Customer Reviews

Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Spirit Plus Ratchet

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a Winner. I was not a big Multi-Tool fan, as I like to use the best tool for the job. The early Leathermans really didn't work for me with their poor ergonomics and tool design so I tuned out the initial multitool craze. I love my Swiss Army Knives, and when I started to learn even more about them, it just so happened that Victorinox introduced the Spirit, and 3rd/4th generation tool. I was totally amazed at the quality and design of this tool. It is easy to get at all the tools, it feels great in the hand and can really handle some tough jobs.

The plus version with the extra bit-kit really extends this useful tool to an everyday tool. It becomes essentially a little toolkit. you can go to for almost any need. There are spaces in the holder for extra bits so I added some smaller Torx bits there since I come across those quite often. Other might add larger bits, that they use often.

I actually now have 2, because I first bought it with just what is called the Bit-Wrench, rather than the Ratchet. I was not sure I wanted the ratchet because most of the times with a driver I don't need a Ratchet, and it can even be inconvient. However the Ratchet is GREAT! When you just want a driver, the end of the Ratchet handle is a bit holder so you can use it straight, and use the extension on the ratchet end if you need more torque. It's very versitile. It was hard to find a place to buy the ratchet separately, although the wrench is easy, so if you really want the wrench you can get it later. NOTE: the picture is currently wrong on this item, it shows the wrench, but the title says the ratchet is included.

Some people complain about the 'butter knife' shape of the serrated blade. For me this was a plus; my pocket knives all have spear-point or clip-point and I don't usually carry a serrated blade, so for me it's a welcomed new tool rather than being redundant. Cutting hoses, plant material, rope all work great when using this tool for house/yard chores. Check the Spirit 'S' and a new model coming if this really bothers you.

This is a medium sized tool; its size and the shape of the handles seem to suite people with small to medium hands better. For me this goes a long way to making this tool extremely comfortable to use.

Highly Recommended.

Both in the military and civil aviation, I have used a lot of different multi-tools, this one is the best, easy to open, locking blades, light weight, great warrenty- used it on previous swiss models. The ratchet is pretty good for tight spaces, needs some sockets to go with it.

I was leaning towards the Leatherman Wave at first but after researching a bit more and looking at the features, I decided to go with the Swisstool Spirit. I have to say after using it I agree completely with all the positive feedback on this multitool. First off build quality is rock solid and typical Victorinox, there is no play on any of the tools and I would feel confident abusing it. On the other hand its also a very handsome looking piece of hardware with its polished finish so I find myself trying my best to avoid scuffing it up. The chisel and awl are sharp and good for precise work. I have no problem with the "butter knife" since I already carry a Spyderco Caly 3, it compliments a folder nicely and is sort of my beater knife for tougher jobs. Look for the Spirit S or X model for the plain blade if you want all in one convenience or do not carry a separate knife. Of course the main reason why I picked up the Swisstool were for the pliers. They feel solid and most importantly are very comfortable and ergonomic. Although the tip is blunt, they are precise and can actually be used as tweezers. The little Victorinox logo also adds a nice touch, a sort a badge of quality. The rest of the tools are the normal philips head, can opener/flathead screwdriver, file, saw and scissors you would find on Swiss Army knives. The scissors do not open up as wide as the normal ones on SAK but not a big deal to me since I hardly use it. Next, the accessories.. very cool and definitely worth the extra price. The ratchet set is convenient and easy to use. One thing I really like is that it gets into places a normal screwdriver wouldnt fit. Finally is the nice nylon pouch, it looks great and holds everything in one compact package where you can just grab it and get to work. In conclusion I would highly recommend the Spirit, you cant beat the all in one convenience of a multitool and especially Victorinox quality and lifetime warranty.

I am a multi-tool fanatic - from Gerber to Leatherman, and everything in between. I used to work in a shop specialising in multi-tools and self defence blades and I have seen and tried them all. I've bought six and kept two.
The two I kept was the Leatherman Wave and this one. But why is the Victorinox better than Leatherman's best?

*Better design - hard to describe, but it is a lot easier to use
*Better quality - I'm already on my second Wave. They rust, the pliers and screwdrivers lose their shape and free play develops on the pliers
*Better size - the Leatherman is just too small (I have size 12 hands)
*Better accesories - the Swisstool comes with a nifty socket set which is incredibly user friendly. The Leatherman's has to be purchased seperately, is quite expensive, has to be carried in a seperate pouch and is embarrasingly clumsy
*More practical - bigger everything, better layout, more accessible, better selection of tools
*Safer - I've cut myself on more than one occasion while using the Leatherman's pliers, because it has sharp edges on the outside. One can use the Victorinox with confidence
*The Swisstool has a much bigger and stronger blade than the Leatherman, which is important, because you are probably going to end up using the blade more than anything else
*Sturdier pliers. The pliers on the Victorinox are really strong - I have yet to discover the limits of the Swisstool. The Leaterman is a lot flimsier.
*Better tactile quality - another hard-to-describe factor, but the Swisstool simply feels a lot better in one's hands
*Lifelong guarantee on the Swisstool. You can't beat that. Especially since you'll probably never need it anyway.

BUT: The Swisstool is much bigger and heavier than the Wave. So, if you wear a suit and an office job, the Wave might be better for you after all.

But I'm from Africa, living in the Middle East, and if I'm flying over or driving through the desert, and I may choose only one multi-tool to take with me, it would be the Victorinox, without a doubt.

I have 10 or 12 multi-tools, and this one is my favorite, as it has the most functionality and is easy to use. The only downside is it's pretty big if you want to carry around the bits and ratchet, but that's an unavoidable drawback.

Other reviews have covered this tool thoroughly, I just want to chime in as another happy customer.

This tool is a great upgrade from the older model; much lighter, doesn't show fingerprints as easily, and feels better in my hand when using it. My only issues with it are with the pouch and the ratchet set.

The pouch doesn't hold the ratchet and bits well; try as I might, I can't pull out the main tool without ejecting the ratchet set from the pouch. I also wish they would have kept with the style of the old pouch, or make it similiar to the other pieces in their luggage line.

The ratchet set is a little difficult to use; the bits are hard to pull out of their holder, and there are four available slots for more bits. I don't know why they didn't fill them up with other bits. The bits and the ratchet extention are difficult to assemble, but that might be because they're new.

Overall it's a good tool, but a few things done differently would make it an awesome tool.

Traditinal Swiss quality speaks for itself. No con's (really!).
I don't minde the "butter knife" blade since I normally carry a folder in my pocket and than again - THIS butter blade is SHARP! Oh yes...

One concern: the product descrepiton on amazon was not complete or I had not understand it correct. I've ordered the PLUS RACHET version and I hoped to get the corkscrew too but no - it's not there.
The corkscrew comes ONLY with fixed wrench version.

But the corkscrew costs about 3$ so I dont minde.
Thanks

This multi-tool is very cool. I work in networking and computers and I don't like carrying anything but my laptop, but I need to have tools on me. I bought this as a substitute for the tool bag I usually carry and it has been great. Although, it is Swiss Army and DID NOT COME WITH A KNIFE BLADE. Two saws and no KNIFE. Oh well.

I will not bore you with a repetition of what has already been stated by other reviewers. I will simply say that this is an incredibly precise, strong, light multi-tool your great-grandchildren will be using years from now and passing on to their children's children. I have had absolutely no problem fitting all of the tools in the case, and that includes the additional corkscrew/mini screwdriver. I think the serrated knife is sharp and very useful and other tools like the awl can substitute when you need a pointy tool. [...].

I wish I would have had this tool when I was in the Army. Your first thought is Swiss Army Knife, just a sales gimmick then you use one and everything cuts like butter. Then you get another with different tools and they work just was well, smoothe. Then you go for the big one, Swiss Tool Spirit Plus Ratchet.. What a treat, you no longer have to go through your tool chest for simple repairs. Now you want to buy them all but I can't and I will have to wait for the big discount on Amazon. But now I have something to give all the good people on my gift list.. You buy extra for the unexpected person that shows up and you forgot to get a gift for... and if someone does not show you have a treat for yourself.