I have nothing but love and respect for Victorinox. If Swisstool wasn't so huge, this would be a no-brainer.

Edit: speaking of which, what do you guys think of the Spirit model?

Love the spirit. I have the spirit 's', and I thought i'd be missing the sissors, but getting a regular blade in the process makes up for it. IMHO, I put it above LM's and the LM's that I own are now in my survival kit and bob. Its with me every day in my bag.

I think I'm going to go with Victorinox after all. Just too much positive experience with their products...

Here's another question: should I get the stainless steel Spirit, or the black, oxidized version?

Multitool.org

Not to dis my fellow ETS brethren, but the MTO guys live and breath multitools. If you ever have a question about ANY multi, someone on this forum can answer it.

Plus the Mod Squad comes up with some really cool mods for these tools.

Greg

I did and have already gotten help. Thanks!

On a side note, I've been trying to get related info on another forum for some time now, with zero results. Glad I found this place! I'll stick around.

Does that mean a Swiss Army Knife in original colors is a red head?

I love my Charge TTi, but most adults at my school freak out when I use it. Note: I'm a teacher, not a student. I EDC a leatherman squirt and leave the TTi in my briefcase or backpack.

I've got the stainless Spirit & the black oxide Swiss Tool. Given where you are both have advantages & disadvantages. Black oxide will get hot faster out in the sun but it won't flash like the stainless. The black oxide is a flat finish & would disappear if you dropped it at night.

Same here except mine were Gerbers. Only thing I miss is that you used to be able to adjust the tension on the tools or swap blades between them using two pair of pliers.

Same here, EDC the Squirt E4 (electrician, very useful if you deal with electronics) and keep the Charge TTi in my backpack.

Related to the 'shiny knife' thread I guess. A friend got his stainless Wave deeply bead blasted. Put a rough, matte surface on it. It is easier to look at in the bright sun, less glare, and it adds a bit of texture that helps when hands are sweaty.

He had his done for free. His brother works at a place that does that sort of work. If I could get it done at a reasonable price I think it would be a nice addition to an already nice tool.