leatherman juice any thoughts?

V

Vermont woodsman

Joined
Jan 22, 2005
Messages
212
leatherman makes a colorful tool called the juice, its like any other leatherman but has anodized handles. Anyone own one, and what do u think?
 
I went to the Juice from the Wave because it was smaller and lighter. Better designed for the tools I was most interested in.

You don't get as much leverage in the pliers. Tools don't lock.

You have to balance the tradeoffs of any given multi-tool against your needs.

Phil
 
The Juice series are a nice compromise between the full-sized tools and the micro-tools. They are somewhat less versatile, and less tough, than their full-sized counterparts, but adequate for a lot of tasks.

However, if you primarily want smaller pliers I think you'd do better with either the Leatherman Mini-Tool (now discontinued) or the SOG CrossGrip. Both are more compact than a Juisce, but provide better leverage. On the other hand, neither offers the selection of tools you get with a Juice.

--Bob Q
 
bquinlan said:
The Juice series are a nice compromise between the full-sized tools and the micro-tools. They are somewhat less versatile, and less tough, than their full-sized counterparts, but adequate for a lot of tasks.

However, if you primarily want smaller pliers I think you'd do better with either the Leatherman Mini-Tool (now discontinued) or the SOG CrossGrip. Both are more compact than a Juisce, but provide better leverage. On the other hand, neither offers the selection of tools you get with a Juice.

--Bob Q
Click to expand...

I would say that the juice line are extremely good for light duty. The mini-tool and cross grip may have stronger pliers, but they lack in the individual tool department.

Be sure to look at the many different juices available, since they have different tools and are different thicknesses accordingly.

www.leatherman.com
 
The Juice series are Leathermans answer to the non-locking Swiss Army Knives we all have a ton of. I like to think of them as SAKs with a little bit better pliers. The one thing I really like about them is the diamond file and the saw, both of which are better then what V-nox puts in their tools. I think that for someone who normally carries a middle sized SAK (Ranger maybe?) this is an upgrade. For light duty every day tasks they are great, especially if you work in an office setting.
 
If you like the Leatherman Wave check out the Juice Xe6. The purple handles are a bit much but you can get it in the storm gray. Its pretty light weight and comes with a good variety of tools in it.
 
Vermont woodsman said:
leatherman makes a colorful tool called the juice, its like any other leatherman but has anodized handles. Anyone own one, and what do u think?
Click to expand...
I've owned an S2 and a Kf4 for about three years. They meet my needs very well, but like all products, they have their weaknesses. There are some things that they would not work for.

A good place to start for this type of question is with a forum search. If you haven't used this feature yet, click on the word Search at the top of the page and choose Advanced Search. Where it says Search By Key Word, type in "juice". If you want to search for the word only in titles, you can go to the dialog box where it says Search Entire Posts and change it to Search Titles Only. You can also limit the search to only the multitool forum by going down to where it says Search in Forum(s). You will find a lot of information in these old threads to help you decide.
 
very nice. i would try to handle one (ems?) to see how it feels to you before picking one up. for light duty i like them a lot. i have an s2. everything i need nothing i don't. scissors, pliers, bottle opener, knife, and several screwdrivers. i used to carry a crunch but i really missed the scissors and the size of the juice. it's definitely doable for pocket carry but if you are sensitive to weight in the pocket you might want to try a belt sheath. i have mine in the case from my crunch along with a sparklite firestarter. a ferocium rod or a small butchers steel type sharpener would work too.
i will echo what people have already said and say that you really have to find the right tool for you. also, if you like the idea of carrying it in your pocket but you don't want the weight you could pick up something like this if you got one that was the right length it would keep the weight off of your pocket and instead put it on your waist. i have a version with a longer chain and it works very well for my cell phone.

Pete
 
i also wanted to say that i have had experience with the cf4, the blue (or grey of course) one. it has the saw and corkscrew as well as everything the s2 has. it was a nice tool but there really is a weight difference between them so if you are planning on carrying it in your pocket and you would use the saw and corkscrew rarely i would definitely consider the s2.

Pete
 
i have a juice and i like it for light jobs. i usually carry it on the weekends.
i've had it so long i don't remember the model. (it's green)
also, www.ripoffs.com has a nice clip-on sheath just for the juice. if you get the thicker juice it way be a tight fit in the ripoff.
 
First of all, the Juice isn't just one model, it's a whole line.

I own six of them. Yes, I know, I have a problem. :D

In short, they're modular, and come in three sizes, indicated by the digit at the end of the model number, which indicates how many "tool slices" are included.

The smaller tools (S2, C2) are quite pocketable, being no larger than a good-sized slipjoint. The mid-size ones (KF4, CS4) fit OK into a jeans pocket, but are a bit heavy for dress slacks. The Big Guy (XE6) is a handful, and best worn on the belt.

In general:
  • The handles are fairly comfortable, with round-edged scales. Fit and finish are very nice; the anodizing on the scales holds up pretty well, but keys and such will scratch them over time. Plenty of space bewteen them when the tool is open and jaws closed, making it easy to slip a pinky in there for extra control, without pinching. Overall, good ergos, handles well for it's size.
  • All include pliers with wire cutters, drivers (#1 Philips, three flat), and a lanyard loop.
  • The pliers resemble smaller versions of the larger LM tools; they aren't nearly as sturdy, but plenty strong enough for light- to medium duty. Well pointed, though, so they're excellent for delicate work. Also open plenty wide.
  • Ditto the wirecutters; small, but effective.
  • The drivers are nicely done, but stubby. Deeply recessed screws are problematic.
The other tools are modular, and are the same across the line:
  • Plain-edge knife: almost full ground, except for the arched back. That arch makes it a little weak at the tang; obviously not intended for heavy prying. Plain old 440 stainless, though, so easy to sharpen, but won't hold an edge forever.
  • Serrated knife: same arched back as the other, but also has a squared-off tip. Good serration pattern, cuts like the dickens, but like the plain-edge, weak at the tang. Still, plenty enough to cut heavy cardboard or seatbelts without a fuss.
  • Scissors: similar to the ones on the PST II, Pulse and original Wave, which are IMHO the best out there. Surprisingly large for a small tool. (Gerber, pay attention!)
  • Three-surface file (double-cut, metal file, diamond-coated file, hacksaw on the edge): much like the file on the Wave. Has the same contour as the knives, hance the same inherent weakness. Still, it cuts well; I'm constantly amazed how aggressively that diamond file cuts.
  • Wood Saw: Similar to the one on the Wave; very effective tooth pattern, doesn't clog easily; back-ground to prevent binding; overall, pretty good, but small.
  • Awl: A disappointing out of the box: it's not sharp! With a stone and some effort, though, it can be made very effective.
  • Corkscrew: Yes, I actually use mine, and it works very, very well. While it's a bit short, the extra leverage from the Assist (see below) more than makes up for it. The pivot doesn't look all that beefy, though, and I've given up on some exceptionally sticky corks for fear of shearing it. But, for all I know, it might've handled them just fine.
  • Combination Bottle opener / Can opener / Corkscrew assist: Other than making the corkscrew a joy to use, a mixed bag. Pops caps fine, but doens't handle cans well until you stone the edge; it ships dull as a butterknife. Once sharpened, though, it works pretty decently.
A few limited editions (SC4 and Pro) have some non-standard tools, too:
  • Foil-cutting blade: Short, curved, and with micro-serrations; mounted by the corkscrew, and intended for cutting the seal before pulling the cork. Works well for it's inteded use, but also handy as a small, pointed cutter. Especially good on zip-ties, where you can't get the blunt serrated blade in.
  • Tweezers: Removable, Swiss-Army style. Work OK, if you like that sorta thing.
In case you couldn't tell, I really like them. My favorites are the two limited editions: the Pro looks like the XE6, with all the regular tools, but also includes the two extras, too, in the same sized package. The SC4 is the same as the C2, but it adds scissors (or, it's a CS4 without the saw and awl, for a slimmer carry), and gives me the tools I like in a package still small enough to carry in the pocket of a pair of khakis.

Oh, I should mention the sheath options...

The "leather" one is built like the new Wave and Charge sheaths, with elastic sides to fit all models; looks nice even on dress pants, but only has a weak belt clip (not a loop), so it comes off too easily. I don't recommend it.

I prefer the other one: it's made of clear polycarbonate, and doesn't cover the tool completely. It has two rails that fit channels in the handles, between the implements; it only protects the sides and bottom, but keeps it plenty secure for office or home carry. It has a clip, too, but unlike the leather sheath, it has an aggressive hook that is quite secure.

Neither sheath is perfect, though; I end up carrying mine in an AccuMold sheath from some old Buck knife. It's just big enough for the Pro/XE6 to fit snugly, but the SC4 doesn't swim around in it either; and it's short enough that either are easy to draw and stow.
 
Gryffin said:
First of all, the Juice isn't just one model, it's a whole line.

I own six of them. :rolleyes:

In short, they're modular, and come in three sizes, indicated by the digit at the end of the model number, which indicates how many "tool slices" are included.

The smaller tools (S2, C2) are quite pocketable, being no larger than a good-sized slipjoint. The mid-size ones (KF4, CS4) fit OK into a jeans pocket, but are a bit heavy for dress slacks. The Big Guy (XE6) is a handful, and best worn on the belt.

In general:
  • The handles are fairly comfortable, with round-edged scales. Fit and finish are very nice; the anodizing on the scales holds up pretty well, but keys and such will scratch them over time. Plenty of space bewteen them when the tool is open and jaws closed, making it easy to slip a pinky in there for extra control, without pinching. Overall, good ergos, handles well for it's size.
  • All include pliers with wire cutters, drivers (#1 Philips, three flat), and a lanyard loop.
  • The pliers resemble smaller versions of the larger LM tools; they aren't nearly as sturdy, but plenty strong enough for light- to medium duty. Well pointed, though, so they're excellent for delicate work. Also open plenty wide.
  • Ditto the wirecutters; small, but effective.
  • The drivers are nicely done, but stubby. Deeply recessed screws are problematic.
The other tools are modular, and are the same across the line:
  • Plain-edge knife: almost full ground, except for the arched back. That arch makes it a little weak at the tang; obviously not intended for heavy prying. Plain old 440 stainless, though, so easy to sharpen, but won't hold an edge forever.
  • Serrated knife: same arched back as the other, but also has a squared-off tip. Good serration pattern, cuts like the dickens, but like the plain-edge, weak at the tang. Still, plenty enough to cut heavy cardboard or seatbelts without a fuss.
  • Scissors: similar to the ones on the PST II, Pulse and original Wave, which are IMHO the best out there. Surprisingly large for a small tool. (Gerber, pay attention!)
  • Three-surface file (double-cut, metal file, diamond-coated file, hacksaw on the edge): much like the file on the Wave. Has the same contour as the knives, hance the same inherent weakness. Still, it cuts well; I'm constantly amazed how aggressively that diamond file cuts.
  • Wood Saw: Similar to the one on the Wave; very effective tooth pattern, doesn't clog easily; back-ground to prevent binding; overall, pretty good, but small.
  • Awl: A disappointing out of the box: it's not sharp! With a stone and some effort, though, it can be made very effective.
  • Corkscrew: Yes, I actually use mine, and it works very, very well. While it's a bit short, the extra leverage from the Assist (see below) more than makes up for it. The pivot doesn't look all that beefy, though, and I've given up on some exceptionally sticky corks for fear of shearing it. But, for all I know, it might've handled them just fine.
  • Combination Bottle opener / Can opener / Corkscrew assist: Other than making the corkscrew a joy to use, a mixed bag. Pops caps fine, but doens't handle cans well until you stone the edge; it ships dull as a butterknife. Once sharpened, though, it works pretty decently.
A few limited editions (SC4 and Pro) have some non-standard tools, too:
  • Foil-cutting blade: Short, curved, and with micro-serrations; mounted by the corkscrew, and intended for cutting the seal before pulling the cork. Works well for it's inteded use, but also handy as a small, pointed cutter. Especially good on zip-ties, where you can't get the blunt serrated blade in.
  • Tweezers: Removable, Swiss-Army style. Work OK, if you like that sorta thing.
In case you couldn't tell, I really like them. My favorites are the two limited editions: the Pro looks like the XE6, with all the regular tools, but also includes the two extras, too, in the same sized package. The SC4 is the same as the C2, but it adds scissors (or, it's a CS4 without the saw and awl, for a slimmer carry), and gives me the tools I like in a package still small enough to carry in the pocket of a pair of khakis.

Oh, I should mention the sheath options...

The "leather" one is built like the new Wave and Charge sheaths, with elastic sides to fit all models; looks nice even on dress pants, but only has a weak belt clip (not a loop), so it comes off too easily. I don't recommend it.

I prefer the other one: it's made of clear polycarbonate, and doesn't cover the tool completely. It has two rails that fit channels in the handles, between the implements; it only protects the sides and bottom, but keeps it plenty secure for office or home carry. It has a clip, too, but unlike the leather sheath, it has an aggressive hook that is quite secure.

Neither sheath is perfect, though; I end up carrying mine in an AccuMold sheath from some old Buck knife. It's just big enough for the Pro/XE6 to fit snugly, but the SC4 doesn't swim around in it either; and it's short enough that either are easy to draw and stow.
Click to expand...

Nice review :)
The can opener and awl are very dull out of the box, I think it should be mandatory to use a stone on those before use.

The leather sheath on mine _almost_ lasted a year before the sides started to unravel to the point I am concerned about failure.

These guys are light duty, but they are extremely tool-dense for their size.
The only thing that has more tools then the XE6 (at near the same size) is the Vic. Cybertool 41 or champ line, but the vic's pliers are smaller and the wire cutters are so small as to be non-existant.
 
hey dude, take a pill. we all know it's a whole line of different models. read the posts.
 
Wow Gryffin, kudos on an excellant review! Nicely done!

In addition to the Juice models you mentioned, I also have an SC2 model. Is this another of the "special editions" that you mentioned? I do not see the SC2 or the PRO listed on Leatherman's website??

~Bob
 
Whoopsie, my bad.... it's SC2, not SC4. Hey, I was at work, didn't have it with me. Besides, if you follow LM's naming convention, it should be the SC3. ;)

I found both the SC2 and Juice Pro on eBay. From what I've been told, the Pro was made special for a Very Large Retail Chain; I'm not sure who comissioned the SC2; mine was in a clam-pack together with a Micra. Where did you get yours?

You're right, though, they aren't on the LM site anywhere. I still see them pop up online once in a while, though. Lemme check... one guy's flogging a whole buncha Pros for $50 each right now. Coupla SC2s on there, too.
 
I got my SC2 on eBay. No explanation of where it originally came from. Let me know if you find out.

The PRO is still on my wish list. A BladeForums member in a previous thread stated that this tool was commisioned by Costco.

Have you seen any of the Australian S2 or Kf4 models with the camoflage finish? They look pretty cool.

~Bob
 
Camo? Nope, havent' seen that... damn, now I'll have to get one! ;)

Yeah, it was Costco. Lucky members.

I checked, and XE6's are going for around $40; if you feel the need for all the tools, you might as well pry an extra $10 and get the Pro. The look on your favorite wine snob's face, when you deftly de-foil and de-cork that nice 2002 Shiraz with your Leatherman like a professional sommelier, has gotta be worth a few bucks! :D
 
Both the S2 and the Kf4 were produced in a green camo and a brown camo, exclusively for the Australian market. Here is a picture of the brown camo S2:

LeathermanJuiceS2browncamoflage.jpg


~Bob
 
JOOLIESEWS said:
Both the S2 and the Kf4 were produced in a green camo and a brown camo, exclusively for the Australian market. Here is a picture of the brown camo S2:

LeathermanJuiceS2browncamoflage.jpg


~Bob
Click to expand...

Pretty, but how do you find it when you drop in along the trail? :rolleyes: :p

If you do get a big juice, I would hunt around for a better sheath than LM makes. As I said above, my leather one wore out and is not secure, and I have had my xe6 pop out of the polycarbonate one before (though I noticed each time it did).
 
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