Leatherman or Victorinox

[BlackMagic]

Sorry if this had ben posted in the past. I tried using the search engine but I've been having problems getting results on through my phone.

Been looking around for an edc multi purpose tool. Did some research and I narrowed it down between the two, leathermans super 300 and the victorinox swiss tool. Those who own one, I'd like to get your feedback on the one you own. Pros and cons etc. Feel free to add pictures please.

 

[hso]

I've used both and I think that either is an excellent tool so that it almost comes down to personal preference on weight and layout.

I can add that I have never read a complaint about the Vic while there is the rare broken tool complaint about the Leatherman. Considering how many more Leatherman tools are out there, this observation may not have much bearing.

 

[451 Detonics]

I am still using my original PST (Pocket Survival Tool) from 1983, it simply amazes me both how many different models there are today and how many knock-offs have been done.

Today if I had to replace my PST it would definitely be with another Leatherman. I don't need anything like the Super 300...I have been looking at a Skeletool CX but my PST just keeps chugging along. These days a Leatherman Squirt P4 is more likely to be in my pocket than the full sized tool.

I would have a tough time ever buying anything but a Leatherman.

 

[RogueLeader]

I prefer Leatherman products as well. I have a Charge XTI and it is a very sturdy tool. All of the blades lock and it has the interchangeable bits. I have a Victorinox, but I haven't seen one that is built as well as the Leatherman. My daughter was issued a Gerber multitool, but I don't care for that one as well as the Leatherman either.

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

I like a Leatherman. I'vd had this Leatherman Super Tool on my belt for many a long year. On my belt now. It's alway's on my belt. I have certainly used it a lot..(FOR WHAT IT'S MADE FOR). I'vd never had even the beginning of a problem with it. I just understand that it's not a sledge hammer or a crowbar, or a 16 inch pipe wrench or a USMC CaseXX or a cross cut saw. Don't know anything at all about a vic. Never will either because I'll never get past the Leatherman....

 

[PRM]

Have both and favor the Victorinox Trekker. Has just about everything I use and need:

Large Locking Blade
Phillips Screwdriver
Can Opener with Small Screwdriver
Bottle Opener with Large Locking Screwdriver & Wire Stripper
Reamer
Key Ring
Tweezers
Toothpick
Wood Saw

I make walking sticks as a hobby ~ so the wood saw comes in real handy. Very low profile and unnoticeable when closed.

So light, you hardly know you have it in a nylon belt sheath.

Neat thing about a SAK (Swiss Army Knife), there are a lot of models and finding one to meet your individual needs should be easy.

 

[451 Detonics]

The regular SAKs like the Trekker are nice enough but when you need pliers not much else will do.

 

[dairycreek]

I have both tools in question and opt for the Leatherman Surge to carry and use on a day to day basis



While quite similar to the 300 model mentioned in the OP's post it just feels better to me.

 

[PRM]

A SAK with Pliers ~ Hum???

Or maybe one with a magnifying glass in case you forget your glasses.

Or a cybertool with a flashlight.

Got to have fun with this thread ~ I carry my SAK Trekker because its is a light robust knife with a few neat accessories. My Gerber stays on my motorcycle, my SAK on my belt. If you are having that much trouble deciding, buy both.

 

[2WheelsGood]

Absolutely Leatherman. I have a Charge Ti and a Skeletool CX. Oh, and a small one (can't remember the model). The Swiss were first, but Leatherman made them obsolete in my book.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Obsolete?

Not sure what it is you've seen, but I would hesitate to call one of these "obsolete" (SwissTool rs)

​

That's looking like a pretty competent tool, there.

So is this one, actually:

​

Pricey, yes, but looking pretty good.

 

[PRM]

ArfinGreebly,

I was hesitant on these because they don't have a tooth-pick. Ever been camping and need one? Well, that orta count for something.

Then you might get a tick or a mesquite thorn and need some tweezers.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

The "Everything" Tool

You're right. I, myself, have not found a multi-tool that has the tweezers & toothpick.

My [post=4612894]solution to that[/post] is found in [post=5820704]my glove wallet[/post], thus.

. . . and . . .

In that "custom geek wallet" there is always a spare SAK and a pair of real tweezers. Also (more recently) one or those plastic "floss+toothpick" things that you buy in packs of 20 or so.

I found that the tweezers included with the average SAK just doesn't have the strength to get a serious grip, so I opted for a more serious pair of tweezers.

What I used to do for a toothpick was simply fashion one from materials at hand. I mean, heck, I have a knife, so I can whittle one from . . . a random twig, a coffee stirrer, a drinking straw, and so on.

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

Well, I don't need any tweezers or especially floss and toothpick attached to my Leatherman Super Tool, thank ya'll very much. I wear false teeth and after eating I just step a few feet down to the river or creek, bend over at the edge of the bank and swish them around a few times and then plop them back in....

 

[JohnnyOrygun]

Leatherman for me, but nothing wrong with Swisstool.

I have both the Swiss Tool and several leatherman's, Wave, PST, Original Supertool, new wave, micra, and bought my wife one of the leatherman squirts. I prefer the leatherman it has the small slot head/phillips that is perfect for eyeglasses.

The Swisstool is exceptionally well made and very finely finished, but I have a little bit of a hard time opening some of the implements, seem too tight. Also I find the Wave a little more comfortable, but that is just me, the swisstool isn't bad, just like the feel of the Leatherman better. The only real down side to the Swisstool to me is the "unlocking" mechanism, you have to pull with your thumb and index finger to close implements, whereas on the wave (not sure of the new Supertool) you simply press with your thumb and close the implement.

I will say one thing for the Swisstool, the serrated blade is scary sharp... I have cut myself several times just opening it and I "KNOW" its "SHARP" and it still gets me. Also I am not quite sure what to do with the wood chisel, I have played with it and it does work.

I am sure no matter what your choice is, that either would serve you well. I will say, Leatherman has exceptional Customer Service. My wife works in the Jewelery dept at wally world and uses her little squirt everyday... but she managed to break one of the plier halves off (She was bending shelf hooks, ~1/8" round steel, when it broke) sent it to Leatherman in Portland and within in a week a new one arrived in the mail. No problem.

Good Luck
John

 

[RX-178]

I remember getting a Victorinox Swiss Tool from a knife shop at the red roof mall (Factory Merchants) in Branson MO. It was so brand new that I got introductory pricing on it, and only paid... I think $40 for it.

I've been carrying that exact swiss tool on my belt, or in my pocket, every single day since then. I have not encountered a single problem with the tool in any way shape or form. And I've never actually stopped and cleaned it... this entire time.

 

[Limeyfellow]

I guess the biggest advantage on the Swiss Tool is its finish. That thing is perhaps the most resistant to corrosion of any multitool I ever seen. Works really well for things like bug out bags, canoeing and kayaking, and prolonged time out in the wilderness but has everything I need in an urban environment too.

Though the Leatherman Supertool 300 makes a very nice piece for work since I do way too much wire cutting and don't always want to have to go grab my tools. It is rather hefty though, but has I would say a better tool set on there.

 

[RONSERESURPLUS]

I own and use BOH swiss and Leatherman Tools, I see the Leatherman as haveing a ton of options, but not to say the swiss is not topmshelf as well, I'd say ask someone who ones each and feel it up a Bit Try it out and see whats feels better inthe hand and feels 'RIGHT" if your like me will take all of about 10 minmutes to see what I like better? Or do, as I have and GET BOTH, 1 in EDC 1 in BOB Problem solved!!! LOL


RON

 

[45crittergitter]

Not Leatherman

I don't buy anything Leatherman because (1) Mr. Leatherman supported Al Gore, and (2) they use those weird 5-lobed security Torx screws, and refused to sell or tell me what sort of bit to buy to tighten mine up. :banghead:

 

[2WheelsGood]

I don't buy anything Leatherman because Mr. Leatherman supported Al Gore

Do you know the political bent of the owner/CEO of every company you purchase from? Mr. Leatherman's politics aside, at least his products are still made in the USA. Unlike the NRA hat I got in the mail that has a "made in China" tag hanging from it.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Yo -- Guys -- No Politix

We were doing fine.

Let's continue to do fine.

Political discussions are two doors down.

 

[Black Toe Knives]

I don't buy anything Leatherman because (1) Mr. Leatherman supported Al Gore, and (2) they use those weird 5-lobed security Torx screws, and refused to sell or tell me what sort of bit to buy to tighten mine up. :banghead:

Leathermans hands down. Now I know why I like Leatherman.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

You Know . . .

I really hate closing threads here in NFW.

Really.

However, I really did mean no politix.