Leatherman Juice Series

J

JJNH

Joined
Mar 4, 2009
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11
I've never really looked into the Leatherman tools before, but my recent inquiry here about SAK models got me thinking and I thought I'd take a look at them as something that would be handy while camping. I came across several models (I'm thinking about the Wave) but I was curious what people thought of the "juice" series.

Are the juice line tools that would replace a SAK or compliment them?
 
I have a Juice Pro that I got here in a trade awhile back. It is small, but very thick, and has a huge array of implements. I would consider it as an alternative to a SAK rather than a complement to it, since having both at the same time would result in a lot of redundant tools. Quality-wise, I would rate my Juice as almost but slightly below a typical SAK.

My favorite multitool hands down is the Victorinox Spirit, but the Juice is good if I want something smaller. Generally, I keep the Juice in my work bag. For every day use, the Juice is great. For camping, I use my Spirit paired up with a small or medium fixed blade knife.
 
I carried the Juice S2 for quite some time and I loved it. I stopped carrying it simply because I upgraded to LM Wave. If you want pliers but can't bring yourself to carry that 1/2 lb steel brick called Wave, the Juice would be your best option.

The closest comparison to the SAK line is Deluxe Tinker, because this SAK model has pliers and scissors, and it has the exact same weight (4.4 Oz). If your day revolves more around cutting tasks, then the Deluxe Tinker with its two blades is for you. But if you are more involved in fixing mechanical stuff and playing with wires and electrical cables (like I was), the beefy LM pliers are indispensable.

Missing from the SAK Deluxe Tinker (compared to the Juice):
- Hard wire cutter (both have wire cutters, only the Juice has hard wire cutter)
- Small (eyeglass) flat screwdriver

Missing from the LM Juice (compared to the Deluxe Tinker):
- Awl
- Hook
- Wire stripper
- Short extra knife

While the knife on the Juice is narrow and puny, it's long enough and it cuts just fine. The pliers on the Deluxe Tinker is not even in the same league as the Juice. I have used the pliers on the Juice to turn gas valves and the occasional hex bolt; I can't picture doing it with the Deluxe Tinker.

About quality: LM tools are not quite up to SAK in terms of finish; probably done so on purpose to save cost. In some cases, LM tools are literally rough around the edges. But, this does not detract from their function. If you like polished finish with no rough edge whatsoever, then SAK is for you. If you don't mind bead blast finish with occasional rough / non rounded corners, then LM will be just fine.
 
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I don't have any experience with the SAK multi-tools, but I have a juice s2 and I like it. Its not that heavy to carry and the tools come in handy. The steel is lower quality on the main blade, but mine is extremely sharp. A slight touch of the blade will cause a cut. The scissors aren't as good as swiss-army ones but they are helpful. Its a great tool for the price.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wmuHj6_bkY
 
all good points. I've carried and like both. If you know or think you'll be needing pliers, the juice line work better because the pliers on SAK models are so light-weight.

I prefer a SAK for the many tool options and finish. I'd suggest to get both and see what works for you. good luck.
 
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I have carried both. If you're camping I would suggest the Leatherman Wave or Charge. The Charge has good blade steel and the saw is very good and the file is much better than anything Victorinox has. You can also carry bits to fit the odd little screws on your gear. The only problem is that the bits are proprietary.

The Victorinox Spirit is nice, in fact I'm wearing one now, but regular model knife is not suitable for camping IMHO because of the knife blade. It's rounded and serrated. You can occasionally find an "S" model that has two blades, one a standard drop point but they can be difficult to locate. The "S" model should work well but the steel is not as good as a Charge.

he Juice line is okay for light use but not for heavy use. If you are really concerned about weight or are an ultralight camper and don't mind non-locking blades I would suggest a Victorinox Farmer, Camper or Juice S2. Bear in mind that none of the light choices really has a blade capable of medium or heavy duty use so carry a fixed blade too. Of those choices I would pick a Victorinox if I didn't want or need pliers. The Victorinox knifes are just that - knife based and they feel good in your hand.

If you can borrow both and try them out.
 
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Frankly, the only reason I have a Juice CS4 is a clearance sale from a few years ago. At the price I thought to try it out, then pass it along for as much or possibly more than I paid for it.

Although a longtime Leatherman user, I had no interest in the Juice line, which seemed to be a SAK alternative, a matchup I thought favored Victorinox fit and finish. But that notion gave way to the increased versatility provided by the Juice pliers, not matched by anything offered by Vic. Over time, I found myself carrying the Juice more often than my usual Swisschamp when that size category was appropriate. Although not quite up to Vic standards, the CS4 build quality is good enough and it has held up well in use. I've really got quite fond of it, little quirks included, although I wish there were a comparable Victorinox.
 
To add on - how big are the pliers on a Juice? I have a Charge TTi, yet I am constantly thinking about getting a Juice S2... I'm nuts :p

Are the pliers as big and beefy as the wave or closer to sleeker size of the skeletool?

I'm planning a new EDC of Juice S2, Vic Farmer (or Pioneer Harvester) and whatever folder... Hmm - or I could just stay with my Charge on my belt :\
 
I have the KF4 model. It is very solid. Sadly I don't think it is made any longer. The pliers are smaller but of a useful size IMO.
 
I recently purchased a Juice S2 and am quite pleased with it so far. F and F were excellent. It does take some work to loosen up the inside bits. I also have a TTi for my heavy duty chores but the juice is a nice substitute when I don't feel like lugging the Charge around.
 
Lock1454 said:
To add on - how big are the pliers on a Juice? I have a Charge TTi, yet I am constantly thinking about getting a Juice S2... I'm nuts :p\
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Understandable. There are times and places for packing light. IMHO, the Juice does that nicely

Lock1454 said:
Are the pliers as big and beefy as the wave or closer to sleeker size of the skeletool?\
Click to expand...

Skeletool.

Lock1454 said:
I'm planning a new EDC of Juice S2, Vic Farmer (or Pioneer Harvester) and whatever folder... Hmm - or I could just stay with my Charge on my belt :\
Click to expand...

Yep. All good choices. :)
 
So just to be a nag, are the Juice's pliers actually the same size as the Skeletool's? The reason I ask is because I would need to order one online without being able to handle and check it out first. However my brother does have a Skeletool so if it were the same size, I could at least see how big the pliers would be.

Thanks for the replies :D
 
Lock1454 said:
So just to be a nag, are the Juice's pliers actually the same size as the Skeletool's? The reason I ask is because I would need to order one online without being able to handle and check it out first. However my brother does have a Skeletool so if it were the same size, I could at least see how big the pliers would be.

Thanks for the replies :D
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Close to the same size, but the Skeletool plier jaws are somewhat more substantial. You could put a bit more hurt on a reluctant nut or thicker wire with the skeletool, I believe, but these are subjective impressions. Although I own a Juice and have handled a Skeletool in a sporting goods store, I have never compared the two directly.
 
Hm, alrighty, thanks for the info :) I remember when my brother got his Skeletool, I was floored by how much punier they were than my Charge's. I don't know if I could stand the shock of an even smaller pair :P
 
I love the Juice S2. For years I carried an SAK, but more and more I found a need for the hard wire cutters and bigger pliers. Once I got the S2 though I missed my SAK. So I got one of those little magnetic sheaths for the S2 and carry a smaller SAK in my pocket. It gives me the best of both worlds.

I cant really say anything bad about the fit and finish of the Juice though as some have mentioned it may not be quite up to the standards of an SAK.

If you want something with pliers capable of up to medium duty work then the Juice is probably a very good choice.
 
I'm an engineer in a old hot greasey manufacturing facility. (hollow container glass factory aka we make wine bottles)

I typically carry a Juice S2 (? the orange one) and a Case Sod Buster Jr in CV.

These two tools cover all my needs. Opening panels on machinery, chipping paint or slag on welds, opening cardboard boxes, stripping wire, turning screws, etc.

If it's beyond the capabilities of this, a mechanic is only a radio call away.

The Juice replaced a SAK Tinkerer about 5 years ago. The LM is a lot more versitile with the pliers.
 
I think the Juice is a lot more functional than a SAK, but if you're going to bother carrying something like that, get one with all locking tools, so the screwdrivers (and blade) don't close on your fingers when you're trying to use them.
 
Full size Leatherman make my pants fall off my butt when in my pocket and I don't like the pouch thingie on my belt.
 
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