Victorinox Swisstool Review: Why it Replaced my Leatherman

[@backrowbrighton]

Hi from the UK. I own an original Swiss Tool which I purchased in 1998 (no scissors). Superb piece of engineering and despite considerable use there is hardly a mark on it. It also came with a very high quality leather sheath which holds up today. I like Leatherman tools and own a few but feel the Swiss Tool is in a class of its own.

[@diypreppertv]

I agree Peter. Thanks for watching!

[@waygone6657]

I have the model with the scissors, and I am on my third sheath. :b

[@jonebonebo204]

Привет! Скажи, пожалуйста, как в Великобритании к Swisstool относится полиция? Он же с запирающимся длинным клинком, не является ли это проблемой для ношения?

[@Benzion-x3q]

@@jonebonebo204 anything locking in the UK is a problem you'll need to stick to slipjoints

[@sethelledege4806]

Thank you for the review...I have been a structural welder for the last 20+ years. I absolutely sware my life on the Leatherman Surge!!!! Personally, I have had mine for over 18 years and it works great, and I think for me the Leatherman Multitool is superb, I will always be a big fan of Leatherman However, I do own both the Victorinox Swisstool X and the Victorinox Swiss tool (no scissors), as well as the Swisstool spirit X... And yes, I can fully agree with your sentiment about Victorinox, I really truly to love all 3 of them, and they are masterfully made, and I do use them consistently and frequently...for me, these 2 brands are the best ever made😎👍

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

I am done with leatherman their tools always break on me when I need them, they rust like crazy and the steel is so hard it either chips or snaps. I have had so many warranty claims, my original swiss tool is 20 years old and still in great shape, the fit and finish is perfect, leathermans always feel unfinished stiff and cheap by comparison.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

I’ve broken tools on every brand of multi-tool that I’ve owned, Leatherman, SOG, and Gerber. I’ve never owned a Swiss tool though and they appear to be made really well. I’ve been very pleased with my other Victorinox products and would very much like to have one of these.

[@mountainbearoutdoors]

@@appalachiangunman9589 the difference in quality is night and day, the swiss tool is exceptional compared to my leathermans.

[@appalachiangunman9589]

@@mountainbearoutdoors I’ve never got to handle one but the next time I go to Smokey Mountain Knife Works that’s probably what I’ll buy.

[@ulary]

Did you buy?

[@peddypeoples941]

the cool thing is, the design of the swisstool exists since 97 and has since only been improved on in the pliers, my old one from 98 has relatively slim but stubby pliers, the newer versions got beefed up. I have used the charge tti and wave +, both excellent (one handed opening is no plus for me, im a lefty and we got laws here against those knives), but the swisstool is another league regarding fit and finish, general craftsmanship. greetings from germany:)

[@diypreppertv]

Greetings from Texas!

[@thebeardedalchemist]

Swiss Tool is just amazing you can hear just by opening and closing the tools that it is high quality

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Just replaced my Swisstool with a Swisstool X, had the last one for 10 years, dropped it in a deep river last month 😥 absolutely fantastic bit of kit and superbly made. Love the Leatherman Wave but the STX is a whole diffferent league in engineering and real world practicality... but i would recommend a wrist lanyard!!!

[@waygone6657]

I've had four other multi tools, 1 Gerber, 2 Leatherman, and a Winchester. The Gerber pinched me many times using the pliers, the Lethermans broker and the Winchester just wasn't smooth. I've been carrying the Victorinox for well over 10 years and use it for one thing or another daily. It is very comfortable, a little heavy compared to some of the others but it works. It doesn't pinch, the tools stay locked into place and I have been much harder with it than I have any of the others and functionally it is still like new.

[@paulpatriot1776]

I’ve had the non “X” version of this for 10 years now and after lots of use, still functions perfectly

[@Joseblack_777]

The swisstool is the best multitool ever made

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching!

[@sharonfinzi9472]

Obviously a very impressive tool. Appreciate your opinion and honest review. But the Leatherman Surge, especially the '2013' one, with the strengthened jaws and replaceable wire cutters, plus better overall ergonomics and modularity is the the most capable multi tool on this planet.

[@jf_c137]

Have to agree. IMHO the Swisstools are only better in rust resistance and possibly weight.

[@waygone6657]

Glad to hear Leatherman has improved their quality. 🙂

[@waholoopesorry74]

@@waygone6657 Improved? They've always been quality. I own 13 Leathermans and never had an issue with things breaking or rust

[@SonOfNiall]

I own a new Leatherman Surge. The fit and finish sucked out the gate, and it rusts.

[@roytore5062]

Extra thumbs up for the Victorinox Explorer. Bought it for the inline philips, but the magnifying glass comes in handy all the time

[@diypreppertv]

The inline Phillips is one of my favorite Swiss Army knife tools!

[@mauriciolacruz]

Excellent video! 👍🏻 I own both (Victorinox Swisstool and Leatherman Surge) and I find the Swisstool to be much more practical as well as far more refined and much better built than the Surge. The attention to detail, smoothness, comfort of use and overall precision on the Swisstool is just second to none and unsurpassed by any other multitool I've tried so far. Absolute winner for me: the Swisstool. 🥇

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching and commenting Mauricio!

[@mauriciolacruz]

@@diypreppertv The Swisstool is just superb. Only the safe and ultraprecise click when closing it (unlike by friction on the Leatherman Surge) tells you everything.

[@nitric75]

@@mauriciolacruz exactly that. my surge plier head get stuck when folding it in. So does my old wave (2nd gen - without the removable wire cutter). Xe6 and Free P4 are ok but Free p4 tools do get stick together and follow whichever one u trying to engage. These sort of problems do not appear in my swisstool, the 2 swisstool spirit X or cybertool L. The locking sound of the tool on victorinox is so nice and solid. Well, victorinox, specially the swisstool series is just 1 or 2 lvl above the built quality of leatherman. I have 8 leathermans and i only edc the p4 on certain occassions. The rest, sad to say, stay in the drawer.

[@saviom8166]

Good video. Friendly sounding host too.

[@dcamnc1]

Everyone talks up the surge. I’ve had one for years, and I’d trade it in a second for the swisstool x.

[@streetballplayer100]

Totally agree with you about the way Leatherman hides the tool inside handles so you should open it up, get the tool, close it.... Like WHY LEATHERMAN? every time I see a Leatherman it gets me grazy.

[@cjlane4465]

Because why not?? Its not like flicking the leatherman open and sliding the tool out is going to break your wrist.. oh its inconvenient?? Boo hoo, you had to spend an extra 1 second to deploy a small tool. I really dont get why outside accessible tools is a sole selling point for a lot of people, when the tools are still 2 hand required opening.. like at least leatherman makes the 4 most often used tools easily accessible with one hand.. is that 1 extra second to get the driver or scissors out really going to save you money and time??

[@cjlane4465]

My main point is.. while your tools rolling in your pocket, for somone like me who works in a metal shop, id prefer my tools to be covered as i find it to collect a lit less metal shavings and dirt.. now is it that big of a deal.. no. And thats why it really doesnt matter either way.. outside tools, interior tools, they have very minor pluses and minuses.. and the fact simpletons like to use them as selling points for one brand or another is pathetic. Both of these companies make phenomenal products, thats why theyre known as the best world wide. What works for one person may nkt be prefered by another and thats just okay.

[@streetballplayer100]

@@cjlane4465 finally someone has a reasonable argument about this issue

[@cjlane4465]

@@streetballplayer100 thank you! Sorry if i seemed a little confrontational. I appreciate you taking the time to read.

[@fc436]

The file on swisstool is made of the same steel of the rest of tools :x55crmo14 (or 14110) victorinox version. But the file Have a special hard chromium coating. The file don't rust. The rust is for the Remains of filed metal.

[@Ngelba21]

I just happen to come across this video and this is probably the best explanation or thoughts or opinion (switching brand) or logic behind multi tools. Yes, the Swiss Tool models and it's smaller sibling, the Spirits, have that one glaring and obvious weakness, which is the one-handed opening blade (pre-MX models). Plus also I would like to mention the steel that Victorinox uses, which is on the softer side but never rust just like the rest of the tool and easy to sharpen. In my humble opinion, the blade on multitools is just it, "a blade". It's not a knife in the "real sense", it's a blade that just happens to be "included" in your multitool. This is also the case for most Swiss army knives and this is also applicable to other multitool brands such as SOG, Gerber and even Leathermans that's have awesome blades. The way you presented the three ,( Swiss Tool, SKA and knife) and how you described and how it compliments each other is the same exact reason I have been using Swiss Tools for years now. To me, aside from what you describe or explained in the video, the reason for me switching and sticking to Swiss Tools are it's ease of use like the couple of things you mention being no clumping and implements being available even the pliers being closed, built, being essentially rust proof and comfort while using (most important reason). It's really not "what it has or hasn't" but more of "how it works" and "lasts". Most who carry multitools in their person also happens to carry real knives, so the debate of not having a good OHO knife or blade is negated. I am not knocking on Leatherman's and other multitool brands that have good blades on them, but my point is more of just because Swiss Tools doesn't have a good blade and one-handed opening (again pre - MX models), it's a lesser of a multi tool and people shouldn't buy it. Thanks for the great video!

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@panoskarallis6797]

Also the rust on files are not from the actual file.it’s small particles and scrub from filing metal that sit on the tool and rust.you can remove them with a metal brush and if needed some wd40 to help. If you clean it after use you will never have this issue.

[@MMAR07]

Exactly, the rust that shows on the stainless / inox steel is referred to as 'fly rust'. These are particles of iron (in case of the file coming from the iron that was being filed) that end up on the stainless file which start to rust. This is typically a surface rust that will not effect the integrity of the stainless steel file itself and indeed can be removed fairly easily.

[@marctestarossa]

If this had the interchangeable bits system of the Leatherman Wave, it would be the perfect tool for me. But I use so many different bits on a daily basis like torx... I would miss the option. And I prefer the variation with the Victorinox scissors because they definitely make the best army knife and multi-tool scissors in the world.

[@davidsiegel9847]

My 22 year old SwissTool is not called "X" and it DOES have the standard great Victorinox scissors. The current SwissTool comes in several variations. I don't know if the original version did. But no X in the name. The current models definately have beefier pliers. My 22 year old SwissTool is still good, and has held up well. Completely useable. Cheers!

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching!

[@panoskarallis6797]

If you worked with europian wire connectors and sockets you would have seen the small flat screwdrivers importance 😉

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Yep.. British as well

[@egcgc7125]

I got a question.. is this super conductive??? All is metalic

[@panoskarallis6797]

@@egcgc7125 yes. Use it on live circuit and you will confirm it the hard way. It’s not a tool for an electrician and shouldn’t be used by someone who doesn’t at least knows what he is doing.

[@JoshNieporte]

The file looks rusted because that's actually leftover metal from what you were filing. Just brush it off with a wire brush. I put a little 3-in-1 oil beforehand so the metal filings don't stick as much.

[@garyfranklin7747]

Very informative video. As far as cutting PVC pipe, the wood saw (as does the wood saw on my Leatherman Wave) works much better than does the narrow portion of the file. Similar to what you mention re: gripping the Swisstool's pliers being more comfortable than pliers of other multitools, I've found that gripping the Wave hard when using some other tools (such as the serrated blade) often more uncomfortable than gripping the Swisstool hard, unless wearing relatively thick gloves. Has to do with more metal of other tools sticking out when in their resting places.

[@djg8791]

I was issued one when I deployed to Afghanistan with the Australian Army, I’ve never used it never carried it, but I’m guessing it’s an interesting thing for people who like these multi tools as it is completely black and has the MSN on it and the arrow.

[@emanuelroth7960]

I have that ADF issued version too (I live in NZ). Bought it from the vet that was issued it. Great multitool, but I'm too scared to use it as I want to keep it mint, so I just bought a new Swisstool yesterday.

[@roy-batty]

If you're looking for something a bit more pocket friendly: Spirit X.

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Good review , you can’t knock the Swisstool ! Personally , I prefer the Swisstool Spirit X , mainly due to it’s compact size !

[@diypreppertv]

I have also heard that the ergonomics are excellent. Thanks for watching!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

Good video, I just bought a victorinox swisstool x plus ratchet. It should be arriving tomorrow. JT

[@diypreppertv]

Awesome!

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Multitools are only as good as having it on you when you need it. The STX wins for me because the low profile and compactness of the sheath allows you to carry a heavy duty multi tool without really noticing it. I did have the big Leatherman but rarely carried it because the sheath was too bulky, as a result it spent its time in my tool box... with a whole load of proprietary tools that all do the 'tool thing' better than a multi tool. A multi tool isn't a replacement for a proper set of tools, its a compromise between portability and versitility. Victorinox have 140 years experience in selecting the best options for your pocket and the STX just does it very well because it is genuinely compact when folded and easy to carry.

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for watching!

[@frozenphoenix5121]

If you go into the trades any of these pliers multi tool will always be good for you.

[@appleztooranges]

Swisstool is amazing. But I can’t give up my Leatherman as it doesn’t come with a pocket clip! My dad found the Swisstool on the road just like this and functions. It’s amazing and amazing feeling. I just miss the one handed deployment knife on the surge and Leatherman wave! I got the victorinox Swisstool spirit x as well. Amazing

[@diypreppertv]

I can understand wanting a pocket clip. I usually carry my Swisstool in a bag and have a Swiss Army knife in my front pocket. My EDC folder (Kershaw Cryo) has a pocket clip and stays in my key pocket with the clip helping it stay put.

[@thealchemist5376]

That's my Swisstool you found! I'll pm you my details... ;)

[@appleztooranges]

@@thealchemist5376 lol

[@tianl98765]

for the ease of opening without opening up the pliers, you now also have leatherman free series to compete against swisstools 😁

[@jamesconroy7030]

the other problem with multi tools that don't have outside access to at least the knife is that the blade is sharp on the "wrong" side. Like if You use it on a cutting board only the tip of the blade can touch the board.

[@fc436]

I think the cost ti produce a swisstool or Spirit Is double more ti produce a leatherman. Fit and finish, QUALIITY comtrol, quality of heat treatment...all Is superior on Victorinox. And in EU Victorinox Is cheaper of leatherman.

[@timsummers870]

Swiss quality is unbelievable. The Germans and Austrians are the same. Their guns, tanks, and knives are the best in the world. Those people didn't come to this planet to fool around.

[@diypreppertv]

Definitely. The Czechs aren’t bad either.

[@pricexs4129]

The Swiss tool there has always been something about the way it looks I’ve always like. I would pick the leatherman surge if I needed a heavy duty multi tool but the Swiss tool looks

[@6T7T9]

nice unbiased review ,,subscribed!!

[@Thomasnmi]

Nice review. Not sure this would be a good replacement for my Leatherman Wave +

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks! It’s good to have different options

[@Thomasnmi]

@@diypreppertv the only tough decision is if someone doesn't already have a multi tool. If i didn't have a multi tool and I was looking for my first, the decision between swisstool and Leatherman would be like choosing between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini. Both are close to the best. :) I am very glad we have choices between top notch tools. It keeps the competition working

[@TheAzurinBoyz2012]

The only minor thing that is missing in this multitool are the serrated blade

[@diypreppertv]

It’s a shame that they discontinued the Swisstool RS. It had scissors as well as a seatbelt cutter blade which was a serrated recurve with a blunt tip. Perfect for cutting straps and cordage.

[@kacperpilch567]

greetings from poland :)

[@mrbear8771]

It’s not bad

[@diavoletto1985]

hi, i just picked up my new swisstool x. Is it normal for the pliers to have a very small play on its pin?

[@caroliney.4725]

my Swisstool which I bought back in 2005 with the red label on the handle had some play in the plier pivot, most likely due to overpolishing of the pivot pin. They have made minor improvements since then so I don't know about the newer ones. How old is yours?

[@Sey357]

VICTORINOX 👑

[@annekedebruyn7797]

The only thing I hate about it is that it looks to pretty to use!

[@PokkutoolsMalaysia]

Good review..

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks!

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

Yes i had at first Leatherman Skeletool CX and bits wit him i like him but it was knife and i must carw pauch for ewry thing and for Christmas i both my self Victorinox Spirit MX with clip and sheat and in sheat i put bits like on Leatherman but its in doferent space coality control is much much hiigr and beter in Victorinox and its life i use Vic Mx Spirit and 940Benchmade i tthink that i will hawe it all my life 99% cos they are good and reliable tools.

[@bushj856]

does it have self lock function?

[@philipgamboa6134]

Thanks but I will stay n my lm for one hand opening system coz there are time that both f r hands busy

[@dgunn4408]

I'm guessing the file probably rusts because its made of hardened tool steel. Stainless steel is too soft to file anything.

[@analogmatrix1442]

The file rusts because you can’t apply a stainless steel finish to the filing faces or edge or else it would not file because it would be too smooth. 🤯 The more you know

[@ItsBoyRed]

HAHAHA omg thats so wrong i honestly laughed!The reason it rusts is the metal dust you filed stay on the file if you dont brush or blow it away. "Stainless" is not a finish you "apply", its the amount of chromium in the steel that makes it stainless. If you let the rust stay on the tool it can start to rust the stainless tool too, satinless does not mean 100% rust proof, but resistant. - Former stainless steel smith

[@analogmatrix1442]

@@ItsBoyRed yes I am wrong about the finish being applied on top. The most effective files are simple high carbon simple steel that will rust almost immediately with any moisture and some files do have a diamond coating (on top). Not everyone is a scientist and spews the correct technical jargon. I know adding other elements in the forging changes the properties of the steel (chromium, vanadium etc.). I spoke in common layman speak my mistake mister. I bid you you good day sir.

[@fc436]

All victorinox files (Saks and swisstool) are built with the same proprietary super high rust resistant steel like the rest of the tool. Plus, the victorinox file have a special hard chromium coating. These is waht victorinox say in their specs. The rust on the file is because the metal dust.

[@ZH-ls6nb]

The file is a hard steel not inox

[@MrDkgio]

Swiss quality and engineering…