Swisstool Spirit multi-tool: "Mid-size Surprise" by Nutnfancy

Victorinox makes high value multi-tools that last and the Spirit series continue that tradition. This Nutnfancy review concentrates on the regular Spirit model (US model #53800 and Spirit Plus that comes with an accessory tool kit) but references the other models in the lineup: Spirit S (US #53809, has the same tool set but both has the clip and serrated sheepsfoot (butter) blades, no scissors), Spirit X (US #53814, proven Victorinox PE clip blade, scissors, file, rest the same), and the blackened Spirit models. The 7.4 ounce carry weight of the Spirit is decent for the amount tool capability this MDMT provides: sharp nose pliers with hard wire cutters, main blade (either a goofy serrated "butter" blade that can rescue cut or the proven Victorinox clip blade depending on model), wood/metal file (model specific), 2mm, 3mm, and 6mm flat blade drivers, Phillips driver, "strong crate opener" (great feature), can opener (my fav in an MT), cap lifter, woodsaw, multi-purpose hook, chisel/scraper (love) with wire strippers, reamer/awl (love it, drills good), cork screw slot (and lanyard hole), and either nylon or leather carry case. Each tool opens with precision and satisfying snick. The pliers show good precision and cuts small to medium sized nails easily. The ergonomics on the Spirit are a highlight with both the closed and opened positions showing rounded gripping surfaces and with tools easily accessed when the MT is closed. As of 2010, the Spirit Plus models (like this #53802) will include an accessory tool driver (with fixed or mini ratchet), bit holder case, and several driver bits, a corkscrew (not needed), and jewelers screwdriver (needed). While this gives additional ability to the Spirit, it comes at a cost: it adds 5 ounces to the loadout and a lot of bulkiness to leather belt pouch that's needed to carry it. It's an inelegant expansion of the MT really (look to the Surge/Wave/Charge Leathermans for the slicker 2-D bits and low profile drivers). The captive-spring design scissors on the Spirit are an odd departure from the usual excellent design. A aesthetic-only downside (my mileage) is that the Spirit really never looks closed when compacted due to its reversed curvature. This is a slight annoyance for me. Fit , finish, and value are excellent on all the Spirit models with the current price hovering near the $50-$60 range for most models (the blackened Spirit X is my favorite). Moreover with its strong crate opener, reamer, and chisel/scraper, the Spirit leads the medium duty MT category in these capabilities. But it may be the satisfaction, loyalty, and pride of ownership that Spirit owners have that is the best indication that this is a winning MT design. ////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: Spirit regular: 7 of 10, Spirit S: 7.5 of 10, blackened Spirit X: 8.5 of 10 ////////////////////// Music: partnersinryhme.com and incompetech.com (Kevin MacLeod). One image from Photobucket.com is used after owner(s) give permission to worldwide unpaid distribution through agreement to PB's terms of service and publication elections.

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Science & Technology

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[classof77]

Wussy blunt serrated "blade" with no plain edge or point = a non-starter MT.

Too bad, because it otherwise looks very high quality.

[classof77]

Seriously, my Leatherman Charge with its perfectly shaped, grown-up 154CM steel knife is over here laughing its butt off at that butter blade.

The Victorinox spear/clip point knife blade on my SAK is a thing of beauty. Can't imagine why you'd want an MT without a real knife.

[AgentMcgeek]

@AgentMcgeek I think the steel used might have been off as my other SAKs would EASILY have done that task.

[AgentMcgeek]

Data point for you: Got a black spirit x for christmas this year and on the first use the can opener's driver bent and broke. The same with the phillips driver. Victorinox didn't reply to my emails so I returned it via amazon and got a ST 300 which is about a thousand times better for my uses.

[133j0hn]

I laughed so hard @ "stool"

You should leave brainfarts like that in your vids more often. Makes your reviews a bit more unique :D

[Waldganger15]

@classof77

I think its fine, allows me the ability to argue the cause for carrying a "real" knife. Why bother having a super steel on a handle that feels like shit because its full of pliers and screwdrivers? I hated having a Wave because I couldn't justify carrying a normal knife.

YMMV but that is looking at it from an Aussie's point of view

[knappnic]

Honestly, for me, I've carried multiple varieties of multi tools for over 10 years and could prob count on one hand the number of times I've used the knife blades. I also always have a pocket knife on me which is what I always go to for a blade. No matter how good my multi tool blade is, it's not gonna be as good as my pocket knife. I would love to see an MT with another tool in place of the knife. Just me and my use and thoughts

[prometheus19799791]

the reamer works good for a marlinspike. just use the back of it for pulling on the knot instead of the edged part.

[prometheus19799791]

thumbs up on the can opener. now if only leatherman would switch to that kind of can opener.

[prometheus19799791]

i bought the spirit x with the spear blade but, i didn't want to get the plus model because i didn't want the extra bulk with the spare tool kit and the oversized sheath. i also got a p4 recently cause i liked your review.