A gadget that involves no electronics! I carry a Leatherman Micra with me wherever I go. It’s small enough to be unobtrusive and absolutely indispensable for daily survival in the urban jungle. Opening beer bottles and slicing packaging, for example. For jobs that demand a less subtle approach, the Micra is placed aside in favour of something more capable: the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.

Leatherman is probably the best known manufacturer of multi-tools. They offer a lifetime warranty and immediate replacement. But, access to the blade and screwdrivers requires the entire tool to be folded open. That’s not always convenient and simply wastes time. In contrast, the Victorinox SwissTool matches all the features of the Leatherman, with the added bonus of providing access to all integrated tools without having to open the entire collection of integrated tools. And it comes in at a lower price.

The SwissTool Spirit is the latest incarnation in the SwissTool line, featuring a more comfortable grip design. The chrome finish does not take kindly to hiding fingerprints, which is something that irks me no end. Overall, an excellent package, with the following tools available:

• needlenose pliers
• screwdrivers in 2mm, 3mm and 6mm sizes
• wire cutter for thin and soft wire
• cap lifter
• crate opener
• combi-edge blade
• scissors
• metal file and saw
• wood saw
• reamer and punch
• Phillips screwdriver 1+2
• chisel /scraper
• isolation length-cutter
• wire bender, stripper, scraper and isolation round-cutter
• can opener
• multi purpose hook
• hard wire cutter

The SwissTool Spirit Plus includes a carrying pouch with a ratchet and screwdriver bits. Something I find rather odd: there are two variants available. Mine includes the ratchet. The other SKU includes a corkscrew and bit holder. Why the corkscrew isn’t simply included as a standard part in all tools makes no sense. So that’s an extra purchase. Other than that, no issues. This is an excellent product!

Thankfully, Victorinox are not into software development…with product designations such as 3.0227.N1, I shudder to think what the upgrade path to the newer version would entail!

Tags: Multi-tool