Jon, I must say that you are the single reason I own the Victorinox Compact and am now interested in the Victorinox Spirit. I absolutely love my Compact and never go anywhere without it. You were spot on about it. I never gave Victorinox a thought for years. Just wasn’t interested until seeing your videos. I have always been a huge fan of Leatherman and will always own them, but man oh man, I find your persuasion for the Spirit highly irresistible.
It has been said the best knife in a disaster situation is the one in your pocket. Let's be honest whether a Victor Knox or Leatherman these knives are great. Please carry at least one. And for 80 to 90% of all your situations it won't matter which one you carry you will just be glad you have it.
@@captainkidney8577 I don’t need to go there to understand Germany placing restrictions on OHO knives or locking knives makes little sense. Or the UK not allowing locking knives for some reason… I guess that’s why we fought a war to be rid of such restrictions. Another reason for LM being superior in the states is the cost associated with customs and shipping. You pay a premium in Europe while the states are free trade.
You make some of the best reviews and comparisons on RUclips, a pleasure to listen to you, you've such a chilling voice 🙂 thanks for that. Greetings from Germany 😊
One minor correction on the saw measurement for the Wave. You measured the back side of the saw (1mm), the cutting side is 1.35mm. It is tapered so the saw doesn't bind during the cut. It's still thinner than the Vic, but only by 0.15mm.
Thanks for this video Jon! You are my go to if I want to look for an edc review. Very good audio, grreat presentation and the way you speak is not too fast, easy to understand for a non english as first language. Keep it up! Cheers!
Thanks again for taking time to make this great comparison. I really enjoy your combination of objective, detailed descriptions and personal opinions. The review is really a piece of beautifully composed video prose.
thK U for this Video . 👍 I have just acquired the Wave . with your instruction I began to open all tools safely . these CO. s are both the Best tool and knife makers . 🔧..
Thanks for the review . And making up for the request. Well had purchased victorinox spirit over leather man.. was inclined as I was used to victorinox camping knife.much appreciated
I have had a Wave for quite a few years and have been somewhat interested in the Victorinox multi tools, but have yet to handle one myself. Excellent video.
They are great, they really are. The build quality is excellent. I think of the Leathermans as tools for the average Joe while the Victorinox Spirit Series is more like a Rolls Royce, a gentleman’s tool but that doesn’t mean it’s flimsy or breaks easily, quite the opposite. It’s a premium product in every sense of the word. Not just in price and looks but also in toughness and reliability. I highly recommend you trying one out for yourself. I love both the leatherman and Victorinox.
Really nice review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 2 tools. I have a Vic Spirit XBS and a LM Surge. Those are different, but for heavier or creative work I always choose the Surge. For light EDC everyday tasks the XBS is perfect. I’m looking forward to seeing you Surge comparison video.
I'm a Surge man myself! After my shower and on weekends I switch to the SwissChamp. I really want a Spirit, but it really has no place in my rotation. I really did my homework years ago and the Surge was my first multi tool as an adult, then the Minichamp for my keys and then I added the SwissChamp. Sooner or later I'll add some variation of the Spirit.
Thanks for another great comparison review. I have the Wave + but am impressed with the Spirit X. I went over to the Victorinox Swiss Army store and they want $129 for the plain Spirit X with sheath, $159 for the Spirit X plus with bits, and $179! for the Spirit X plus with ratcheting driver. I have all the extra flat bits with the Wave + (I opted for a slightly larger case), so think I’ll just get the standard Spirit X. Thanks again! P.S. just found a couple of other knife sites with it at $104! There you go. Looking forward to trying it out. 👍
Subscribed. Always love your detailed reviews, straight-forward and eloquently stated. In terms of the LM vs. VIC discussion, I'm a house divided. I have several LMs - Wave +, MUT EOD, Surge, ST 300, Rebar, Signal. I only have one VIC - the Swiss Tool X. I love them all. I particularly love the design/form/engineering of the VIC. But when it comes time to really use/abuse my tools, I reach for my LMs every single time. I can't quite put my finger on it (I do find the VIC capable), but it might lean towards the point that I just find the VIC too pretty. If that makes sense. Anyway, that's my experience to add to the conversation here. Thank you again for these great reviews.
Thanks Jon as always. Really appreciate your detailed balanced reviews. Totally agree, both are excellent tools but the quality of Victorinox is hard to match .
Had Leatherman for years, but unable to take out of home due to laws in Australia. Just picked up the Spirit X and it is amazing. The quality of this tool is amazing. It is also legal for me to carry in public so this is my new favourite multi-tool. Your video helped me to decide on this tool.
I have the same problem, here in the state I live in American I can not carry a switch blade or auto. So I carry a cold steel triad lock next best thing
I prefer the rolled edges on the Wave Plus handles. Makes using the pliers much more comfortable. It is my favorite tool and works great for me. Thanks for the detailed comparison.
Something I'd like to add about the Leatherman wave, DO NOT pry with it at all. The metal is far too brittle. I currently have 5 Leatherman waves all with busted bits. Do keep in mind that I use it everyday at work. I've owned many Victorinox pocket knives and they have always held up well. I will be purchasing a Spirt X after watching this video. Thanks for the review
I have a 3 inch pry tool I paid $5 for on my keys. I use it often, it’s amazing what it can do. I would not ever want to pry with a multitool or sak. It’s not worth the abusive to a treasured multi or sak.
Nicely presented, pleasing lack of hype and dramatics! Which is the winner, does that really matter, both are good reliable products so either would do a good job.
Good review. Now I've watched I'm glad I went with the Leatherman Surge, LOL. With regards accessories the 2D bits that Leatherman do, while not as nice as full size hex bits, make a huge difference to the bulk of carrying around extra bits and the new ratcheting bit driver extender is amazing. I know accessories are an extra but they are an option I always consider when making a purchase.
I've only ever owned one leatherman in my life handed down to me by dad, apart from the knife, no tool in leathermans in my opinion compares to that of the swisstool spirit X. I think the spirit X is the best multitool ever designed by victorinox. I've owned mine for about 16 years now, use it every single day and it still appears as though I just took it out the box. The pry tool is like a crowbar and the wood saw goes through wood and thick plastic like wolverine's adamantium claws. I've done some research to try to find out what kind of steel the Vic swisstool spirit X uses, I only come up with 440C but that thing must be made out of Vibranium or something. (lol) Don't know about other Vics except for the huntsman 2 and the Swisstool X but the spirit X is like on another level of multitool. This is my confession.
👍 Good comparison of these 2 excellent tools. I was (still am) a big fan of the original Leatherman Wave. But then I discovered the Victorinox Spirit X and have never looked back. The Victorinox has every tool I need, they are all accessible with the tool closed, they all lock, and the ergonomics of this tool are perfect for me. Plus, the Spirit X is built like a tank.
Ive several LM multitools, and to-date ZERO Vic MT (although a little bird tells me there will be a Swisstool Spirit X under the tree for me this year) and I’ll prob use the Vic as an “urban” carry MT and rely on my Rebar, ST300, and Wingman for my forays into the wild by foot or by Jeep. Your detailed and thorough synopsis of these really makes me antsy to get my ‘hooks on my holiday gift and as always it’s among the best reviewdios on the internet.
Hello, John. I have all 4 of them: The Surge, the Swisstool X, the Victorinox Spirit, and the Leatherman Wave...My personal opinión is that the Leatherman wave & Surge are exceptionally capable and very durable. I am in industrial wleder, and have been for 20+ years. In that type of environment, Leatherman is quite exeptional... The 2 Victorinox multitools i have are absolutely excellent and superb...I really enjoy them for around the house and outside projects, both are exceptionally amazing.😇👍
Yeah, I am an industrial pipe fitter, have a stack of multi tools and find that there are horses for courses. I carry the Leatherman Crunch at work because of the versatility of the vice grips. In my car, I have the bestial Surge along with ratchet driver and bit kit. If I'm going about my day to day, I have Sog Powerpint in my pocket - very useful and you wouldn’t know it was there.
@@Maixo I mostly carry the PowerPint. I wish the step up, PowerAccess, had a saw blade one it instead of the serrated blade. I'd carry that 6 oz in a heartbeat.
Great review.... im done with Leatherman John... just ordered my SPIRIT X ... today... thank you .. And also a Panama notebook...lol all down to you..Please do you know where I could buy the ratchet bit set etc from please ... I live in the UK 🇬🇧 AWESOME REVIEWS... KEEP IT UP
Dear Jon, excellent video, as you are used to us by now. I am lucky to have both tools (I also have the SwissTool), and I agree with you. The quality of Victorinox, the choice of tools and the ease of access to them make it almost impossible to beat. Sometimes they seem to have very different approaches, one (Leatherman) prioritizes one-handed opening over the other tools, while the other (Victorinox) is more balanced. For the use that I give it, I undoubtedly prefer the Victorinox, to that I would add that I do not know people who publish in the forums, cases in which the tool has broken. Greetings.
Victorinox Spirit X is far superior to the Wave plus for many more reasons.The main ones,that are enough to choose the Spirit ,is the huge difference in quality,toughness and longevity but also the amount of tools/uses,which are more on the Spirit X. It just checks more ticks and the most important parts in comparison.
You just can't help but be happy every time you have the Spirit in your hand, move parts or even just look at it. It helps that it also has an almost perfect toolset. Every time I hold or use my mates Leatherman's I am quickly reminded why the Spirit is in my pocket.
I only own Leatherman multitools but this video made me want a vic, they seem very solid! Something I would add is that the Leatherman can easily integrate a pocket clip for carrying it, whereas Victorinox doesn’t make one for their tools, forcing you to look for third party solutions. That’s big for me because I don’t like carrying my multitools in a sheath and I don’t like them loose in my pocket either, pocket clips help a lot. The other huge point is that Leatherman will go above and beyond in terms of warranty, even if the tool is broken due to abuse, they’ll happily fix it or replace it, I know from experience: I broke a flat screwdriver using it to pry and they replaced the whole tool (which had seen a lot use and it was evident) for a new one, and that to me makes it far more worth the price than most of the competition. I have no experience with how Victorinox handles warranty claims so I can’t really say Leatherman wins but Leatherman would be very hard to beat in that regard. Great video and great comparison, looking forward to the Surge vs Swisstool showdown!
Personally I find the victorinox looks almost too nice and fancy to beat down on. Maybe if I was inside more or did cleaner work. The replaceable wire cutters are also very useful and the replaceable bits with the driver already in just makes more sense to me. Thank you for the breakdown!
I know what u mean. I am a robotics mentor. The fit and finish for a Victorinox is a fine fit for a technician 👨🔧 in a clean environment. Everything Vic does it does with style. But if I was a maintenance worker I would be guarded about how I abused the wire cutters and pliers and such.
Awesome video. Well explained. It would be very helpful if you could do a comparison between Victorinox spirit and Victorinox Swiss tool. I am stuck deciding between the two for buying a Multitool for myself.
Hi, my favourite two. I just can't pick one over the other. I keep going from one to the other. Especially since I have changed the small glasses bit exchanger for the small flat screwdriver, thanks to you. For my use they are pretty even now. Definitely Victorinox have better finish quality, more like gentleman's tool. Leatherman is more rough around the edges, looks a bit tougher for me at least. But both are excellent tools and they will get you out from a tough situation, it is personal choice at the end. If you can't choose like me, get both😁👍. Excellent review my friend, can't wait to see Surge vs Swisstool. I have got the Swisstool by the way, it is big and heavy 😁😁. Take care my friend.
Hi 😊 I hope you are well. Thanks for the feedback as always. Yes, I'm with you on all points - just working on swisstool vs surge now so hope to have something soon.
I owned the charge tti first. The medium flathead snapped off on first use on a plastic screw on a printer. I'm sure it was a defect but I was living in Japan and the warranty process was a lot of trouble. I replaced it with the swiss tool that came with the ratchet kit and the corkscrew with the micro screwdriver that goes with it. I served in the army and knew lots of guys that loved their leathermans and also gerbers. I'm happy with my swiss spirit x, peanut butter blade and all. Japan has crazy knife laws btw. about 3 inches is what you're legally allowed to carry.
I just got this Swiss tool spirit x. I was testing it out making some hardwood shavings like I usually do with my multi tools and the blade chipped. Do you think this is normal.I’m deciding whether to return it , have it repaired or exchanged. Victorinox said it was not made for carving but that they would repair it or exchange it. Thanks
I've never found myself needing an awl, hook, nor chisel. But eyeglass/electronics screwdrivers have come in handy. And maybe it's just a Canadian thing, but my Wave+ came with an extra bit with red+green Robertson ends in addition to the Phillips+flat bit. And the nylon case includes a pocket to store an extra but or two. The scissors on the original Wave, before adding the double-ended bit drivers, were larger and better IMO. But they really improved the straight knife blade with the Wave+.
Hello, Jon - excellent overview of these two fine multitools...I have the "New" Wave (2nd Gen.), which is really an excellent multitool. I could not see myself updating to the Wave +, as the only two changes made were the cutters and the electrical crimpers; a further "win" for the plier head...that is why I upgraded to the Surge which includes among other things, an awl...the crimpers in the Wave+ are not as good as dedicated electrical wire crimpers are, but in a pinch they will work just fine...I wish Leatherman had upgraded the edge file on the wood/metal/diamond file to a saw instead...it is very sad not to see the XC being offered by Victorinox, folks who buy it usually have a dedicated folder they use as their primary...I researched both the Spirit and the Swisstool and I found I preferred the Swisstool X because of its size, the rule and the nice scissors...looking forward to your review of the " big boys"...thanks for this interesting video...
@@BOOSTEDLASER I'm don't know is the short answer! They keep their metals chemistry a secret but I believe it is close to 420HC with a bit more chromium.
I had a Rebar and later picked a SwissTool X, the Spirit' big brother; i don't care about Leatherman anymore, except for collection only. Victorinox has far superior quality, finishing and aesthetics. Some features of Leatherman models are interesting but not crucial, plus, there were the usual complains with broken pliers and parts.
As someone who is only just getting into multi tools, this is interesting to know. As an owner of many Victorinox knives, I just never associated multi tools with the brand. But I’ll be looking now.
Yeah the only tools I've had failed is Leatherman. Cheaper metal? I've had them just snap. No failure with Victorinox. I also have a SOG seems well made but it's only flaw is the self service nuts can unwanted unscrew so have to tighten or check periodically.
@@michaelcosta7235 I know! A very rarely ever see a negative comment about Leatherman! No matter what tool you put against it the Leatherman always is the winner and anything I've ever had Leatherman has just been top of the line
Ive had the L wave sence it came out . Was going to buy a new wave + this week end. After stumbling in this vid I'm glad i didn't. Im getting VS. I love precision,the W is a mess in that regard. Ive never used the blade in my wave,as i always have a high end folder with me. Im in with the Spirit ! Thank you!!
Hi, this video is really well made. I like the victorinox, but wish the blade one hand, and beefier. Also serrated blade looks good on on Leatherman. Undecided.
My dad bought me a wave for Christmas a few years ago and it's seen use everyday. The Victorinox looks great, but I'll stick to Leatherman if only for sentimental reasons.
I use collect and use BOTH Victorinox and Leatherman. I bought my first Swiss Champ knife (best "bang for the buck" of their line at the time for features and price) some 30 years ago and had it refurbished as good as new by Victorinox recently. My first multitool was the Leatherman Wave (which I stupidly lost and had to replace with another) and now use the Charge (with the ratchet attachment). I have since bought the Spirit multitool and, lo and behold, it can be fitted with a neat little ratchet driver as well. Honestly, I cannot rate one make "better" than the other as I own and use both. Neither has proven a disappointment. Around the house, I tend to use the Leatherman tools. Away from home (camping, picnics etc.) my go-to is Victorinox.
I have both and the Victorinox is by far the most comfortable in hand. Each has its’ place but the Leatherman is the one I would ditch if I could only keep one.
Interesting. I also own both and use both. But I think the Leatherman has a lot better wire cutters. The vic doesn't cut to great but they do definitely work.
Great video as always but no replaceable cutters and no replaceable bits - sorry Jon but, whilst I love Victorinox Swiss Army Knifes and own quite a few, the Victorinox Spirit is absolutely no match for my trusty Leatherman Wave +
Hi John, an excellent review as always! I recently bought the Vic spirit MX clip and it seems to have a little play on the pliers (about 0.5-1mm) and I was wondering if that is normal. Does yours have any play?
I really enjoyed watching your review and your attention to detail. Now that I am about to join the armed forces, my first choice was the Gerber MP600, but I quickly discovered that the sliding plier head was too much for me. Then I went into a store and tried the Wave+ and the Surge: both were exceptionally well-built, but the externally accessible tools did not appear to be a smart choice for a harsh environment. After watching endless comparison videos, I realized that I needed more than one multitool so I bought two Leatherman multitools in black oxide finish: a Rebar as my go-to primary tool and a Leatherman Supertool 300 as my backup/barracks tool. I also got an extender adapter for the Philips driver allowing me to use Leatherman bits with both multitools. The main reasons for choosing Leatherman over Gerber, SOG and even Victorinox were the replaceable wire cutters, the ability to dismantle and replace individual tools as necessary - even the plier head, the availability of bits and extenders and the overall feel. That being said, Victorinox Swisstool blows the competition out of the water in terms of quality and precision: it looks and feels like a work of art, and it is for that reason exactly I would feel guilty beating the crap out of it. I also have a Victorinox Super Tinker for its excellent scissors and the dedicated tin opener, and a small heavy-duty prybar to open ammo boxes, crates and the like. Lastly, since I expect to carry a combat knife strapped onto my vest, the absence of a substantial blade which opens from the outside was not a dealbreaker.
I think the point is that these tools are for emergencies really. It is always best to use a proper screwdriver of the correct size if possible. I have the Wave without the replaceable plier blades but I'll never wear them out and I'd always use pliers or side cutters if I can. I also have the Skeletool with the plain 154CM blade and I never never use the knife blade, as I want to keep it razor sharp for when I really need it.
To each his own, but my philosophy is the exact opposite. I keep a multi tool as first line. If it can save me a trip to the truck or garage it's a win for me. For instance, I was a commercial mower for years. I maintained mostly medium sized complexes and city lots and one very large apartment complex. People called me nuts because I carried my Surge and both bit kits everywhere even while weedeating for hours at a time. If an unruly branch less than 3 inches needed cutting, I'd hop off the z turn and have it done in less time than going to the trailer. If my weedeater needed adjusting, I'd handle it on the spot. If my enclosed trailer panels had a loose screw it was handled in seconds. Cutting weedeater string, pulling a belt that popped off, back on, reajusting an arm on the zero turn when they are not syncing up...the list really goes on and on. For me a multi tool is about having a good enough tool on you. On those hot summer days my Surge saved me at least an hour a day. At least. Even at home I have my SwissChamp on me almost all the time. Multi tools are time savers for me. I don't understand people who have them in a drawer at home. You can buy a proper set of tools for cheaper. But again to each his own.
@@davidfontenot5223 we like how they look, we like to touch them, feel them, play with them,enjoy their craftsmanship and use them from time to time. We use them certainly not as much as you do but if everyone was like you there probably wouldn't be a huge multitool market, but i could be wrong. We keep them in a drawer because we work in an office/at home on a computer. We don't need to tie the multitool to our underwater while we sip our coffee. Our lives don't revolve around a multitool, but i guess it isn't a crime that a multitool revolves around our life, even if it's in a drawer.
@Dariusus I literally started AND ended my comment with "To each his own." How you feel my comment implied my life revolves around my multitool because I explained how it saved me an hour a day is baffling to me. Everyone has different needs and we fill them the way we see fit. I hope you don't feel I was attacking or belittling anyone like yourself. But it was not my intention. All I was saying is that if you have it in a drawer at home you could have a proper set of tools at your disposal for less money. I think that's helpful advice to someone who just needs a simple set of tools. If you simply like the way they look and feel that's awesome too. I collect things I don't necessarily need and don't care if others don't understand why. This conversation is about different people's uses for multi tools. I stated mine. That said I totally understand an office worker not wanting a multi tool on them during their 9 to 5. We have different needs and wants, nothing wrong with that. If you can understand why you have a multi tool to mostly admire it, why can't you understand I keep my SwissChamp on me when I'm off the clock? I like admiring fine craftsmanship and simply fidgeting with one too! 😃 A Surge on my hip makes me more efficient on my job and a SwissChamp on my hip elswhere is cool to admire and use when needed. If it's a nuisance on yours and you put it in a drawer we are both getting what we want for our money. Cheers.
They are both nice, but I prefer the Wave+ as a "package tool" when you compare the 2 with their add-on components. The Wave+ with 40 bits and an extender all fitting an a small nylon pouch is unbeatable for me in my bag. As a standalone tool, I would probably go for the new Spirit MX (with pocket clip and one handed blade). p.s. Stiff leathermand pliers have been a problem lately. But I easily fixed mine with some fine diamond grinding paste and WD-40. Very smooth action now with no plier play.
Add-on components have no place in multitools. They're normal in bigger, dedicated tool sets, but unacceptable in multitools. If I carry a multitool, I do so because I want to have all tools permanently integrated within, with no need to carry any external junk.
I love Leatherman's design (especialy one handed knife) more than Victorinox's but definetely Victorinox looks more elegant. As tools -except knife- Victorinox looks far better I think. It may because of I'm an everyday Victorinox user since 2007 but I realy never have struggle about tools on my Victorinox.
Hallo Jon, thanks for the great review. Awesome job. 😀 One thing I'd like to add regarding the plier heads: The Vic pliers are overlapping the other way, compared to the Leatherman ones. Vic changed that some years ago. The reason is, that they found out, that you put the most stress on the plier joint, when gripping a screw axially and trying to unscrew it. The Vic joint is made to better withstand this stress and last longer without getting loose.
@@JonGadget I once stumbled over a video of one Vic employee explaining the chronology of the plier heads. In my memory it was Karl Elsener, but that might be retrospective wishful thinking. :-) Regarding the legality of multitools (and knives) in Germany, we try to make the regulations as complicated as we can, of course. Illegal to carry (w/o specific reasons) is the combination of one hand opening and locking. Either one is ok - just the combination is forbidden. Oh, and fixed blades with a blade length of more than 12 cm are illegal to carry. I guess a giant folder like the biggest Opinel is ok, as it is not one hand opening. :-D
I would mention that the Leatherman replaceable cutters are not only replaceable but a harder steel. I like being able to cut harder and thicker materials than the plier head steel could handle.
That was an excellent comparison but you missed a tool on the chisel of the victorinox which is called an isolation length cutter and it also has 2 lanyard rings, one which can be used as a lanyard and the other for the cockscrew bottle opener accessory. I'd give it to the victorinox as as well as it is much stronger and of premium quality. Also the wood saw on this thing can almost go through a tree. Not a typical wood saw I can say this much.
The answer is Leatherman Surge. The T shank blade exchanger and larger scissors will change your life at a minor weight penalty. At least in the USA where t-shank is standard for many tool types so you can get all kinds of blades, file profiles, including oversized ones etc.
Might be my favorite video so far! I have a Spirit X and always wondered how it compares to the Wave. This video made me like the Spirit even more 😁 Leatherman is so dominant in Israel, that in Hebrew with don't have a word for multi-tool, we call them "Leatherman" lol. The Victorinox Israeli site calls multi-tools in English because of that! And I have a Spirit X that my father bought me when I joined the army, and this is my favorite EDC tool I own. About a month ago I assembled a closet only with it, drilling with the awl, screwing, hammering, filing, cutting - it was such a pleasure. Have a great week Sir, thanks for the video 🤓
@@pjgppjgp Well I cheated. Didn't want to damage the actual tool. I'm not sure how to describe it in English, but a friend made me like a "metal sheath" so it would take the bumps. Then it's like hitting with a chunk of metal 🤓
@@ELaster1 איך הפכת באמת את הכלי לפטיש? אגב, ממליץ על הכלי לצבא? אני כרגע בשירות קרבי ויש לי וויב+, והוא מעולה אבל לא גורם לי לרצות להשתמש בו, קשה להסביר. משהו בספיריט גורם לי לרצות להחליף איתו את הלדרמן שלי
this just SO geeky, I absolutely love geeky. I bought a victorinox champ 35 years ago. it still works like new, but mainly `cos it was so expensive, I mainly use it out camping/walking, hardly ever at home (except for the magnifying glass which is super useful) btw - have you watched Felix Immler on Swiss army knife tips - the man is a geek through and through!
Great review! From Leatherman only Surge can compete with SwissTool. It is better because of the t shank saws one can buy for it but inferior scissors. I chose Surge because is one hand open blades. I added small zipties to the thumbholes.
@@JonGadget please consider to talk about the angle needed to sharpen the plain blade of Surge. imo Victorinox blades can be razor sharpened very easy and very fast.
Great 👍🏻 review Jon , yeah another tough decision to make lol , I prefer the wave in this particular comparison. 😎very handy tools 🛠 both. Thanks for the review. What’s your opinion on the leatherman charge tti with upgraded steel main blade ?
Thanks Marc. TTi is pricey but great if you can afford it. If size and weight is not a problem the Surge is also great option in terms of overall tool selection (although steel bog standard).
My most used tool is always a knife so for me the Leatherman is the better option however if I was in Europe or some places restricting uses of one hand opening knives id definitely look at victorinox
I own the Bibury multi tool that's about as big as the surge. And I own a wave+. My hand always wants the larger Bibury, even though my brain knows that the wave is better. I have never had the Victorinox in hand, but I have several eBay Victorinox knife rescues running around the house.
I had the wave, but let it go. I want to pick up another multi tool and will likely go with a Vic X. I've always had Leathermans, so this will be interesting. Honestly, I wish I still had my original Leatherman from the 90s.
I am a long time Leather wave and SAK handyman user the two compliment each other perfectly I also have the bit kit and bit extender as well.. I use my wave in areas where the stoutness is king.. And thats where for me the Wave wins, I have use my wave all over the world either on Deployements when in the forces or when out and about on outdorr activities, I have even used the tiny screw driver to help fix radios etc(it is far more useful than you think), I have a SAK's handyman for when just out and about where I have no reasonable excuse(AM UK) to carry my Wave and I also carry the SAK's as an extra even when I have my Wave... The two together with the bit kits etc give me a tool kit for all my needs.. I tried to switch to the Spirit X but I just felt the Stoutness of the Wave+ gave me a sense of confidence when using it and as I have used a Wave(then upgraded to the +) for around 11 years it has never failed me. I prefered the feel of the Wave in my hands when using the cutting blades and Saw, It just felt comfortable if I was using it for a long period when compared with the spirit X. Either way it is a personal choice Me I prefer my Wave+ And Handyman Combo.... Though the Spirit X was great and I would be more than happy if thats all I had...
Great feedback 😊 Thanks for sharing, really good to hear. There is no right or wrong here both tools are great and ultimately what someone chooses to carry depends on the user and the use, and what's right for them is right 👍
@@JonGadget I agree with you, No right or wrongs, They are both fantastic, But here's food for thought for you.. When you compare the blades of the two Tools would you Baton down on the SAK's or the Wave+'s Blade to split wood??? I know you can on the SAK,s(have done it a few times on my Handyman) But which would you choose?? THANK YOU for your video by the way... This was the first one I watched and now I have to binge what the rest as this one was fantastic and balanced, so much better than 99% of similar reviewers out there.....
@@hudsonbear5038 thanks for the kind comments on the channel which is much appreciated. To answer your question, in that use case I would pick the Wave - that blade is much more substantial 👍
I love my Victorinox Spirit X. Apparently a cruise ship baggage checker liked it too, because he stole it. The Spirit X has the best feel in the hand of any multitool I own. And don't forget the Corkscrew.
Unfortunately ALL of the Victorimox Swiss tools have handle alignments issues and they simply don’t line up! Spirit is a bit better but still not perfect! I have been looking for years to find one that has perfect alignment but no luck yet! Thanks for the video
I used a wave for a while. Bot bits got lost and the knife blade broke. I had been carrying a swisschamp but wanted a better set of pliers. Wound up going back to the swisschamp and never looked back. I don't hate the Leatherman but I've never had victorinox break on me.
I went with the leatherman curl over the wave plus as I really don't need a serrated blade and use a more substantial saw when needed. However if the wave plus had an awl instead of that micro driver...
GREAT REVIEW. I bought a new Leatherman Wave+ recently, it is my very first Leatherman, but Not my first Multi tool. I've carried a SOG Powerlock for the last 15 years, without a problem. I only switched to the Leatherman, because the SOG is so hard to get to the rest of tools. I Like the Wave+, and I 100% agree with every detail you mentioned about it. The scissors feel like a toy, even next to my Victorinox Huntsman, or Climber. Unless you want to spend another 25 dollars or so on the tools for the driver, plus a way to carry them, the driver is exactly the way you say. The Leatherman is indeed Heavy, you never forget it's on your belt. Mine was very stiff when I got it, and for the first week, I just kept working it to get the tools smoother, but it still hasn't happened. You definitely have to watch for pinching your finger with it also. I Love the sound of the tools as they snap open and shut on the Spirit X, they just sound precision. Leatherman has a "Lock" here in the U.S. because you can walk into almost any store, and find them for sale. Victorinox, about the only thing you will see are maybe a few knives, and I believe that's where Victorinox pales. If I could have walked into my local Home Depot, and bought the Spirit X, like I did my. Leatherman Wave+, I would have come home with the Victorinox. It's just hard for me to wait for 4,5, or 6 days for something to arrive by parcel, when I can walk in and buy it. I really wish Victorinox would bump up the places to purchase their product in the U.S.. Even using their "Places to buy" map, most every place listed is only a place that you order from, other then a few Classic SD, or Tinker knives... I WILL buy the Spirit X !!!!!!! I'd even Gladly trade my New Wave+ for one, but I don't think I'd get any takers. Thanks Again, Great Review......
Thanks for the detailed feedback Sonny. Really interesting to get your view here. May be Victorinox will be watching? Thanks again for taking the time. I am sure others will also benefit from reading your comment 👍
thanks for such a detailed comparison. I'm weird (am I? lol), I just don't think of Victorinox for anything other than the "folding pocket knife" style vs a "multitool" like something from Leatherman. Probably narrow-minded of me >_> But some of those tools the Spirit X has that the Wave+ doesn't are certainly intriguing... but at this point, with my bits and bit driver I'm kinda married to Leatherman, too.
![J.P., NLE Choppa - Bad Bitty (Remix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rBDa6BCvw10/mqdefault.jpg)
Jon, I must say that you are the single reason I own the Victorinox Compact and am now interested in the Victorinox Spirit. I absolutely love my Compact and never go anywhere without it. You were spot on about it. I never gave Victorinox a thought for years. Just wasn’t interested until seeing your videos. I have always been a huge fan of Leatherman and will always own them, but man oh man, I find your persuasion for the Spirit highly irresistible.
It has been said the best knife in a disaster situation is the one in your pocket. Let's be honest whether a Victor Knox or Leatherman these knives are great. Please carry at least one. And for 80 to 90% of all your situations it won't matter which one you carry you will just be glad you have it.
good point well made 👍
Leatherman>Victorinox in the USA. In Europe with your draconian knife laws and arbitrary restrictions on freedom then Vic is the way.
@@dmam412 - person that has never been to europe
@@captainkidney8577 I don’t need to go there to understand Germany placing restrictions on OHO knives or locking knives makes little sense. Or the UK not allowing locking knives for some reason… I guess that’s why we fought a war to be rid of such restrictions.
Another reason for LM being superior in the states is the cost associated with customs and shipping. You pay a premium in Europe while the states are free trade.
Agree I own both and like both alot you won't go wrong.
Thanks for this REALLY great analysis and comparison of these tools. Really well done! Thanks!!
You make some of the best reviews and comparisons on RUclips, a pleasure to listen to you, you've such a chilling voice 🙂 thanks for that. Greetings from Germany 😊
That's really kind of you to say - thank you 🙏 Greetings Germany 😊
One minor correction on the saw measurement for the Wave. You measured the back side of the saw (1mm), the cutting side is 1.35mm. It is tapered so the saw doesn't bind during the cut. It's still thinner than the Vic, but only by 0.15mm.
Thanks for this video Jon! You are my go to if I want to look for an edc review. Very good audio, grreat presentation and the way you speak is not too fast, easy to understand for a non english as first language. Keep it up! Cheers!
Awesome, thank you!
Thanks again for taking time to make this great comparison. I really enjoy your combination of objective, detailed descriptions and personal opinions. The review is really a piece of beautifully composed video prose.
Thank you for the kind feedback 😊
Great vlog thanks for sharing very comprehensive analysis. This has assisted greatly with personal preference in selecting a great multi tool.
Thank you for the kind comment 😊
wonderful tools!!! Been meaning to get the leatherman wave + for years...will get one after this video!! Great in-depth video!!
Thank you for the kind comment 😊
thK U for this Video . 👍
I have just acquired the
Wave . with your instruction
I began to open all tools
safely . these CO. s are
both the Best tool and
knife makers . 🔧..
Thanks for the review . And making up for the request. Well had purchased victorinox spirit over leather man.. was inclined as I was used to victorinox camping knife.much appreciated
Most informative and enjoyable. looking forward to the next episode.
thanks Andy
I have had a Wave for quite a few years and have been somewhat interested in the Victorinox multi tools, but have yet to handle one myself.
Excellent video.
Thanks for the feedback 👍 much appreciated.
They are great, they really are. The build quality is excellent. I think of the Leathermans as tools for the average Joe while the Victorinox Spirit Series is more like a Rolls Royce, a gentleman’s tool but that doesn’t mean it’s flimsy or breaks easily, quite the opposite. It’s a premium product in every sense of the word. Not just in price and looks but also in toughness and reliability. I highly recommend you trying one out for yourself. I love both the leatherman and Victorinox.
Great job, Jonathan. Thank you !!
Thank you for such a comprehensive review
Really nice review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 2 tools. I have a Vic Spirit XBS and a LM Surge. Those are different, but for heavier or creative work I always choose the Surge. For light EDC everyday tasks the XBS is perfect. I’m looking forward to seeing you Surge comparison video.
Makes perfect sense Péter 👍 yes, will try and get that one out in next 3-4 weeks
I'm a Surge man myself! After my shower and on weekends I switch to the SwissChamp. I really want a Spirit, but it really has no place in my rotation. I really did my homework years ago and the Surge was my first multi tool as an adult, then the Minichamp for my keys and then I added the SwissChamp. Sooner or later I'll add some variation of the Spirit.
Thanks for another great comparison review. I have the Wave + but am impressed with the Spirit X. I went over to the Victorinox Swiss Army store and they want $129 for the plain Spirit X with sheath, $159 for the Spirit X plus with bits, and $179! for the Spirit X plus with ratcheting driver. I have all the extra flat bits with the Wave + (I opted for a slightly larger case), so think I’ll just get the standard Spirit X. Thanks again! P.S. just found a couple of other knife sites with it at $104! There you go. Looking forward to trying it out. 👍
Glad you found a better price 👍 Let me know how you get on with it.
Excellent comparison of features and uses. Well done!
thank you 🙏
now i want both. great review
Thank you for an excellent and clear
comparison.
you're welcome 👍
Subscribed. Always love your detailed reviews, straight-forward and eloquently stated. In terms of the LM vs. VIC discussion, I'm a house divided. I have several LMs - Wave +, MUT EOD, Surge, ST 300, Rebar, Signal. I only have one VIC - the Swiss Tool X. I love them all. I particularly love the design/form/engineering of the VIC. But when it comes time to really use/abuse my tools, I reach for my LMs every single time. I can't quite put my finger on it (I do find the VIC capable), but it might lean towards the point that I just find the VIC too pretty. If that makes sense. Anyway, that's my experience to add to the conversation here. Thank you again for these great reviews.
Thanks for the feedback - I know what you mean 😁 Thanks for the Sub.
I love your reviews, keep up the good work! New subscriber here by the way!
Another excellent, detailed review.
Can’t wait for the Swiss Tool review. I’m torn between the 2 Victorinox MTs.
thanks Graham - coming soon
Thanks Jon as always. Really appreciate your detailed balanced reviews. Totally agree, both are excellent tools but the quality of Victorinox is hard to match .
Thanks Paul 😊 yes, Vic quality is really good
Eu também concordo.. vitorinox na minha opinião é o melhor multitool
25:45 "holds fingerprints really well" - they could market that as a feature to amateur detectives 😂
🤣
Had Leatherman for years, but unable to take out of home due to laws in Australia. Just picked up the Spirit X and it is amazing. The quality of this tool is amazing. It is also legal for me to carry in public so this is my new favourite multi-tool. Your video helped me to decide on this tool.
I'm curious how the Spirit would be legal, but not the wave. Is it something to do with the knife blade?
I have the same problem, here in the state I live in American I can not carry a switch blade or auto. So I carry a cold steel triad lock next best thing
I didn't know about the lanyard loop at all! Great review :)
Thanks Marek 😊
I prefer the rolled edges on the Wave Plus handles. Makes using the pliers much more comfortable. It is my favorite tool and works great for me. Thanks for the detailed comparison.
Something I'd like to add about the Leatherman wave, DO NOT pry with it at all. The metal is far too brittle. I currently have 5 Leatherman waves all with busted bits. Do keep in mind that I use it everyday at work. I've owned many Victorinox pocket knives and they have always held up well. I will be purchasing a Spirt X after watching this video. Thanks for the review
hows it holding up so far
Interesting I own both.
I have a 3 inch pry tool I paid $5 for on my keys. I use it often, it’s amazing what it can do. I would not ever want to pry with a multitool or sak. It’s not worth the abusive to a treasured multi or sak.
Nicely presented, pleasing lack of hype and dramatics! Which is the winner, does that really matter, both are good reliable products so either would do a good job.
Thanks for this review!
you're welcome
I have to say John I really use the eye glasses screwdriver quite a bit. Thank you for your very thorough vid.
Great comparison of two awesome tools! 👊🏼
🙏😊
Good review. Now I've watched I'm glad I went with the Leatherman Surge, LOL.
With regards accessories the 2D bits that Leatherman do, while not as nice as full size hex bits, make a huge difference to the bulk of carrying around extra bits and the new ratcheting bit driver extender is amazing. I know accessories are an extra but they are an option I always consider when making a purchase.
I agree I have all of those with a Surge and love it - I have ordered a Swisstool X to compare with the Surge!
@@JonGadget non c'è confronto. La surge stravince.
I had the charge ti. The spirit x and the bigger swisstool. Spirit was my fave good walk and talk and pen blade scissors and can opener are legendary.
Great detailed review. I would carry either one.
Both are great 👍
I've only ever owned one leatherman in my life handed down to me by dad, apart from the knife, no tool in leathermans in my opinion compares to that of the swisstool spirit X. I think the spirit X is the best multitool ever designed by victorinox. I've owned mine for about 16 years now, use it every single day and it still appears as though I just took it out the box. The pry tool is like a crowbar and the wood saw goes through wood and thick plastic like wolverine's adamantium claws. I've done some research to try to find out what kind of steel the Vic swisstool spirit X uses, I only come up with 440C but that thing must be made out of Vibranium or something. (lol) Don't know about other Vics except for the huntsman 2 and the Swisstool X but the spirit X is like on another level of multitool. This is my confession.
Superb review. Congrats. I have Charge Ti and Swisstool Spirit X and prefer Victorinox. It is a personal opinion
thanks for the feedback 👍🙏
👍 Good comparison of these 2 excellent tools. I was (still am) a big fan of the original Leatherman Wave. But then I discovered the Victorinox Spirit X and have never looked back. The Victorinox has every tool I need, they are all accessible with the tool closed, they all lock, and the ergonomics of this tool are perfect for me. Plus, the Spirit X is built like a tank.
Thanks for the comment 👍 Both great tools - as a stand alone tool the Vic had it for me too (as you know 😊)
It's clearly no contest the Leatherman is complete rubbish
@@dc76384 I wouldn’t say the Leatherman is rubbish, but I definitely prefer the Victorinox.
@@dc76384 spazzatura sei tu
Ive several LM multitools, and to-date ZERO Vic MT (although a little bird tells me there will be a Swisstool Spirit X under the tree for me this year) and I’ll prob use the Vic as an “urban” carry MT and rely on my Rebar, ST300, and Wingman for my forays into the wild by foot or by Jeep. Your detailed and thorough synopsis of these really makes me antsy to get my ‘hooks on my holiday gift and as always it’s among the best reviewdios on the internet.
Thank you for the kind comments and the great feedback 🙏
Wonderful review as always. Though in Canada for whatever reason the Spirit X costs about $350.00 and the Wave + $150.00
Hello, John. I have all 4 of them: The Surge, the Swisstool X, the Victorinox Spirit, and the Leatherman Wave...My personal opinión is that the Leatherman wave & Surge are exceptionally capable and very durable. I am in industrial wleder, and have been for 20+ years. In that type of environment, Leatherman is quite exeptional... The 2 Victorinox multitools i have are absolutely excellent and superb...I really enjoy them for around the house and outside projects, both are exceptionally amazing.😇👍
Yeah, I am an industrial pipe fitter, have a stack of multi tools and find that there are horses for courses. I carry the Leatherman Crunch at work because of the versatility of the vice grips. In my car, I have the bestial Surge along with ratchet driver and bit kit. If I'm going about my day to day, I have Sog Powerpint in my pocket - very useful and you wouldn’t know it was there.
@@Maixo I mostly carry the PowerPint. I wish the step up, PowerAccess, had a saw blade one it instead of the serrated blade. I'd carry that 6 oz in a heartbeat.
@@Maixothat crunch is legendary and extremely rare.
@@Maixo¡¡The Power Pint is excellente!!
Have you got the Leatherman Arc yet? If so, what do you think?
Clear winner for the supreme craftsmanship and precision of Swiss engineering!
Great review.... im done with Leatherman John... just ordered my SPIRIT X ... today... thank you .. And also a Panama notebook...lol all down to you..Please do you know where I could buy the ratchet bit set etc from please ... I live in the UK 🇬🇧
AWESOME REVIEWS... KEEP IT UP
Dear Jon, excellent video, as you are used to us by now. I am lucky to have both tools (I also have the SwissTool), and I agree with you. The quality of Victorinox, the choice of tools and the ease of access to them make it almost impossible to beat. Sometimes they seem to have very different approaches, one (Leatherman) prioritizes one-handed opening over the other tools, while the other (Victorinox) is more balanced. For the use that I give it, I undoubtedly prefer the Victorinox, to that I would add that I do not know people who publish in the forums, cases in which the tool has broken. Greetings.
Thanks for the feedback Ricardo - great to hear 👍😊
Tenho os 2.. porém o leatherman wave não teve a mesma qualidade do tanque de guerra vitorinox.. sem dúvida muito melhor..
Victorinox Spirit X is far superior to the Wave plus for many more reasons.The main ones,that are enough to choose the Spirit ,is the huge difference in quality,toughness and longevity but also the amount of tools/uses,which are more on the Spirit X. It just checks more ticks and the most important parts in comparison.
You just can't help but be happy every time you have the Spirit in your hand, move parts or even just look at it. It helps that it also has an almost perfect toolset. Every time I hold or use my mates Leatherman's I am quickly reminded why the Spirit is in my pocket.
I only own Leatherman multitools but this video made me want a vic, they seem very solid! Something I would add is that the Leatherman can easily integrate a pocket clip for carrying it, whereas Victorinox doesn’t make one for their tools, forcing you to look for third party solutions. That’s big for me because I don’t like carrying my multitools in a sheath and I don’t like them loose in my pocket either, pocket clips help a lot. The other huge point is that Leatherman will go above and beyond in terms of warranty, even if the tool is broken due to abuse, they’ll happily fix it or replace it, I know from experience: I broke a flat screwdriver using it to pry and they replaced the whole tool (which had seen a lot use and it was evident) for a new one, and that to me makes it far more worth the price than most of the competition. I have no experience with how Victorinox handles warranty claims so I can’t really say Leatherman wins but Leatherman would be very hard to beat in that regard. Great video and great comparison, looking forward to the Surge vs Swisstool showdown!
Victorinox will fix or replace every tool you send ll them .
@@DimitrisDimopoulos. that’s good to know, thanks!
Great feedback Miguel - thanks for sharing - good point regarding the pocket clip - I missed that one 👍
do they really @@DimitrisDimopoulos. ? They are not even responding to my messages.
Awesome video! 👍
Great video. Truly.
Personally I find the victorinox looks almost too nice and fancy to beat down on. Maybe if I was inside more or did cleaner work. The replaceable wire cutters are also very useful and the replaceable bits with the driver already in just makes more sense to me. Thank you for the breakdown!
Thanks for the feedback. The Surge gets my vote though when the going gets tough 👍
I know what u mean. I am a robotics mentor. The fit and finish for a Victorinox is a fine fit for a technician 👨🔧 in a clean environment. Everything Vic does it does with style. But if I was a maintenance worker I would be guarded about how I abused the wire cutters and pliers and such.
Awesome video. Well explained. It would be very helpful if you could do a comparison between Victorinox spirit and Victorinox Swiss tool. I am stuck deciding between the two for buying a Multitool for myself.
Thank you for the kind comments. Swisstool and Surge comparison in the works - that should complete the circle 👍
Hi, my favourite two. I just can't pick one over the other. I keep going from one to the other. Especially since I have changed the small glasses bit exchanger for the small flat screwdriver, thanks to you. For my use they are pretty even now. Definitely Victorinox have better finish quality, more like gentleman's tool. Leatherman is more rough around the edges, looks a bit tougher for me at least. But both are excellent tools and they will get you out from a tough situation, it is personal choice at the end. If you can't choose like me, get both😁👍. Excellent review my friend, can't wait to see Surge vs Swisstool. I have got the Swisstool by the way, it is big and heavy 😁😁.
Take care my friend.
Hi 😊 I hope you are well. Thanks for the feedback as always. Yes, I'm with you on all points - just working on swisstool vs surge now so hope to have something soon.
I owned the charge tti first. The medium flathead snapped off on first use on a plastic screw on a printer. I'm sure it was a defect but I was living in Japan and the warranty process was a lot of trouble. I replaced it with the swiss tool that came with the ratchet kit and the corkscrew with the micro screwdriver that goes with it.
I served in the army and knew lots of guys that loved their leathermans and also gerbers. I'm happy with my swiss spirit x, peanut butter blade and all.
Japan has crazy knife laws btw. about 3 inches is what you're legally allowed to carry.
I just got this Swiss tool spirit x. I was testing it out making some hardwood shavings like I usually do with my multi tools and the blade chipped. Do you think this is normal.I’m deciding whether to return it , have it repaired or exchanged. Victorinox said it was not made for carving but that they would repair it or exchange it. Thanks
I've never found myself needing an awl, hook, nor chisel. But eyeglass/electronics screwdrivers have come in handy. And maybe it's just a Canadian thing, but my Wave+ came with an extra bit with red+green Robertson ends in addition to the Phillips+flat bit. And the nylon case includes a pocket to store an extra but or two.
The scissors on the original Wave, before adding the double-ended bit drivers, were larger and better IMO. But they really improved the straight knife blade with the Wave+.
great feedback - thanks for sharing....
Hello, Jon - excellent overview of these two fine multitools...I have the "New" Wave (2nd Gen.), which is really an excellent multitool. I could not see myself updating to the Wave +, as the only two changes made were the cutters and the electrical crimpers; a further "win" for the plier head...that is why I upgraded to the Surge which includes among other things, an awl...the crimpers in the Wave+ are not as good as dedicated electrical wire crimpers are, but in a pinch they will work just fine...I wish Leatherman had upgraded the edge file on the wood/metal/diamond file to a saw instead...it is very sad not to see the XC being offered by Victorinox, folks who buy it usually have a dedicated folder they use as their primary...I researched both the Spirit and the Swisstool and I found I preferred the Swisstool X because of its size, the rule and the nice scissors...looking forward to your review of the " big boys"...thanks for this interesting video...
Thanks for the great feedback Edgar. Great to get your perspective on these tools 👍
@@JonGadget I have heard the LM is made of far superior metal and heat treat ( stronger) ...is this true?
Semper Fi
Gunny
@@BOOSTEDLASER I'm don't know is the short answer! They keep their metals chemistry a secret but I believe it is close to 420HC with a bit more chromium.
I had a Rebar and later picked a SwissTool X, the Spirit' big brother; i don't care about Leatherman anymore, except for collection only. Victorinox has far superior quality, finishing and aesthetics. Some features of Leatherman models are interesting but not crucial, plus, there were the usual complains with broken pliers and parts.
As someone who is only just getting into multi tools, this is interesting to know. As an owner of many Victorinox knives, I just never associated multi tools with the brand. But I’ll be looking now.
Yeah the only tools I've had failed is Leatherman. Cheaper metal? I've had them just snap. No failure with Victorinox. I also have a SOG seems well made but it's only flaw is the self service nuts can unwanted unscrew so have to tighten or check periodically.
My experience has been the exact opposite so this anecdotal at best.
@@michaelcosta7235 I know! A very rarely ever see a negative comment about Leatherman! No matter what tool you put against it the Leatherman always is the winner and anything I've ever had Leatherman has just been top of the line
I sell my Skeletool CX it rust like crazy and I'm going with Victorinox spirit mx clip
Ive had the L wave sence it came out .
Was going to buy a new wave + this week end.
After stumbling in this vid I'm glad i didn't.
Im getting VS.
I love precision,the W is a mess in that regard.
Ive never used the blade in my wave,as i always have a high end folder with me.
Im in with the Spirit !
Thank you!!
That's the 4th item I've bought based on your reviews!
😬
Hi, this video is really well made.
I like the victorinox, but wish the blade one hand, and beefier. Also serrated blade looks good on on Leatherman. Undecided.
Very good review.
My dad bought me a wave for Christmas a few years ago and it's seen use everyday. The Victorinox looks great, but I'll stick to Leatherman if only for sentimental reasons.
Both great tools
I use collect and use BOTH Victorinox and Leatherman. I bought my first Swiss Champ knife (best "bang for the buck" of their line at the time for features and price) some 30 years ago and had it refurbished as good as new by Victorinox recently. My first multitool was the Leatherman Wave (which I stupidly lost and had to replace with another) and now use the Charge (with the ratchet attachment). I have since bought the Spirit multitool and, lo and behold, it can be fitted with a neat little ratchet driver as well. Honestly, I cannot rate one make "better" than the other as I own and use both. Neither has proven a disappointment. Around the house, I tend to use the Leatherman tools. Away from home (camping, picnics etc.) my go-to is Victorinox.
Great feedback. Thanks for sharing 👍
I have both and the Victorinox is by far the most comfortable in hand. Each has its’ place but the Leatherman is the one I would ditch if I could only keep one.
Interesting. I also own both and use both. But I think the Leatherman has a lot better wire cutters. The vic doesn't cut to great but they do definitely work.
Great video as always but no replaceable cutters and no replaceable bits - sorry Jon but, whilst I love Victorinox Swiss Army Knifes and own quite a few, the Victorinox Spirit is absolutely no match for my trusty Leatherman Wave +
They are both excellent, its a good time to be a knife and multi tool aficionado.
agreed 👍
Hi John, an excellent review as always! I recently bought the Vic spirit MX clip and it seems to have a little play on the pliers (about 0.5-1mm) and I was wondering if that is normal. Does yours have any play?
Thanks for the info
Any time!
I thought i read somewhere that you could use the LM bit extender with the spriti x philips driver. Any experience with that? Is it usable?
I really enjoyed watching your review and your attention to detail. Now that I am about to join the armed forces, my first choice was the Gerber MP600, but I quickly discovered that the sliding plier head was too much for me. Then I went into a store and tried the Wave+ and the Surge: both were exceptionally well-built, but the externally accessible tools did not appear to be a smart choice for a harsh environment.
After watching endless comparison videos, I realized that I needed more than one multitool so I bought two Leatherman multitools in black oxide finish: a Rebar as my go-to primary tool and a Leatherman Supertool 300 as my backup/barracks tool. I also got an extender adapter for the Philips driver allowing me to use Leatherman bits with both multitools.
The main reasons for choosing Leatherman over Gerber, SOG and even Victorinox were the replaceable wire cutters, the ability to dismantle and replace individual tools as necessary - even the plier head, the availability of bits and extenders and the overall feel. That being said, Victorinox Swisstool blows the competition out of the water in terms of quality and precision: it looks and feels like a work of art, and it is for that reason exactly I would feel guilty beating the crap out of it.
I also have a Victorinox Super Tinker for its excellent scissors and the dedicated tin opener, and a small heavy-duty prybar to open ammo boxes, crates and the like.
Lastly, since I expect to carry a combat knife strapped onto my vest, the absence of a substantial blade which opens from the outside was not a dealbreaker.
I think the point is that these tools are for emergencies really.
It is always best to use a proper screwdriver of the correct size if possible.
I have the Wave without the replaceable plier blades but I'll never wear them out and I'd always use pliers or side cutters if I can.
I also have the Skeletool with the plain 154CM blade and I never never use the knife blade, as I want to keep it razor sharp for when I really need it.
I think you make a good point there 👍
To each his own, but my philosophy is the exact opposite. I keep a multi tool as first line. If it can save me a trip to the truck or garage it's a win for me. For instance, I was a commercial mower for years. I maintained mostly medium sized complexes and city lots and one very large apartment complex. People called me nuts because I carried my Surge and both bit kits everywhere even while weedeating for hours at a time. If an unruly branch less than 3 inches needed cutting, I'd hop off the z turn and have it done in less time than going to the trailer. If my weedeater needed adjusting, I'd handle it on the spot. If my enclosed trailer panels had a loose screw it was handled in seconds. Cutting weedeater string, pulling a belt that popped off, back on, reajusting an arm on the zero turn when they are not syncing up...the list really goes on and on. For me a multi tool is about having a good enough tool on you. On those hot summer days my Surge saved me at least an hour a day. At least. Even at home I have my SwissChamp on me almost all the time. Multi tools are time savers for me. I don't understand people who have them in a drawer at home. You can buy a proper set of tools for cheaper. But again to each his own.
@@davidfontenot5223 we like how they look, we like to touch them, feel them, play with them,enjoy their craftsmanship and use them from time to time. We use them certainly not as much as you do but if everyone was like you there probably wouldn't be a huge multitool market, but i could be wrong. We keep them in a drawer because we work in an office/at home on a computer. We don't need to tie the multitool to our underwater while we sip our coffee. Our lives don't revolve around a multitool, but i guess it isn't a crime that a multitool revolves around our life, even if it's in a drawer.
@Dariusus I literally started AND ended my comment with "To each his own." How you feel my comment implied my life revolves around my multitool because I explained how it saved me an hour a day is baffling to me.
Everyone has different needs and we fill them the way we see fit. I hope you don't feel I was attacking or belittling anyone like yourself. But it was not my intention. All I was saying is that if you have it in a drawer at home you could have a proper set of tools at your disposal for less money. I think that's helpful advice to someone who just needs a simple set of tools. If you simply like the way they look and feel that's awesome too. I collect things I don't necessarily need and don't care if others don't understand why. This conversation is about different people's uses for multi tools. I stated mine. That said I totally understand an office worker not wanting a multi tool on them during their 9 to 5. We have different needs and wants, nothing wrong with that. If you can understand why you have a multi tool to mostly admire it, why can't you understand I keep my SwissChamp on me when I'm off the clock? I like admiring fine craftsmanship and simply fidgeting with one too! 😃
A Surge on my hip makes me more efficient on my job and a SwissChamp on my hip elswhere is cool to admire and use when needed. If it's a nuisance on yours and you put it in a drawer we are both getting what we want for our money. Cheers.
@@davidfontenot5223
Awesome tools both. Leatherman for U.S. and Vic for European users mainly for quarantee reasons.
They are both nice, but I prefer the Wave+ as a "package tool" when you compare the 2 with their add-on components. The Wave+ with 40 bits and an extender all fitting an a small nylon pouch is unbeatable for me in my bag. As a standalone tool, I would probably go for the new Spirit MX (with pocket clip and one handed blade).
p.s. Stiff leathermand pliers have been a problem lately. But I easily fixed mine with some fine diamond grinding paste and WD-40. Very smooth action now with no plier play.
Add-on components have no place in multitools. They're normal in bigger, dedicated tool sets, but unacceptable in multitools. If I carry a multitool, I do so because I want to have all tools permanently integrated within, with no need to carry any external junk.
@@vladimirvladimirovic8989 No place for you maybe. If it’s all in the same pouch of reasonable so; it’s convenient enough and fine for me.
Great review. Considering keeping a multi tool on the car. Any recommendations? Or go with your winner?
I love Leatherman's design (especialy one handed knife) more than Victorinox's but definetely Victorinox looks more elegant. As tools -except knife- Victorinox looks far better I think. It may because of I'm an everyday Victorinox user since 2007 but I realy never have struggle about tools on my Victorinox.
Interesting! - thanks for taking the time to comment 🙏
I carry my Wave + in a leather pouch with snap, that my leatherman fuse came with. It's a perfect fit
Hallo Jon,
thanks for the great review. Awesome job. 😀
One thing I'd like to add regarding the plier heads: The Vic pliers are overlapping the other way, compared to the Leatherman ones. Vic changed that some years ago. The reason is, that they found out, that you put the most stress on the plier joint, when gripping a screw axially and trying to unscrew it. The Vic joint is made to better withstand this stress and last longer without getting loose.
I never knew that!! that is interesting, thanks for sharing. Thanks also for the kind words.
@@JonGadget I once stumbled over a video of one Vic employee explaining the chronology of the plier heads. In my memory it was Karl Elsener, but that might be retrospective wishful thinking. :-)
Regarding the legality of multitools (and knives) in Germany, we try to make the regulations as complicated as we can, of course. Illegal to carry (w/o specific reasons) is the combination of one hand opening and locking. Either one is ok - just the combination is forbidden. Oh, and fixed blades with a blade length of more than 12 cm are illegal to carry. I guess a giant folder like the biggest Opinel is ok, as it is not one hand opening. :-D
@@1zaj34 That's good to know - the laws in both our Countries seem to challenge common sense!
@@JonGadget Sometimes I get the impression, that is the main purpose of laws. :-D
Some of the metals on the leatherman seem to me are too soft. But I carried a leatherman tool while in the Marines and it never let me down.
I would mention that the Leatherman replaceable cutters are not only replaceable but a harder steel. I like being able to cut harder and thicker materials than the plier head steel could handle.
good point although LM was already a clear winner on cutters and knife 👍
You should try out the new Victorinox Spirit MX which has one handed opening blade and a pocket clip.
That was an excellent comparison but you missed a tool on the chisel of the victorinox which is called an isolation length cutter and it also has 2 lanyard rings, one which can be used as a lanyard and the other for the cockscrew bottle opener accessory. I'd give it to the victorinox as as well as it is much stronger and of premium quality. Also the wood saw on this thing can almost go through a tree. Not a typical wood saw I can say this much.
The answer is Leatherman Surge. The T shank blade exchanger and larger scissors will change your life at a minor weight penalty. At least in the USA where t-shank is standard for many tool types so you can get all kinds of blades, file profiles, including oversized ones etc.
Agreed!
Surge is my go-to tool - comparison with Swiss Tool in the works!
I would like to see some good ideas from Leatherman on a no question execution of Victorinox quality.
Might be my favorite video so far! I have a Spirit X and always wondered how it compares to the Wave. This video made me like the Spirit even more 😁
Leatherman is so dominant in Israel, that in Hebrew with don't have a word for multi-tool, we call them "Leatherman" lol. The Victorinox Israeli site calls multi-tools in English because of that!
And I have a Spirit X that my father bought me when I joined the army, and this is my favorite EDC tool I own.
About a month ago I assembled a closet only with it, drilling with the awl, screwing, hammering, filing, cutting - it was such a pleasure.
Have a great week Sir, thanks for the video 🤓
Hi Eyal. Thanks for the great feedback as always. The Vic is so well engineered 👍
Which part of the tool did you use to hammer? The side of the pliers?
@@pjgppjgp I was thinking the butt end of the handle maybe?
@@pjgppjgp Well I cheated. Didn't want to damage the actual tool. I'm not sure how to describe it in English, but a friend made me like a "metal sheath" so it would take the bumps. Then it's like hitting with a chunk of metal 🤓
@@ELaster1 איך הפכת באמת את הכלי לפטיש? אגב, ממליץ על הכלי לצבא? אני כרגע בשירות קרבי ויש לי וויב+, והוא מעולה אבל לא גורם לי לרצות להשתמש בו, קשה להסביר. משהו בספיריט גורם לי לרצות להחליף איתו את הלדרמן שלי
this just SO geeky, I absolutely love geeky. I bought a victorinox champ 35 years ago. it still works like new, but mainly `cos it was so expensive, I mainly use it out camping/walking, hardly ever at home (except for the magnifying glass which is super useful)
btw - have you watched Felix Immler on Swiss army knife tips - the man is a geek through and through!
Great review!
From Leatherman only Surge can compete with SwissTool. It is better because of the t shank saws one can buy for it but inferior scissors. I chose Surge because is one hand open blades. I added small zipties to the thumbholes.
Surge vs Swisstool X coming soon.....
@@JonGadget please consider to talk about the angle needed to sharpen the plain blade of Surge. imo Victorinox blades can be razor sharpened very easy and very fast.
@@randomescu👍 I'll look at that
Great 👍🏻 review Jon , yeah another tough decision to make lol , I prefer the wave in this particular comparison. 😎very handy tools 🛠 both. Thanks for the review. What’s your opinion on the leatherman charge tti with upgraded steel main blade ?
Thanks Marc. TTi is pricey but great if you can afford it. If size and weight is not a problem the Surge is also great option in terms of overall tool selection (although steel bog standard).
@@JonGadget thanks 😊 Jon
My most used tool is always a knife so for me the Leatherman is the better option however if I was in Europe or some places restricting uses of one hand opening knives id definitely look at victorinox
I own the Bibury multi tool that's about as big as the surge. And I own a wave+.
My hand always wants the larger Bibury, even though my brain knows that the wave is better. I have never had the Victorinox in hand, but I have several eBay Victorinox knife rescues running around the house.
👍 thanks for sharing
I had the wave, but let it go. I want to pick up another multi tool and will likely go with a Vic X. I've always had Leathermans, so this will be interesting. Honestly, I wish I still had my original Leatherman from the 90s.
The older ones are very good!
I am a long time Leather wave and SAK handyman user the two compliment each other perfectly I also have the bit kit and bit extender as well.. I use my wave in areas where the stoutness is king.. And thats where for me the Wave wins, I have use my wave all over the world either on Deployements when in the forces or when out and about on outdorr activities, I have even used the tiny screw driver to help fix radios etc(it is far more useful than you think), I have a SAK's handyman for when just out and about where I have no reasonable excuse(AM UK) to carry my Wave and I also carry the SAK's as an extra even when I have my Wave... The two together with the bit kits etc give me a tool kit for all my needs.. I tried to switch to the Spirit X but I just felt the Stoutness of the Wave+ gave me a sense of confidence when using it and as I have used a Wave(then upgraded to the +) for around 11 years it has never failed me. I prefered the feel of the Wave in my hands when using the cutting blades and Saw, It just felt comfortable if I was using it for a long period when compared with the spirit X. Either way it is a personal choice Me I prefer my Wave+ And Handyman Combo.... Though the Spirit X was great and I would be more than happy if thats all I had...
Great feedback 😊 Thanks for sharing, really good to hear. There is no right or wrong here both tools are great and ultimately what someone chooses to carry depends on the user and the use, and what's right for them is right 👍
@@JonGadget I agree with you, No right or wrongs, They are both fantastic, But here's food for thought for you.. When you compare the blades of the two Tools would you Baton down on the SAK's or the Wave+'s Blade to split wood??? I know you can on the SAK,s(have done it a few times on my Handyman) But which would you choose?? THANK YOU for your video by the way... This was the first one I watched and now I have to binge what the rest as this one was fantastic and balanced, so much better than 99% of similar reviewers out there.....
@@hudsonbear5038 thanks for the kind comments on the channel which is much appreciated. To answer your question, in that use case I would pick the Wave - that blade is much more substantial 👍
I love my Victorinox Spirit X. Apparently a cruise ship baggage checker liked it too, because he stole it. The Spirit X has the best feel in the hand of any multitool I own. And don't forget the Corkscrew.
Used the super tool 300 for 1 year, then the Swiss tool spirit x for 1 year. Just got the wave +. I already miss outside tools but we shall see.
will be interested in your conclusion
Unfortunately ALL of the Victorimox Swiss tools have handle alignments issues and they simply don’t line up! Spirit is a bit better but still not perfect! I have been looking for years to find one that has perfect alignment but no luck yet! Thanks for the video
I used a wave for a while. Bot bits got lost and the knife blade broke. I had been carrying a swisschamp but wanted a better set of pliers. Wound up going back to the swisschamp and never looked back. I don't hate the Leatherman but I've never had victorinox break on me.
The Vic saw could be used as an outstanding stand in for a serrated blade.
I went with the leatherman curl over the wave plus as I really don't need a serrated blade and use a more substantial saw when needed. However if the wave plus had an awl instead of that micro driver...
GREAT REVIEW. I bought a new Leatherman Wave+ recently, it is my very first Leatherman, but Not my first Multi tool. I've carried a SOG Powerlock for the last 15 years, without a problem. I only switched to the Leatherman, because the SOG is so hard to get to the rest of tools. I Like the Wave+, and I 100% agree with every detail you mentioned about it. The scissors feel like a toy, even next to my Victorinox Huntsman, or Climber. Unless you want to spend another 25 dollars or so on the tools for the driver, plus a way to carry them, the driver is exactly the way you say. The Leatherman is indeed Heavy, you never forget it's on your belt. Mine was very stiff when I got it, and for the first week, I just kept working it to get the tools smoother, but it still hasn't happened. You definitely have to watch for pinching your finger with it also. I Love the sound of the tools as they snap open and shut on the Spirit X, they just sound precision. Leatherman has a "Lock" here in the U.S. because you can walk into almost any store, and find them for sale. Victorinox, about the only thing you will see are maybe a few knives, and I believe that's where Victorinox pales. If I could have walked into my local Home Depot, and bought the Spirit X, like I did my. Leatherman Wave+, I would have come home with the Victorinox. It's just hard for me to wait for 4,5, or 6 days for something to arrive by parcel, when I can walk in and buy it.
I really wish Victorinox would bump up the places to purchase their product in the U.S.. Even using their "Places to buy" map, most every place listed is only a place that you order from, other then a few Classic SD, or Tinker knives... I WILL buy the Spirit X !!!!!!! I'd even Gladly trade my New Wave+ for one, but I don't think I'd get any takers. Thanks Again, Great Review......
Thanks for the detailed feedback Sonny. Really interesting to get your view here. May be Victorinox will be watching? Thanks again for taking the time. I am sure others will also benefit from reading your comment 👍
Wave gen 2 so I’ll use it.
thanks for such a detailed comparison. I'm weird (am I? lol), I just don't think of Victorinox for anything other than the "folding pocket knife" style vs a "multitool" like something from Leatherman. Probably narrow-minded of me >_>
But some of those tools the Spirit X has that the Wave+ doesn't are certainly intriguing... but at this point, with my bits and bit driver I'm kinda married to Leatherman, too.