Leatherman Free P4 VS. Victorinox Swisstool Spirit mx clip

[@scottmann9077]

I have both. I left the spirit's clip on the same side so the hot spots are not an issue. It is lighter than the p4 by more than an ounce, slimmer, and the tools are superior (except the knife) . I carry it everyday unless I'm working on the farm. I have 7 full size multi tools and nothing can trump the free when it comes to working outside, with gloves, at various tasks. Pulling a piece of wire with gloves and need the wire cutters? Easy. Hose clamp on a sprayer comes loose and you can't let go with your left hand to get your screwdriver? Easy. Wrist surgery but crap still needs done? Easy. There is a lot of hate for the P4 but nothing does what it can with gloved, occupied, or injured hands.

[@globetrotter7778]

Very well said 👏. Glove-friendliness is particularly important to me as I live in an area where temperatures of -48°C / -54°F aren’t unheard of.

[@hughorr4Jesus]

I've been looking at the Spirit X and MX clip and I'm glad I came across this video. I was leaning toward the Spirit X and now you've confirmed for me that my inclination was right. Thanks for the good comparison.

[@pathrst]

Glad I could help!

[@haakonr1]

Interesting review. I bought a Spirit X last week, before watching this, after reaching the same conclusion myself. I rather just carry it in the leather sheath and open with both hands than have the added bulk and snagging of the clip and the thumb studs. Feels kind of good to have my assessments confirmed 😃

[@VampirusX]

Thank you for the honest review! I just heard of a "improved" Spirit and when I researched the clip for my spirit I purchased 13 years ago the reviews were night and day. The bad design is a huge let down! I live in Germany, most of the time, I carry the spirit because of our one-hand opening laws. I never got checked by the police and thought about getting the MX. But the disadvantages (at this price point especially) killed the deal for me!

[@pathrst]

Glad I could help.

[@maika405]

I absolutely love my mx clip. I use it every day. it's an incredibly nice feeling and useful tool.

[@rncondie]

Thanks you just saved me $162 plus tax. I will stick with my Leatherman Free P4. It works for minor stuff. If I need to overhaul a transmission I will reach for my tool box. If I need to tighten a screw I will reach for my Learherman. 17:15

[@LorenzosBenzo]

One of the best comparisons I've seen; thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@pathrst]

You are welcome.

[@RandoRaf]

I've been watching comparisons and this is the best one by far. Straight to the point with great points.

[@brandonl2555]

Long time no post! Good to see you back!

[@pathrst]

Good to be back! Teaching in the tail of the pandemic took a lot of my attention.

[@Traderjoe]

I’ve never had the MX Clip version, and just have the Spirit version and agree that it is the superior multitool. It’s a jewel. I carry mine in a sheath on my belt a full size knife in the pocket near it. I don’t think I would like this version of it for those same reasons. It’s true that the Frees wire cutter replacement option is a very nice plus, but I don’t really find myself cutting wires all that often to justify worrying about the Spirits cutters dulling

[@pathrst]

I most often do a knife in pocket and MT on the hip as well.

[@K.M925]

Vic pliers are made from stronger steel

[@majorpowell10]

You confirmed my fears about that thumb stud. I think the right move is to get the regular Spirit X and then add on the clip for easy pocket edc.

[@kabayan9746]

I have the swisstool spirit X and I've been itching on getting the mx clip...but your video confirms my concern with the thumb bump. Thanks for the review. Swisstool Spirit X w/ clip is still the best!

[@pathrst]

I got so used to it in the sheath I have that just can’t make the switch to a clip alone for it I think. I just got a combo sheath where I carry my buck 110 and the spirit. Love that thing

[@VIProfessor]

The Spirit X with the clip is simply a beast!!

[@delasantos]

Just such a thoughtful and detailed and straight to the point review. Subscribed. I like your other videos too on self sufficiency and plant and herbal stuff. 😊

[@XplicitNation]

Glad I watched this, I almost made a huge mistake. Going with the regular Swiss X.

[@trueblack6760]

This is really good and honest review! The issues you had pointed out about MX will definitely bothers me. Thank you!

[@pathrst]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindboknifeandtool]

I have the spirit regular, old model with serrated sheep’s foot blade. Love it, will probably spend the extra bit and get the new magnacut leatherman. I WOULD find a model I love and make blades for it but I don’t love any of them. Except for the Swiss tool, but that’s hard to reblade.

[@lindboknifeandtool]

The awl on the leatherman lends itself more to leather craft. Like a pricking iron.

[@peddypeoples941]

i prefer the bigger tools and there the Surge is the most capable of the Leathermans, but i still prefer the Swisstool X, in fact i am selling my Surge now to get a 3rd Swisstool, this time in black:P

[@baszt]

Accessing tools with fingernails it’s not a very clever thing to do it, the Free it has by far a more ergonomic and easy way and it does a big difference in my opinion in various situations especially involving gloves, weak or short fingernails.

[@evenstephen2000]

I’ve never heard anyone else say they’ve had any issues with the Swiss Tool hurting their hand to that degree, nor personally has that happened to me. Not discounting it at all, but this is the first I’ve heard. Interesting but a bummer…

[@pathrst]

Yeah. I think I have a unique problem, here. It bummed me out. The tool is so cool. Better in every way to me except the whole holding it part.

[@wangtaztic]

I lost my p4 that ive had on me for 2 years. Bought an mx clip because ive never tried a victorinox multi tool but ive had every other heavy hitter, SOG, gerber ect. I enjoy it so far. The thumb stud thing doesnt bother me. I do miss being able to flick out my tools one handed and i didnt realize how big of a thing that was for me. The finger prints arent fantastic. I wipe it down constantly. Kinda miss having two knives. I DO love the chisel, however, my P4 had one blunt end that i could hammer shit in with. I cant imagine doing that with a spirit. I like the change but ill miss my P4. Hopefully i find it lying around the house somewhere.

[@207sport]

I Hope Leatherman make some day a Free P4 un Black oxide (no rust problem)

[@rncondie]

Bought the Leatherman Free P4. I can open every tool with one hand and no finger nails needed.

[@JimLBon]

Tool for tool, there’s no doubt the Spirit is the better option. The Free does have its advantages and in those circumstances it’s effectively unbeatable. Between the two it was the Spirit for me. I gave my P2 to a coworker who really appreciates it. I am interested in the upcoming Arc and it may be a better choice for the general ease of access be getting an MX just for the easier to access blade vs my standard Spirit. Plus, Magnacut. Different strokes and two great companies but overall I think the Spirit is the best tool out there.

[@pathrst]

I’m looking forward to the arc as well. We’ll see.

[@K.M925]

Vic is more resistant to corrosion, and pliers are made from stronger steel, vic is having independent springs for each tool, and the looking mechanism, if the looking mechanism is failing it is still working as a slipjoint , Victorinox is coming with a nice leather sheath. Victorinox fit and finish it's much superior to Leatherman... I bought so many LM with factory faults .

[@ruaanaudi7496]

This is a great video with excellent critical analysis, thank you!

[@pathrst]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bills.2214]

I am back to carrying the original Spirit X. I had the MX Clip before. I did not notice the ergonomic issue with the clip in my hand, but I was not a fan of the opening mechanism. I kind of wish that Victorinox did either a thumb stud opener, or a hole opener. For me, the P4 aspires to be the Spirit X. I too like the P4, but I can't get past how Leatherman tried to cram more tools into it, instead of keeping the formula they have had (ie, if it's an awl/reamer, then it is just that tool-don't put a screwdriver tip on it, etc...). Another point I noticed from your video is how thin the Spirit is compared to the P4. I wonder if this thinness is a hindrance on the MX clip? Anyway, thanks for sharing.

[@franciscoaliaga5061]

Hello. Could you tell me which one would be more comfortable for a lefty? Would the main blade be more comfortable for a lefty (While in use) in the X or MX? Thank you

[@bills.2214]

@@franciscoaliaga5061 The MX is not really a lefty friendly tool. The blade opener tab is really only oriented for a right handed person. The X is two hands to open all tools, so it does not matter.

[@ate-ē-ate]

Good points. Thanks.

[@mikejeffsteel]

Thanks! You saved me a lot of money!

[@pathrst]

Glad I could help

[@ebsewild4134]

Top review, thank you

[@Rottweiler_girly]

I like the Leatherman but I can't stand keeping it in my pocket. It's way too bulky and keeps me from reaching into my pocket to get my keys or anything else that is in my pocket. The locking mechanism digs into the side of my hand when trying to sink my hand into my pocket. I had the spirit tool that doesn't have the clip and the one handed opening but I lost it in the lake fishing. The only frustrating thing about the Swiss took was finding the tools on it. It takes forever to find what you want to use. I love the tool though just as you stated. The tool implements are excellent.

[@pathrst]

I’m a big dude with big pants and big pockets. For me that hasn’t been an issue with the leatherman. But that isn’t a universal experience. I went back to my regular swisstool spirit on the belt with a knife in the pocket and it is a super satisfying combo

[@spartanj2957]

I got the spirit reg and dont have any pain using it in any way. Ive bever usedthe jnife in any multi tool. I have a few spyderco's and ZT's i use for everything.

[@cwsmith17]

Thanks for this great video comparison.

[@pathrst]

My pleasure!

[@tracker_bishop]

Great review!

[@JM-sn5eb]

Which one to get? Swisstoll X for 118 USD or Spirit XBS for 144 USD?

[@pathrst]

Do you want it in your pocket or not?

[@JM-sn5eb]

@@pathrst Don't know yet :D If I knew, the answer would be simple :) I don't have to have swisstool. I just want to. In my EDC there is a SAK already

[@kensantiago132]

Nice work. Well spoken. Thank you

[@MargulGear]

Excellent review

[@fc436]

The can opener on free p4 dont suck. It work perfectly like Victorinox. If not work,the problem Is in the hand🤣🤣🤣. The Better can opener Is the old style leatherman.. Better than Victorinox

[@MrFlyrod7]

Ok, an anyone tell me what the hook On the Swisstool awe is for? Can’t seem to find info on this anywhere.

[@pathrst]

I think the idea was that it would be similar to the parcel hook found on many a Swiss Army knife. After that it does whatever you think it should.

[@BishopZammit]

I love how you grazed over the 3D phillips on the victorinox but didnt forget to include every pointless detail on the leatherman that noone who actually works uses like the measurements on the flat head?? that flat phillips might as well not even be there. everyone. the victorinox is superior. .

[@pathrst]

I do feel that the swisstool is without question the superior tool. I just felt that as a pocket carry tool, leatherman understood the assignment. In the end I sold the P4 and carry a swisstool on my belt.

[@evenstephen2000]

I thought it was logically well covered. I also think the Swiss Tool is just so special…however I still like my Leatherman a lot, too. But I mostly carry the Swiss Tool. 99%!

[@fc436]

In EU Victorinox Spirit its a lot cheaper of leatherman free p4. On Amazon 90 euros for Spirit x and 160 euros for free p4!! The quality on free p4 Is good. The only leatherman an par with Victorinox in quality. But the pivot pliers steel and pliers steel is softer than Victorinox. The result Is a lot of play on the pliers after few hard wire cutting, and all theeth of plier bended After One month of real use. Not on the Victorinox

[@Sey357]

Victorinox 👑

[@mike_qbik]

GREAT OVERVIEW. The problem is that Leatherman made those tools dull. Whhy not sharpen those - box opener, can opener etc. Just dont get it. It would be different game. People do hacks those on P4 to basically made them work and to match the Victorinox. Unfortunatelly the scisors on Victorinox are simply bad. 95% of VICTORINOX have superb scisors, not on this one. BTW did try chaning the position of the clip? You can do it, it on that position only for packaging - at least that what I understood. Thanks for sharing.

[@pathrst]

I changed it from the original position to make it more intuitive to opening the blade without flipping the tool in my hand. Ultimately the clip wasn’t the issue. It was the the thumb tab. It made every tool but the knife uncomfortable to use.

[@fabianrolon7839]

Victorinox Spirit is for long better the the LFP4, I like leatherman also. however in this comparaison there is nothing to discuss.

[@207sport]

Sold my P4 (locking head with hard work) anda bought The Spirit with Clip 😊

[@dariusus9870]

Bought the original spirit because i suspected this. So glad i found this video because i despise the Leatherman. From rust, to wobbly, useless tools the Leatherman is insanely overpriced to me....

[@kao9379]

The spirit Mx clip is the bomb. I do not experience what this guy does while using. Not at all. Just wanted to chime in.

[@pathrst]

Appreciate you doing that. Not everyone’s experience is the same. Not all hands hold a tool the same way.

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

I yust both Mx Clipp i have Leatherman Skeletool Cx and have bits but Victorinox is onother demention. I really don't know what hurt pride cos my Skeletool has goo to replacing in one are coality is garbage and in 1 weak players rust im not even kidding. Thet is terrible I know that you are in SAD and Leatherman coality goes down every are, and now Vic has made one litle adjustment and kill Letherman and coality of workmanship , Victorinox is 50 ares infront of Leatherman. I like bit kits but i buy them and 3 time one snaps one wood door that coudnt hepent and your hole recension has been i will doo that in p4 and then it will bee ok and i will grinde all cos in p4 is dole all sort but that is funy and you are tolking that Vic is biting your hands if anythingLeatherman Skeletool players bite my hands and that is for real . First time ever that someone pissd mee of cos stupid recension you ar not doing your job right.

[@jamesgreally2195]

​@K9 Team Zagreb škola za pse What??? You are not making any sense at all.

[@MegaFrank1960]

Whaaaaa ?

[@greenz3535]

@@jamesgreally2195Huh??

[@francescobruno3186]

The right title of this video is: I will give you the reason to by 🇺🇸 P4 instead of the best quality Swiss tool. Sorry I am Swiss.

[@pathrst]

And the swisstool is still hands down the best multi tool ever made. This one just didn’t hit right for me. Only thing they make that doesn’t. I could change the title for you, though😜

[@fc436]

If leatherman put on the pliers a real quality steel,at least the same steel of Victorinox pliers, Is fare superior to Victorinox in all aspect. The all One hand/exterior tools access design Is revolutionary. Almost All Americans praise the quality of leatherman materials. But for me the quality of the steel is the real and only weak point of leatherman. in addition to the quality control of the finished pieces. Great design, great warranty, but mediocre steel quality (except some Blade) and mediocre quality control. Not at the level of European standards like Victorinox.

[@stemill1569]

if you are from Germany the Victorinox is the best. It's legal. And it's way better made. But...I prefer the Wave. The two bit holders are exactly what I need sometimes. With the other common things. But technically, the Victorinox Spirit is the best. It*s the lightest and still has most functions. But then...even the 210g is not that light and handy. You feel it in your pockets. Just not the tiny phillips and no exchangable bit holder. And yes. The Leatherman Blades look better. But...when being in Germany. The swiss tool goes the safe way to not ever come into problems with the law. Oh and a very important point when wanting to carry the things in your pockets. But as you are comparing it with the P4...useless garbage compared with the Victorinox. And right now, the Victorinox is even cheaper to get. The Clip gets in the way. Get the fucking clip off. What kind of weakling are you that you have to show to people what knife you are carrying? There is a version with a clip, and one with a pouch. Take the fucking pouch and you will be happy. You anyways don't want to have it in your pockets. The clip bothers you? You can change the position! Do it. You are really the impersonation of the cartoonish lazy fat murrican. The Leatherman is not, is NOT a deep carry clip. Deep carry looks way different. That will stick out, so it never will be a deep carry clip. Stop fucking lying just because your favorite garbage company created shit compared with the Swiss.

[@BurimPrroi]

Puhhhh... das war ein harte und sänftige Kommentar :D Ich habe P4 bestellt und bezahlt, und bevor dass die geschickt haben, ich habe für Stornierung gefragt. 189€ inklusive Versand. Das einzige gute ding in P4 is ein Hand Bedienung. Der rest ist für die Tonne.

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

Bad recension.

[@edgarkrattiger9185]

Hahah..Americans buy american...Capisce??

[@francodelrio7989]

❤🇩🇪👈👈👈

[@Sugardaddy501]

With this ecenomy ill stay to hard to break ones like the blackfire multitool or light duty budget like the rev or gerber suspension nxt.

[@pathrst]

Nothing wrong with that. Makes sense.

[@xlilnetx]

The nxt is a great edc mutitool, I do not feel under prepared with it for everyday normal life things. Not expensive at all either

[@nunyafuckinbizniz]

Gerber NXT is a garbage multitool