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.

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.

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

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.

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.

25:45 "holds fingerprints really well" - they could market that as a feature to amateur detectives 😂

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.

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.😇👍

Clear winner for the supreme craftsmanship and precision of Swiss engineering!

You make some of the best reviews and comparisons on KZfaq, a pleasure to listen to you, you've such a chilling voice 🙂 thanks for that. Greetings from Germany 😊

Sir Jonathan's analysis mirrors my own, revealing his refined intellect and perspicacity. And like me, I suspect he is also a thorough and generous lover.

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 .

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'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.

Great vlog thanks for sharing very comprehensive analysis. This has assisted greatly with personal preference in selecting a great multi tool.

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.

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 for this REALLY great analysis and comparison of these tools. Really well done! Thanks!!

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

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 . 🔧..

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!

I have both and while they are both great tools, the Wave is insanely more useful. Here's why: Spirit X + More comfortable to hold when closed + Satisfying clicks when opened and closed + Awl and chisel. Though I never used them, I can understand why they are good to have + Rust resistant - File is worse than the Wave's. Not really worse, but certainly not as amazing as the diamond coated one on the Wave - Blade is not one handed - Scissors really suck. Really, I have no idea why they are inferior than those on the 91mm SAK's. - Steel not as tough as LM's Now the Wave+ + Pliers open wider than the SpiritX + Diamond coated file + Better scissors + One handed operation. This is insanely useful in a lot of situations. You will be happy you got this feature. + Serrated blade is exceptional in some cases. And good to have overall, if people don't use it - that's because they don't know where it shines. + Yes, Replaceable wire cutters + Bit drivers. Surprised no one mentions it - Leathearman bits are replaceable and you can carry extra if need be. A sole fixed philips on the Vic is just sooo 20th century and unacceptable. + Also you get tiny bits for electronics. + Adjustable tightness on hinges. Once Vic gets wobbly - its a wobbly Vic, Wave - you can tighten up with its own bits. + 8inch ruler with 2 measurement units + Pocket clip + Cheaper Price - Heavier (8.5oz vs 7.4oz), but also shorter in length compared to the SpiritX - Some tools are not on the outside - Vulnerable to rust, though mine never had it TLDR: As much as I love the Vic, the Wave is a better tool in my opinion.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 🤓

Superb review. Congrats. I have Charge Ti and Swisstool Spirit X and prefer Victorinox. It is a personal opinion

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.

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.

Most informative and enjoyable. looking forward to the next episode.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So here are my points for the Leatherman Wave+ and the Swiss Tool Spirit X. I have not handled the Spirit X, but I have heard a lot about it and watched a fair amount of reviews on it. If the quality of it is consistent with their Swiss Army Knives, I can safely say that the fit and finish is better on the Spirit X. I own a 2nd gen Wave and a Wave+. I have also handled a 1st gen Wave which I warrantied. To start with, both tools are now available in two handed and one handed versions (Wave 2H, Spirit MX), to my knowledge. There are also black coated versions of both tools (Wave+ even comes in a black and silver version). I think the Wave+ is a more innovative tool with an industrial feel to it while the Spirit X is a more traditional tool made to be elegant yet functional. Although the stock Spirit X probably beats a stock Wave+ in many ways, I think the Wave+ being thought of more as a platform gives it a very important competitive edge. One advantage the Wave+ has is that it is relatively easy to disassemble, mod, fix, and maintenance due to the use of security torx screws securing the tool together (Wave+ simply requires you to have two security torx drivers although I wish they'd switch to regular torx) as opposed to the rivets of the Spirit X (Spirit would need to have its rivets drilled out and be re-riveted). Since spare pieces of Leatherman tools can often be found on Ebay, the Wave+ has a decent aftermarket to mod and/or fix the tool yourself. Additionally, there are a lot of aftermarket custom parts (scalpel holders, titanium pocket clips, Charge blades, hammer attachment, custom tools that fit within the bit exchanger, etc.) one can get for the Wave+ to really heighten the usefulness of the tool. Even outside of the DIY stuff, the Wave+ has a huge advantage acting as a platform since you can get Leatherman bit kit compatible accessories to go with it (full bit set, extender, ratchet driver, carbide glass breaker, sight adjuster, MUT long bits). These accessories also have an advantage in that many of them can be carried along with the Wave+ in the same sheath without taking up much more space (as opposed to the Spirit X requiring an entirely separate tool to utilized a bit set). Lastly, although the Wave+ is more complex due to the two bit exchangers, the removable parts are also sold as accessories meaning that the mulitool itself doesn't have to go through warranty if the only damage to the tool is either the bits or cutters. In conclusion, I think that the Spirit X is a better buy if they are at a relatively similar price if you intend to use the tool as stock without any changes or use of accessories. If you don't plan on using the tool just as stock, I think the Wave+ is the better buy as it has features and accessories that allow users to really push the performance of the tool. There is also the Charge to consider which is essentially the Wave with more premium materials and build quality. I think the Charge can be a more favorable Leatherman comparison as there are more variations of it that can better suit the buyer's taste as opposed to the more limited options of Victorinox multitools. PS: A Swisstool Spirit X is definitely a purchase for consideration despite me already having two Waves and a Supertool 300 for pliers-based multitools.

I've had my Leatherman wave & Leatherman Surge since 2005. Worked 13 years as a structural welder for the iron workers, and 20 years in welding. I am a 100% believer in Leatherman, however the process at which you went about explaining the two victorinox Multi tools (the Spirit x & the Swiss tool) I felt like I needed to check them out...I ended up getting both of them, i use them for my camping excursions and they perform exquisitely...Long live Victorinox😎👍

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.

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've carried an original Spirit every day on by belt for many years and it has seen a lot of hard use around the farm and shop. (The original has a serrated sheepsfoot blade instead of the smooth drop point on the X.) In spite of its rough life it is still in perfect condition and still has a precision feel. The build quality and fit-and-finish is just vastly superior to any other multitool I've ever handled. Literally my only complaint with it is that I wish the scissors were a bit longer, especially since there is wasted space in the tool that would allow for another quarter inch of blade length. But, other than that I believe it is the perfect EDC multitool.

Thanks for the widespread and detailed comprehension! If I'm looking for a multitool, I'm looking for tools, for good, substantial and versatile tools in the first place, because I always carry a knife, pocket or small fixed. So blades on a multitool are not #1 significance for me. That led me to the Swiss Tool Spirit X Plus with the additional ratchet-/bit kit including a mini screwdriver and even a corkscrew15 years ago. For it is an early edition, it has the serrated blade (for me a plus as i carry an edc knife in any case. This tool never ever disappointed me over the years. But as you mentioned: Everyone should choose a tool to his own preferences and field of application.

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.

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.

I tend to prefer Victorinox products but the diamond file and bit driver put Leatherman on an advantage for me. As you are, I'm a fan of nice scissors so I went with the Surge which I believe has scissors which can compete closer to Victorinox then other Leatherman tools. Leatherman bit driver with the bit kit is a more elegant solution than Victorinox's bit kit in my opinion.

They are both excellent, its a good time to be a knife and multi tool aficionado.

wonderful tools!!! Been meaning to get the leatherman wave + for years...will get one after this video!! Great in-depth video!!

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.

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.

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...

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

Excellent comparison of features and uses. Well done!

I have to say John I really use the eye glasses screwdriver quite a bit. Thank you for your very thorough vid.

I didn't know about the lanyard loop at all! Great review :)

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+.

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.

now i want both. great review

I have the Wave and both Swisstool and Spirit X. If I had to keep onlyone, it would be the Wave, bit kit, and ratchet driver extender, everyday. It's gotten me through so many odd jobs and saved me many occasions. The piers, scissors, file, micro driver, blade, bits, everything does the job! I simply trust it to have what I need in a pinch. Reliable!

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.

Another excellent, detailed review. Can’t wait for the Swiss Tool review. I’m torn between the 2 Victorinox MTs.

I’ve got both of these tools. The Victorinox is a really good tool for all the reasons you’ve stated. In the real world though I find the steel the tools are made from isn’t as hard and as tough as the leathermans and once you damage the wire cutters on the Victorinox they’re useless until you send it away for repair. Also the ratchet tool you can get for the Victorinox seems like a good idea but it’s bulky and not as easy to carry with the tool. With the Leatherman I carry spare wire cutter blades, in case they get damaged, with the extra tool bits you can get to swop out with the driver bits. That strip of extra tool bits fits in the pouch behind the Leatherman. Maybe that’s why the Leatherman pouch is slightly bigger. Lastly I’ve broken the chisel and actually bent the saw blade on the Victorinox. I’ve never broken any of the tools on the Leatherman. Also I wear glasses and if I’m out camping or just away from home for periods of time the jewellers screwdriver has come in really handy on a few occasions. Whilst the Victorinox is a lovely tool, for me at least, the Leatherman is superior and more reliable especially when you’re out in the back of beyond.

Great detailed review. I would carry either one.

Go work shop use leatherman surge, go office use victorinox sprit x, go champing use leatherman charge tti, go shopping use leatherman free p4.

That's the 4th item I've bought based on your reviews!

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.

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.

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.

Great review thanks. I've had both tools for 10+ years. I've found the Spirit to be a 'nicer' tool with great feel and aesthetics, however when considering, and using, them as 'tools', the Leatherman wins hands down, especially in durability (screwed pivots much better than rivets). Over time I've found the Leatherman saw to be far superior (the Victorinox saw is too wide and inefficient at cutting) and also the Vic scissors are (surprisingly) not great performers. Mostly though, the Leatherman has two brute, effective OHO knives that excel in 'real world' duties. Victorinox for form, Leatherman for function.

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......

Thank you for an excellent and clear comparison.

Wave gen 2 so I’ll use it.

⚠️ please don't use a random knife to get yourself or someone else out of a wrecked car, there are some really good little tools that cost around 5 CHF/€/£/$ and have a secure seat belt cutter and a spring-loaded window breaker, it will save your and other's life while keeping you safe.

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.

Good comparison. I generally agree with you with a couple of caveats. I don’t think the bit kit of the Victorinox is comparable. I’ve tried to carry the ratchet set with one and it’s much more bulky and heavy than simply adding the Leatherman bits. On quality, I do agree that while the QC on Victorinox is extraordinarily good they do have up issues. I had to send two Spirit X’s back because the awl and/or chisel lock failed. I’ve never had that happen with the tools on the Charge. (I do note that Leatherman had issues with the blade on the Signal however.) I alternate between them for carry, but for me neither one is better than the other. For urban use I prefer the Spirit X but prefer the Wave for outdoor use. I have a dedicated folder but love the serrated blade for cutting rope or straps. Again, great comparison, I simply don’t think one is better than the other. As always with tools, just buy both! 😁

Awesome tools both. Leatherman for U.S. and Vic for European users mainly for quarantee reasons.

Being able to add a pocket clip to the wave (charge) is really what sets it apart as i pocket carry. Add to that the one handed knife opening and it's a clear choice for me. As a bonus though I'd like to add that the mini screw driver is great for reset buttons on routers and such. Also the saws are different, but a thinner saw usually can cut faster.. Also also the bit kits are hardly comparable in bulkiness, but i have seen mods where people shiv down one of their bits to make it into an awl, probably could sharpen a flat head for a chisel too easily enough if you wanted that tool..

Well, as you mentioned, weapon laws forbid the Leatherman in Germany to be carried in public, so the Spirit X is the only everyday carry option without the risk of confiscated tools and fines. But luckily, the better build quality doesn't make it a hard pill to swallow :)

I have a Leatherman Wave and the Swiss Spirit. I prefer the Swiss Spirit.

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 +

Wonderful review as always. Though in Canada for whatever reason the Spirit X costs about $350.00 and the Wave + $150.00

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...

I recently broke the blade of my Leatherman Wave after 21 years of use.I sent it off for repair and received "free of charge" a brand new Wave+ Fantastic service and proof of the 25 year guarantee.

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 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.

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!!

Great job, Jonathan. Thank you !!

Leatherman any day. But Victorinox looks better

I have the Victorinox XC Plus Ratchet and love the package. But that has the serrated blade (which does have a straight portion near the base). The X wasn’t available at the time and I think I would have been happier with the straight blade, but then I have a straight blade on other knives. I am actually on my second or third XC. The first, the cutters on the pliers didn’t close properly. The second which I think I also sent back had a blunt bit right in the middle of the V shaper wire cutter and the one I have now still has a blunt bit but I couldn’t be bothered sending it back again. I don’t know if they still have those QA issues. Apart from that it’s a great tool, the pliers are very comfortable and I think the curved handles really help. With the Plus version you get a corkscrew that goes in that weird cutout bit in the handle and you get a standard mini screwdriver. The mini ratchet is brilliant, I was keen to get it but it’s been even more useful than I thought it would be. It could somewhat make the drivers in the tool a bit redundant so perhaps a version without drivers would be interesting although that said, and as Jon points out, they are nice drivers with good length. One drawback of the Plus package is how bulky it is. I haven’t tried any of the Leatherman tools but it was no question for me to go with the Victorinox.

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

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.

Great comparison of two awesome tools! 👊🏼

If you enjoy painful blood blisters than the wave is the tool for you, personally after 3 blood blisters within 2 weeks I was done with it.

I love your reviews, keep up the good work! New subscriber here by the way!

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.

If I can’t have a locking blade knife forget it . We are allowed to have locking blades in Canada . But then again we live in big country

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.

Have Spirit X Plus with cerated blade for more than 7 years, using it every day for work. And no problem with velcro for all this time

5:44 "I wouldn't be knocking on the door" - I totally agree - it doesn't make one cool to egregiously abuse a warranty, it just makes one a liar - if you used the sh-t out of a tool for 25 years, you simply exhausted the value. Buy another one, and support companies that make good quality, instead of harming them or stealing value from them.