Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit S Oxidized Black
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Light medium-sized multi-tool with extreme quality
I own Leatherman multi-tools including the new Wave, Pulse, Juice S2, Skeletool CX, Micra, Squirt S4, and Squirt P4. I also own about 20 Victorinox Swiss Army Knives ranging from nearly all the recent Alox models and many cellidor models including the old Champion, Swiss Champ, Swiss Champ XLT, and Cybertool 41. I also own a normal stainless steel Spirit in addition to this newly acquired black oxide model. After owning all of these types of pocket knives and multi-tools, I can say that Victorinox makes the highest quality, highest consistency multi-tools and pocket knives. (Don’t get me wrong, I like Leatherman a lot as they make well-designed tools, too. But the consistency is lacking with Leatherman when compared to Victorinox.)
The Vic Spirit in black oxide is identical to the regular Vic Spirit. Its main strengths include:
All locking tools
Access to tools with the pliers in the closed position
Presence of scissors (which distinguishes it from the Spirit “S” model)
Reputation of extremely good corrosion resistance
Chisel (which is unsual in any multitool)
Extremely good wood saw (better than Leatherman)
Very light weight for its size (only 5.5 oz)
Nice nylon case (Nylon comes with Black Oxide edition vs Leather for regular version)
Extremely attractive in black oxide
There are downsides, however, and they are in my opinion:
“Butterknife” shape of the only blade (it does NOT have the familiar drop point that Victorinox usually uses in their SAKs or MTs)
Serrations on that blunt blade take up most of the length
Plain edge is a very small part of the blade near the joint
Philips screwdriver that needs to be squared off as it slips quite easily
Scissors are tiny (and smaller than any other multi-tool I own listed)
Black oxide rubs off onto the hands
Black oxide wears in a particular manner that many will find unattractive
(some do like the patina with black oxide, however)
Overall, I am glad I purchased this Black Oxide Spirit, but it will most likely remain a shelf queen. The Vic Spirit exudes quality and precision crafting. The B.O. is very attractive, but scratches much more easily than the stainless steel version. The very easy manner in which the B.O. rubs off onto the hands can get annoying. People are always split on their opinion of the blunt, “butterknife” shape of the main blade. I dislike it. The serrations are also in the front of the blade, rather than the back part like most other brands. The serrations can be ground off, however.
If you want a drop point blade, then you can get the Spirit “S” version which substitutes a drop point blade, but removes the scissors.
5 Stars Sweet as tupelo honey
A good price on this Victorinox multitool helped convince me I needed one. It replaces an older Multitool (MT) that’s seen a lot of use but now that I have this Spirit MT I’m not looking back at the other brand I once carried. No regrets, old timer but this new one is a dandy. Tools - useful, well designed. They’re tight now and it takes some effort to access the assorted gizmos and geegaws but I suspect they’ll loosen up with use. Size = great, so is the belt carrying case. I like the MT’s dark finish. I’m no mall ninja but I still like my tools to look like tools and not flash like signal mirrors. It’s a Victorinox, so you know the sharp blades actually ARE sharp, the screwdrivers actually can drive a screw. Good fit, good finish, good form and function. Great price. You still reading this? Go hit the buy button and then get busy fixing things.
3 Stars Great Tool - “Black Oxidised Finish” not so great
From a purely functional point of view, the tool is fantastic. It’s a great thing to bring along in the backpack to fix just about anything on the go. The black finish, however, isn’t so great. Every time I use it, some black finish comes off on my hand - this makes the tool not so great to use in the office or other “clean” environment.
5 Stars Perfect sized quality multitool
I used to carry a well known name brand multi-tool myself until I found a couple superior options ( based on 30+ years as a fire fighter, police officer and bomb disposal ( EOD ) technician ). I have owned most every multi tool out there and abused them all ( that’s why the good ones have a lifetime warranty . ) and the two Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTools I carry on and off the job are top of the line. For a duty multitool I carry a full size Swisstool, off the job it’s a Swisstool Spirit “S” because of the size and tool selection it’s a perfect fit for me . Don’t waste your money on anything else - ” Leather Guy” can’t come close to a Victorinox in performance and Warranty - in my opinion and EXPERIENCE !!!
The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit “S” which comes equipped with both a plain edge AND a serrated blade / seat belt cutter ( no scissors - who needs a pair of scissors on a multitool ?) is the multitool of choice if you want something that will not weigh you down. Little brother of the full size Swisstool lineup the Spirit “S”is the choice of many - 27 functions in this powerhouse and it’s now available in a black oxidized finish . Victorinox Swisstools are quality unsurpassed , as are ALL of the lineup of Swiss Army Knives. The implements on the SwissTool are well thought out, each tool is individually accessible and locks securely in place and you have access to ALL the tools with the pliers in the closed position. The knife blades are scary sharp and probably the sharpest of any production line knife made today, plus they are stainless steel. The design and feel of the Spirit “S”speaks of it’s quality, ruggedness and ability to do the job. I have broken the plier head jaws on several other manufacturers multitools , never on a Swisstool, including the Swisstool Spirit “S”, they are made to last a lifetime. I have had occasion to send Swiss Army Knives to the service center for repairs… however a Swisstool has never had to make that journey. The nylon pouch is durable and the tool fits it perfectly, the type of quality you expect from the Swiss. Made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty. Street price around $50.00.
5 Stars Lightweight and precise
I’ve definitely put this tool through a lot. It’s been a great knife for me. I use it as an alternative to my Swiss Tool when I want something a little lighter on my belt. It’s incredibly lightweight for what it can do. And the quality is impeccable.
Based on my personal experience, I have to disagree with the other reviewers about the black oxide rub-off issue. Maybe I just got lucky with my Spirit, but I’ve never had the black oxide rub off in over a year of regular use.
By the way, thanks for the elaborate review, E. Kim!
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