Need help choosing next Multi-tool

J

JDBraddy

Joined
Sep 20, 2002
Messages
217
Back around 2002 I came here disgusted! I had bought a couple cheep multi-tools that where big, heavy, and completely useless! I was treated to a discussion of various models, and then found the Juice S2, wich had the tools I use most, and fit comfortably in my pocket, without a sheeth. I bought one and it's been my EDC ever since. It's now starting to get loose and worn from about five years of daily abuse. I was having trouble finding another, as they are discontinued, but once I found one, had second thoughts. I realized it's the only decent multi-tool I've ever owned or tried, and perhapse I should at least consider other options.

I'm looking for a tool that's thin and light enough to be carried comfortably in a front pant pocket with keys and loose change. A pocket clip like on most tactical knives would be especially nice. My only criticism of the Juice S2 has been it's cutting blade is inadequate, and does not lock. It would be especially nice if the blade could be opened single handed. This is a primary consideration, as I usually carry a seperate small tactical style knife because of this. There have been times when a saw or file blade would have been handy also, as well as more substantial scisors and an adjustable wrench. These are stricly secondary considerations however. What options have since come along..... that might serve my needs any better than another Leatherman Juice?
 
JDBraddy said:
Back around 2002 I came here disgusted! I had bought a couple cheep multi-tools that where big, heavy, and completely useless! I was treated to a discussion of various models, and then found the Juice S2, wich had the tools I use most, and fit comfortably in my pocket, without a sheeth. I bought one and it's been my EDC ever since. It's now starting to get loose and worn from about five years of daily abuse. I was having trouble finding another, as they are discontinued, but once I found one, had second thoughts. I realized it's the only decent multi-tool I've ever owned or tried, and perhapse I should at least consider other options.

I'm looking for a tool that's thin and light enough to be carried comfortably in a front pant pocket with keys and loose change. A pocket clip like on most tactical knives would be especially nice. My only criticism of the Juice S2 has been it's cutting blade is inadequate, and does not lock. It would be especially nice if the blade could be opened single handed. This is a primary consideration, as I usually carry a seperate small tactical style knife because of this. There have been times when a saw or file blade would have been handy also, as well as more substantial scisors and an adjustable wrench. These are stricly secondary considerations however. What options have since come along..... that might serve my needs any better than another Leatherman Juice?
Click to expand...

Actually, I believe that the Juice is unique. I know of no other truly pocketable multi-tool with pliers that large. Victorinox doesn't offer one, although I wish they did.

My suggestion is to first send the S2 to Leatherman warranty for a refurb. They may not even charge for it. If that isn't possible, there are many Juices out there on the secondary market, probably for not a lot of money.

It seems to me your choices are to either accept the Juice limitations, or opt for a more substantial EDC that takes up more space on your person. Maybe you could find happiness with a Charge, which has a good straight edged locking blade and some other features on your wish list. It carries quite nicely by clip, but definitely takes up more pocket space.
 
Forgive my ignorance of your Juice S2, but I will give you the two suggestions I can muster with my small knowledge base.

1. Call Leatherman and inquire about the warranty - 25 years. Inquire also about refurbishment at znapschatz suggested.

2. Buy a Wave or Charge model. I really enjoy my Charge TTi and was EDC'ing it until I found my CKRT M16-13M. It's pretty large, but I got used to it and for its usefulness, I don't believe it can be beat by many options. Opening one-handed and featuring a S30V blade is pretty nice. It also has the pocket clip like znapschatz mentions...

Goodluck...
Ryan
 
Are you sure about the S2 being discontinued? It's not been retired according to the leatherman website.
 
I stopped at a Sportsmans Warehouse on my way home from work today, and took a look at the Charge TTi. Of course when I asked for it, the clerk looked as if I where rumplestillskin demanding his first born. He said he was saving up to upgrade his wave to one of these, and had to go retrieve it from alter of some secret shrine in the back, as $120 multi-tools are apparently not the normal fare on my side of town. At double the weight and width of my Juice, I had my doubts at first. I first had to remove the Juice and the TiZDP leak from my pocket, and the first time I dropped it to the bottom of my pocket it landed there something like I imagine the anchor of an Aircraft Carrier would hit the bottom of the ocean, and felt like almost as large a lump against my leg. I tried to remind myself to keep an open mind. I took it back out and asked about the removable clip. The salesman rummaged through the packaging, found it, and installed it for me. This time the tool slid into my pocket as if it where on machined rails, and rode as though it had been there all my life. As I reached back and pulled it out, my thumb naturally found the hole of the S30V blade, and flicked it open as smoothly and naturally as it would any tactical folder, and the heavy liner lock snapped sharply into place locking the blade up as tightly as any of my titanium frame-locks. As farr as the tool compliment, It's as if the designers read my mind. If I could have custom ordered the tools I wanted from a list, it would have the exact same combination of tools. The more I play with it, the more I wonder "Where's this thing been all my life?" It was sharp enough to shave arm hair, straight from the box. Needless to say I bought it, came straight home, put it in my pocket, and I think that's where it's gonna stay:D I think the excellent blade will even eliminate the need to carry a seperate, tactical style knife, and being a multi-tool, I think it will be a lot more "Sheeple Friendly" than even my small Sebenza.

Thanks again guys, for pointing me toward another winner!
JDBraddy
 
I found the lanyard ring, and was trying to decide whether to tie a Key-fob thingy with 550 cord like I do for all my tactical folders, to give me a little handle to grab, that dangles from my pocket.

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Then I got the bright idea to take cars door lock remote off of my keychain and attach it. That way, it dangles from my pocket where the buttons are readily accessable to lock/unlock the car, it gives me something about the right size to grab and pull the tool from my pocket, and is completely seperate from my keys. So if I ever forget and lock my keys in the car, I can open the door with the remote, and vic/versa. It's also easily removable in case it should ever get in the way of my being able to use one of the tools. What do you guys think of this arrangment?

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I don't know if it is really what you are looking for, but I just tried a Buck X-Tract at the store today and it was pretty nice. Probably going to be my next multi-tool.

Cody
 
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