What I Learned By Switching to a Victorinox Swiss Tool Multi-Tool

There are hundreds of multi-tools to choose from, but a few brands tend to dominate the scene. You’re likely familiar with names like Leatherman and Gerber Gear, but did you know Victorinox has a line of multi-tools?

That’s right, the same brand well-known for its Swiss Army Knives (which are a type of multi-tool in their own right) also makes what most of us understand as a more traditional multi-tool.

I decided to see how they compare to the other models I’m used to carrying, so I switched out my normal EDC for the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX multi-tool. In this review, I’ll walk you through the basics of what this model has to offer and share my thoughts on how the quality and function stack up against the others I carry.

Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX Multi-tool: What They Say

Victorinox describes the Spirit MX as being “the ultimate fusion of practical functionality, quality, and elegance.” It’s made in Switzerland and has 24 functions integrated into the design.

Integrated Tools

• Needle nose plier
• Thin and soft wire cutter
• Hard wire cutter
• Plain edge knife
• Can opener
• 3mm slotted screwdriver
• Bottle opener
• 6mm slotted screwdriver
• Crate opener
• Wire bender
• 2mm slotted screwdriver
• Reamer/punch
• Pulling hook
• Scissors
• Wood saw
• Metal saw
• File
• #1/#2 Phillips screwdriver
• 7mm chisel/scraper
• Cable cover longitudinal cutter
• Cable cover crossway cutter
• Wire stripper
• Lanyard hole
• Carry clip (Spirit MX Clip model only)

Key Features

• Access: All handle tools are accessible without having to swing the handles open
• Safety: All handle tools securely lock in the deployed position
• One-hand Opening: The knife features a tab that allows for one-hand deployment
• Lifetime Warranty: Against manufacturer defects
• Size and Weight: 4.1 inches long closed, 7.3 ounces

Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX Multi-tool: What We Say

My normal EDC multi-tool is my custom Gerber Center-Drive. Its center-oriented multi-bit driver and spring-loaded pliers are two keys that make it more functional for the way I work.

However, choosing a multi-tool is highly personal. It’s all about having the right tools of the right quality. So, while I’m going to hone in on a few tools that stand out, it’s really the quality of this tool that I’m focused on.

General Impressions

My first impression when I opened the package was that Spirit MX is a sleek, attractive multi-tool. Victorinox calls it elegant, and I think that’s a fair description.

This model uses a butterfly-style opening like most multi-tools. The action feels a little stiff and gritty as you swing the handles around. However, you can feel the handles slide into positive stops in both the open and closed positions. This ensures the handles stay where you put them; they won’t come open when you’re using the tools in the handles, and they don’t easily pivot away when you fully open the plier jaws.

The jaw action on the pliers is impressive. There’s zero play, and the movement is butter-smooth. It reminds me of the high-quality, long-lasting design of some of my Klein pliers.

The handles have a subtle curve that helps them fit in your hand more ergonomically than most multi-tools. Better still, the edges are rounded, so they don’t dig uncomfortably into your hand when you’re squeezing tight on a nut or bolt.

Like most multi-tools, there’s some flex to the handles. You can see it when you squeeze them tightly, and it’s possible to get a slight twisting action as well. That said, there’s actually less flex in the Sprit MX than in others I use, indicating a stronger build.

The downside of the sleek handle design is that it’s slicker than powder-coated models. This isn’t unique to Victorinox, and I didn’t have any general issues with my grip slipping. However, if you regularly work on applications that are likely to get grease or oil on the tool, it’s something to consider.

Tool Highlights

Knife

The one-hand opening function of the knife is excellent… if you’re right-handed. Similar to a thumb stud, a tab helps you easily swing the blade all the way around into its locked open position. There’s no bearing assist like many pocket knives, but we don’t expect to see that in any multi-tool.

If you’re left-handed, you can sort of work the blade open with your forefinger. It’s not easy or ideal, though, so plan to either train your right hand or just use two hands like you would with other multi-tools.

File

While most multi-tool files are simply there, the Sprit MX takes it a step further. In addition to the coarse and fine sides we normally see, the bottom is also textured.

This is what Victorinox calls the metal saw. Now, it’s pretty thick compared to a hacksaw blade, but with enough time and willpower, you really can chew through some metal cutting. More practically, it can do a relatively easy job of cutting nails and screws flush if your diagonal cutting pliers aren’t handy.

Scissors

The scissors are much more robust than the ones you find on Swiss Army Knives. The multi-tool platform gives Victorinox the ability to make them larger and thicker, so they resist twisting and separation much better.

They’re still small, but if you’re cutting bandages for first aid, heat shrink sleeves, or performing other light-duty, small-scale cutting, they’re useful.

Lock

The locking mechanism is solid, and it works for all the tools integrated into the handles. Functionally, it’s basically an axis lock like you find on some Benchmade knives. Similarly, it uses a spring-loaded release that your thumb and forefinger combine to disengage.

The nice thing about having such a strong lock is that you can put some real force into the screwdrivers without worrying about them slipping out of position.

Clip

The clip is robust and won’t bend out as easily as the ones that come on some multi-tools and knives.

It’s also removable and reversible. Using a small hex key, there’s just one screw to loosen if you’d like to take it off or move it to the other handle.

Since the price is the same whether you get the Clip or standard model, you can always go with the clip and remove it if you decide you don’t like it. I tend to carry my multi-tools in a sheath on my belt, so the clip isn’t mission-critical for me.

Should You Buy the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX?

I’m impressed by the quality of the Victorinox Spirit MX multi-tool. The build quality and strength can go toe-to-toe with the best names in the business, and it competes with a bit more refinement in the design.

In terms of suitability, it’s an excellent all-around choice for DIYers who want a quality multi-tool. For Pros, the tool selection is dialed in best for electricians, VDV techs, and cable installers, though you’ll still want to keep your multi-bit screwdriver close by.

Of course, other tradesmen can take advantage as well, but you may want to check Victorinox’s full lineup of Swiss Tools to see if there’s a tool loadout that makes more sense for you.

The one thing to look out for is environments that put you in contact with oil, grease, or other lubricating chemicals. The handles can become slick when you add those to the mix.

Ready to get your hands on one? Both the standard Spirit MX and Spirit MX Clip have a retail price of $150.