I carry the CX and a Bantam Alox most days. The Bantam blade is great for food, letter opening, and package opening. It's also a very socially acceptable knife, if that's important. I always found Victorinox pliers to be more of a toy. Good rundown.
They're not meant to be heavy duty pliers. They're basically big tweezers, meant for light work. If you want bigger, buy pliers multitool that folds out like the Skeletool. Every tool has its purpose and limits. We should never compare to other pliers, unless you're comparing them to another brand of the same size. Weight class matters in boxing, as it does in multitools. 😁
Skeletool CX is great for taking fish hooks out of the fish's mouth. And the 154cm is a perfect blade for a multitool. Strong blade steel and better edge retention.
Happy Wednesday EP, I just looked on Ebay - new in box models of the Mechanic go for $145 to $190 for the even rarer corkscrew version . I didn't bother with the average prices of used ones as I saw one on offer with a broken main blade ! I have the Deluxe Tinker as my default home tool kit & am adding to it a newly ordered Ranger, I also have the rare discontinued 5 layer Motorist ( with pliers, saw & scissors ) bought in A grade condition on Ebay for $222 & only needing new scales ( plus green scales fitted by me ) its now one of the stars of my 91mm collection. I no longer own a Leatherman of any kind - genuine or clone but used to use them for over 30 years at work for minor office repairs but I can't say I could ever get excited over them unlike my beloved SAK's
I'm definitely not at collector status... yet. And try to base the tools I buy based on how their function matches my needs. Because of positive experiences with both SAKs and LMs they are always the pool I pull from. I have a really hard time looking at other brands even if they have a well reviewed product because I just trust what I already use so much. Both LM and Spyderco are brands that have a "homey" feeling to them for me and garner quite a lot of affection for it! So they will always be in the rotation. Victorinox is a brand that just delivers on quality and their style of function and execution jives with my preferences.
@@EngineersPerspective701 I had a genuine Leatherman, an early PST model bought a few years after they were invented, used it at work for about 9 years till it got stolen from my desk drawer. After that I bought a cheaper clone model & told everybody at work that it was just a cheap clone, naturally nobody stole it & I had it for over 20 years & when I left work I gave it to the young guy who I had trained to replace me, he still had it around 5 years ago the last time I visited the place where I used to work.
@@stevesinclair4159 Super cool story! I found a PST at a pawn shop last summer for $30 and jumped on it! I mostly keep it in my work backpack but I don’t go to the office so it really doesn’t see much use. It’s probably what I consider to be the coolest tool I own because of what it all started. Maybe I should take it out of my bag 😅
I have a few one-hand opening knives and they're cool, but are not a must for me. The Victorinox is a winner for me, although I acknowledge the Skeleton's pliers are sturdier.
I know it's 2 years old, but fun comparison and video! Just curious how you sanitize the Vic between using it to take a nasty toilet apart and cutting pizza? 😅
The Handyman also has the pliers, it's basically a Ranger with pliers. NGL, bit big & heavy for when out & about, but if I know I'll be doing anything remotely technical, then I can bring that instead of the ranger.
It’s all about the leverage when it comes these type pliers. Mostly carry the CX, but always look for opportunities to carry the SAK. Love my SAK more even though CX is better urban carry.
Using the SAK pliers in the "locking" direction actually makes for a pretty long lever arm. But keeping the jaws closed with the thumb can be tricky when getting after something. Mainly I bring it along on bike rides alot just in case a small repair or adjustment is needed.
I strongly dislike the carabiner on the skeletool. Im glad i picked up the freestyle skeletool before they discontinued that item. I wish they would just come back with the juice or the freestyle with 154cm
The speed of access to the bottle opener is really nice and I tend to use it as a light pry/flat head. Not really a make it out break it feature for me though
For going in my pocket comfortably, it’s actually the Mechanic Jr. all day…. Because it’s somewhat like the old saying… the best EDC anything is the one you’re willing to have with you right now when you need something, instead of the “better” other one you’ll leave at home, because you don’t want to carry it for one reason or another.
@@EngineersPerspective701 Yup, I have the two layer Mechanic Jr. and it’s a great lightweight EDC knife with basically the best multi tool tweezers on the market. Lol But I’m about to assemble another custom build knife that will basically be a Mechanic Jr. with a pair of scissors added. It will be a thicker three layer but I think it will be a even better everyday EDC.
A Swiss Army Knife is a small useful slip joint. It is a gentleman's carry (especially the alox editions). As years went by Victorinox (and Wenger) have added layers and small tools to cover simple everyday tasks. A Letherman is a plier based heavy duty multi tool. Even the smaller models. There must be tens, if not hundreds of videos on TH-cam comparing Swiss Army Knifes with Leatherman multi tools. Swiss Army Knifes and Leatherman multi tools are two completely different things and they will never be comparable. Victorinox have their own series of plier based multi tools. They are called SwissTool and they are very much comparable with Leatherman multi tools. Leatherman have their own series of multi layered knives (Free) and they are very much comparable to Swiss Army Knifes. Don't get me wrong. I'm really sorry if my comment is a bit aggressive but I'm trying to tell the truth.
No sweat! I agree and disagree. I agree that they follow a somewhat different philosophy and are not a "direct" comparison. But at the end of the day most will carry just 1 of these tools to accomplish the tasks they encounter. Because there is an either/or choice that is being made between them, they are a valid comparison.
Definitely true. But while there are some LM fans who don't like Victorinox, and possibly vice versa (though they're not so vocal) there are many of us, like the uploader, who like both, and actually own both and use them in rotation depending on the situation, or even in combination. E.g. I sometimes carry a Vic Farmer plus a Leatherman Squirt PS4 where I don't think I'll need to use pliers for anything other than very light use delicate jobs. I also own larger Leatherman and Gerber which I carry with a SAK or even a Boker blade-only folder. So I understand what you're saying but I like watching these SAK / Leatherman comparisons.
@@simonh6371 The Skeletool and compact are a wildly good combo! I'd say I carry both 90% of the time. This particular comparison grew organically as I was using the mechanic so that's how I ended up presenting it. I've got some good Vic/LM combination carry videos and standalone tools videos I recommend checking out.
@@EngineersPerspective701 I know, I'm pretty sure I've already watched them all...but I'll double check your channel to make sure I haven't missed any. I can't EDC a Skeletool as it has a locking blade (I'm in the UK) but do carry a Climber - not too different to the Compact - together with a SOG Micro Toolclip sometimes, the Micro Toolclip is a bit like the Skeletool in a way, pliers, non-locking knife, plus a bottle opener/flathead and a pretty useless file. The Phillips on the SOG is at the end of a plier handle so a bit awkward to use but it's workable.
@@simonh6371 Glad to hear it! It’s so hard to tell if commenters are watching just 1 video or have seen the channel. Sorry you have to struggle with UK knife laws but that SOG looks like a decent pliers albeit a little unorthodox. SOG is good at thinking outside the box that’s for sure.
I carry the CX and a Bantam Alox most days. The Bantam blade is great for food, letter opening, and package opening. It's also a very socially acceptable knife, if that's important. I always found Victorinox pliers to be more of a toy.
Good rundown.
I like having the more low key option for a blade as well! The SAK pliers have been useful but they really are not a serious tool.
They're not meant to be heavy duty pliers. They're basically big tweezers, meant for light work. If you want bigger, buy pliers multitool that folds out like the Skeletool. Every tool has its purpose and limits. We should never compare to other pliers, unless you're comparing them to another brand of the same size. Weight class matters in boxing, as it does in multitools. 😁
@@NorthanteusThey're perfect for the light stuff I do on side projects. If I need to do a serious job I'll bring a serious toolbox.
Skeletool CX is great for taking fish hooks out of the fish's mouth. And the 154cm is a perfect blade for a multitool. Strong blade steel and better edge retention.
Really dig the fine pliers for some jobs for sure! I think the 154CM represents a great balance for a multitool blade steel with this geometry.
Happy Wednesday EP, I just looked on Ebay - new in box models of the Mechanic go for $145 to $190 for the even rarer corkscrew version . I didn't bother with the average prices of used ones as I saw one on offer with a broken main blade ! I have the Deluxe Tinker as my default home tool kit & am adding to it a newly ordered Ranger, I also have the rare discontinued 5 layer Motorist ( with pliers, saw & scissors ) bought in A grade condition on Ebay for $222 & only needing new scales ( plus green scales fitted by me ) its now one of the stars of my 91mm collection. I no longer own a Leatherman of any kind - genuine or clone but used to use them for over 30 years at work for minor office repairs but I can't say I could ever get excited over them unlike my beloved SAK's
I'm definitely not at collector status... yet. And try to base the tools I buy based on how their function matches my needs. Because of positive experiences with both SAKs and LMs they are always the pool I pull from. I have a really hard time looking at other brands even if they have a well reviewed product because I just trust what I already use so much.
Both LM and Spyderco are brands that have a "homey" feeling to them for me and garner quite a lot of affection for it! So they will always be in the rotation.
Victorinox is a brand that just delivers on quality and their style of function and execution jives with my preferences.
@@EngineersPerspective701 I had a genuine Leatherman, an early PST model bought a few years after they were invented, used it at work for about 9 years till it got stolen from my desk drawer. After that I bought a cheaper clone model & told everybody at work that it was just a cheap clone, naturally nobody stole it & I had it for over 20 years & when I left work I gave it to the young guy who I had trained to replace me, he still had it around 5 years ago the last time I visited the place where I used to work.
@@stevesinclair4159 Super cool story!
I found a PST at a pawn shop last summer for $30 and jumped on it! I mostly keep it in my work backpack but I don’t go to the office so it really doesn’t see much use. It’s probably what I consider to be the coolest tool I own because of what it all started. Maybe I should take it out of my bag 😅
I have a few one-hand opening knives and they're cool, but are not a must for me. The Victorinox is a winner for me, although I acknowledge the Skeleton's pliers are sturdier.
I can run without a one handed opening blade but whenever I go back I remember how much I prefer it. Both tools get used though!
Muy buena comparación!! Nice comparison! Thanks!
Muchas gracias! Appreciate the comment!
I know it's 2 years old, but fun comparison and video! Just curious how you sanitize the Vic between using it to take a nasty toilet apart and cutting pizza? 😅
The tank on a toilet isn’t that nasty! Naw though, I just use soapy water and let it dry out over night upright with all the implements open
The Handyman also has the pliers, it's basically a Ranger with pliers.
NGL, bit big & heavy for when out & about, but if I know I'll be doing anything remotely technical, then I can bring that instead of the ranger.
It’s all about the leverage when it comes these type pliers. Mostly carry the CX, but always look for opportunities to carry the SAK. Love my SAK more even though CX is better urban carry.
Using the SAK pliers in the "locking" direction actually makes for a pretty long lever arm. But keeping the jaws closed with the thumb can be tricky when getting after something. Mainly I bring it along on bike rides alot just in case a small repair or adjustment is needed.
I strongly dislike the carabiner on the skeletool. Im glad i picked up the freestyle skeletool before they discontinued that item. I wish they would just come back with the juice or the freestyle with 154cm
The speed of access to the bottle opener is really nice and I tend to use it as a light pry/flat head. Not really a make it out break it feature for me though
Just went fish for carp use canned corn luckily had my EDC sak tourist used the can opener I carry fishing pliers
Can opener saves the day again!
Intresting comparison ))
Thanks!
For going in my pocket comfortably, it’s actually the Mechanic Jr. all day…. Because it’s somewhat like the old saying… the best EDC anything is the one you’re willing to have with you right now when you need something, instead of the “better” other one you’ll leave at home, because you don’t want to carry it for one reason or another.
Absolutely agree with that old adage! So are you saying you have the 2-layer mechanic model? That thing would be amazing!
@@EngineersPerspective701 Yup, I have the two layer Mechanic Jr. and it’s a great lightweight EDC knife with basically the best multi tool tweezers on the market. Lol
But I’m about to assemble another custom build knife that will basically be a Mechanic Jr. with a pair of scissors added. It will be a thicker three layer but I think it will be a even better everyday EDC.
@@SpecterSeventy2 you’re one lucky guy and that would be awesome! Really the ultimate tool!
What do you think of the SOG Sync pliers?
Never tried them so I really can't comment
Good one
Thank you!
A Swiss Army Knife is a small useful slip joint. It is a gentleman's carry (especially the alox editions). As years went by Victorinox (and Wenger) have added layers and small tools to cover simple everyday tasks.
A Letherman is a plier based heavy duty multi tool. Even the smaller models.
There must be tens, if not hundreds of videos on TH-cam comparing Swiss Army Knifes with Leatherman multi tools.
Swiss Army Knifes and Leatherman multi tools are two completely different things and they will never be comparable.
Victorinox have their own series of plier based multi tools. They are called SwissTool and they are very much comparable with Leatherman multi tools.
Leatherman have their own series of multi layered knives (Free) and they are very much comparable to Swiss Army Knifes.
Don't get me wrong. I'm really sorry if my comment is a bit aggressive but I'm trying to tell the truth.
No sweat! I agree and disagree.
I agree that they follow a somewhat different philosophy and are not a "direct" comparison. But at the end of the day most will carry just 1 of these tools to accomplish the tasks they encounter. Because there is an either/or choice that is being made between them, they are a valid comparison.
Definitely true. But while there are some LM fans who don't like Victorinox, and possibly vice versa (though they're not so vocal) there are many of us, like the uploader, who like both, and actually own both and use them in rotation depending on the situation, or even in combination. E.g. I sometimes carry a Vic Farmer plus a Leatherman Squirt PS4 where I don't think I'll need to use pliers for anything other than very light use delicate jobs. I also own larger Leatherman and Gerber which I carry with a SAK or even a Boker blade-only folder. So I understand what you're saying but I like watching these SAK / Leatherman comparisons.
@@simonh6371 The Skeletool and compact are a wildly good combo!
I'd say I carry both 90% of the time. This particular comparison grew organically as I was using the mechanic so that's how I ended up presenting it.
I've got some good Vic/LM combination carry videos and standalone tools videos I recommend checking out.
@@EngineersPerspective701 I know, I'm pretty sure I've already watched them all...but I'll double check your channel to make sure I haven't missed any.
I can't EDC a Skeletool as it has a locking blade (I'm in the UK) but do carry a Climber - not too different to the Compact - together with a SOG Micro Toolclip sometimes, the Micro Toolclip is a bit like the Skeletool in a way, pliers, non-locking knife, plus a bottle opener/flathead and a pretty useless file. The Phillips on the SOG is at the end of a plier handle so a bit awkward to use but it's workable.
@@simonh6371 Glad to hear it! It’s so hard to tell if commenters are watching just 1 video or have seen the channel.
Sorry you have to struggle with UK knife laws but that SOG looks like a decent pliers albeit a little unorthodox. SOG is good at thinking outside the box that’s for sure.
Skeletool >>>> Vic
Different strokes for different folks! But yes
Skeletool >>>>Vic. Anything else and you’re a commy sympathizer
hahah ok guy
Lol Switzerland is much less commy than the USA
@@simonh6371 The fall of the Berlin Wall says otherwise. The industrial might of the capitalist markets in the USA suffocates communism.
🤡