Medium sized multiools?

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
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Is there anyone out there making plier based tools about the size of Leatherman's Juice series? I really like that size but I'm not really a fan of Leatherman anymore. I'm looking for something of pretty good quality. The reason I don't like Leatherman is that some of their tools are poorly designed(can opener, awl etc) and the F&F just seems to suck on them lately. At least the last 3 models I bought. Anyone else making them?
 
I picked-up one of the black oxide SOG Powerlock tools with compound leverage a couple of years ago and was really impressed with the quality.
 
Shotgun,

I've been very curious about the Juice line but have never quite pulled the trigger. My taste in pocket carry has gone smaller and lighter than that (Opinel and Micra) and I've not found my larger Blast too big for pack carry.

So in the end, it's a tweener size for.

Wondering where you envision using one?

Agree on the awl, btw. One reason my Ulster camper stays on my work bench.
 
Just drop the big bucks on the Swisstool Spirit, and live happily ever after. Its as good as it gets in the mid-size MT genre.
 
Powernoodle, same question.

When do you prefer to Spirit over larger tools and how do you carry it?

Looks to be longer and heavier than the some/most of the Juices models, which I already find at or beyond the weight of easy pocket carry.

Thoughts?
 
Mr. Pinnah, I carry the Spirit when I am wearing 5.11 Tac-lite pro pants, which have a zillion pockets. But when I am wearing regular pants, I carry a Leatherman PS4. It's half the size (1/3 ?) of the Juice, but provides lots of utility. I can't really think of any MT that is the same size as the Juice. Its pretty unique. You could do belt carry, but (for me) that's sort of a hassle. But lots of guys do it. So maybe consider the PS4, if pocket carry is your thing. Rock on.
 
pinnah said:
Shotgun,

I've been very curious about the Juice line but have never quite pulled the trigger. My taste in pocket carry has gone smaller and lighter than that (Opinel and Micra) and I've not found my larger Blast too big for pack carry.

So in the end, it's a tweener size for.

Wondering where you envision using one?

Agree on the awl, btw. One reason my Ulster camper stays on my work bench.
Click to expand...

The full size tools are too big and heavy. I have a PS4 and I just don't really care for it. Too small but more importantly not very well made IMO. The spring broke on the scissors after using it a couple of times. I've bought a few Leatherman's over the years and it seems to me they're QC is going downhill. So, I'm looking for something else. I'd prefer a vic but they're the same size as my wave basically. I want an all around multitool to take the place of my Vic Electrician. Something with 2 blades, an awl, couple of drivers and a fully functional set of pliers. Thanks for the replies. The search continues.
 
Shotgun,

I agree with you completely about the PS4. It's too short to be held, too fat to be carried in the pocket nicely and the tools are too small to be useful. I find the Micra better in every way. My PS4 is constrained to my 1st aid and repair kit for backpacking and only because it will be used so rarely and I want the pliers.

The PS4 shares a problem I have with the Juice line. IMO, they're too fat.

I've been super impressed with the used Blast that I picked up. I have big hands and I'm not interested in going any smaller lengthwise but light weight is important and it is very light for it's size. Lighter noticeably than my Wave. The Blast get's carried in my day pack now.

Would be interesting to see LM make a tool in the original SuperTool, Micra, Blast "legacy" style built around the Juice sized plier heads. Would be lighter and thinner than the Juice and more pocketable.

We can dream.
 
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