knife and the saw excellent
and the scissors tough
I love victorinox.... The swisschamp is owesome, still carry it until today. But I'm struggling to like the swisstool, because it can't be disassemble like Leatherman. (I use surge now)
A year ago you mentioned you thought Leatherman was going the wrong way...then 2022 happened and they did not release a single new product outside rod the specialized garage releases. I'd say they proved you 100% right.
Hi, one layer with scissors? Than have a look at the Victorinox compact. Grat tool! best regards
I would replace the file for surge scissors, and put a awl where the little scissors are.
I can’t live without the file. I use it too much.
Great point, definitely agree, Leatherman should take note. I would put a nice pair of scissors in replacement of the serrated blade. Inside, on one side a 1/4 hex for normal bits, on the other side, can opener/cap lifter, awl and prybar/large screwdriver. No replaceable wire cutters that weakens the pliers. That would be the perfect Leatherman for me.
Sounds like you know just what you want.
I recently got a spirit xs, with serrated blade and scissors. My main need for it is for biking and hiking. So I find a serrated blade more practical, and better to cut bread, for example.
I also have a Wave+ which I like a lot too, mostly for bricolage and hevy duties.
One other advantage of the Victorinox over Leatherman? Definetely the additional corkscrew!!!
I'd drop the saw and put that inside.
Excellent video 👍
I prefer the first one.
Would like to buy a one handed open spirit in black when the price is right
I bought a surge and two things bother me. The first is that it isn’t friendly to hands when using the tools.there are a lot of edges that pick the skin unlike Victorinox that is smoother. The other thing is that i have to open the tool to open the secondary tools and especially when it’s a brand new leatherman it’s very stiff. I’m having thoughts of selling it and get a Victorinox multi tool just for this.I don’t care for straight blades on a multitool because i always carry a folding knife for the tasks i need. A serrated blade is more suitable for me on a multitool in order to do the dirty work instead and keep my knife sharp for long periods.
Gran video, tienes toda la razón. Las configuraciones de herramientas de leatherman son muchas veces extrañas y redundantes.
Para Mí, la leatherman perfecta sería que a la wave le quitaran la Lima de metal de su acceso exterior y colocarán en ese lugar una tijeras y en lugar del destornillador plano, colocarán un punzón.
La combinación de la Leatherman Surge me parece buena... pero es demasiado grande y pesada.
En fin... sólo queda soñar y esperar que un día Leatherman decida hacer algunos cambios cómo los mencionados. Mientras tanto, uso la Wave y la combino con una victorinox Climber.
Un saludo grande para ti,... gracias por tus videos.
I just want a skeletool with a bypass pruner and decent wood saw. You know what they say about wanting though…
Amazing review. Completely agree. Hope LM watch this video.
Saludos Ben!!! ✌🏻
Me too! Thanks again. Saludos!
I’d love to see more companies doing this. Being in the UK I’d love more good bladeless tools. I always have a separate knife because I’m one of the people you mentioned that likes a more premium knife. And because of our very strict knife laws I prefer my tools to be completely bladeless and then I can swap my knife to meet with the laws. Ideally I’d also have the driver and on the outside of the tool. I use the driver more than almost every other tools. That’s one of the main reasons I like the centerdrive (for some situations at least).
Agree with you on that, I'm in the UK and if Victorinox made a bladeless Swisstool I'd buy it immediately, and would EDC it.
I'd like to see a mini surge. Yes file will be short..but woth it replaceable I fresh shorter filled I'd always better that an old on I don't min switches on my surge..im either workin metal ( most of the time) or wood neither at the same time I don't mine the 30 secs to switch.. especially with the ones Ben recommend for the longer ones
I would like to see them do something similar to that as well. Though I do think that they could possibly come up with a third tool for the exchanger. I integrated the package opener into mine, but I’m sure there are other ideas for what would be a viable option.
the saw.
i am a roofer, and daily tech guy, i just rarely use the saw.
you might think saw is handy for wood, while that is true, the probability most ppl encounter into wood is far less likely than towards cardboards. yes, they work very well on cardboards.
but still i find i use saw far less than any other 4 tools.
(tti owner)
I’m actually the same way. On the Surge I carry an aftermarket Lenox blade, but I rarely use it.
You should have shown the Victorinox Swisstool Spirit MXBS 3.0226.3 AUS too. I remember seeing it for the fist time in your channel! It solves the question of having both plain & serrated blades plus the scissors, if you agree to sacrifice the wood saw...
I wanted to show the ones that were more common for the average consumer. Though, I have heard rumors that the MXBS may come to the regular consumer market later this year. I haven’t confirmed that though.
@@txtoolcrib Understood. Thank you Sir!
I wish my Wave had scissors instead of saw blade as an outside tool. For me, saw blade is very rare use. Great video, thanks!
Thank you very much for watching.