@@clintwestwood3539I can attest to that as it pertains to the screwdrivers. I’ve broken the tips on the 1/4” flat head and Phillips on my Super Tool 300. Both were damaged trying to remove screws which I might add I was actually using the correct tool for the job, it’s not like I was using a flat head screwdriver for a Torx screw. I’ve never tried the Victorinox plier-based multi tools but I have a few SAK’s and they’re all great. Their multi tool seems to be really well made.
@@thesoldier4 Of course,older Leatherman were way better in terms of quality and performance. Never close to a Victorinox Spirit X though. Neither in terms of quality,(big ddifferbig) nor in terms of the amount of utility,that you get out of the Spirit X. It provides more,on every single important factor. Lime better ergos, better built...etc
I own both of these and more. In my experience the Victorinox is much better quality. A few of my Leatherman Wave and Juice multitools have chipped or bent from use. None of my Victorinox SAK or Spirit knives have had that issue. I still love the Leatherman Wave but if I had to choose one the Swiss Spirit X would be my choice.
You’ve obviously been using them wrong if you’ve chipped or bent them like I’ve put my wave through it’s paces and it’s never done any of those things 🤷♂️
@@grovesy333 agreed. I've had my Wave+ for a long time and I never had a bend or chip. To be honest I have even abused my file by prying way to hard on it with no issues. Only issue I wish the wave had was spring loaded pliers. Otherwise it has been through hundreds of jobs no issues at all
@@SavageAirguns Big no no on the file use the right tool for the right job, all these people breaking these tools are obviously using them wrong and are being stupid with them
@@grovesy333 I agree. I shouldn't have used the file as a pry bar but a kids toy had a corroded battery compartment and was almost sealed closed. I knew I shouldn't do it but I did. Still didn't break or bend it and got it open. In my opinion if they are breaking a Leatherman then you almost have to be misusing it as I have done MANY jobs over the years with my Leatherman and it has never had one issue. In fact I carry it everyday and use it at least once a day.
I resent that fact that Leatherman just doesn't seem to show care or pride in manufacturing. They are stiff, rough, sharp, and crude feeling. There's just a very commercial and half-ass quality about them. I can do just as much with the Victorinox, without feeling as though I'm being taken for granted or treated off-handedly. I think most people just don't know or care enough to expect any better, and Leatherman exploits that market.
Victorinox also has a lifetime warranty. Leatherman only has a 25 year warranty. Victorinox has greater confidence that their superior craftsmanship produces products that will last a lifetime. Leatherman…not so much.
I have both Wave+ and Spirit X. I love my Wave+ as it's my very 1st proper multitool (where it all started). But since I got the Spirit X, I carry this more often and put my wave+ in the drawer. Spirit X is more pocket friendly due to it's flat/slim design. (I bought the pocket clip seperate by the way). Wave+ when using pliers caught my hand a few times and that really hurts. It also took a long time for the plier to loosen up or to break in. Unlike Spirit X, it was smooth out of the box, no need for breaking in. And it will never pinch your hand. About rusting yes I also have rust problem with wave+, not a major issue as long as you cleans it at first signs of rusting. Though it leaves some rust stain. But if you're lazy or forgot about that you used it in wet environment then your leatherman is done . So for me, Spirit X is better than the Wave+. Overall fit and finish Spirit X 100%.
I have the older Wave (the generation before they made the replaceable parts on the pliers). I had the same experience. The surge and wave pliers will pinch my palm if I am not careful, but the Spirit X completely avoids the possibility of this problem. I also like that each tool, like the can opener and bottlehead opener are engaged individually. I live in a dry area, so I didn't realize that the Leatherman tools had a rusting issue. The one issue where the Spirit X fails me is that screw driver. This is one situation where the flexibility of the metal used for the Spirit X is a liability. Yes, its good to have a screw driver an inch and a half long, but I've had several instances where I had problems removing a screw because of the flexibility of the metal.
Top tip; Don't destroy the edge of the wire strippers on the chisel blade by striking ferro rods with it. The back of the woodsaw would be a better choice.
I chose mx clip over wave because - all tools can open with out opening plier - mx clip has more tools (22) and wave less (18) - no awl on Wave - high rust resistance - softer steel easily to sharpen -softer steel also will bend and not break - spine of large screw driver is thicker and more robust for prying - more compact - ergonomic handle - will not be pinch by the closing plier accidentally like wave - like the shiny finish of spirit than wave; look more elegant and cleaner - easier to maintain - clip ready there
You should probably know this because in Europe, where the Victorinox Multi Tool comes from, there are gun laws that prohibit one-handed blades. Therefore, all of the original Victorinox exhibits are, without exception, not one-handed blades. Yes, OK, in the USA they are manufactured especially for the American market with one-handed blades that are not permitted in Europe. But original collector's items in Europe sometimes achieve a higher price because of the original safety aspect.Victorinox "Swiss Made" is like a symbol of quality like "Made in Germany"!
I own a Surge, Wave +, Free P4 and just purchased the Spirit X. The Spirit X is nice looking and looks like a tool I will carry wearing a suit to church.
I own both and love them both for different reasons. However, if I must choose I will pick the Spirit over the Wave. I have twice broken tools on the Wave, the bit driver and the large flathead screwdriver (not using them incorrectly and I am not strong). So, I am now on my third wave. My experience is that the Victorinox tools may bend if you apply a lot of pressure but they do not break. Also, I love the ergonomic shape and feel of the Spirit and they fit my hands better. The Spirit also has a lot of really useful tools, I love the chisel tool, the awl and the Philips screwdriver. Worth mentioning is that the bit driver of the Wave is nice (although a bit weak) but you must buy the kit, which in Europe is around 40 bucks. If you loose a bit, you have to buy the whole set again since only the most common three or so can be bought separately. The Spirit I bought with the plus pack, really useful since it is easy to replace bits and you can use the plier of the tool together with the bit wrench (or ratchet), a feature I find very useful. I like the replaceable wire cutters but it means you have taken out a portion of the plier to fit the cutters, means you have made the pliers weaker. It also gives less space to grip larger bolts etc. So, here I guess it depends how you use your tool. Have cut a lot of things with the Spirit though and see/feel no damage to the cutters. Really like the easy deployment of the knives though on the Wave and regarding the scissors, the cut different materials differently well. Thanks for a great review!! Keep 'em coming!!
I own the Spirit approx 13 years and it works like a charm. I own/owned Leathermans and Gerber but the Spirit always stands out. It is a very special tool on the market!
I own a dozen multi tools. 9 of them are Leatherman. However, with all the positive reviews/comments I've seen on the Victorinox, I really want to try one.
I have used a Wave for over 20 years. I have never seen a Spirit X but would probably like it. Some people expect a multi tool to be capable of things they are not intended for. I am also guilty of abusing my Wave and seeing how far I could push it. I have learned what to do and not to do with it. Having any multi tool when you don't have anything else is better than nothing.
Yeah it gets to the point where it’s more exhausting to try to use the tool for something it’s too small for than just get the proper tool. Auto work is a great example
Exactly this has become my conclusion after carrying multitools for almost 8 years. Great in a pinch, but no substitute for a well ordered tool box. I carry a swisstool and a spyderco pocket knife. Idc if my MT has a one hand blase because i have one in my pocket.
I own the first WAVE and now a SURGE; I've sent the SURGE back for repair or replacement since dropping the knive off the hood of a car, the serrated blade broke off. Never had a problem with the WAVE but think since it's much older it was made better. I used to own a CHAMP but lost it ; and that knife was incredible; the pen, tweasers, and that wood saw I used to cut a 4' section of a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood. My SURGE shows signs of oxidation at the base of the jaws so doubt if I'll ever buy another LEATHERMAN product because SWISS knives never rust or oxidize.
I carry the Spirit-X with the optional wrench, and it has been able to handle nearly everything I have to do at work. That said, I also have a Wave and a Swiss Champ stashed away in my car just in case.
the one-hand-opening function is probably not implemented because of the legal situation in some european countries. e.g. in germany it's not allowed (as far as i know) to wear knifes with one hand open function and fixed blade after opening.
For me it depends on where you live. Here in Germany, Swizerland is our direkt neighbour and here the Spirit X is 99 Euros where the wave is 159 Euros. I think because of import oversea and stuff like that. I would always go with the spirit x as i work with wood and am an outdoorsman so the awl and the chisel is for me. Sadly thats missing in the Wave+. The awl is also the reason why i picked the Rebar over the Wave+. Here i get the surge for 20 bucks over the wave and so i did. Great video and greetings from Germany
I'll stick with what has endured for me. And that's a Victorinox Spirit. Since 2007. I've yet to carry a Leatherman product that hasn't been returned for warranty repair.
I carry both on different occasions and I've only ever see one other person with the Victorinox. To my own surprise I've used the Spirit X at work more often than the Wave. I prefer the Spirit X as I suspect it will last longer, but they're both great for different reasons and both punch well above their weight.
I found the high polish finish on the Victorinox looks great, it causes the screwdriver bits to slip out of the work. On the good side...the high polish finish on the Victorinox can also be used as a signaling mirror in an emergency
I had to Mod the MX Clip to make the tools deploy easier..but I could easily carry it over the Wave after that
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I got my Swisstool Spirit X about seven years ago, and I remember it was a great deal as well, about 70 euros. It's been an amazing companion since then, and I use it constantly.
Thanks for these reviews Aaron. I own 6 Leatherman multitools and 2 versions of the Spirit x. I use them for different purposes. If I’m working on my house, building, fishing etc, I use my Leatherman tools. I use my Spirit X for me EDC wallet as it is thinner and less bulky. I enjoy both and find they have their unique uses as well. In regards to the chisel tool, I use this most often to open boxes or packages, as it keeps my blade from gumming up with tape residue.
Owning both I agree with your conclusions. I use both in different situations. The Spirit X is more my woods companion. The Wave occasionally plays Superman after pinching my hand one to many times...lol - My Wave and Surge are my go to project and/or truck tools.
After watching ton of vids last week this one was the last ,and I ordered one for it today ,it's unreal ,I regret not knowing about it in 99 when I got the wave . It's light years ahead of the wave . I never used the wave knife and will probably use the Spirit blade cause I have a variety of high end folders in the pocket 24 7 lol. The engineering and build is unexpected even if I heard many say it. The wave is going in the car as a backup. Thanks for the vid.
First of all, great review of two of my favorite EDC tools. Owning both I believe they each have their pros and cons. First of all, price wise, over here in Europe I can easily find myself a Spirit for around 100€, while a Wave will always set me back 150€. I never had a Wave that came with a pocket clip (and I own every version, from the original Wave to the most recent Wave +), the Charge comes with a pocket clip, but if you want a pocket clip for your Wave, it will cost you around 15€ to 20€ over here (or use the one from your Charge 🙄). The Spirit's mini flat screwdriver on the can opener is especially designed to work on smaller Phillips screws as well. Also worth mentioning, rust resistance on the Spirit is way better as on the Wave, thanks to the high polish finish. If you use them for a week of camping in damp woods, with rainy days and high humidity, you will see what I mean 😉. I do prefer the pliers on the Wave, but that's all because of the replaceable cutters, in my head that means I can take more risk with them, maybe silly, because the Spirit pliers are solid as a tank and have never failed me. The Phillips is the Spirit's weakest point in my opinion, after a lot of use (A LOT), and some use on very tight screws, it might show some bending and/or chipping, but Victorinox have an excellent warranty program, so they will fix that for you if necessary. For me, the Spirit is the best camping/hiking tool, where you only occasionally need a Phillips screwdriver, it has no loose bits that can go missing, and is way more rust resistant. The Wave is my number one choice for DIY projects around the house thanks to its replaceable bits and cutters. If you buy a Spirit plus, it comes with a ratchet and a set of bits (and it will hold any standard bits, so the possibilities are endless). But the tool and ratchet with bits make for a bulky pouch on your belt 😏. Well, at least that is my experience with the two best EDC Multitools available, in my opinion. Greetings from Belgium, keep up the good work 👍.
@@bernie3075 Can you post links to the videos? Maybe it's dementia setting in but I can't remember posting this more than once. Or maybe it's over a longer period, and since I'm just posting my own experience and opinion, it's bound to be the same "comment". Anyway, show me the links and we'll know more... EDIT: Or is it the part about pricing in Europe vs the U.S.A.? That point I've made in more than one reaction, since price is a very subjective thing, and can't really be used as a pro or con when talking to an international public, since it can differ so much depending on where you live.
I own one of the first model Spirits. It has a cleaver style fully serrated knife. I like the tool. But the knife wasn’t for me. I do like that they went away from that. I appreciate that Victorinox added a one handed opening option. But I don’t think it’s worth the cost. In my EDC, I would rotate between a Leatherman Charge and the Victorinox SwissTool. Eventually the Charge got set aside. I found I preferred the SwissTool because I didn’t have to open the pliers to access the tools.
Although Les Stroud "Survivorman" prefers the Letherman wave as his favorite multitool he used a Spirt X in the first few seasons and made out ok. Both are great!
Context is everything. The Victorinox Swiss Spirit MX Clip has the best tool set. From mechanic to wood or general work, it has no comparison with the Wave +. The only dimension where Wave + wins is replaceable wire cutters and interchangable bits. Therefore, the best combination you can do is: Swiss Spirit MX Clip + small ratched + LM bits.
The bit kit used with my wave+ is my most used tool on the Leatherman. It comes in handy when adding/removing sights to guns, adjusting scopes, opening things with odd screw heads. Very VERY handy.
If you go for the Spirit Plus version you get a small ratchet and a bitholder with bits (and you can use any other standard size bits with it as well). It all depends on how much you're willing to carry on a daily base. At the moment my EDC tool is a Black Oxide Charge + with one bit card holding my most used bits, but I tend to switch EDC tool from time to time (or according to my needs on that particular day) 😉.
Yes I have Skeletool CX and haw 3 tools and most use knife and bits , so I yust both bits and pauch for cerying and its wery good tool. And I don't spear no tool and I like also Vic but I have Victorinox Explorer +vith pen and hew on him 90% stuff like on multi tool so if I need something I use Vic. But knife is like from 1945 tereble, and yust ugly dizajn and I don't know whay.
Not trying to sound like a Karen here, but please, please buy an in/lb. torque wrench for anything on firearms- especially optics. I worked at a firearms store in college, and the amount of people’s shit I worked on because of their under/over torqued bolts was asinine. It’s a purchase that immediately pays for itself. Cheers
My five cents is that if you only carry one knive/tool - Leatherman will always be the better choice for the one-handed blades. But when combined with another proper Blade such as a strong folder or even a fixed one, the quality and tool selection of the Spirit can‘t be ignored anymore. Plus - once you commit to carrying a bit more, there‘s no shame in also taking a small bitset, which will outperform any Leatherman driver or bit anyday. So: EDC? Leatherman Bushcraft/Prep/Outdoors/Military? Spirit.
The reach for screwdriver isn't an issue for the Leatherman if you unfold an have both handles in line it gets you an almost straight handle and the fact that you can have 40 bits set of all size torx allen ect makes its much more versatile has a mechanic oriented trade like myself.
I've carried a multitool for 30 years. Gone through a bunch of them. Since 06 I've carried victorinox, I have tried the leatherman and just not a fan. If you have to torque on it, it will twist at the pivots. Not so that I've seen with either of the victorinox I have. Also a point about the wave, the bits for the drivers could get lost. Just a thought. Your observation about the steel needing more sharpening is not my experience. Just my 2 cents
I bought the Wave+ first with all the bits, and have it with a pocket clip in a pouch along with a small light. Later based on a review I got the Spirit X and was really impressed with the fit and finish, and am glad I got it, but with all the bits in the extra bit kit i bought, the Wave+ probably has more overall utility, so to me your review and assessment is spot on. By the way, a few months ago Victorinox came out with standalone clips for both the original Swiss Tool Spirit and this Spirit X for about $20, but they rarely have them in stock and when I called them they were confused about which clip model I needed for the X, so I’ve been exclusively using the belt pouch when I carry it, where with the Wave+ I can go pouch or clip. My advice is to get both tools, especially if you love a good multitool, and keep one in the car or whatever. It’s worth it just to get the quality of Victorinox. I paid $109 for mine I think, but am going to keep looking for that extra clip as well for pocket carry.
Both are excellent but the wave likes to bite my palm, so I don’t carry it much. The spirit x is pretty, tough as nails & it will not bite you when you use the pliers.
May I suggest that you try gripping the Wave closer to the end of the handles, rather than closer to the plier head? I learned to do that after it caught me once....😮
Bravo sir! I love Victorinox, and I love Leatherman. I have multiple of both, and very pleased to say that. But I've yet to find anything to unseat my 15 y.o. 2nd gen. Wave.
Yeah! Isn't it a nice tool? Solid & comfortable in the hand...😊The only difference between the NW & the W+, is that the W+ has replaceable cutters & the crimpers at the base of the pliers...
I have both, plus a bunch more mt's. I despise the wave, so the spirit wins by default in that contest. For me, the real contenders are the Leatherman Free P4/P2 vs the Vic Spirit. I carry the P4 at work, on my belt; and the Spirit X or P2 when off, clipped to jeans pocket. The P4 is too fat to pocket carry imo, and the P2 doesn't have a (real) file or saw. Victorinox somehow gets in more tools than the P2, in a slimmer and more comfortable to carry package. Just imo.
I have a swiss tool and i love it. If you're getting a victorinox multitool just go for the bigger swiss tool. The added weight isnt really noticeable and the tool is heavy duty but has a smaller footprint than the super tool 300
I own both tools and have found both to be of decent enough quality as far as multitools go. I always carry the leatherman wave though, as it has those low profile bits like you mentioned, and I find the pliers have a slightly slimmer profile on the leatherman which I have more use for. Also, even though the swisstool has all of it's tools but for the pliers on the outside of the tool, you need to use your fingernails to open the tools, wheras you can get at the leatherman tools (albiet clumsily) when wearing gloves.
I agree with your assessment. The Swiss has a couple of minor advantages, the wave has a lot of minor advantages. But the big advantages of the wave are the clip design and the one handed opening knife. Those two things by themselves outweigh anything the Swiss has going for it. Sure fit and finish are nice, but for a rough use edc multitool that’s very low on my list of priorities. I think people are focused too much on that minor advantage.
The fact that the blade on the Spirit X does not open one-handed enables me to EDC it where I live, so this is an advantage for me. Other than that, I've really enjoyed the rounded edges for years now. It's a good tool!
I'm guessing Germany as I think that's the only country which allows locking blades as long as they're not one handed opening. Spirit is definitely a good choice for there. I'm in the UK and we can't EDC any locking blades at all, so I EDC the Bond, glad they released it. But I'd get a Spirit or Swisstool if there was an easy way to deactivate the lock on the blade(s).
@@simonh6371 Correct guess! And every time I visit the UK, I need to carefully check what I can bring. Right now it is a Civivi Stylum front-flipper slipjoint, which works well enough for EDC and is legal in both.
I'm all in your opinion. The Vic. is really very well built and of the highest quality. Somehow the tool lacks that certain coolness. The adventure gets a little lost here. In the end it's like photography, the best tool is what you always have with you.
Hi! Great comparison video. But what do you think of the new Victorinox Spirit MX Clip? I think the wave is left behind in terms of quality and ergonomics? thanks for your videos !
I have had a number of multi-tools over the years from Leatherman & SOG. I purchased the Leatherman Free P4 about a year ago after seeing your review of it. I use it as my EDC tool and after buying the kydex sheath for it from Clip & Carry I literally find my self using it every day. Your great review of the Spirit X does not justify a purchase from me. Keep up the great work!
12:05 notice those flatter sides around the plier mouth ? They are not equal towards the front, a bit strange, mine is not like that. It would bother me 🙊😅
I have used many Multi tools. Leatherman’s are good. The Wave has hotspots on it that the Victorinox just doesn’t. I also have both the spirit x and the Swisstool. Both will outlast the leathermans by far. Just take a look, there are victorinox tools still usable and available on ebay from nearly a century ago. They have survived world wars. Leathermans are not designed to last that long. They are good the leathermans and I have my favorites but they are not in the same class as the victorinox
Victorinox steel quality Is simple Better. Also Victorinox tolerances and build quality. I have 10 leatherman and 3 Spirit. No comparison in term of pure quality
I own both and a SOG along with 3 other varieties of Leatherman tools, (not to mention SAK). Each has a separate purpose and function according to the bag it is assigned to. And that is really the point. Whether you need a SAK or a plier-based tool and is it for urban or field use or both? I think you missed an opportunity here Aaron. We all know the Wave is the best portable toolbox overall. But you could have shown where a Spirit X works better than a Wave and maybe even got into how a SAK is better in the field than any Leatherman.
5:23 it bothers me that this tool does not have that hole trough it, the cheaper tools have a hole there and you can use it to saw things like leather.
👍 Good video. Admitting your addiction to the Leatherman Wave is the 1st step in your recovery process. I have used the Victorinox “Swiss Tool” products for decades, they have never failed me. My 1st one replaced my Leatherman Wave. In 2022 there is NO reason why ALL multitools do not have ALL tools accessible without opening the pliers. Pocket clips are useless on tools this size and they make hard gripping of the handles uncomfortable IMHO. In 60 years of using tools the lack of 1-handed opening blades has never been a problem for me (1-handed opening seems a convenience, not a necessity). In that same period of time I have never broken or severely damaged tools with non-replaceable wire cutter blades. Enjoy your Leatherman Wave, I’m sticking with my upgraded Victorinox SpiritX! 😀
I carry all times SwisstoolXplus 3.0339.L full package with ratchet bits and a 4"adjustable wrench in the sheath. X meant scissors, New version M has one hand opening stud for blade, but actually who really cares? The swisstoolX P.N. 3.0339.L, not the Spirit is the multitool must have a condensed tool box in full order. Period. Having the ratchet for regular bits and accessories is also definitely important most of the times. The big brother is it because it enhances all benefits of a multitool while the spirit enhance ergonomy and lightness. 290gr VS 210gr With accessories in the respective leather Sheaths. If you have to carry on your person al day long with no specific purpose a multitool Than probably Spirit XM neaked with a clip is better. But in reality if you need a serious multitool The SwisstoolX is totally badass. Nothing comes close. Whatever Leatherman gadget magnet plaquettes... simply disappear.
Hi, Giulio. I can get the Swiss tool MXBS as well as the Spirit MXBS for the same price, here in South Africa, I have a Wave+ that I've carried for nearly 8 years and it works great but I really want to get the Victorinox. I'm just stuck between deciding which one to get, of the two mentioned above. I like the shape of the Spirit and the chisel, but those would be the only plus over the Swiss tool. What I want to ask you is whether the Swiss tool is really that much stronger, and robust etc, than the Spirit? I really don't mind the size difference, that would not be my main concern.
@@leonardwhittington8027 Suggestion: avoid new M stud one hand opening because leap stud and clip are kind of annoying while working hard with other tools. Eventually Spirit can make you enjoy some of that features more because it enhances wearability between the two. Best investment is the plain 3.0339.L. It is an heavy duty multitool with a full package ready and some slacks you can fill with your stuffs. You will end up using it 200% and proficiently all the times. Especially the bit ratchet/screwing compartment 1 ratchet and extension goes in literally everywhere with regular ¼ bits 2 you can retain a nut or a component with the multitool and tighten the screw/bolt/Allen with the ratchet. SwisstoolX is a well thought and refined tank, sturdy and overdone in its long industrial history. Spirit is also a very well made piece of equipment, but enhance more the portability aspects with no specific technical purposes in mind. If you perhaps carry it on your belt/pocket 24/7 for no special reasons like a cop. If you need something to occasionally work really hard when it happens go for the SwisstoolX. If you need something more light portable for general utility purposes... in the end again go for the SwisstoolX because once you got it You will not regret a penny and don't want less tool and less weight than your little "shiny metal brick". About Price they are booth quality tools and pricey. I prefer the bigger one. it is overall a better tooling solution with no limitation to use and abuse. Of course it weights a little more. Whatever multitool weights and costs but real question is on the matter of how effective and reliable it is for your needs. You definitely invest money, You definitely whatever one you choose are carrying some weight. Up to small tasks and with some compromises or UP to whatever task happens and no compromises.
I tend to carry a surge + bit kit, so weight isn't really something I've ever worried about. I have the Spirit X + Ratchet kit and it's a fine tool, but It never seems to replace my Surge/Wave+/P4
I prefer my P4 or worn in Surge. Both are super smooth. That's my main problem with the Victorinox for me is that everything is so hard to get out and use. I'm sure it would break in eventually but I really don't want to spend the time.
Though I don't have a Wave (my only Leatherman is the P4), I would like to add that in my experience, both the pliers and the wire cutters (!) are much more solid on the Spirit. Very, very few people have managed to break the pliers on either a Spirit or a Swisstool, but many people have broken Leatherman pliers. Their casting process doesn't seem to be the best, and the replaceable cutter design further weakens them (I think there is a reason that regular pliers never have replaceable cutters). Also, I have cut the same stuff that has badly dented my Leatherman pliers with the ones on the Spirit no problem. And if they ever did develop a problem, it would be up to Victorinox to handle that, not the customer. The scissors can be easily modified to open wider by filing the spring, it's regrettable that Victorinox hasn't improved the spring design. The ergonomics on the Spirit are also pretty good for a multitool, definitely better than the P4 in all positions. I can't directly compare it to the Wave, which I think has a better handle design than the P4. I have to say that I trust the big rivets of the SPirt more than I trust the screws on the P4 to never come loose. As for steel, I personally prefer Victorinox over Leatherman's 420 HC, especially on a multitool which has more parts that can rust. Edge holding is similar as far as I'm concerned (maybe slightly better on the Leatherman), but the steel on the Vics is remarkably hard to break. I never broke a single tool on one in 30 years of using them; I did manage to bend the blade on a tiny excelsior I had as a kid by prying with it, and I bent the tip of an awl later on, but that's it, although I have beaten the hell out of them. On the other hand, I just broke the saw on my P4 after marginal use. In the end, apart from toolset and fit & finish, I think it comes down to personal preference, especially how much one values one hand action of various (or all) tools.
Great review, thank you. How about doing a review between the new Spirit MXBS and the Swiss Tool MXBS? I'm really struggling to decide which one to get. Any input from other viewers would also be greatly appreciated.
For a good comparison between Victorinox and Leatherman as producers, the Spirit X should be compared to the Rebar. Those tools both have the same layout. Comparing the Rebar to the Wave will give a similar video. One handed opening on a knife is a con, since knife laws here forbid carrying one handed opening.
My Swisstool came with a ratchet bit kit. Like it a lot better than the bit exchanger in the leather man Edit You don’t have to buy another Swiss spirit if you damage it as you said with the wire cutters. All Victorinox have lifetime warranty. And I agree about the scissors on the spirit. It’s why I carry the Swisstool x. They have the regular scissors that come standard on Victorinox knives with the spring.
ive always wanted a spirit x but i do have a wave plus with bit drivers. love being able to put on a pocket clip as i dont always want it in the pouch on my belt. juice s2 and skeletool are more my needs paired with a cadet lol but ive had a surge forever on house duty! would throw the wave in my bag
Great info Great thoughts now im looking at other brands and even more confused lol I have a w and s style multitools that obviously didn't break the bank but at least now I know i really like them so now I have to figure out which name brand to buy when it's gonna be my forever tool after collecting knifes I kinda shocked about the lower grade steel used in a leatherman I get 20 doller flippers that have d2 how about just a 440hc blade if I'm gonna spend 150 sorry ny rants over thanks for listening 😊
I got an older Leatherman it has served me very well over the years and I am sticking with that. The Swiss one look nice but no thanks. Great review love it.
Why "no thanks"? You trie It and you Will see the much better QUALIITY. On steel, on tolerances, on all. I have 10 leatherman and 3 Spirit. Almost all MY LEATHERMANS broke something or got a lot of play on pliers or dent some tools. Never MY Victorinox. These are no subjective questions. The quality Is a fact. if leatherman were not American and therefore were not bought by the Americans, Victorinox would be more sold than leatherman. In EU, anyone who tries a Victorinox after a leatherman doesn't come back. In the US also ... those very few Americans who are not nationalists.
And a bit kit... you don't know how nice it is to not have to go get a screwdriver on 99% of thr things that have odd screw heads or use allen wrenches.
Leatherman for rednecks. They not so perfectly finished, but they are high endurance, you can replace broken knife, cause they are could be disassembled)) Victorinox they are for guys from wall street, who carry it like shining polished accessories to open bottle or to open the envelope )you can't replace knife at victorinox - the rivet won't allow to do it )))
Well, the Vicky is quintessentially European & applicable to European needs as the Leatherman is quintessentially American...just look at them...😊Just as you can tell in a group of hunters without opening their mouths who is a Brit & who is a Yank...😊The Swiss are a conservative lot & it took them awhile to put out their tools properly with clips & one - handed opening capacity...these are American ideas, not Swiss...they obliged as their customers wanted this...I am a proud American, but for me, a Swisstool goes in a leather sheath & one - handed opening ruins the esthetic look of the blades...I like the Wave & the Surge, but it's ridiculous to carry such rigs in a pocket, when it is more comfortable & sensible to carry them in a sheath...along with the needed assessories...but then again, this whole multi tool business is a matter of personal taste anyway...😊
I love my wave but it did not come with a pocketclip…I had to buy it separately and it broke after a week or two. I went on Etsy and bought a nice belt sheath for it though
The Leatherman Wave Plus is what I carry, but I’ve heard the Victorinox is very impressive. I may try it out in the future, but not until I wear out my Leatherman. So… I guess that means it will be a long, long time.😊
The Victorinox feels finely polished. But, the Leatherman feels like a serious tool. It's like a lexus competing with a tacoma. The Victorinox is nice. It has class. But, if you need a serious tool, you need to go with the Leatherman.
I got the Swiss tool with the ratchet and bits. You keep talking about the wave having a bit kit as if the option isn’t there for the Swiss tool or spirit. That ratchet puts the leathermans bit holder to shame. Literally can use it for sockets
Got a Letherman wave for my bday. The original. The screw bits lasted around three weeks. My nephew bought a Spirit from AliBaba, chinese copy, of course, like six years ago. 40 bucks plus shipping. After six years that thing works better than the original Leatherman. Wave feels like pig iron in your hands it's millenia behind in terms of quality and feel to Victorinox. Sorry, but if SnapOn would do a Leatherman I would buy it, but as far as I'm concerned I will stick to Victorinox.
I didn't receive my Wave+ with pocket clip, had to buy clip & lanyard ring set separately. Charge+ does come with the clip in the package. I also once damaged the wire cutters a little on my Wave (they started catching a bit when closing the pliers), and I just used the ratcheting extension with T8 bit from LM bit kit to remove them, touched them up with the diamond file, screwed them back on. No need to buy new ones untill you seriously mess them up.
Own both. The fit and finish is better on the spirit x I use the spirit x at work and the Wave + at home. Love them both. I like the pliers on the wave cause the tip is more thin and precise. Love that the tools on the spirit are all accessible from the outside. All around if I’m honest I would say that, with the pocket clip and the thumb stud for one hand opening blade, the VIC SPIRIT Mx is a better tool, but again the wave has the bit driver and the serrated edge blade that I use a lot, so it’s very difficult to say which is my favorite. You can pick up any of these 2 options and it will serve you well.
Let's be real, quality wise the Victorinox makes the Leatherman feel like made in China.
@@clintwestwood3539I can attest to that as it pertains to the screwdrivers. I’ve broken the tips on the 1/4” flat head and Phillips on my Super Tool 300. Both were damaged trying to remove screws which I might add I was actually using the correct tool for the job, it’s not like I was using a flat head screwdriver for a Torx screw. I’ve never tried the Victorinox plier-based multi tools but I have a few SAK’s and they’re all great. Their multi tool seems to be really well made.
Also.Spirit X offers more utility with its tools. Actually owning both,Leathrman is junk and nowhere near as good almost on anything in comparison.
Are the older ones better? And when did they start to get worse?
@@thesoldier4 Of course,older Leatherman were way better in terms of quality and performance. Never close to a Victorinox Spirit X though. Neither in terms of quality,(big ddifferbig) nor in terms of the amount of utility,that you get out of the Spirit X. It provides more,on every single important factor. Lime better ergos, better built...etc
They're both way over a logical price range for the materials used
I own both of these and more. In my experience the Victorinox is much better quality. A few of my Leatherman Wave and Juice multitools have chipped or bent from use. None of my Victorinox SAK or Spirit knives have had that issue. I still love the Leatherman Wave but if I had to choose one the Swiss Spirit X would be my choice.
You’ve obviously been using them wrong if you’ve chipped or bent them like I’ve put my wave through it’s paces and it’s never done any of those things 🤷♂️
@@grovesy333 agreed. I've had my Wave+ for a long time and I never had a bend or chip. To be honest I have even abused my file by prying way to hard on it with no issues. Only issue I wish the wave had was spring loaded pliers. Otherwise it has been through hundreds of jobs no issues at all
@@SavageAirguns Big no no on the file use the right tool for the right job, all these people breaking these tools are obviously using them wrong and are being stupid with them
@@grovesy333 I agree. I shouldn't have used the file as a pry bar but a kids toy had a corroded battery compartment and was almost sealed closed. I knew I shouldn't do it but I did. Still didn't break or bend it and got it open. In my opinion if they are breaking a Leatherman then you almost have to be misusing it as I have done MANY jobs over the years with my Leatherman and it has never had one issue. In fact I carry it everyday and use it at least once a day.
@@SavageAirguns I can accept accidents but not like this guy is saying he’s obviously using it inappropriately
I resent that fact that Leatherman just doesn't seem to show care or pride in manufacturing. They are stiff, rough, sharp, and crude feeling. There's just a very commercial and half-ass quality about them. I can do just as much with the Victorinox, without feeling as though I'm being taken for granted or treated off-handedly. I think most people just don't know or care enough to expect any better, and Leatherman exploits that market.
Well said
Victorinox also has a lifetime warranty. Leatherman only has a 25 year warranty. Victorinox has greater confidence that their superior craftsmanship produces products that will last a lifetime. Leatherman…not so much.
Yes...their QC has not been the best the last few years...
@@WoodsUnknown Victorinox has a lifetime warranty. Where did you get 10 years from?
@@WoodsUnknown ight
I have both Wave+ and Spirit X. I love my Wave+ as it's my very 1st proper multitool (where it all started). But since I got the Spirit X, I carry this more often and put my wave+ in the drawer. Spirit X is more pocket friendly due to it's flat/slim design. (I bought the pocket clip seperate by the way). Wave+ when using pliers caught my hand a few times and that really hurts. It also took a long time for the plier to loosen up or to break in. Unlike Spirit X, it was smooth out of the box, no need for breaking in. And it will never pinch your hand. About rusting yes I also have rust problem with wave+, not a major issue as long as you cleans it at first signs of rusting. Though it leaves some rust stain. But if you're lazy or forgot about that you used it in wet environment then your leatherman is done . So for me, Spirit X is better than the Wave+. Overall fit and finish Spirit X 100%.
I have the older Wave (the generation before they made the replaceable parts on the pliers). I had the same experience. The surge and wave pliers will pinch my palm if I am not careful, but the Spirit X completely avoids the possibility of this problem. I also like that each tool, like the can opener and bottlehead opener are engaged individually.
I live in a dry area, so I didn't realize that the Leatherman tools had a rusting issue.
The one issue where the Spirit X fails me is that screw driver. This is one situation where the flexibility of the metal used for the Spirit X is a liability. Yes, its good to have a screw driver an inch and a half long, but I've had several instances where I had problems removing a screw because of the flexibility of the metal.
Top tip; Don't destroy the edge of the wire strippers on the chisel blade by striking ferro rods with it. The back of the woodsaw would be a better choice.
I chose mx clip over wave because
- all tools can open with out opening plier
- mx clip has more tools (22) and wave less (18)
- no awl on Wave
- high rust resistance
- softer steel easily to sharpen
-softer steel also will bend and not break
- spine of large screw driver is thicker and more robust for prying
- more compact
- ergonomic handle
- will not be pinch by the closing plier accidentally like wave
- like the shiny finish of spirit than wave; look more elegant and cleaner
- easier to maintain
- clip ready there
You should probably know this because in Europe, where the Victorinox Multi Tool comes from, there are gun laws that prohibit one-handed blades. Therefore, all of the original Victorinox exhibits are, without exception, not one-handed blades. Yes, OK, in the USA they are manufactured especially for the American market with one-handed blades that are not permitted in Europe. But original collector's items in Europe sometimes achieve a higher price because of the original safety aspect.Victorinox "Swiss Made" is like a symbol of quality like "Made in Germany"!
I own a Surge, Wave +, Free P4 and just purchased the Spirit X.
The Spirit X is nice looking and looks like a tool I will carry wearing a suit to church.
Do you want to repair a church bench or what?
I own both and love them both for different reasons. However, if I must choose I will pick the Spirit over the Wave. I have twice broken tools on the Wave, the bit driver and the large flathead screwdriver (not using them incorrectly and I am not strong). So, I am now on my third wave. My experience is that the Victorinox tools may bend if you apply a lot of pressure but they do not break. Also, I love the ergonomic shape and feel of the Spirit and they fit my hands better. The Spirit also has a lot of really useful tools, I love the chisel tool, the awl and the Philips screwdriver.
Worth mentioning is that the bit driver of the Wave is nice (although a bit weak) but you must buy the kit, which in Europe is around 40 bucks. If you loose a bit, you have to buy the whole set again since only the most common three or so can be bought separately. The Spirit I bought with the plus pack, really useful since it is easy to replace bits and you can use the plier of the tool together with the bit wrench (or ratchet), a feature I find very useful.
I like the replaceable wire cutters but it means you have taken out a portion of the plier to fit the cutters, means you have made the pliers weaker. It also gives less space to grip larger bolts etc. So, here I guess it depends how you use your tool. Have cut a lot of things with the Spirit though and see/feel no damage to the cutters.
Really like the easy deployment of the knives though on the Wave and regarding the scissors, the cut different materials differently well.
Thanks for a great review!! Keep 'em coming!!
Exactly 👏👏👏
I own the Spirit approx 13 years and it works like a charm.
I own/owned Leathermans and Gerber but the Spirit always stands out.
It is a very special tool on the market!
I own a dozen multi tools. 9 of them are Leatherman. However, with all the positive reviews/comments I've seen on the Victorinox, I really want to try one.
Own both
Ypu won't be disappointed with the swisstool
At 6:20 that tool is excellent to open stubborn plastic blister packages. Its also on the Free P2. Cheers
I have used a Wave for over 20 years. I have never seen a Spirit X but would probably like it. Some people expect a multi tool to be capable of things they are not intended for. I am also guilty of abusing my Wave and seeing how far I could push it. I have learned what to do and not to do with it. Having any multi tool when you don't have anything else is better than nothing.
Yeah it gets to the point where it’s more exhausting to try to use the tool for something it’s too small for than just get the proper tool. Auto work is a great example
Exactly this has become my conclusion after carrying multitools for almost 8 years. Great in a pinch, but no substitute for a well ordered tool box. I carry a swisstool and a spyderco pocket knife. Idc if my MT has a one hand blase because i have one in my pocket.
I own the first WAVE and now a SURGE; I've sent the SURGE back for repair or replacement since dropping the knive off the hood of a car, the serrated blade broke off. Never had a problem with the WAVE but think since it's much older it was made better. I used to own a CHAMP but lost it ; and that knife was incredible; the pen, tweasers, and that wood saw I used to cut a 4' section of a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood. My SURGE shows signs of oxidation at the base of the jaws so doubt if I'll ever buy another LEATHERMAN product because SWISS knives never rust or oxidize.
I carry the Spirit-X with the optional wrench, and it has been able to handle nearly everything I have to do at work. That said, I also have a Wave and a Swiss Champ stashed away in my car just in case.
the one-hand-opening function is probably not implemented because of the legal situation in some european countries. e.g. in germany it's not allowed (as far as i know) to wear knifes with one hand open function and fixed blade after opening.
For me it depends on where you live. Here in Germany, Swizerland is our direkt neighbour and here the Spirit X is 99 Euros where the wave is 159 Euros. I think because of import oversea and stuff like that. I would always go with the spirit x as i work with wood and am an outdoorsman so the awl and the chisel is for me. Sadly thats missing in the Wave+. The awl is also the reason why i picked the Rebar over the Wave+. Here i get the surge for 20 bucks over the wave and so i did. Great video and greetings from Germany
I'll stick with what has endured for me. And that's a Victorinox Spirit. Since 2007. I've yet to carry a Leatherman product that hasn't been returned for warranty repair.
I carry both on different occasions and I've only ever see one other person with the Victorinox. To my own surprise I've used the Spirit X at work more often than the Wave. I prefer the Spirit X as I suspect it will last longer, but they're both great for different reasons and both punch well above their weight.
I found the high polish finish on the Victorinox looks great, it causes the screwdriver bits to slip out of the work. On the good side...the high polish finish on the Victorinox can also be used as a signaling mirror in an emergency
I had to Mod the MX Clip to make the tools deploy easier..but I could easily carry it over the Wave after that
I got my Swisstool Spirit X about seven years ago, and I remember it was a great deal as well, about 70 euros. It's been an amazing companion since then, and I use it constantly.
Thanks for these reviews Aaron. I own 6 Leatherman multitools and 2 versions of the Spirit x. I use them for different purposes. If I’m working on my house, building, fishing etc, I use my Leatherman tools. I use my Spirit X for me EDC wallet as it is thinner and less bulky. I enjoy both and find they have their unique uses as well. In regards to the chisel tool, I use this most often to open boxes or packages, as it keeps my blade from gumming up with tape residue.
Owning both I agree with your conclusions. I use both in different situations. The Spirit X is more my woods companion. The Wave occasionally plays Superman after pinching my hand one to many times...lol - My Wave and Surge are my go to project and/or truck tools.
Appreciate your honest review.
Thanks for watching!
After watching ton of vids last week this one was the last ,and I ordered one for it today ,it's unreal ,I regret not knowing about it in 99 when I got the wave .
It's light years ahead of the wave .
I never used the wave knife and will probably use the Spirit blade cause I have a variety of high end folders in the pocket 24 7 lol.
The engineering and build is unexpected even if I heard many say it.
The wave is going in the car as a backup.
Thanks for the vid.
First of all, great review of two of my favorite EDC tools.
Owning both I believe they each have their pros and cons.
First of all, price wise, over here in Europe I can easily find myself a Spirit for around 100€, while a Wave will always set me back 150€.
I never had a Wave that came with a pocket clip (and I own every version, from the original Wave to the most recent Wave +), the Charge comes with a pocket clip, but if you want a pocket clip for your Wave, it will cost you around 15€ to 20€ over here (or use the one from your Charge 🙄).
The Spirit's mini flat screwdriver on the can opener is especially designed to work on smaller Phillips screws as well.
Also worth mentioning, rust resistance on the Spirit is way better as on the Wave, thanks to the high polish finish. If you use them for a week of camping in damp woods, with rainy days and high humidity, you will see what I mean 😉.
I do prefer the pliers on the Wave, but that's all because of the replaceable cutters, in my head that means I can take more risk with them, maybe silly, because the Spirit pliers are solid as a tank and have never failed me.
The Phillips is the Spirit's weakest point in my opinion, after a lot of use (A LOT), and some use on very tight screws, it might show some bending and/or chipping, but Victorinox have an excellent warranty program, so they will fix that for you if necessary.
For me, the Spirit is the best camping/hiking tool, where you only occasionally need a Phillips screwdriver, it has no loose bits that can go missing, and is way more rust resistant. The Wave is my number one choice for DIY projects around the house thanks to its replaceable bits and cutters.
If you buy a Spirit plus, it comes with a ratchet and a set of bits (and it will hold any standard bits, so the possibilities are endless). But the tool and ratchet with bits make for a bulky pouch on your belt 😏.
Well, at least that is my experience with the two best EDC Multitools available, in my opinion.
Greetings from Belgium, keep up the good work 👍.
Thanks for your honest review!
Why are you spamming this comment on all the victorionx videos? I've seen this same exact comment on like 3 different videos.
@@bernie3075 Can you post links to the videos? Maybe it's dementia setting in but I can't remember posting this more than once.
Or maybe it's over a longer period, and since I'm just posting my own experience and opinion, it's bound to be the same "comment".
Anyway, show me the links and we'll know more...
EDIT: Or is it the part about pricing in Europe vs the U.S.A.? That point I've made in more than one reaction, since price is a very subjective thing, and can't really be used as a pro or con when talking to an international public, since it can differ so much depending on where you live.
Good review and nice interactions and comments 👏🏻, greetings from Egypt 🇪🇬
I own one of the first model Spirits. It has a cleaver style fully serrated knife. I like the tool. But the knife wasn’t for me. I do like that they went away from that. I appreciate that Victorinox added a one handed opening option. But I don’t think it’s worth the cost. In my EDC, I would rotate between a Leatherman Charge and the Victorinox SwissTool. Eventually the Charge got set aside. I found I preferred the SwissTool because I didn’t have to open the pliers to access the tools.
Although Les Stroud "Survivorman" prefers the Letherman wave as his favorite multitool he used a Spirt X in the first few seasons and made out ok. Both are great!
I've seen him use the Victorinox Swisstool (the Spirit's big brother), maybe I missed the episode that he used the Spirit.
The ability to disassemble for tool replacement is a big advantage of the wave
I have the Swisstool Spirit X and a Surge. My next purchase will be a MX Clip.
I have a Gerber multitool, a leatherman wave and a spirit x. I abuse the hell out of them, the only one to ever fail has been the wave.
Context is everything. The Victorinox Swiss Spirit MX Clip has the best tool set. From mechanic to wood or general work, it has no comparison with the Wave +. The only dimension where Wave + wins is replaceable wire cutters and interchangable bits. Therefore, the best combination you can do is: Swiss Spirit MX Clip + small ratched + LM bits.
I prefer the Spirit X without a doubt.
The bit kit used with my wave+ is my most used tool on the Leatherman. It comes in handy when adding/removing sights to guns, adjusting scopes, opening things with odd screw heads. Very VERY handy.
If you go for the Spirit Plus version you get a small ratchet and a bitholder with bits (and you can use any other standard size bits with it as well).
It all depends on how much you're willing to carry on a daily base.
At the moment my EDC tool is a Black Oxide Charge + with one bit card holding my most used bits, but I tend to switch EDC tool from time to time (or according to my needs on that particular day) 😉.
Yes I have Skeletool CX and haw 3 tools and most use knife and bits , so I yust both bits and pauch for cerying and its wery good tool. And I don't spear no tool and I like also Vic but I have Victorinox Explorer +vith pen and hew on him 90% stuff like on multi tool so if I need something I use Vic. But knife is like from 1945 tereble, and yust ugly dizajn and I don't know whay.
@@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149 I can hardly understand what you're saying.
Not trying to sound like a Karen here, but please, please buy an in/lb. torque wrench for anything on firearms- especially optics. I worked at a firearms store in college, and the amount of people’s shit I worked on because of their under/over torqued bolts was asinine. It’s a purchase that immediately pays for itself. Cheers
Nice review... not sure but if I hold both it seems like the victorinox is a different level
My five cents is that if you only carry one knive/tool - Leatherman will always be the better choice for the one-handed blades.
But when combined with another proper Blade such as a strong folder or even a fixed one, the quality and tool selection of the Spirit can‘t be ignored anymore. Plus - once you commit to carrying a bit more, there‘s no shame in also taking a small bitset, which will outperform any Leatherman driver or bit anyday.
So: EDC? Leatherman
Bushcraft/Prep/Outdoors/Military? Spirit.
This! Fixed blade + spirit x is a great combination for anything bushcraft/outdoor/camping related. Especially with the plus kit.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The reach for screwdriver isn't an issue for the Leatherman if you unfold an have both handles in line it gets you an almost straight handle and the fact that you can have 40 bits set of all size torx allen ect makes its much more versatile has a mechanic oriented trade like myself.
I've carried a multitool for 30 years. Gone through a bunch of them. Since 06 I've carried victorinox, I have tried the leatherman and just not a fan. If you have to torque on it, it will twist at the pivots. Not so that I've seen with either of the victorinox I have. Also a point about the wave, the bits for the drivers could get lost. Just a thought. Your observation about the steel needing more sharpening is not my experience. Just my 2 cents
Thank you I have both the spirit and the heavy duty original swisstool you are the best and the wave is still my favorite multi tool
The SwissTool X has been my EDC for 20+ years. The Wave is my truck tool. Go with what you know.
I bought the Wave+ first with all the bits, and have it with a pocket clip in a pouch along with a small light. Later based on a review I got the Spirit X and was really impressed with the fit and finish, and am glad I got it, but with all the bits in the extra bit kit i bought, the Wave+ probably has more overall utility, so to me your review and assessment is spot on.
By the way, a few months ago Victorinox came out with standalone clips for both the original Swiss Tool Spirit and this Spirit X for about $20, but they rarely have them in stock and when I called them they were confused about which clip model I needed for the X, so I’ve been exclusively using the belt pouch when I carry it, where with the Wave+ I can go pouch or clip.
My advice is to get both tools, especially if you love a good multitool, and keep one in the car or whatever. It’s worth it just to get the quality of Victorinox. I paid $109 for mine I think, but am going to keep looking for that extra clip as well for pocket carry.
Both are excellent but the wave likes to bite my palm, so I don’t carry it much. The spirit x is pretty, tough as nails & it will not bite you when you use the pliers.
May I suggest that you try gripping the Wave closer to the end of the handles, rather than closer to the plier head? I learned to do that after it caught me once....😮
Bravo sir! I love Victorinox, and I love Leatherman. I have multiple of both, and very pleased to say that. But I've yet to find anything to unseat my 15 y.o. 2nd gen. Wave.
Yeah! Isn't it a nice tool? Solid & comfortable in the hand...😊The only difference between the NW & the W+, is that the W+ has replaceable cutters & the crimpers at the base of the pliers...
I have both, plus a bunch more mt's. I despise the wave, so the spirit wins by default in that contest. For me, the real contenders are the Leatherman Free P4/P2 vs the Vic Spirit. I carry the P4 at work, on my belt; and the Spirit X or P2 when off, clipped to jeans pocket. The P4 is too fat to pocket carry imo, and the P2 doesn't have a (real) file or saw. Victorinox somehow gets in more tools than the P2, in a slimmer and more comfortable to carry package. Just imo.
I have a swiss tool and i love it. If you're getting a victorinox multitool just go for the bigger swiss tool. The added weight isnt really noticeable and the tool is heavy duty but has a smaller footprint than the super tool 300
I own both tools and have found both to be of decent enough quality as far as multitools go. I always carry the leatherman wave though, as it has those low profile bits like you mentioned, and I find the pliers have a slightly slimmer profile on the leatherman which I have more use for. Also, even though the swisstool has all of it's tools but for the pliers on the outside of the tool, you need to use your fingernails to open the tools, wheras you can get at the leatherman tools (albiet clumsily) when wearing gloves.
I agree with your assessment. The Swiss has a couple of minor advantages, the wave has a lot of minor advantages. But the big advantages of the wave are the clip design and the one handed opening knife. Those two things by themselves outweigh anything the Swiss has going for it. Sure fit and finish are nice, but for a rough use edc multitool that’s very low on my list of priorities. I think people are focused too much on that minor advantage.
Easiest choice for me. Spirit X hands down!
only Leatherman fan boy can place it above the Victorinocs MTs. Once you have them in your hand, you'll know what I mean.
Weird, just never used my Spirit. Sold it and use my Leatherman charge very week.
The fact that the blade on the Spirit X does not open one-handed enables me to EDC it where I live, so this is an advantage for me. Other than that, I've really enjoyed the rounded edges for years now. It's a good tool!
I'm guessing Germany as I think that's the only country which allows locking blades as long as they're not one handed opening. Spirit is definitely a good choice for there. I'm in the UK and we can't EDC any locking blades at all, so I EDC the Bond, glad they released it. But I'd get a Spirit or Swisstool if there was an easy way to deactivate the lock on the blade(s).
@@simonh6371 Correct guess! And every time I visit the UK, I need to carefully check what I can bring. Right now it is a Civivi Stylum front-flipper slipjoint, which works well enough for EDC and is legal in both.
btw the Spirit is also available in a one handed option for the knife.
I'm all in your opinion. The Vic. is really very well built and of the highest quality. Somehow the tool lacks that certain coolness. The adventure gets a little lost here. In the end it's like photography, the best tool is what you always have with you.
Hi! Great comparison video. But what do you think of the new Victorinox Spirit MX Clip? I think the wave is left behind in terms of quality and ergonomics? thanks for your videos !
I have had a number of multi-tools over the years from Leatherman & SOG. I purchased the Leatherman Free P4 about a year ago after seeing your review of it. I use it as my EDC tool and after buying the kydex sheath for it from Clip & Carry I literally find my self using it every day. Your great review of the Spirit X does not justify a purchase from me. Keep up the great work!
12:05 notice those flatter sides around the plier mouth ? They are not equal towards the front, a bit strange, mine is not like that. It would bother me 🙊😅
I have used many Multi tools. Leatherman’s are good. The Wave has hotspots on it that the Victorinox just doesn’t. I also have both the spirit x and the Swisstool. Both will outlast the leathermans by far. Just take a look, there are victorinox tools still usable and available on ebay from nearly a century ago. They have survived world wars. Leathermans are not designed to last that long. They are good the leathermans and I have my favorites but they are not in the same class as the victorinox
Victorinox steel quality Is simple Better. Also Victorinox tolerances and build quality.
I have 10 leatherman and 3 Spirit. No comparison in term of pure quality
I own both and a SOG along with 3 other varieties of Leatherman tools, (not to mention SAK). Each has a separate purpose and function according to the bag it is assigned to.
And that is really the point. Whether you need a SAK or a plier-based tool and is it for urban or field use or both?
I think you missed an opportunity here Aaron. We all know the Wave is the best portable toolbox overall. But you could have shown where a Spirit X works better than a Wave and maybe even got into how a SAK is better in the field than any Leatherman.
5:23 it bothers me that this tool does not have that hole trough it, the cheaper tools have a hole there and you can use it to saw things like leather.
👍 Good video. Admitting your addiction to the Leatherman Wave is the 1st step in your recovery process.
I have used the Victorinox “Swiss Tool” products for decades, they have never failed me. My 1st one replaced my Leatherman Wave. In 2022 there is NO reason why ALL multitools do not have ALL tools accessible without opening the pliers.
Pocket clips are useless on tools this size and they make hard gripping of the handles uncomfortable IMHO.
In 60 years of using tools the lack of 1-handed opening blades has never been a problem for me (1-handed opening seems a convenience, not a necessity).
In that same period of time I have never broken or severely damaged tools with non-replaceable wire cutter blades.
Enjoy your Leatherman Wave, I’m sticking with my upgraded Victorinox SpiritX! 😀
If only the Victorinox had spring loaded pliers. Love it nonetheless.
Awesome Static X reference but just don’t push it ok? That Victorinox wants to be the only multitool in your pocket. It looks like a real destroyer.
I feel a more apt comparison with the wave would have been with the bigger “Swisstool” plier as opposed to the spirit.
I carry all times SwisstoolXplus 3.0339.L full package with ratchet bits and a 4"adjustable wrench in the sheath.
X meant scissors, New version M has one hand opening stud for blade, but actually who really cares?
The swisstoolX P.N. 3.0339.L, not the Spirit is the multitool must have a condensed tool box in full order. Period.
Having the ratchet for regular bits and accessories is also definitely important most of the times.
The big brother is it because it enhances all benefits of a multitool while the spirit enhance ergonomy and lightness. 290gr VS 210gr With accessories in the respective leather Sheaths. If you have to carry on your person al day long with no specific purpose a multitool Than probably Spirit XM neaked with a clip is better. But in reality if you need a serious multitool The SwisstoolX is totally badass. Nothing comes close. Whatever Leatherman gadget magnet plaquettes... simply disappear.
Hi, Giulio.
I can get the Swiss tool MXBS as well as the Spirit MXBS for the same price, here in South Africa, I have a Wave+ that I've carried for nearly 8 years and it works great but I really want to get the Victorinox. I'm just stuck between deciding which one to get, of the two mentioned above. I like the shape of the Spirit and the chisel, but those would be the only plus over the Swiss tool. What I want to ask you is whether the Swiss tool is really that much stronger, and robust etc, than the Spirit? I really don't mind the size difference, that would not be my main concern.
@@leonardwhittington8027 Suggestion: avoid new M stud one hand opening because leap stud and clip are kind of annoying while working hard with other tools.
Eventually Spirit can make you enjoy some of that features more because it enhances wearability between the two.
Best investment is the plain 3.0339.L. It is an heavy duty multitool with a full package ready and some slacks you can fill with your stuffs.
You will end up using it 200% and proficiently all the times. Especially the bit ratchet/screwing compartment
1 ratchet and extension goes in literally everywhere with regular ¼ bits
2 you can retain a nut or a component with the multitool and tighten the screw/bolt/Allen with the ratchet.
SwisstoolX is a well thought and refined tank, sturdy and overdone in its long industrial history.
Spirit is also a very well made piece of equipment, but enhance more the portability aspects with no specific technical purposes in mind. If you perhaps carry it on your belt/pocket 24/7 for no special reasons like a cop.
If you need something to occasionally work really hard when it happens go for the SwisstoolX.
If you need something more light portable for general utility purposes... in the end again go for the SwisstoolX because once you got it You will not regret a penny and don't want less tool and less weight than your little "shiny metal brick".
About Price they are booth quality tools and pricey. I prefer the bigger one. it is overall a better tooling solution with no limitation to use and abuse. Of course it weights a little more. Whatever multitool weights and costs but real question is on the matter of how effective and reliable it is for your needs.
You definitely invest money, You definitely whatever one you choose are carrying some weight. Up to small tasks and with some compromises or UP to whatever task happens and no compromises.
I tend to carry a surge + bit kit, so weight isn't really something I've ever worried about. I have the Spirit X + Ratchet kit and it's a fine tool, but It never seems to replace my Surge/Wave+/P4
I prefer my P4 or worn in Surge. Both are super smooth. That's my main problem with the Victorinox for me is that everything is so hard to get out and use. I'm sure it would break in eventually but I really don't want to spend the time.
Itll never be as smooth lol. Theyre stuck in the 50s with these fingernail cutouts...
What's you preferred multitool out of the wave + and charge + ?
Great review brother however at this time I don't need any more I have well over a hundred
Though I don't have a Wave (my only Leatherman is the P4), I would like to add that in my experience, both the pliers and the wire cutters (!) are much more solid on the Spirit. Very, very few people have managed to break the pliers on either a Spirit or a Swisstool, but many people have broken Leatherman pliers. Their casting process doesn't seem to be the best, and the replaceable cutter design further weakens them (I think there is a reason that regular pliers never have replaceable cutters). Also, I have cut the same stuff that has badly dented my Leatherman pliers with the ones on the Spirit no problem. And if they ever did develop a problem, it would be up to Victorinox to handle that, not the customer.
The scissors can be easily modified to open wider by filing the spring, it's regrettable that Victorinox hasn't improved the spring design.
The ergonomics on the Spirit are also pretty good for a multitool, definitely better than the P4 in all positions. I can't directly compare it to the Wave, which I think has a better handle design than the P4. I have to say that I trust the big rivets of the SPirt more than I trust the screws on the P4 to never come loose.
As for steel, I personally prefer Victorinox over Leatherman's 420 HC, especially on a multitool which has more parts that can rust. Edge holding is similar as far as I'm concerned (maybe slightly better on the Leatherman), but the steel on the Vics is remarkably hard to break. I never broke a single tool on one in 30 years of using them; I did manage to bend the blade on a tiny excelsior I had as a kid by prying with it, and I bent the tip of an awl later on, but that's it, although I have beaten the hell out of them. On the other hand, I just broke the saw on my P4 after marginal use.
In the end, apart from toolset and fit & finish, I think it comes down to personal preference, especially how much one values one hand action of various (or all) tools.
Hey, Aaron good video! Agree with your points....try to read the comments...most interesting...😊
Great review, thank you.
How about doing a review between the new Spirit MXBS and the Swiss Tool MXBS? I'm really struggling to decide which one to get. Any input from other viewers would also be greatly appreciated.
You should review the Spyderco Polestar, its an incredibly underrated knife, barely ever hear anyone talk about it.
For a good comparison between Victorinox and Leatherman as producers, the Spirit X should be compared to the Rebar. Those tools both have the same layout. Comparing the Rebar to the Wave will give a similar video.
One handed opening on a knife is a con, since knife laws here forbid carrying one handed opening.
Gerber Center Drive for me. i have leathermans and Sog. and find myself reaching for the center drive to do the tasks that i need to done first
I love my spirit x. The pliers feel and work great. Just wish the blade was bigger and the wire cutters could be replaceable..
My Swisstool came with a ratchet bit kit. Like it a lot better than the bit exchanger in the leather man
Edit
You don’t have to buy another Swiss spirit if you damage it as you said with the wire cutters. All Victorinox have lifetime warranty. And I agree about the scissors on the spirit. It’s why I carry the Swisstool x. They have the regular scissors that come standard on Victorinox knives with the spring.
ive always wanted a spirit x but i do have a wave plus with bit drivers. love being able to put on a pocket clip as i dont always want it in the pouch on my belt.
juice s2 and skeletool are more my needs paired with a cadet lol but ive had a surge forever on house duty! would throw the wave in my bag
Well one handed opening is not allowed to carry in Germany so I go with the Swiss tool and quality wise as well
Great info Great thoughts now im looking at other brands and even more confused lol I have a w and s style multitools that obviously didn't break the bank but at least now I know i really like them so now I have to figure out which name brand to buy when it's gonna be my forever tool after collecting knifes I kinda shocked about the lower grade steel used in a leatherman I get 20 doller flippers that have d2 how about just a 440hc blade if I'm gonna spend 150 sorry ny rants over thanks for listening 😊
Hello Aaron; thanks for the thorough review. I find most of my multitools by magnet fishing. What I find is free, but only get what I find.
I got an older Leatherman it has served me very well over the years and I am sticking with that. The Swiss one look nice but no thanks. Great review love it.
Why "no thanks"? You trie It and you Will see the much better QUALIITY. On steel, on tolerances, on all.
I have 10 leatherman and 3 Spirit. Almost all MY LEATHERMANS broke something or got a lot of play on pliers or dent some tools. Never MY Victorinox.
These are no subjective questions. The quality Is a fact.
if leatherman were not American and therefore were not bought by the Americans, Victorinox would be more sold than leatherman.
In EU, anyone who tries a Victorinox after a leatherman doesn't come back.
In the US also ... those very few Americans who are not nationalists.
@@fc436 what does politics have to do with multi tools?
When you're exceptional as we are it's easy to be nationalistic
I think the Spirt X would be the best multi tool if it had replacable cutters.
And a bit kit... you don't know how nice it is to not have to go get a screwdriver on 99% of thr things that have odd screw heads or use allen wrenches.
@@SavageAirgunsthere is a spirit x plus with ratchet and bits version.
In my opinion the wave+is more robust and capable so I have one on the way, cause I'm retiring my rebar but may get the spirit x down the road.😊
Leatherman for rednecks. They not so perfectly finished, but they are high endurance, you can replace broken knife, cause they are could be disassembled)) Victorinox they are for guys from wall street, who carry it like shining polished accessories to open bottle or to open the envelope )you can't replace knife at victorinox - the rivet won't allow to do it )))
😂
the knife can be replaced with a victorinox. sold rivets and blade
Well, the Vicky is quintessentially European & applicable to European needs as the Leatherman is quintessentially American...just look at them...😊Just as you can tell in a group of hunters without opening their mouths who is a Brit & who is a Yank...😊The Swiss are a conservative lot & it took them awhile to put out their tools properly with clips & one - handed opening capacity...these are American ideas, not Swiss...they obliged as their customers wanted this...I am a proud American, but for me, a Swisstool goes in a leather sheath & one - handed opening ruins the esthetic look of the blades...I like the Wave & the Surge, but it's ridiculous to carry such rigs in a pocket, when it is more comfortable & sensible to carry them in a sheath...along with the needed assessories...but then again, this whole multi tool business is a matter of personal taste anyway...😊
I have bought and I tend carry the swisstool more and leave the leatherman at the car.
Victorinox is recognized more globally for a reason. Theyre the iconic Swiss brand because their quality consistency is unmatched
I love my wave but it did not come with a pocketclip…I had to buy it separately and it broke after a week or two. I went on Etsy and bought a nice belt sheath for it though
The Leatherman Wave Plus is what I carry, but I’ve heard the Victorinox is very impressive. I may try it out in the future, but not until I wear out my Leatherman. So… I guess that means it will be a long, long time.😊
The Victorinox feels finely polished. But, the Leatherman feels like a serious tool. It's like a lexus competing with a tacoma. The Victorinox is nice. It has class. But, if you need a serious tool, you need to go with the Leatherman.
I got the Swiss tool with the ratchet and bits. You keep talking about the wave having a bit kit as if the option isn’t there for the Swiss tool or spirit. That ratchet puts the leathermans bit holder to shame. Literally can use it for sockets
I own both and i carry the Victorinox much more. Both are great tools but the Spirit's fit and finish blows LM out of the water.
Great video keep them coming!
Got a Letherman wave for my bday. The original. The screw bits lasted around three weeks. My nephew bought a Spirit from AliBaba, chinese copy, of course, like six years ago. 40 bucks plus shipping. After six years that thing works better than the original Leatherman. Wave feels like pig iron in your hands it's millenia behind in terms of quality and feel to Victorinox. Sorry, but if SnapOn would do a Leatherman I would buy it, but as far as I'm concerned I will stick to Victorinox.
The swiss one wins in germany. One hand opening and locking blades arent street legal here.
Wow your government must be saving thousand of lives with those laws 🤡🤡
@@SavageAirguns Probably less than your government wastes with their gun-laws 😏.
That locking mech reminds me of the gerber flik. I rock the wave daily and love it.
I have a wave and it’s my favourite tool honestly but Victorinox is top quality as well !
I’m taking the Spirit X all day.
I didn't receive my Wave+ with pocket clip, had to buy clip & lanyard ring set separately. Charge+ does come with the clip in the package.
I also once damaged the wire cutters a little on my Wave (they started catching a bit when closing the pliers), and I just used the ratcheting extension with T8 bit from LM bit kit to remove them, touched them up with the diamond file, screwed them back on. No need to buy new ones untill you seriously mess them up.
Own both.
The fit and finish is better on the spirit x
I use the spirit x at work and the Wave + at home.
Love them both. I like the pliers on the wave cause the tip is more thin and precise.
Love that the tools on the spirit are all accessible from the outside.
All around if I’m honest I would say that, with the pocket clip and the thumb stud for one hand opening blade, the VIC SPIRIT Mx is a better tool, but again the wave has the bit driver and the serrated edge blade that I use a lot, so it’s very difficult to say which is my favorite.
You can pick up any of these 2 options and it will serve you well.