Pic request-swisstool and juice

[3wolves]

Hi guys, Im thinking of getting a LM Luice cs4. Can somebody who has both post a side by side pic with a full size swisstool? How about the spirit with a full sized swisstool? I need a smaller (lighter) tool for everyday stuff and need to decide between these 2. Any thoughts or comments would be apreciated.
Thanks.

 

[powernoodle]

Until someone posts a better pic, here is a Swisstool Spirit (not the basic Swisstool) - lower left - and a couple of Juices - top left. The Juices are fine, but the tools are more bendy and less substantial than those of the Spirit. I'm definitely prefer the Spirit, but many folks like the Juice just fine.

 

[znapschatz]

Hi guys, Im thinking of getting a LM Luice cs4. Can somebody who has both post a side by side pic with a full size swisstool? How about the spirit with a full sized swisstool? I need a smaller (lighter) tool for everyday stuff and need to decide between these 2. Any thoughts or comments would be apreciated.
Thanks.

These three represent different categories of multi-tool, not really comparable. Obviously, the Swisstool is a substantial item that can handle the heaviest duty to which a tool like that can be applied. The Juice is more like a pocketable SAK but with useable pliers that make it unique in that size/weight category. Occupying a midpoint size/weight between them is the Spirit, which is stronger and more versatile than the CS4, but in my experience just over the limit for comfortable pocket carry. It is more a lightweight Swisstool than heavy duty SAK, IMHO.

After an EDC turn with each of these, my choice these days is for a heavy duty multi-tool (same weight, different make) when i expect to do some work, Juice CS4 when just out and about. Although beautifully designed and made, the Spirit is "neither this nor that" for my purposes. But don't let that dissuade you. Some folks have reported the Spirit does as well for them as a full size M-T. If you find that true for you, it could replace both of the others as a more convenient, lighter load among the material burdens of life.

 

[parnass]

Hi guys, Im thinking of getting a LM Luice cs4. Can somebody who has both post a side by side pic with a full size swisstool? How about the spirit with a full sized swisstool? ..
Thanks.

SwissTool X, Spirit, Juice CS4, Micra with plastic handles

I carry the Spirit daily and the SwissTool X on days I expect to need a larger tool with more capabilities. I would carry the SwissTool X daily, but it is a little too heavy for belt carry with all the other gear I have in my pockets.

The non-locking Juice CS4 may look small, but it is not light (5.5 oz) and its small pliers and blades do not provide enough oomph for my needs.

 

[sherlockbonez]

Can you get the tools out of the swisstool with gloves on? I heard nothing but great things about them, but but haven't handled one in person.

 

[znapschatz]

Can you get the tools out of the swisstool with gloves on? I heard nothing but great things about them, but but haven't handled one in person.

Not likely, and one of the reasons I have stayed with Leatherman. When you get done admiring the design and build quality of the Swisstool, working with it reveals a few drawbacks. As an equivalent, the Core pliers are a more versatile needle nose, and the jaws open wider. All screwdriver blades are ground square and work better than the Vic's. Most important, the Core blades and implements are easier to access, even though the handles have to be separated to get at them. Problem is, the Swisstool's are under strong spring pressure, and after a session involving lots of pulling blades out by nail nick, my thumbnail beds get pretty sore. With Leatherman, there is no spring pressure at all to start, and not much as they rotate into position. You just thumb them them out, even with gloves on.

Even though the Swisstool is every bit the bombproof work of art everyone says it is, IMHO the Leatherman Core is a better tool.

 

[parnass]

Can you get the tools out of the swisstool with gloves on? I heard nothing but great things about them, but but haven't handled one in person.

I haven't tried opening the blades while wearing gloves, though I doubt I could do it. No problems opening the blades barehanded.

I like the older Leatherman tools, but don't care for the current models or their quality which I think has declined (another can of worms).

Still marvel at how well the Vic Swisstools are made and you can buy them at lower cost than some of the Leatherman models if you shop around. Keep an eye on Amazon.com, too.

 

[Zephyr One/Zero]

I too, carry a SwissTool X as an EDC at work. The multi-tool controversy is subjective at best. Most of us, will overlook a tool's short-comings, or unusual picadilloes, if we like the overall quality that's exuded. The 'absolute' exponent in multi-tool ergonomics may never be fully realized, but competition creates new ideas everyday, so who knows? In the end, you'll make the best choice.