Squirt S4 or Micra?

Buffalohump

Buffalohump

Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
6,199
Hey guys,

I want a scissor driven MT for my keychain. Can I get some help?

Does the Squirt S4 have a more effective scissors than the Micra?

Also, is it lighter in weight? I prefer a lighter weight on my keys.

Thanks!
 
Buffalohump said:
Hey guys,

I want a scissor driven MT for my keychain. Can I get some help?

Does the Squirt S4 have a more effective scissors than the Micra?

Also, is it lighter in weight? I prefer a lighter weight on my keys.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

After several years of experience with both, I have concluded...it depends. Each one can have a particular implement better than the other's, but in real world situations, they both perform about equally well. The Micra is lighter in weight than the Squirt, but not enough to matter.

Judged primarily on utility, Micra is the clear choice. Its blades and implements can be operated from an "extended" handle position, not recommended by Leatherman but quite effective when necessary. In addition, its screwdrivers are cut square, like dedicated blades, and have longer shanks than the those on the S4. Its (too thin) tweezers won't get separated from the tool. With these advantages, though, there are sharp edges that can make the Micra uncomfortable in use and not pocket friendly, and it looks like a tool.

Looking more like a pocketknife, the Squirt is a "second generation" product with blade and implements accessible without having to open the handles and much more hand friendly surfaces. The tweezers are shaped well and detachable like on SAKs. The S4 looks good, carries great. It does not, however, "extend" like the Micra, except for the ph driver. Also, in keeping with its improved cosmetics, the implements are polished a bit more than those on the Micra, resulting in slightly less sharp screwdrivers that are also kind of stubby. In practice, though, they have performed well enough, but based on my longer experience with the Micra, I know someday there will be screws they can't reach. Another consideration; the S4 is a swell downtime finger toy, actually one of my favorites (don't underestimate the value of good looking, cute pocket things. While waiting for something to happen, they can be good for morale. :))

Honestly, I like them both, but if need to make a choice, It would be a Micra. If I have to, I can overlook the small irritation of handling in return for its increased versatility and better screwdrivers.

(But sometimes I need something to play with. Is that so wrong?) :D
 
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Hey, thanks for the great assessment...

Actually, the scissors will be used more than anything else.

Of the two, which has the better scissor? (Bear in mind my toenails are like a cougars!) :D
 
Buffalohump said:
Hey, thanks for the great assessment...

Actually, the scissors will be used more than anything else.

Of the two, which has the better scissor? (Bear in mind my toenails are like a cougars!) :D
Click to expand...

They're both good, but the Squirt blades seem a little more substantial. I've used both many times to good effect, but my toenails are easy, especially post shower. If yours are especially tough, an S4 could be the smart move. Or a bypass pruner :D.

BTW, I regard Micra and Squirt to be the best mini-multitools available.
 
Just one comment: The Leatherman rep demonstrated cutting a penny in two with the Squirt's scissors. The penny came off much the worse of the two.
 
I prefer the Squirt, because the tools are on the outside and you do not have to open it up to access them. The Micra's tools are on the inside.

That being said, I own about half a dozen of each. :thumbup:

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I own both, and found that I prefer the Micra over the Squirt. Sure, the outside opening tools are neat, but the bottle opener is rubbish, the mini-flathead is pathetic, and the blade (on mine) wobbles like none other. +1 for removable tweezers and fit and finish, though.

My Micra doesn't wobble, has a greater opener and mini-driver, but is not very aesthetically pleasing (if that matters to you). I've never used the "phillips" driver on either one, so can't really comment on it.

Both are great, but the Micra ekes out ahead of the Squirt because of the usability of its tools.
 
powernoodle said:
I prefer the Squirt, because the tools are on the outside and you do not have to open it up to access them. The Micra's tools are on the inside.
That being said, I own about half a dozen of each. :thumbup:
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Preach Brother Noodle preach! Same here. I tend to carry the Squirts and stash the Micras. I find the S4 much more comfortable to use for heavier cutting than the Micra (I have snipped a bunch of thick zipties with it lately) and keep one on my vehicle key ring.
 
Overall, I'd agree on the Squirt - but from a perspective of scissors alone, I prefer the Micra. Real answer is that you'll probably wind up with at least one of each eventually...
 
A little tip for you if you use the scissors alot. I have a micra and prefer it over the squirt, and this is the reason why. You can open two tools on each handle of the micra to make the effective "scissor cutting handles" twice as long. It makes for a much easier cutting implement. I fold out the tweezers and philips on the one side, and the file and flathead on the other (make sure you dont fold out the knife...OUCH!). I also think the plain ol' stainless micra looks even better than the squirt, but I'm probably in the minority there.

-Dough
 
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