Leatherman Juice

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
Messages
1,139
I just ordered a Leatherman Juice. I work in EMS and we are no longer allowed to carry "knives" on the ambulance, but multi-tools are accepted. A few questions:

Where does the Juice series hold up in durability? Is it as durable as the larger versions (Wave, original, etc)?

Not sure if the Juice comes with a sheath or not. If not, are aftermarket sheaths available?

Thanks- steve
 
EMT...hmmm. I suspect you will use your multitool for harsher work than I do. After 2.5 years of light-duty use, here is where my S2 stands:

Inner tool backsprings - Still plenty strong.

Outer tool backsprings - Less strong than I would like, but no noticable change for the worse over time.

Pliers - I have used for crimping soft metal and adjusting stuck equipment. Very slight wobble in open position, but does not affect function.

Wire cutters - Hardest thing I have cut was a plastic coated metal clothes hanger. This caused some edge rolling. Softer materials have been fine.

Screwdrivers - Hardened properly enough for intended use, with crisp, sharp edges. Be careful prying with the fine flathead to avoid bending or twisting. Mine have no edge damage, bending, or side-to-side play after steady use.

Scissors - I have used mostly for cutting fine materials like paper, tape, and labels. I use a large shears and serrated Spyderco for tougher stuff. No edge damage from fine materials, but I don't think the scissors would replace EMT shears. Mine had side-to-side play in the open position since the day I got the tool. However, they have no play when squeezed closed. I'm not sure if this is by design, but it no longer bothers me as much. I would like an adjustable pivot or a redesign like the Wave scissors.

Blade - No major damage and no side-to-side play. Does not hold an edge for long.

I also have a Kf4, but have not used it as much as the S2. I prefer the saw on an SAK, but the file is very good quality. I think you would want to rely on an EMT shears rather than the serrated blade for cutting around accident victims. The lack of a lock is not a problem for me, but it might be for a professional.
 
Thanks for the replies and the links. I *once* had a Wave but misplaced it somewhere.... can't find it for the life of me. I ordered a KF4 I think, so I'd imagine that plastic holster would work.

As far as an EMT's use of knives and multi-tools, its not like we're gonna cut off car doors or cut off a patient's clothing with one. A pair of shears goes a long way in that respect. Can't have too many shears. Slip a pair in my belt at the beginning of a shift and it'll solve most any cutting issue. Its not scary looking and very safe.... but we all need at least one multi-tool, right?

steve
 
I had an original Leatherman and was never too happy about the quality of the knife . Have they improved this on their current models? The Juice does not sound as if it has a good knife on it,
 
Well.... had a very interesting day.... my new KF4 arrived, yellow in color. Very handy size, wouldn't want anything smaller with the pliers. Also found my long lost Wave hiding in a box of stuff. Can't believe I passed over that box so many times and never bothered to look through it. The Juice works great for pocket carry and the Wave is back on my belt.

steve
 
I was in Walmart today after work and saw a Juice S2 on clearance for $5.00. At that price I was very interested. After looking the tool over, I just didn't like it. It didn't seem very sturdy. The pliers appeared weak. I didn't like having to open the can opener to get the scissors out. The screwdrivers seemed really short. Overall, it just didn't appeal to me.

One caveat: For the price to be so low, even on clearance, the example I saw may not have been the best of the bunch. It was the last item, so I couldn't compare it to another.

I suppose I am also rather jaded. I carry either an original SwissTool or an 'X' every day. So far, I haven't seen any multitool that I liked better.

In case any of you are in the area, I was in the Walmart in Dunn, NC. ;)
 
Comparing my well used Wave to my new Juice, I must say the Juice is quite solid for its size. The clamping leverage isn't the same beings that the handle is shorter, but for its size its tight... but it is brand spankin' new. Give me a week or two and then I'll add to this report.

steve
 
TAutry said:
I was in Walmart today after work and saw a Juice S2 on clearance for $5.00. At that price I was very interested. After looking the tool over, I just didn't like it. It didn't seem very sturdy. The pliers appeared weak. I didn't like having to open the can opener to get the scissors out. The screwdrivers seemed really short. Overall, it just didn't appeal to me.
...
I suppose I am also rather jaded. I carry either an original SwissTool or an 'X' every day.
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No, not jaded, you just have a different set of criteria for what you need in a multitool than I do. It's also useful for people to hear your opinion. For example, the pliers don't look substantial enough to you. Maybe you work a trade job where you need the extra strength. On the other hand, they are very adequate for what I do, without adding excess weight. Somewhere between an SAK pliers and a full-size multitool. Everybody has different tradeoffs that they are willing to make. That's why I always try to qualify my comments when people ask for recommendations. I know that what works for me may not work for someone else.

steve-in-kville, I forgot to second klattman's comments about the sheaths. I have the leather clip on sheath that I use for my Kf4. I really like the clip feature. It allows me to wear it on cargo shorts that have no belt, just built in webbing, by clipping it to the waistband. I look forward to hearing whether your Kf4 holds up as you use it more.
 
I like the leather clip sheath better.. it's a much faster deploy and easier to get on/off the belt (the plastic one is more cumbersome) but still stays strong. My sheath wore out in about 1 year (still works.. some of the stiches are loose).. but they are not expensive to replace.

The XE6 (or any juice) is not as strong as the wave or supertool, but at about 1" shorter and smaller overall, it's a nice small size that's easier to carry.

If you need bigger, stronger pliers you can carry a Leatherman CRUNCH, but the tools are limited due to the locking pliers gears etc... A juice on the belt and a CRUNCH in the bag/pack should get you through just about anything.

Sorry, you just have to say CRUNCH in all caps... ;)
 
I'm sorry but I must say something. I hate to rain on anyone's parade and I'm glad you like the Juice if you do in fact enjoy this product, but for what it costs you can do better imao. It's too small, it's not as heavy duty as some of the other Leathermans that are cheaper, and its meant for people who don't normally carry a multitool. For Pete's sake one of its main selling points is how many colors it comes in :p

I handled a Juice and shook my head realizing that Leatherman makes better stuff.

I don't like it. Not when I can get a Supertool with the money I'd spend on it. The Wave is okay too but I carry multiple implements so I prefer the heavier Supertool as it complements the rest of my EDC better. Plus the Supertool doesn't have those tiny handles like the Juice or the 4 inch handles which are okay but just a hair too small.

Even if you're going for compact I'd suggest the PST or Sideclip which hold up a lot better. It's a bit of a tangent but my only thing against those models is no locking tools and slightly too small 4 inch handles, but for the sake of compactness I can live with it. :)

Edit: However I will say that if it's for someone who's adverse to knives/tools or for a highly sensitive environment, it would probably be about as good as you can do. It's not junk by any means I just think it's overpriced.
 
DeadManWalking said:
I'm sorry but I must say something. I hate to rain on anyone's parade and I'm glad you like the Juice if you do in fact enjoy this product, but for what it costs you can do better imao. It's too small, it's not as heavy duty as some of the other Leathermans that are cheaper, and its meant for people who don't normally carry a multitool. For Pete's sake one of its main selling points is how many colors it comes in :p

I handled a Juice and shook my head realizing that Leatherman makes better stuff.

I don't like it. Not when I can get a Supertool with the money I'd spend on it. The Wave is okay too but I carry multiple implements so I prefer the heavier Supertool as it complements the rest of my EDC better. Plus the Supertool doesn't have those tiny handles like the Juice or the 4 inch handles which are okay but just a hair too small.

Even if you're going for compact I'd suggest the PST or Sideclip which hold up a lot better. It's a bit of a tangent but my only thing against those models is no locking tools and slightly too small 4 inch handles, but for the sake of compactness I can live with it. :)

Edit: However I will say that if it's for someone who's adverse to knives/tools or for a highly sensitive environment, it would probably be about as good as you can do. It's not junk by any means I just think it's overpriced.
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I have to agree with you that the juice series is overpriced. They may drop when the new LM's come out, but, then again, the new LM's will be better so.... :)
 
It's too small
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I view the size as an advantage, since the smallest models fit comfortably in a front pocket. The S2 and C2 models fill a very specific niche by providing a pliers-based tool, with light-duty screwdrivers, in an easily carried package. I've tried going smaller, like the Sebertech and SOG CrossGrip, but they were not useful to me. And going larger, like the Wave or SuperTool, means back pocket or belt pouch. If it doesn't fit someone's hands though, that is a legitimate problem.


its meant for people who don't normally carry a multitool
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If it gets people who would not normally carry a multitool to do so, this is a positive. I always carry an SAK or multitool and have several to choose from. If I worked on an oil rig, I would not carry a Juice. In the environment where I work or doing normal activities around town, a Juice is often all I need.


one of its main selling points is how many colors it comes in
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All models are available in grey. Some of the marketing is a bit goofy, but it's a business - whatever it takes to sell the product. If a bunch of wealthy young snowboarders with green hair and purple multitools help keep Leatherman in business, I don't mind...;)


I prefer the heavier Supertool as it complements the rest of my EDC better.
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Very reasonable. Again, everybody has different criteria for their choice. You've found what works for you.


Even if you're going for compact I'd suggest the PST or Sideclip which hold up a lot better.
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The classic tools might be more durable, since the pliers are thicker. I've never broken either model. One reason I chose not to carry a PST is because the S2 has a blade and scissors on the outside for easy access. The inner tools do not lock, but the inner backsprings are quite strong. I would rate them the same as an Alox SAK, which is my standard for a good slipjoint.


I just think it's overpriced.
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Agreed, cheaper is always better. They seem to jack the price up a bit relative to the classic line. An S2 or C2 goes for $39 though, which I think is reasonable.

Good discussion.
 
Anyone else notice that there seems to be very little middle ground when it comes to the Juice line? People pretty much love them or hate them. I love the two I have. My S2 is part of my EDC. No, its not a heavy duty tool, but I don't need or want it to be. A heavy duty tool wouldn't be as easy to cary or as useful for what I use mine for. That's the point, isn't it? To carry what works best for you and your uses.
Now, don't get me wrong, I do have larger tools as well. An original Supertool w/ tool adapter lives in my trunk. I have a Wave at home that sees a lot of use as well. I even have one of the Schrade/Vise Grip multitools. It sucks as a multitool, but excells as a pair of locking, adjustable needle nose pliers. Good tools, but not something I want to EDC.

Leo
 
I have a juice pro that I've carried for over a year every single day. It's held up great with no noticeable wear. I use it at work to fix computers, unjam printing equipment and generally do fixit work. I keep my ST 200, wave, and an old gerber in my bag in case I need to crack open a can of whoopa$$ on sumethin'.

I'd much rather have a Juice on me than a SAK for the level of work I use it for.

N2
 
Neko2 said:
I'd much rather have a Juice on me than a SAK for the level of work I use it for.
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I'm with you, Neko2. For light work which is what I need it for most of the time my Juice Xe6 is perfect. The purple color fits nicely in my health care work environment. Some of my co-workers think I'm kind of geeky carrying around a knife and a multi-tool.............. until they need me to do something :rolleyes:.
 
>"I work in EMS and we are no longer allowed to carry 'knives' on the ambulance, but multi-tools are accepted."

==========================

Lots of interesting stuff in this thread, guys. But am I the only one pissed :mad: off by the notion that EMS professionals are no longer allowed to carry knives?
 
mnblade said:
>"I work in EMS and we are no longer allowed to carry 'knives' on the ambulance, but multi-tools are accepted."

==========================

Lots of interesting stuff in this thread, guys. But am I the only one pissed :mad: off by the notion that EMS professionals are no longer allowed to carry knives?
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Actually that had me a bit puzzled too. If they can't be trusted with a "dangerous" knife then how can they be trusted with a human life?

N2
 
the juice is a nice compact tool with serious pliers, they beat our sak pliers but the scissors aren't as good, the plastic juice sheath is way better then digging in your pocket for your sak (wheres the pocket clip-it's 2004 ?), the quallity on sak's is better but the tools are more difficlut to deploy and slower to get to, i tried to speed open the wave with the thumbhole and almost sliced off some thumb-it was real sharp though... :D

EDC: S2 for tools/endura for defense-utility.


forgot !!! i got my S2 from Walmart last week for $5 !!!!!!
also got a schrade st1 for a heavy duty tool...for $5 !!!!!

isn't the spyderco rescue in blue a "seatbelt extraction device" ? its a lot more PC maybe you could sell it as a tool rather than a knife.
 
That's really wild that you can't carry knives in EMS. Thirty years ago when I was doing it (before multi-tools) we were actually trained in using Buck 110 to aid in emergency patient care. But then I worked on a volunteer squad and we responded with whatever we had on our bodies at the time. Now I'm an RN and I still have a 110 on me, although I'll admit I haven't had occasion to use it. I also have a ST with tool adapter and a number of bits and I use that frequently.
Bob
 
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