Leatherman vs Victorinox: Which Multitool for Dad?
Short answer:For a dad who fixes things with pliers, choose Leatherman Wave+ for its bit drivers and replaceable wire cutters, or Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip for its included carry clip and lower listed weight. For a dad who wants a knife first and does not need pliers, choose the lighter Victorinox Spartan.
Which one for a dad who fixes things
Wave+: drivers and replaceable cutters
Our pick for a dad who wants bit drivers and replaceable wire cutters is the Wave+. Leatherman lists large and small bit drivers, an eyeglass screwdriver bit, and a Phillips #1-2 and 3/16 inch bit. Its sheath is sold separately, so ask how he wants to carry it before adding accessories.
Spirit MX Clip: pliers with a carry clip
Our alternative for a dad who wants pliers and an included carry clip is the Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip. Victorinox lists needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, scissors, saws and screwdrivers. Victorinox also describes one-handed opening for the large blade and 24 lockable functions.
Compare the two plier tools
These are the makers' published specifications. Victorinox uses both count labels below on the same page; those labels are not a like-for-like tool count. Choose the functions he needs before comparing the totals.
| Attribute | Leatherman Wave+ | Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip |
|---|---|---|
Weight | 8.5 oz | 7.7 oz |
Length | 4 inches closed | 4.1 inches (listed as Length) |
Published count | 18 tools | 24 lockable functions; Details lists 25 features |
Pliers and cutters | Needlenose and regular pliers; replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters | Needle-nose pliers; wire cutter and hard wire cutter |
Screwdrivers | Large and small bit drivers; medium screwdriver | Phillips driver |
Locking | Every feature except the plier head locks | Maker describes 24 lockable functions |
Which one for a pocket he will actually carry
For plier carry, the Spirit MX Clip has the lower listed weight: 7.7 oz against the Wave+ at 8.5 oz. It also includes the clip. That makes it our pick when those carry details matter to him; weight alone cannot tell you which handle he will prefer.
If he does not need pliers: Spartan
For a knife-first gift, our choice here is the Victorinox Spartan. Victorinox describes this pocket knife for everyday use and lists 12 functions, including large and small blades, openers and a corkscrew. At 2.1 oz and 3.6 inches long, it is lighter and shorter than either plier tool above. Its blades do not lock. If he wants pliers or a locking blade, choose one of the two above.
Warranty, in the makers' words
Leatherman: 25-year warranty
Leatherman's standard limited warranty lasts 25 years from receipt and covers the original or primary owner. It excludes abuse, alteration, rust and normal wear. Authorized-dealer purchases qualify, and proof of purchase may be required. The warranty page also advertises a 40-year Insider extension; check its eligibility terms before counting on it.
Victorinox: lifetime, with conditions
Victorinox covers material or manufacturer defects during normal use for the product's lifetime. Wear and tear, misuse and unauthorized repairs are excluded. Accessories, including clips, have two-year coverage. Its terms limit eligible sellers, allow proof-of-purchase requests and permit a handling fee.
What we did not test
We have not handled or tested these tools. This recommendation uses the maker pages linked below, checked October 22, 2026. We cannot rank plier comfort, blade-opening effort, cutting performance or long-term durability from those specifications. The choice above is about his listed tool needs and carry preferences.
Check the exact model before buying
Read the Wave+ maker page, Leatherman warranty terms, the Victorinox warranty overview and the full lifetime terms for the details behind this comparison.
Questions before you choose his gift
Does the Spirit MX Clip have pliers too?
Yes. The Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip tool list includes needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, scissors and screwdrivers. It is a different choice from the Spartan pocket knife, whose tool list includes blades, openers and a corkscrew.
Which one puts less weight in his pocket?
The makers list Wave+ at 8.5 oz, Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip at 7.7 oz and Spartan at 2.1 oz. Victorinox also lists a carry clip for the Spirit MX Clip.
What else will I need with the Wave+?
Leatherman says the Wave+ sheath is sold separately. Its included bits are an eyeglass screwdriver bit and a Phillips #1-2 and 3/16 inch screwdriver bit.
Is the Victorinox warranty really for life?
Victorinox describes lifetime coverage for material or manufacturer defects during normal use, with exclusions including wear and tear, misuse and unauthorized repairs. Accessories, including clips, have two-year coverage. It may require proof of purchase and may charge a handling fee.
Still choosing a multitool?
Start with the multitool guide for other carry needs, or read Wave+ vs Surge if you have settled on Leatherman.