REASONS TO BUY
Flawless build
Easy tool deployment
Effective locks
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Some outdated features
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X Review
A refined, rock-solid build with an elevated look make this expensive tool largely worth its cost
The Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X
Credit: Kyle Hameister
By Kyle Hameister ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 6, 2026
RELATED: The Best Multi Tools of 2026
Our Verdict
The SwissTool Spirit X is the crown jewel of Victorinox's lineup, and we find it as useful as it is pretty. Polished stainless steel is striking (even if it does show fingerprints), but the all-metal construction here makes this one of the best-built multi-tools we've ever tested. Each auxiliary tool is located on the exterior of the pliers handles and is easily deployed via expertly placed nail nicks, famous on the Swiss Army line of products. For an expensive tool, though, we're disappointed to see the pliers are not spring-loaded, nor are the wire cutters replaceable.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Customizable Multi-Tool | Best for Most People |  Best Bang for the Buck | Great Value on a Tight Budget | |
| Price | $145 List Check Price at REI | $88 List Check Price at Amazon | $130 List Check Price at REI | $50 List Check Price at Backcountry | $30 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A refined, rock-solid build with an elevated look make this expensive tool largely worth its cost | This multi-tool is proof that innovation is alive and well, and available today in a quality build | A full-function multi-tool from a great manufacturer at a very reasonable price | A compact budget tool with excellent construction and a reasonable set of features for daily use | An affordable multi-tool in a familiar form that punches way above its weight class |
| Rating Categories | Victorinox SwissTool... | Roxon Flex | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Mossy Oak 27-in-1 |
| Everyday Utility (40%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Victorinox SwissTool... | Roxon Flex | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Mossy Oak 27-in-1 |
| Basic tools included | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors) |
| Blades and Type | 1 straight | 1 straight | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 hybrid serrated/straight | 1 straight |
| Number of Functions | 24 | 19 | 18 | 10 | 27 |
| Locking Tools | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | Scissors and blade | All but pliers and ferro rod/ whistle |
| Carry options | Sheath, lanyard loop | Sheath, pocket clip | Sheath (sold separately), lanyard loop | Sheath (sold separately), pocket clip | Sheath, pocket clip, carabiner clip |
| Closed Dimensions (Measured) | 4.1 in (L) x 1.4 in (W) x 0.5 in (D) | 4.2 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.7 in (D) | 4.0 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.7 in (D) | 3.9 in (L) x 1.3 in (W) x 0.6 in (D) | 4.8 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.6 in (D) |
| Weight (Measured) | 7.5 oz (8.9 oz w/ sheath) | 9.0 oz (10.5 oz w/ sheath | 8.5 oz (9.5 oz w/ case) |
6.8 oz (7.8 oz w/ sheath) |
8.2 oz (10.0 oz w/ sheath & bits) |
| Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers | All | All | Blades, saw, file | Blade, scissors | Blade, saw |
| Full Length w/ Primary Blade Open (Measured) | 7 in | 6.9 in | 6.9 in | 6.4 in | 7.6 in |
| Primary Blade Effective Edge Length (Measured) | 2.3 in | 2.4 in | 2.8 in | 2.4 in | 2.7 in |
| Pliers type | Needlenose and regular, with wire cutters | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with replacable wire cutters | Needlenose and regular, with replaceable wire cutters | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with wire cutters | Needlenose and regular, with replacable wire cutters |
| Full Length w/ Pliers Open (Measured) | 6.4 in | 6.4 in | 6.3 in | 6.2 in | 7.0 in |
| Number of screwdrivers | 4 | 3 | 1 included + swappable proprietary squashed bit driver & swappable jewelry/ eyeglasses bit driver | 3 | 2 + additional swappable double-ended bits |
| File | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Saw | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Openers | Bottle, can | Can, bottle | Can, bottle | Can, bottle, package opener | Can, bottle |
| Other Important Features | Awl, chisel, pulling hook | Awl, chisel, rope cutter, and swappable tools | Ruler, 2 swappable bit drivers (squashed 1/4" hex, and jewelry) | Ruler, package opener | Whistle, fire starter (ferro rod), awl, carabiner clip, hammer |
Our Analysis and Test Results
A gleaming, stunning tool, we're happy to report the Spirit X walks the walk as it talks the talk. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Likes
This is an evolved model with a modern yet timeless look, clearly reflecting Victorinox's 140+ years of experience. Eschewing their famous red plastic handle scales for polished steel, we're surprised with just how dense and nice the tool feels overall.
The needlenose pliers portion has delicate teeth cut right to the tip, while the 'regular' pliers have enough grip for more rugged material hold. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Though it arrives oiled just a bit too much, the precision in clearances and smoothness in action of each feature is quite premium. The handles are rounded and comfortable, and just feels right in the palm.
We're happy to see fine teeth cut right to the tip in the needle-nose end of the pliers. We also love the combination chisel and wire strippers tool, which seem to be rare inclusions in the market. The pry tool is beefy and effective as well.
Each tool is easily accessed from the 'exterior' of the handles, and are deployed with appropriate leverage via nail nicks in each. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Each tool deploys gracefully and without fuss. Each nail nick is deftly placed, easy to find, and provides just the right leverage to swing out on the first try. Each tool also locks, and the locks slide back to release without issue.
Dislikes
While the handle is rounded and comfortable to hold, it's also too slick to trust a solid grip. It also shows smudges and scratches like a pair of cheap sunglasses. For a tool so obviously designed to be beautiful, this is an annoying quirk.
The sliding locks shown here are intuitive, and work well. And while we like the look of the polished metal handles, they can be slick and an issue when gripping tight. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The knife is super thin and made from a proprietary alloy known for excellent corrosion resistance, but terrible edge retention. Victorinox knives tend to need to be sharpened more often than normal. For such an expensive tool, it's strange that they didn't try to upgrade one of the most used tools on any multi-tool.
For a 'full-sized' multi-tool, we think it's actually just about right sized. Carrying it is a bit of a conundrum, however. It's actually lighter than most premium competitors, but still at 7.5 ounces it'll be quite noticeable swimming around the bottom of a pocket.
It has no pocket clip, so you're resigned to pocket carry, or using the belt sheath (which is thankfully included with shipment). The sheath is slim and made from a nice leather, but also has a velcro closure which feels cheap.
It's heavy enough to notice on your person, so we think it's best to carry via the included belt holster.
Should You Buy the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X?
This is the perfect elevated gift to give the handy person in your life — equally at home in the workshop and boardroom alike. Anyone who knows tools will have an appreciation for its functionality, while it should make an instant impression aesthetically. As long as you can swallow the expensive purchase, this is a multi-tool that won't disappoint.
The saw is about average compared with competitors. The teeth are a little aggressive for cutting anything other than softer, fresh branches. They tend to bind in harder, drier wood. Credit: Kyle Hameister
What Other Multi-Tools Should You Consider?
There are plenty of alternative options that are similarly useful, at significant discounts. The Leatherman Wave+ is about $15 cheaper, while the Leatherman Skeletool CX is almost $50 less. The Roxon Flex is cheaper still, with a similar look in a rounded metal frame. If you're interested in seeing what a truly modern option looks like, specifically in terms of tool innovation, it's well worth a look.
—Kyle Hameister
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