VictorinoxSwiss Tool X Plus Ratchet Swiss Army Knife, 35 Function Swiss Made Multi-Tool with Needle-nose pliers, Wire Cutter, Crate Opener and Large Blade - Silver

(Note: The photos were added in 2016, four-years after purchase. See the update at the bottom of the review.)First of all, this is an extremely stout tool. The only other multitools I have to compare it to are a Leatherman Wingman and a Schrade Tool, and the SwissTool X is noticeably heavier, probably due to the use of heavier duty stainless steel (to be fair, the Leatherman and Schrade are significantly less expensive). The entire CS kit which includes the hex bit set adds some extra bulk and weight to the belt, but it's not enough to cause your pants to fall down or anything. Just be aware that it's a fairly substantial package.The SwissTool X itself looks to be well made with excellent fit and finish, which one expects from Victorinox. Corners and edges throughout are smooth and rounded which makes it generally nice to handle, something which I can not say about the Wingman which has one or two pointy bits on it. All the tools open easily and smoothly, and each locks solidly into place. I do like the fact that all the tools except for the pliers are accessible while the tool is closed. This is not only convenient but allows the cutting edges of blades to lay flush with the sides of the tools instead of sticking out in the middle like multitools that hide their blades on the inside. This makes for easier cutting since you're not working against the tool's handles.The locking feature is extremely nice and keeps the various implements from closing up on you which is a welcome safety feature. And since each tool has its own spring, you can open the individual tools without the others coming along for the ride. This should be appreciated by anyone who is used to having to gingerly push other tools back into place while trying to select the one you want. I mention the following only because people may have seen the same review I did: I watched a YouTube video where someone used the wire cutters to cut a nail (something that is not actually recommended since a hardened metal nail could prematurely wear out or even break the tool; it's intended for cutting through wire which is a much softer metal), and the force of the pliers snapping closed caused some of the tools to open up inside the handle. Naturally, I tested this myself, though I didn't cut a nail. Rather, I opened the pliers and slapped them closed with as much force as I could muster, and several of the implements did pop open. But this is an extreme situation, and I can say that after many, many months of normal use, I have never had the tools open of their own accord. In short, don't worry about it.The tools in general look to offer a very nice selection, and between them and the included hex bit set, I can't imagine too many scenarios where I will be unable to find the right tool for the job. In fact, I did use the can opener to open my lunch, and while my technique could use some work, the tool effectively accomplished the task. The CS kit even comes with the ubiquitous corkscrew which snaps into a slot on the side of the SwissTool, so you'll be the hero the next time you're at a wine tasting party and the host has misplaced his own corkscrew -- this, of course, being a situation that many of us regularly encounter. More practically, the corkscrew is mainly a place to store the mini screwdriver which is cleverly designed to fit inside. Of particular note for me are the scissors which are the classic Victorinox design which in my opinion are superior to most other folding scissors designs -- including the redesigned scissors on the SwissTool Spirit X -- and do a much better job of cutting than the ones on the Leatherman Wingman. The pliers, which are largely the reason for the existence of multitools, are well machined and sturdy with minimal flex and side-to-side play. It really feels like a pair of high quality pliers. They're not true needle nose but are nevertheless functional and should serve well. The handles are nicely rounded, so you can use a fair amount of pressure without them cutting into your palm.In summary, this is a well designed, high quality tool with good utility and should hold up well over many years.----------April 8, 2013: Just a quick update after 4-months to say that this thing is extremely handy to have on your belt. I have used the tool for a variety of jobs at work and around the home, and the implements have worked perfectly. For many household projects, it's the only tool I need!----------November 13, 2014: Going on two years with my Victorinox SwissTool, and it continues to be a solid and reliable tool. The springs have remained tight, and the stainless steel has proven to be extremely tough and durable with the individual tools showing only minimal signs of wear. In this same period of time, I've watched my coworkers break their Leatherman and Gerber tools doing mundane tasks like trying to remove a stubborn screw. Buy a SwissTool. You won't regret it.----------March 22, 2016: 4-years and hundreds of jobs later and the SwissTool is still going strong! This thing is going to outlive me. I might have to put it in my will.(The photos were added as part of this update. The close-up is of the crate opener, which is the one implement that sees the most abuse and is the most worn. It still looks pretty good, doesn't it?)

Husband uses it every day and prefers this over the curved handle design. Best tool than his last one of the same brand. High quality and durable case. Excellent gift for the handyman in your life

Great tool for camping the design is great and very functionality

Excelente

This tool beats leatherman hands down. I especially like the fact that all the tools are accessible without unfolding the pliers. All the tools lock in place. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. I used to repair printing machines and used this tool daily.

The Victorinox Swiss Tool CS Plus exudes quality. I have been carrying and using a Leatherman Surge daily for years now, and it is well broken in, operates smoothly and is my constant companion. But I also always wanted a good Victorinox multi tool as well, if for no other reason than I wanted one and life is short, so ...why not? Ordered one in the morning and it was delivered by Amazon the same day. It is in a class by itself. Everything you ever heard about the quality craftsmanship of Victorinox is true. All tool open and close smoothly, they lock up solid, function as they should and will likely be handed down through the generations. Now my only problem is, which to carry, the Surge or the Swiss tool...life is good if that's my only daily dilemma. Buy one, you won't regret it. Oh, by the way, my wife doesn't understand my obsession with 'man toys' ( multi tools, knives, etc...) but at least she smiles when she sees me fidget around with my multi tools and knives while she watches TV.

I bought it as a gift to my husband a few months ago, and it really can't be better, he takes it with him every day and uses it for practically everything. Excellent tool is completely worth it.

I was a little worried after reading some of the reviews with photos, but the one I received was in the original, unoppened packaging. I also have a few Leatherman Wave and Charge TTi. My Charge was bought over 15 years ago and is still going strong, but I feel Leatherman quality has declined in recent years. This Victorinox looks very well made, but only time will tell. I’ll update the review if I encounter any issues. One slight gripe is that Victorinox seems to have changed the way they grind the awl. I’m a fan of the original method which is more of a sharpened groove/channel. The awl on this one is just sharpened to a regular one-sided taper. It’s easier to sharpen, but may not drill into wood as easily. I haven’t tested it though, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I waited till it went on sale. I Think the regular full price is too high. I really wanted the one with the ratchet, but they were sold out. oh well.