Victorinox SwissTool RS Reviews



Amazon.com Customer Reviews

Best Multi-Tool I've owned yet - Review written on July 02, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

This is multi tool number 4 for me. The first two were Leatherman tools which were useful but never great. The pliers were always a pain to use. The third was a Gerber multi-tool that for the most part was better designed then the Leatherman tools (especially the handle) but the quality of some of the tools was lower. I finally got this tool after the Gerber pliers snapped off. So far this is the best of the bunch. Not as nice to look at as the Gerber but as easy to hold. The quality of each of the tools is high and the locking mechanism is good. This tool is heavier then the competing tools from Gerber or Leatherman, I attribute that to higher quality metal. Worth the money.
SwissTool RS is the real deal - Review written on June 21, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

Manufactured in Switzerland, this fine multitool puts a major slap down on the Leatherman line which is fabricated mostly in China these days. It reminds me of the build and quality that used to exist in the Leatherman lineup. The tool has 26 features. The pliers are top notch. I recently used them to use as a leverage on a micro screwdriver to remove a screw that was solidly inplanted in a HP Mediasmart Server. It made short work of the whole ordeal, unlike the other poor moders around the world that have been stripping those screw heads left and right. Of course, I probably could have used just about any multitool for that job, but the SwissTool never slipped on that micro screwdriver and that was what counted. The build and quality of the Swisstool RS is second to none. It is solid stainless steel and feels like a tool that can get the job done in the tough spots. The tool comes with a thick nylon carrying case with a heavy duty snap closure. On top of that, you can't beat the "Limited Lifetime Warranty." Look at the reviews for the latest and greatest from Leatherman and compare, you will not go wrong with the SwissTool RS. Highly recommended.

Nice, but doesn't really live up to the hype - Review written on June 17, 2008
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I bought this tool because it was supposed to be so much more superior to its Leatherman counterparts, but I was kind of disappointed. A lot of the tools are very hard to get out, and you need to have really strong fingernails to open a lot of them. Then there are some which open very smoothly.

I thought it might just need to break in a little, but after numerous WD-40 treatments and opening and closing the blades a lot, nothing happened except the blades got tighter.

I sent mine back to Victorinox to see if they could do anything with it under warranty. I'm pretty sure they sent me a new/refurbished one (not my old repaired one). The replacement is easier to open, but still requires some effort, especially for the main blade.

I'm not saying that the tools themselves aren't good, but it's just when you pay so much for a tool, and read all the hype about how great this thing is supposed to be compared to other multitools, it was kind of disappointing to actually compare it to my far superior Leathermans.
Good Travel Tool - Review written on February 17, 2008
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

...good travel tool that should be thrown into the suitcase of every vigilent traveler...or the backpack of the sportsman...or the back of the land rover or ford pick-up...
Quality outshines Leatherman - Review written on February 14, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

I bought the Charge TTi from Amazon. Sent it back. Then I tried the Leatherman Wave and Surge from Target and returned both because the quality was really substandard. My brother has a Leatherman that is a few years old and it is a solid and well built tool, but recent changes in manufacturing have really reduced the quality of the Leatherman's. The new ones are definitely not your dad's leatherman. I ordered this Swiss Tool for $30 less than the Surge and I am totally impressed with the quality of it's fit and finish. The pliers have very little play in them and the finish on the blades is everything you would expect from Victorinox. The Leatherman has easy open tools and the clip point-one-handed operation blades, so I desperately wanted to be impressed by it. But, the Chinese provided parts of the Leatherman are roughly machined and appear to use substandard stainless steel. There was alot of play in the plyers and it just didn't have a solid feel to it. When I squeezed hard on the Leatherman plyers, they seemed to flex more than they should. However, the quality of the Swiss Tool leaves the Leatherman in the dust. When I pulled it out of the box I immediately noticed the weight and quality of the tool. It stinks I couldn't get both. With the addition of a few clip point blades and easier to open tools, the Swiss Tool would be pefect. Highly recommended!!
Good Quailty - Review written on January 30, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

Very well made. Blades real sharp. Opens and closes fairly easy. Need good finger nails for easy use.
It's part of my wardrobe. - Review written on January 22, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful, 1 did not.

I can't imagine another multi-tool I'd rather have on my belt right now. This is my third because I lose them (or rather they don't get found when out of sight....) It's a pleasure to own and use. Other brands, I own a few for specific purposes, don't match up with the utility and quality of the Victorinox SwissTool RS.
Excellent product... worth for money! - Review written on January 19, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

This is a great product and all tools are finished greatly. Even rough use wont leave a scratch mark on the tools. Nice built and worth for the money paid... I would recommend this product!
WOW - Review written on January 12, 2008
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

Love this Swisstool! I've had all the other brand multitools. This is the end all multitool. Well built, sturdy, other blades stay put when you select just one. This is one great multitool.
Very Well Made, Not as many features as Leatherman, - Review written on December 06, 2007
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

The Swisstool RS is a very well made tool. It is also heavy. I have been using different multitools since 1993 when I got my first Gerber Multiplier and since then I have owned a leatherman PST, Supertool, Wave and 2nd generation Wave. The Swisstool is a very nice tool/knife, the blades are very sharp and it is all very well put together, as I would expect from Victorinox, I have owned several Victorinox and Wenger swiss army knives. I do prefer the Victorinox to the Wenger, I think they are better made and generally more useful, so I expected the Swisstool to be very well made and it is.

It is also heavier then my Wave and I think its not quite as useful, on my Wave I have scissors, file, wood saw, serrated and regular blades, 2 Phillips and 3 slotted screw drivers, and can opener. Whereas the Swisstool RS gives up the file and offers 4 different slotted screw drivers and only has 1 Phillips screw driver. With my Wave I can open the two knife blades with just one hand and have access to the 2 blades, file and wood saw without opening the Wave up. The Swisstool does add a scrapper/chisel and an awl, but I am not sure I have a lot of use for the scrapper/chisel.

Would a person go wrong buying the Swisstool RS, no! It is very well made and equally useful to the Wave, I just have been using Leatherman products for the last 10 years and I prefer their layout and I am used to the tools that I have with the Leatherman. I would advise to stay away from the Gerber Multiplier, it is not nearly as well made as either the Swisstool or the Leatherman, I had to send my Gerber Multiplier back to Gerber after several of the implements broke off. The Gerber is made from Cast Stainless steel and is more brittle and in my opinion less refined then either the Wave or the Swisstool.

The only reason I gave the Swisstool 4 stars instead of 5 is it seems to be more difficult to open the different implements.
It is what you'd expect from Victorinox multitool - Review written on November 04, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

This is a great tool. There is only one item missing that I truly wish were on board - a metal file. Such an addition would allow the maintenance of larger tools such as an ax or hatchet.

However, aside from a metal file, the wood saw works every bit as well as those I've used on their wonderful knives. It is truly a well made tool and one that you would expect from the folks who produce the world's most innovative and rugged knives.
SwissTool RS - Review written on October 01, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

This is my first and only multi-tool. It is exceptionally well built, rock solid, and has the tools I want. I have not compared it to other brands or to other models by Victorinox, but cannot imagine how any other multi-tool tool could be better made.
Swiss Tool RS Beats My Leatherman and Gerber - Review written on September 17, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

The Victorinox Swiss Tool RS beats my Leatherman and my Gerber Tools first because all the tools are on the outside and you do not need to open the entire tool and search for the tool you want. The only reason for opening up the entire tool is to use the pliers. Second the pliers are able to handle large nuts and have a much more hefty feel about them. Thirdly, the scissors are much better and come out more easily. Lastly, all of the other tools are high quality. The only drawback might be the size of the Victorinox Swiss Tool RS. I however find the other advantages to out weigh this.
Quality Is Worth The Price - Review written on July 20, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

I live in a hurricane zone in Florida and bought this tool as part of a disaster survival kit. It is worth every penny. Period.
An outstanding multitool - Review written on June 19, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I've had a couple of Gerber Multipliers that have served me well but kept reading how good the Swisstools are, so I ordered one from Amazon last week. My initial impression is, "WOW!" The Swisstool is really well made and finished. It feels considerably more solid than the Gerbers I have, or the Leatherman tools I've handled. I shouldn't be too surprised, since I have four other Victorinox Swiss Army Knives: a Cybertool 41, and three Pioneers, one of which I've gone back to my everyday carry knife, having bought it in the early 1980s. (I keep one Pioneer in my truck and my wife's car for emergencies.)

Except for the pliers, the individual tools can be accessed without opening the tool. Each tool locks in place, so you don't have to be concerned with them closing on your fingers. The handle is contoured so that it doesn't dig into your hand when you squeeze down on the pliers. The knife blade, belt cutter, and reamer are very sharp. The seat belt cutter is a serrated, curved blade with a round point. The cutting edge is on the inside of the curve. I could this being useful on boats when you need to cut something but don't want to risk using a pointy knife. The scissors are slightly larger than those on my Cybertool 41, with which I've cut a fair amount of CAT5. The scissors are nice and sharp.

A well-constructed black nylon belt sheath with a snap closure was included. The sheath is designed to stay open so that you can easily re-sheath the multitool with one hand.

So far, I've used the bottle opener, to open a bottle of Yuengling Lager. Works great. :-) I also tested the scissors on some heavy corrugated cardboard and they worked well. Both the knife blades are very sharp and cut well.

If you're in the market for a good multitool, the Swisstools from Victorinox are definitely worth looking at.
Ok - nothing special - Review written on June 08, 2007
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful, 2 did not.

I like my SwissTool RS, but not impressed. It a little bulky and heavy but has all the gadgets I want. I like the carrying pouch. I threw this in my glove compartment of my car and only use it when needed. It comes in really handy for times when you are away from home and don't have the right tool.

Overall, not a bad buy. No remorse.
Fabulous! - Review written on March 22, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

I love this! So many options - it fits all my emergency and daily needs!
I like the SwissTool the best - Review written on March 03, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

I have many of the other quality multitools and I think the SwissTool is more reliable in heavy use.

I Highly recomend this tool.
Tom tob9595
Great gadget - Review written on February 08, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

A liked very much my SwissTool. Im very satisfied. It has a lot of gadgets, the sharp is very nice.
Very Happy - Review written on January 11, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

This tool is well made and durable. I have had a SOG, Leatherman and Gerber Multitool and this one is my favorite apart from the Gerber. All of the edges are sharp and the pliars are accurate and comfortable to use. It's a bit on the heavy side but it makes up for that in quality.
GREAT TOOL AT A GREAT PRICE - Review written on January 11, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

I BOUGHT THIS TOOL AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR MY HUSBAND WHO WAS ALWAYS PARTIAL TO "THE LEATHERMAN".

THE "VICTORINOX" IS A SOLID TOOL THAT IS CONSTRUCTED BETTER THAN THE LEATHERMAN AND FITS COMFORTABLY IN YOUR HAND. WHEN USING THE MULTIPLE ATTACHMENTS, YOU DON'T FEEL AS IF THE TOOL WILL SNAP AND BREAK.

IT WAS ALSO $20 - $25 LESS THAN THE LEATHERMAN'S I CONSIDERED PURCHASING.

MY HUSBAND NEVER LEAVES HOME WITHOUT IT!
multitool - Review written on January 11, 2007
* * * *
Rating: 4 out of 5
6 customers found this review helpful.

This is an excellent tool for those that need a stronger set of pliers than is found on, for example, the smaller Leatherman. The only issue I have had is that the flat screwdriver often comes out with the knife blade alongside when you pull out the knife. The locking mechanism on each tool is great. The ability to access the tools (other than the pliers) without opening the handles is also convenient
Xmas Gift - Review written on January 10, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

The receiver was very pleased with the gift. It came in time and in very good condition. she will make very good use of the Victorinox Swiss tool
This is by far the best and easiest to use multitool I've ever owned - Review written on January 10, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful.

I bought it and the Swisstool Spirit on the same day and both are superb. I use one of these tools every day and when able to carry the extra weight I prefer the Swisstool RS over the Spirit because it is a bit larger and easier to use and includes a ruler.
sweet looks/shallow mind - Review written on January 10, 2007
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful, 7 did not.

Really nice looking tool, but it doesn't have the features and usability that the competition does. Too hard to get the knife out and other tools. locking feature doesn't work as well as Gerber. I think Gerber and Leatherman have better utility for less money.
great multi-tool, one of the best. - Review written on January 09, 2007
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful.

If you want quality, a tank of a tool, and the best finish in the business, get a SwissTool. It is big and heavy, not for your pocket, but it does the job, and it'll last. It won't rust or break on you (so the people who have it for awhile say). Wonderful tool opening, without taking out all the rest and you can take them out without having to open up the pliers. The tools/blades lock very nice and it has great scissors, better than most. I would recommend this multi-tool to anybody.
5 and 2 Stars - GREAT tool ... no keepsake tin - Review written on December 30, 2006
* * *
Rating: 3 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful, 4 did not.

GREAT tool (5 Stars) ... but does not include "Individually boxed in keepsake tin with a silver lid" (2 stars) ...

I owned one of the Victorinox SwissTools several years go and I LOVED it. I'm happy to say that I like my new one even better (the RS model has a cross section of individual tools that I prefer to the ones in my older model). The belt pouch is well designed and handsom and the quality with which everything is made is simply top notch. I've never seen a tool of this kind that I liked better and I can HIGHLY recommend it.

However ... as advertised, this model is said to come with a tin gift box ... and it simply doesn't.
Very impressed... - Review written on December 27, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.

I was led to believe that this item would be much larger and heavier than it really was - I was in fact surprised by its compact design. It has very clean lines with no sharp edges. As you unfold the tool to reveal the pliers , there is a satisfying click which each movement as each piece moves into place. I had no trouble accessing any component while the pliers were hidden. I guess the only thing I would change about this tool is to add an additionaly small non-serrated knife or perhaps even a file or metal saw. But you can't have it all - very pleased thus far. The ruler is very nice as well. You can form a carpenter's right angle tool or even a 9in ruler. I would buy this again in a flash if I ever needed to.
Can't Miss With This Swiss! - Review written on November 12, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
14 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.


The Victorinox Swiss Tool RS is just what I was looking for - a mini tool set. I can't wait to try them all out. This is one of those 'don't leave home without it' items and comes in handy when I go hunting and fishing. While, you can't carry every tool with you to handle each and every unforseen emergency situation, this Victorinox comes as close as any to being able to do just that. It's a little too big to keep in my pocket but since it comes with a sturdy case it works fine on my belt.My Marine Corps experiences from the cold of Norway to the steaming jungles of Panama tells me this is a winner. Just like my Victorinox Swiss Army Explorer with Free Pouch, this is truly a quality product, one that you can count on to get the job done. You will definitely be glad you ordered it. I know I am. ~ The Boss
Good quality instrument - Review written on November 10, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
8 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

I bought it and I end up using it a lot more that I would think. Very good quality tool, solid and reliable. I gave one to my father and another one to my father in law, they love it as well.
One of the best multi-tools out there - Review written on July 29, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
38 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

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.
what a great product! - Review written on July 19, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
5 customers found this review helpful, 2 did not.

this thing is incredible, it does everything! What a wonderful idea for the man that has everything!
Don't Settle For Anything Less - Review written on June 26, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5

Why bother with a bunch of cheaper models when you can have this? The belt holster makes it convenient to carry - much better than having a bulky pocketknife in your pocket and access is quick and easy when you need it. High quality stainless steel matters and this tool does not disappoint!

Bottom Line: Skip the other stuff and just get this for the duration. The best multitool for most jobs.
Quality is the word - Review written on March 25, 2006
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
1 customer found this review not to be helpful.
The most impressive multi-tool I have laid my hands on.

Beats the competition hands down. Better quality than the Leatherman or the Gerber tools. It offers the best of all worlds in being handy, useful, durable, and has become absolutely indispensible.

Ladies, this is a tool for every man's belt. Get it here at a great price. I am planning on getting this as Christmas gifts for all my maintenance guys. The least I could do to cure their tool envy.
Victorinox does it again! - Review written on December 29, 2005
* * * * *
Rating: 5 out of 5
13 customers found this review helpful.

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!