Victorinox SwissTool RS

I own several multi-tools and pocket knives. Being a dad with 3 kids, and a home based business, their is always something to fix, update, or repair. Around the house whether in pajamas or jeans i carry my victorinox swiss champ pocket knife. (every man should own one of these by the way! it never fails me!)

If i go out of the house i take a beefier tool (might have to do some sort of automotive repair, fix a fence, cut wire, build a barbeque, or disarm a thermonuclear device). Its always been a toss up between my gerber 800 or my leatherman xti. However on many occassions i have noticed that while the leatherman or gerbers pliers are great, the rest of the individual tools in the unit are just not as well done or as reliable as my swiss champs tools. Plus to get to the individual tools (like a screwdriver) i have to unfold the multitool itself, which is a pain sometimes.

Well all that changed few months ago when i received the swisstool rs as a gift, and let me tell ya, i dont even think about what to take with me when i go out now. I just grab the swiss tool and head out! This is a very solid tool, equal to or in many ways better than my leatherman or gerber tools. It has all primary tools i have on my swiss champ (knives and screwdrivers), as well as very decent pair of pliers, a sheeps foot serated blade, and scissors. No file on this tool, but i never used a file on my other tools anyway, so no loss there. I have to say its a very nice big brother to my swiss champ.

Cons for this great tool would be, it could use a tighter locking mechanism for the tools, and a one handed opening blade would be nice. All the tools lock into place, but they wiggle ever so slightly once locked. Not wiggle like they will fold on you and slice off a finger, but wiggle none the less. I have had no problem with using the locks or the tools once they lock, its just a personal preference. Other than that this is an awesome tool.

if you are wondering what to get your man as a present, you simply cannot go wrong with this tool!

Things that make it better than the others:

1. SAFE to use. Has the best locking mechanism. Others are made of plastic and/or add bulk and make it clunky. Do NOT buy a tool or knife with blades that do not lock !

2. Blades can be opened from outside without opening the pliers. This also allows a better grip too.

3. Overall size is just right, and it is compact, not bulky. All the components are made to the size needed.

4. Has a good combination of tools without useless tools to add bulk. Many of the tools are ingeniously combined onto same blade to save space.

5. High end quality, made of good heavy steel.

This one is worth the extra cost.

I used to carry a well known name brand multi-tool myself until I found a couple superior options ( based on 30 years as a fire fighter, police officer and bomb disposal ( EOD ) technician ). I have owned most every multi tool out there and abused them all ( that's why the good ones have a lifetime warranty . ) and the two best for the money are the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife SwissTool RS and the SOG Powerlock S60 - don't waste your money on anything else - " Leather Guy" can't come close to a SOG or Victorinox in performance and Warranty - in my opinion!!!

Victorinox SwissTool RS (Rescue and Survival). comes equipped with both scissors and belt cutter which replace the serrated blade and the metal file and can be life saving in a auto accident. Tools included are: Pliers, Screwdriver (2mm), Screwdriver (3mm), Wire Cutter, Screwdriver (5mm), Bottle Opener, Screwdriver (7.5 mm), Large Blade, Scissors, Seatbelt Cutter, Metal Saw, Wood Saw, Reamer/Punch, Phillips Screwdriver, Chisel/Scraper, Strong Crate Opener, Wire Bender, Wire Stripper, Wire Scraper, Can Opener, Ruler (9 inches), Ruler (230mm), Electrical Crimper, Lanyard Hole . The SwissTool RS has the same features as the original SwissTool with two additional features: seatbelt cutter and scissors - something every first responder needs. Made in Switzerland with a lifetime warranty.

The other multi-tool worth your money is a SOG Powerlock S60. This folding tool isn't new, a fact that speaks to its highly regarded Compound Leverage mechanism that generates twice the pressure and gripping power of lesser tools. To wit: this thing is the Jaws of multitools. Beyond strength, you'll love the pivoting handle covers that really do improve comfort and dexterity. All the essential tools are intricately positioned for deployment, including a quarter-inch drive socket, spring-loaded scissors, half-serrated knife blade, saw, several screwdrivers and Phillips-style model, wire cutters, file... and on and on. And for you showoffs out there, the PowerLock's ability to open with a quick flick of the wrist is undeniably cool. The PowerLock features removable, pivoting handle covers that improve the comfort profile for your hand. More pressure can now be exerted on those tough jobs! Like the rest of the family in the PowerPlier® series, the PowerLock can be opened and closed with a one-handed flip of the wrist. This is a basic requirement from SOG as so often one is holding wires or standing on a ladder and does not have both hands free. All tool components are easy to access and lock in the open position. The Phillips even locks in two open positions. With one of the simplest and safest locking devices ever engineered, just press the back of the lock and close the component into the handle. Included in the handles of this compact tool box is the first foldable 1/4" drive that will turn sockets or, with a standard adapter, any hex screwdriver tip. It will also turn heads! Scissors can be one of the most used tool components and we have answered that demand with foldable spring-loaded scissors that are extremely sharp. This patent pending marvel only has spring tension in the open position, an additional safety feature. Other components include: plier/gripper, wire cutter, crimper, double toothed wood saw, 1/2 serrated blade, 3-sided file, large screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" drive, awl, can opener/small screwdriver, bottle opener/med. screwdriver, scissors, rulers and lanyard ring. PowerLock also comes with a heavy-duty, dark leather pouch A standard issue with any SOG multipurpose tool is the advantage of hex bolt construction. This essential design element gives you the greatest versatility to clean and change tool components. Features all stainless steel construction and comes with a leather pouch, a Lifetime Guarantee and they are MADE IN THE USA.