Multi-Tools & Specialty Tools

[JD Spydo]

For the longest time I've pretty much just stuck to my main two favorite Multi-tools. Those are my Victorinox multi-tools and my original Spyderco "Spyderench". The two Victorinox models I've had for a long time but still love are my long time Victorinox SWISS TOOL and their later model SWISS TOOL X. I've had such good overall results with the two Victorinox SWISS TOOLS that I've not even been the least bit interested in any other Multi-Tool on the market.

However the Spyderco "SPYDERENCH" is also still in my specialty tool kit as well>> it has many unique functions that do better on many jobs. I don't use the SPYERENCH nearly as much as I do my VICTORINOX Swiss Tools but I wouldn't be without it either. I'm wondering lately if maybe I'm being a bit narrow-minded by not at least checking out some of the newer multi-tools put out by some of the other name brands that have become popular over the years? Because I'm sure that there are probably some newer multi-tools on the market by now that might be just as good or even better. But over the years I've kind of adapted the policy "If It Isn't Broke, Then Don't Try To Fix It">> which says if what I got is working well then why try anything else? And I have just had great results using the Victorinox Swiss Tools and probably will have them for the foreseeable future.

I would like to discuss a wide range of Multi-tools in general. Which ones are being ranked well now in the Year Of Our Lord 2018 Who else likes what I like in multi-tools? And for those of you who like other models please tell us why? Also I would like to talk about any new "specialty" type multi-tools that you all consider good in the ranks of multi-tools? Oh we can talk about our Spyderench's too

[Doc Dan]

I do not own any larger multi-tools any longer. They did not make the move with me. The most carried and used multi-tool that I use all the time is a Vic Alox Cadet (I have 3). It has a very helpful set of daily tools. The only thing is really needs is a pair of scissors. In fact, I just used the large flathead to open a stuck jar lid tonight. That is something I would not attempt with a knife blade. I am sorry if my choice is a little lack luster, but this is the one that works for me, at this time.

[kodai78]

I can add a little to the discussion I think. I own Leatherman rather than Victorinox. My Leatherman Crunch has locking pliers. It’s not one handed operation but the pliers lock easily and securely. I also have a first generation Wave, that’s the one I use the most. I bought a bit kit that fits between the folded handles from Leatherman and that is highly functional. My latest addition is the Skeletool CX. That’s lighter, has better steel in the knife blade, a pocket clip and has a bit driver included. Highly recommended. In Alox Victorinox there is a model with scissors that I like, the Pioneer X. It’s a little longer than the Cadet. If you want try something different the Skeletool CX is a really excellent choice.

[MacLaren]

I really like my Swiss multitool. I think it's a Swiss Spirit.
At any rate, she is as smooth as silk and just works great.

[ThePeacent]

I can say I have a bit of experience with multi tools, currently having 16 Leatherman, 12 Gerbers, 8 SOGs, and 3 Victorinox (plus 18 SAKs) and having had many others.

The best criteria to decide what MT is best for you is decide your most used tools and implements. Some people need pliers frequently, others use scissors on a daily basis, many people don't like MT blades because they carry a OHO knife or specialised blade of sorts with better steel, geometry and ergonomics, etc. (that's what Spydies are for )

For drivers, scissors and pry tools, a SAK will suffice most times.
For pliers, locking drivers, good blades (SE and PE), great files, and other gizmos a MT might be the best choice, though generally more expensive, heavy and big than most or all SAKs.



Nowadays I still consider the Victorinox Spirit, SOG PowerPlier and Leatherman Rebar the best mid sized tools in the market, easy to use, tough, and easy to carry.



Runner ups would be the SOG PocketPowerPlier, LM Wingman and Gerber MP600, not as good but generally cheaper and tough enough



Next up would be the LM Wave, Gerber Diesel and SOG PowerAccess, for the mid-large size



and on the large category, the LM ST300 and Surge, the Vic Swisstool, the SOG Powerlock and the Gerber Center Drive, Gerber MP800



for small, simple ones the SOG Powerpint, Leatherman Skeletool and Gerber MP700 are my favorites



for mini sized ones, LM Micra and Squirt are king, SAKs like te Classic, Rambler or Minichamp are excellent but lack pliers, and the Gerber Dime has crappy QC and durability



if you need locking pliers in a Multitool I'd search for a Leatherman Crunch, Schrade Vise Grips (3 models) and the old and rare Kershaw A100



SOG has (to me) the best pliers, Victorinox the best versatility, LM the best toughness and Gerber the best balance of price and quality, but if you need a particular feature or tool then you are looking at a particular model Hard to go wrong with any SAK, though



Unique features:

Compound Leverage: most SOG
OHO Pliers: SOG; Gerber, one model from Leatherman
OHO Blades: some Leatherman, some SOG, some Gerbers, one Kershaw
Diamond Files: Leatherman
Outside accessible scissors: Gerber, Leatherman, Victorinox
Bit Driver: Leatherman, some SOG and few Gerber
Pocket Clip: some SOG, some Leatherman, few Gerbers
Locking Pliers: one Leatherman, three Schrade, one Kershaw (don't even think about the Gerber Grappler )

and then there's price ranges:
my picks,

$0-30: LM Squirt, LM Micra, Vic Classic and Rambler, Vic Spartan, Vic Tinker, Vic Climber, LM WIngman
$30-50: SOG PPP, Gerber MP400 and MP600, Gerber Diesel, Vic Explorer and Huntsman, LM Rebar, LM Skeletool, SOG Powerpint, Vic OH Trekker and Soldier, Gerber Diesel, Vic Alox of sorts
$50-80: LM ST300, LM Wave, SOG Powerlock, SOG PowerPlier, LM Crunch, Vic Swisschamp
$80-120: LM Surge, LM Charge, Kershaw A100, Schrade Vise Grips (ST6, 5WR)

warranty shouldn't be an issue with those 4 brands, but there's also options for very budget prices (OUTU; Ganzo, Rcharlance, Roxon...

my all time favorite multitools, and my all time favorite folders and glasses from the last 15 years :



lacking in the pic is the SOG PP and PPP that were on my belt

[JD Spydo]

I can add a little to the discussion I think. I own Leatherman rather than Victorinox. My Leatherman Crunch has locking pliers. It’s not one handed operation but the pliers lock easily and securely. I also have a first generation Wave, that’s the one I use the most. I bought a bit kit that fits between the folded handles from Leatherman and that is highly functional. My latest addition is the Skeletool CX. That’s lighter, has better steel in the knife blade, a pocket clip and has a bit driver included. Highly recommended. In Alox Victorinox there is a model with scissors that I like, the Pioneer X. It’s a little longer than the Cadet. If you want try something different the Skeletool CX is a really excellent choice.

Yes you did add to the discussion and I thank you for doing so I'm actually ashamed to say that I was unaware of the smaller Victorinox units but being you and Doc-Dan make me aware of them I'm probably going to own one before the month is out.

Now I have had a couple of smaller multi-tools in my radar>> one of the Gerber units kind of caught my eye. It's also got me kind of wondering if Spyderco might benefit by making a smaller version of the Spyderench? The Spyderench is not even close to any of the more conventional type multi-tools out there on the market. Now I do remember quite some time back it seems like BUCK had a smaller multi-tool but I never really paid much attention to it. But a smaller multi-tool is starting to make a great deal of sense to me being I've been concentrating on putting together a ramped up bug-out/survival kit.

[JD Spydo]

PEACENT you never fail to just outright blow me away with your magnanimous dedication to this most interesting hobby that many of us are completely addicted to . I thought I had my priorities way too lop-sided until I met you Brother Dude you have more resources than most factory authorized dealers for crying out loud All I can do is simply take off my hat and congratulate you for your extreme dedication to the cutlery hobby

Now you did bring up a point that I've been considering for some time now. You mentioned "locking pliers" on one of your Multi-tools. Just recently one of my friends told me that VICE GRIP of all companies has recently introduced a new multi-tool with "Locking Pliers" to the multi-tool market.. That's one feature that I really would like to have>> I might just also take a serious look at the ones you mentioned. I'm not a big fan of "Leatherman" for various reasons but I've always been a big fan of all the VICE-GRIP tools I've owned throughout the years>> they've been known to be a maker of super good quality tools for decades. I'm sure they will successful in that market IMO.

I'm really surprised that Victorinox hasn't made a unit with Locking Pliers They are often at the forefront of innovations>> especially with features that vastly improve overall performance. Now the Spyderco Spyderench does have an adjustable wrench and it has a pretty solid operation but I will say that " the locking plier" feature truly makes it a completely different tooll . I'm going to make it a point this week to find some place that sells Vice-Grip multi-tools>> because that's a really standout feature that I hope that most multitools with eventually adapt to their product line.

[knivesandbooks]

https://www.amazon.com/VISE-GRIP-Lockin ... th=1&psc=1

It's only $15. Might as well give it a try.

[JD Spydo]

https://www.amazon.com/VISE-GRIP-Lockin ... th=1&psc=1

It's only $15. Might as well give it a try.

What's really interesting about VICE-GRIP is that they are truly the undisputed KING of the Locking Pliers. I've tried several other tool company's renditions of locking pliers but I've yet to find anyone's to be even an equal to that of VICE-GRIP. Even "Snap-On's" locking pliers are not as good as VICE-GRIPS. It's really hard for me to believe that the VICE-GRIP multi-tool is only $15 That's got me really scratching my head I sure wish that Victorinox offered "locking pliers".

[SpyderEdgeForever]

JD, great topic. Peacent, excellent pics of the knives.

What is a good multi tool that you recommend that has some form of non-slip inserts?

[Evil D]

I am even more picky about my MT's than I am my pocket knives, because it seems nobody can get the tool layout the way I want and in a size that I want. Even my most favorite to date...the Victorinox Spirit...could do with some tweaking to make it better. But, I absolutely loath Leatherman and their bit driver system so they have lost pretty much all of my business, and I've tried a SOG in the past but it was just too heavy and the tools weren't as nice as Vic's. Despite how much I love my Spyderco's, if I had to choose I think I'd leave the house without a knife before I left without my Spirit.

[JD Spydo]

I am even more picky about my MT's than I am my pocket knives, because it seems nobody can get the tool layout the way I want and in a size that I want. Even my most favorite to date...the Victorinox Spirit...could do with some tweaking to make it better. But, I absolutely loath Leatherman and their bit driver system so they have lost pretty much all of my business, and I've tried a SOG in the past but it was just too heavy and the tools weren't as nice as Vic's. Despite how much I love my Spyderco's, if I had to choose I think I'd leave the house without a knife before I left without my Spirit.

You make about the 5th person I've heard say good stuff about the VICTORINOX SPIRIT model. I've seen it in 3 different survival type magazines and OFF GRID magazine kind of put it at the very top of the current market. What is it about the SPIRIT model that beats out all the other top rated Multi-tools? Also I've never asked you what your rating is for the Spyderench? I truly wish they would come back with a GOLDEN made unit with a Spyderedged Hawkbill blade.

I couldn't agree with you more on the Leatherman line up>> I truly think that they are totally overrated and the one I used once had knife blade steel that was literally laughable>> Of course I guess it's fair to say that after using Spyderco, Boker and Benchmade as much as I have it would take one awesome blade steel to get my attention>> but that blade on that one Leatherman units I used was something I would expect to get at "Rip-Mart"

[Evil D]

What is it about the SPIRIT model that beats out all the other top rated Multi-tools? Also I've never asked you what your rating is for the Spyderench?

I could write a book about this subject so I'll try to break it up so it's not a giant wall of text.


It comes down to tool selection and style and to some extent size and weight. I've carried my Spirit on my belt for about 7 years now 100% without deviation, I literally don't leave the house without it, I've even carried it while in a suit and nobody new but me. I don't think I could get away with that if I carried the full size Swisstool. The Spirit hits a sweet spot in size and weight, it isn't gigantic but it isn't one of those little tiny MT's that feel more like a toy than a real usable tool. The tools it has are all of reasonable size too.


Tool selection and tool style are super critical. Like I said before the bit driver thing that Leatherman have gone with drives me crazy. Sure it gives you more options but I have never once wished I had a torx bit or 5 sizes of Phillips bits. What I want are good average sized bits that have some good reach to them like a screwdriver should. I've run into too many recessed screws that the bit drivers can't reach. The Spirit has a decent sized Phillips driver and a couple flat head options.

Screwdrivers
I want a really good Phillips especially, since those are fairly easy to strip and very common. It needs to have a good bit of reach, as much as can be allowed in a medium sized MT. I've never had much complaints about the flat head options on MT's and the Spirit has several in different sizes so it has me covered.

Scissors
Another thing I won't compromise on are scissors, and that's another area that Leatherman and other brands have left me wanting. Victorinox make some of (if not the best) MT scissors you can get. The ones on the Spirit did need a little tweaking that I can go into detail about if you want but they're good now. They could stand to be a little bigger, it seems odd to me that the scissors on some of my Vic pocket knives are bigger than they put on their MT's. The ones on my knives are also a little better design too. They should have just stuck with the same knife scissors in all their MT's.

Files
I would never have guessed how often I would use a good file, but it seems I'm using mine for all sorts of things, even filing a fingernail now and then. This is another one that Vic do really well, their files have never let me down. Leatherman have used some diamond impregnated files on some of theirs and I didn't like those one bit.

Saws
I'm starting to feel like a broken record, but saws are another big one where Vic seems to outshine all others that I've tried. This isn't a tool that I use a lot, but I did find myself once doing some yard work and had a little ~3 inch sapling I needed to take down and I figured I'd give the little saw a try to see how well it worked...and it ate through it like a hungry beaver. I've been in a couple situations with my job where I needed to clear out some branches and brush, and that's usually where I prefer having a PE knife, but I've been using my saw and that's one reason I've also been able to carry SE knives so much without a real need for PE.

Wire cutters
This is one that I'll give the nod to Leatherman, I really like their removable blade wire cutters and I wish Victorinox would update their plier heads to have those. I've had a lot of MT's over the years that have ended up with useless wire cutter blades because they got really chewed up and are kind of a pain to try to sharpen. I like that the Leatherman cutters could potentially be replaced altogether if they sell them to you. That said, so far I haven't had any issues with the Spirit's cutters and they haven't deformed or gotten too dull so I'm crossing my fingers.

Awl/hole punch
This is another one I never expected to use so much but I've found a few uses for. After all, part of carrying a MT is for those chance situations where you might need something and either don't have it or don't wanna make the trip to go find the right tool. I've had a few situations working with cars where I needed to zip tie parts that were hanging off and there were no holes to run a zip tie through but I was able to use the awl to make nice clean holes. The awl on the Spirit has a pretty nice edge to it too.

Pry bar/bit
This is possibly the coolest bit on the Spirit and it should really be a feature on every MT. The center bits on either side are extra thick, one side is the Phillips driver and the other side is a flat head/bottle opener but also doubles as a little pry bar because it's so thick. I've used that little guy for a lot of things and I kinda understand why guys carry those little pry bars on their keys.

Can opener
Although this is probably my least used tool, it's a very usable one on the Spirit. I've only found myself ever needing it one time that I can remember, at a family get together and nobody could find a can opener but I was able to get it done with this bit. It was really pretty funny but I'll be damned if people are going to do without their baked beans while I'm around lol.

Locking bits/easy to operate locks
This shouldn't even be a question. If a MT's bits don't lock, don't even bring them to the discussion. The ONLY exception I make here is with Vic's pocket knives, and I'd be fine if they added a lock style similar to what the Spirit uses. I can kinda live with a slip joint knife, but when you're trying to remove a screw and your MT folds closed on you because the bits don't lock....screw that. There isn't anything fancy about the lock design on the Spirit but it gets it done and it's easy to operate with gloves on.

Outboard accessible tools
This is one where Leatherman screw it up on a lot of their tools. The tools need to be accessible with the MT folded shut. I don't want to unfold the thing just to get a screwdriver out, then fold it back closed to use it, then unfold it put the screwdriver back, then fold it again to sheath it. The bottom line with Mt's is convenience, and having to do all that is enough hassle that I simply won't buy any MT that requires all that.

Good plier head design
I've come to really like the pliers on the Spirit. They're not too pointy and not too blunt, they hit a nice middle ground with the shape and size of the head. They're not too flimsy either and the teeth have held up really well. I also use the plier head as a pry tool quite a lot.

Ergonomics
This is one that's often overlooked by pretty much every other company. Most of them feel like you're holding a brick in your hand. Some others are downright horrible to really bear down on and will leave your palm with hot spots if you really use your MT. The Spirit has that funky curve to the pliar handles for a reason. When it's folded open they create a traditional plier handle shape and all the edges are nicely contoured and smooth, there aren't any sharp corners or things that dig into your hand in use. The Spirit would really just make a great pair of pliers without all the other tools because of the ergos.

Size/weight
I already mentioned this but it really is a winning feature of the Spirit. It comes in at around 7.5oz while the Swisstool is around 10.5oz. That isn't a world of difference but you also aren't really gaining anything with those extra 3oz. It's just slightly bigger and has one extra bit but also lacks the thicker pry bar bit that I love on the Spirit. Basically the Swisstool is a very good tool but the Spirit is everything the Swisstool is but more refined. You can feel that the Spirit improves upon what the Swisstool started out with. The Swisstool does have the better scissors though.




Now for what I think could be improved
Just so I don't sound like a complete fanboy, I'll nitpick everything I think could be better on the Spirit.

Scissors - I already mentioned this one, but it needed some modifications to make them more usable, and Vic have better scissors on other tools. I'm not sure the Swisstool style scissors would fit into the Spirit handles though.

Bit sharpness - One of the best things Vic do is also one of the most problematic....they polish everything to that nice mirror shine, which goes a long way to help prevent corrosion and makes for a very nice tool, but it also makes the bits (particularly the Phillips) a bit slippery. This is one area that Leatherman have done extremely well with on their older tools that didn't use bit drivers. I've had some MT's where the Phillips seemed to have an additional finishing step done like they're bead blasted and rough compared to the rest of the tools, but the edges on the Phillips were nice and crisp so they grip screws better. I have had problems with the Spirit Phillips slipping off of and sometimes stripping the heads of screws. It's easy enough to sharpen the edges of a flat head but it's a lot harder to tweak on a Phillips.

Knife blade
Well, love it or hate it the steel that Vic uses for their knives is what it is I guess. It's pretty tough and it's super easy to sharpen, which I guess goes back to the military/field use days of Vic knives, but I would be fine if they offered a more modern steel like other companies have gone with. I really don't rely on the knife blade much since I've always got a pocket knife on me, but as I said before if it really came down to it I'd carry my Spirit if I could only carry one tool, and then I'd be stuck with the "butter blade". I also ground the serrations off this blade, they just weren't impressing me (I'm a little spoiled by Spyderco). I will say the steel they use is extremely corrosion resistant...probably better than anything I've ever used and is second only to H1. I don't think I've ever had a staining or rust issue with a Vic product in my life, and I've left their knives in my fishing tackle for years at a time and my Spirit plays in the rain with me all the time and has never rusted.

Wire cutters - Another repeat, but the wire cutters on a lot of Leatherman MT's are simply better. I'd really like to have some nice removable tool steel blades. This is probably the #1 draw to Leatherman MT's for me, but they fall short in so many other areas that it hasn't been enough to win me over. The Rebar came pretty close but for some idiotic reason they chose to not put scissors on that one and instead give you two knife blades. The other bits on the Rebar are all pretty much what I want too so if they'd replace one of the blades with a good sized pair of scissors they'd have a nice assortment of tools......BUT they also went and put the dang tools on the inside instead of the outside which is just not acceptable. Swing and a miss. Those removable blades do tend to make the plier head wider though and I may not like that as much anyway.



I guess that about does it. I dunno if anyone reads all this crap anyway, probably just "tl:dr" it

[Peter1960]

Years ago the idea was to replace my Leatherman Wave 1st genereation with a Spyderench. After some time I sold my Spyderench for a simple reason, without using it a single time: It was to tricky in field use! For a not trained person it is nearly impossible to put it together after use and this was a no go for me.

I replaced it with Multitools from Victorinox ==> Swisstool has to be ready to hand within the house and Spirit is in my EDC-pocket.

Overall I have to say the Spirit was my best buy!

[JD Spydo]

Years ago the idea was to replace my Leatherman Wave 1st genereation with a Spyderench. After some time I sold my Spyderench for a simple reason, without using it a single time: It was to tricky in field use! For a not trained person it is nearly impossible to put it together after use and this was a no go for me.

I replaced it with Multitools from Victorinox ==> Swisstool has to be ready to hand within the house and Spirit is in my EDC-pocket.

Overall I have to say the Spirit was my best buy!

[JD Spydo]

Years ago the idea was to replace my Leatherman Wave 1st genereation with a Spyderench. After some time I sold my Spyderench for a simple reason, without using it a single time: It was to tricky in field use! For a not trained person it is nearly impossible to put it together after use and this was a no go for me.

I replaced it with Multitools from Victorinox ==> Swisstool has to be ready to hand within the house and Spirit is in my EDC-pocket.

Overall I have to say the Spirit was my best buy!

The main reason I really started this thread was to explore the overall market for Multi-tools and try to see if there was any high quality multi-tool out there that could "hands down" beat out VICTORINOX multi-tools. But I'm already seeing that VIC is with very little doubt truly the best multi-tool for your money at this present time. And actually that kind of surprises me in a way because with the market for multi-tools expanding as much as it has I'm surprised that there are so few players still in the multi-tool market.

I've been very satisfied with my two older VICTORINOX multi-tools and I'm now planning on getting a "Spirit" model before the year is out. A few years back the BUCK knife company was putting out some respectable multi-tools and I thought that they might be one company that would run with that concept. Especially with this growing survivalist/prepper movement expanding as it has been you would think that at least 5 or 6 companies would try to fill that void.

[ThePeacent]

Now you did bring up a point that I've been considering for some time now. You mentioned "locking pliers" on one of your Multi-tools. Just recently one of my friends told me that VICE GRIP of all companies has recently introduced a new multi-tool with "Locking Pliers" to the multi-tool market.. That's one feature that I really would like to have>>[···] but I've always been a big fan of all the VICE-GRIP tools I've owned throughout the years>> they've been known to be a maker of super good quality tools for decades. I'm sure they will successful in that market IMO.

Vise Grip (locking) pliers based multitools are rare and most are now discontinued or vintage tools, they do not seem to have had much success other than the LM Crunch. I've had the Vise Grip (IRWIN) locking pliers multitool and sadly, like many other US companies that have gone overseas, the quality is lacking, tolerances bad, materials cheap, and durability questionable at best.

ALso the IRWIN tool has the blade in a bad position (bad design) and is very limited in other uses, I'd pass on it (the $15 price tag should be a good indicator of its quality )

their success has been limited to sales to those who don't know better and associate the brand's name with quality (like it was in the past) only to be most likely disappointed

I'm really surprised that Victorinox hasn't made a unit with Locking Pliers They are often at the forefront of innovations>> especially with features that vastly improve overall performance. Nto find some place that sells Vice-Grip multi-tools>> because that's a really standout feature that I hope that most multitools with eventually adapt to their product line.

Victorinox has been innovative and at the edge of the market for decades but they've been stagnant the last 30 years. it took them 20 years to develop a pliers based tool (The AutoTool) after Leatherman's success, when SOG and Gerber had already copied the idea. Also, the patent was bought (quickly and discreetly) from Bear and Sons to create the swisstool, its locking system and the outside accessible implements. So it wasn't all theirs really.



It took them another 10 years to make the Spirit, their second pliers tool. It took them another 10 years to add scissors to an Alox model (Pioneer X) even though the demand was there and the fan base asked for it every single month ...

I'd avoid the ViseGrip (IRWIN) multitool for now, JD, until you do your research.

Now I do remember quite some time back it seems like BUCK had a smaller multi-tool but I never really paid much attention to it.

Buck had both the Swissbuck (Wenger templates and knives, rebranded for Buck and with "Buck" black scales, but all the implements were made by Wenger is Switzerland) and a few years later the Buck X-Tract, a cool gimmicky tool with big pliers and quite lame secondary tools, made in China, with questionable QC, and different copies and later models made under different brands and names (like the CRKT Zilla, the S&W Pliers multitool, the Rcharlance tools... )

This orange one is the latest version of the Buck X-Tract, minus the scissors:

JD, great topic. Peacent, excellent pics of the knives.

What is a good multi tool that you recommend that has some form of non-slip inserts?

hi SEF,
there aren't many Multitools with non-slip inserts mainly because they fall out soon and are easily stained or damaged, but two of my favorite MTs do have them, the discontinued Gerber MP800 "Legend" and the smaller Gerber MP700 "Urban Legend".
Excellent tools with black rubber inserts:



as you can see below the inserts quickly fell out on my MP700

I am even more picky about my MT's than I am my pocket knives, because it seems nobody can get the tool layout the way I want and in a size that I want. Even my most favorite to date...the Victorinox Spirit...could do with some tweaking to make it better. But, I absolutely loath Leatherman and their bit driver system so they have lost pretty much all of my business, and I've tried a SOG in the past but it was just too heavy and the tools weren't as nice as Vic's.

I know that, and I am too. I started being a MT-nerd before a knife-nerd, and went through dozens of them to find "the best".
The Spirit is indeed in the "Top 5" for most people and most circumstances, and for very good reasons, most of which you posted here

I am also not a fan of LM bits, and most times that I carry the Spirit I am thankful that VIctorinox thought about that and gave us this:



It could do with some tweaking absolutely, and some mods are very easy to do and add a lot like widening the opening arc of the scissors, which are stronger but less precise than those on normal 84mm/91mm SAKs )



other mods include pocket clip, less rounded Phillips (there LM has it beat, with their long 3D Phillips that is both sharper and a bit longer, and works as a bit extender/adapter for standard sized bits), and being riveted it doesn't allow modding (without some special tools and knowledge)

its saw, file and prying tool are the best out there, and no one has them beat yet in that regard. Also wins in ergonomics, and corrosion resistance (something you all know I value a lot )



I consider it so good that it's one of the few tools I have three of
You've made very good points about the Spirit and how it compares to others



SOG tools have the best pliers (most precise, arguably the strongest) but their tools are heavier in general, and their inner components (saws, files, scissors, drivers) are pitiful.
That's why it's so good that they are easily modded, and why most of my SOGs have Leatherman or Gerber implements in them, like this SOG Powerlock with LM Phillips, scissors and can opener



A a final note, I also think I'd take the Spirit before any spyderco if I could only have one tool on me, I use it more often then the Spyderco and usually to greater benefit or problem-solving ability

I've been very satisfied with my two older VICTORINOX multi-tools and I'm now planning on getting a "Spirit" model before the year is out. A few years back the BUCK knife company was putting out some respectable multi-tools and I thought that they might be one company that would run with that concept. Especially with this growing survivalist/prepper movement expanding as it has been you would think that at least 5 or 6 companies would try to fill that void.

Vic has been on the market for decades and for a good reason, they make quality, consistent products with real life value and practical uses. Forget about the VISE-GRIP tool and get a Spirit thank us later and if you still want a locking pliers tool with other gizmos in it afterwards, come back and we'll be here to guide you wisely again

My favorite locking multitool is the rare, discontinued Kershaw A100 pictured below next to a SAK and a Spirit. A truly wonderful, versatile and quality made tool ahead of its time



Trivia: It was the first multitool ever to sport an outside accessible one handed opening blade even before the Gerber ones and the famous LM Best-seller, the Leatherman Wave

[JD Spydo]

I want to speak about the VICTORINOX company in general for just a second relating to their great Multi-tools. Because it appears to me that they put more quality in their great line up of Multi-tools more than they do with just about any other product they throw at us. And I'm a solid fan of VICTORINOX and I've gone on record saying that for the price them and Frost Mora both are extremely hard to beat with cutlery. Both of those companies put out cutlery of a very decent quality that would cost far more with most other knife companies who do similar quality tools IMO.

But VICTORINOX really puts their best foot forward on their Multi-tools. I've ended up selling and trading a lot of my Victorinox Swiss Army knives because their multitools are so much better for hard work and outdoor chores. I do find it really interesting that they really focus on doing their best work on their line up of Multi-tools. But none of their products do I consider to be bargain basement, landfill destined, garage sale trinkets by any means.

I just wish that one of the high end knife companies would start doing multi-tools with the same passion as they do with their cutlery. Take Boker for instance>> I would just love to see what they could come up with in that market.

[ChrisinHove]

+1 on the Vic Spirit. It’s just sublime. I use the angle bit driver a lot, as well, filling the bit slots with torx bits when out on the m/cycle, mixed philips, pozi and slot otherwise.

I use a modded Surge for heavier work, have a conventional bit holder for that, and either a Vic Cybertool or SwissChamp for less intensive stuff. Then you’re into the SAKs.

The great thing about the SAKs is that they’re cheap enough to keep a whole stable.

My latest is the Jetsetter, possibly the worlds most pointless pocket knife as it doesn’t have a blade, just scissors and a multi, but we’re flying to Verona at the end of the month, budget flights, so no hold luggage ...

[Water Bug]

I used to think multi-tools were a gimmick. The first multi-tools I recall seeing that had a full-size pliers as the primary tool was a Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool in an A. G. Russell catalog... didn't believe it would be worth the money. Fast forward a few years and I'm seeing colleagues and students using the Pocket Survival Tool for many applications... so, I bought one, loved it, and the rest is history. I BELIEVE in multi-tools.

For me, Leatherman has been the go-to company for multi-tools. SOG, in my opinion, would be the next best thing, especially with their unique designs for angling the plier head and swapping out tools... I have a lot of respect for the SOG Paratool, although I preferred what Leatherman offers much more. I'm not necessarily impressed with Gerber's multi-tools and have not handled any of Victornox's multi-tools outside of their SAKs. I really have no interest in other brands of multi-tools as Leatherman tools provide everything I need when it comes to these type of tools.

I like Leatherman since they have been a pioneer and innovator when it comes to multi-tools that have full-size pliers as the primary tool. The Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool, from what I understand, was the first of this style on the market... everyone else followed suit. From what I recall, the Leatherman Super Tool was the first to have a locking system for the blades/tools on a multi-tool... again, everyone else followed suit.

To me, Leatherman (especially in their older models) has the best needle nose pliers. I really liked the Pocket Survival Tool, but felt it was a bit on the small side. Then came the Super Tool and I was in love (when it comes to multi-tools )... with more tools and locking capability, I needed nothing else... until it was stolen. Then came the Leatherman Super Tool 200 and I was REALLY in love! Same tool selection with broader, more comfortable handles and an improvement to the locking system. I do own a Leatherman Super Tool 300, but it's the Super Tool 200 that gets EDCed.

I also have the Leatherman Tool Adapter (one designed for the Super Tool 200 and one designed for the Super Tool 300) which, in my opinion, offers the best means of making a multi-tool into a hex driver (and using true hex bits), especially since the tool head can be angled and locked in place. I also have the Leatherman Pulse, which is, in a way, an improvement on the Pocket Survival Tool with the locking capabilities of the Super Tool 200... makes for a nice, smaller companion when the Super Tool 200 is a bit too big for EDC.

And, I do really like my Leatherman Micra... bought it primarily because it is, in essence, a folding, spring-loaded pair of scissors... although, the tweezers have come in handy on many occasions. As much as I like my Micra, it doesn't beat my Slip 'n Snip folding scissors.

I bought another Super Tool when the first one was stolen and still have it... I use my Super Tool 200 as my primary multi-tool EDC... I have my Super Tool 300 as back-up... I use the Pulse on occasions... I use my Micra a lot... my Pocket Survival Tool got confiscated by TSA ( my fault for forgetting it was in my carry-on)... and, my Tool Adapter has saved the day on many occasions. And, if you've noticed, these are, with the exception of the Micra, Leatherman's older generation tools that the company has long since retired... thing is, I prefer the design and function of the older generation Leatherman tools over any of their newer stuff... I mean, why replace something that works?