Customer Reviews

Leatherman 70202003 Juice S2

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is definitely a step in the right direction. The Juice line tries to cut a demographic swath beyond the traditional tool geek, outdoor enthusiast. Here they go for the younger urban dweller.

Biggest plus is that these hit the sweet spot between the 2 ounce Micras, SOGs, Kutmasters and the 8 ounce sheath models. Over time, hopefully big enough to take on certain tasks yet small enough to carry in my pocket or backpack. It's only going to be of use to me if I carry it and I'm only carrying it if I don't have to wear it.

The primary way Leatherman misses the mark is by persisting with the flathead drivers. Particularly if you are targeting a young, urban market which probably rents rather than owns, what do they have? Computers, electronics, Ikea furniture, bikes, spiffy appliances -- and not a flat head screw is used to assemble almost any of these things. I have a set of Stanley screwdrivers at the house. I can count on one hand the number of times I've needed to grab a flathead over the course of 10+ years. I know it is different for many people but not everyone owns a house or works on a car. That doesn't mean they don't have need for other tools. This is a problem not merely with the S2 but with the entire multitool market. Bewildering.

Other quibbles are down to personal preference. One person wants a corkscrew, another thinks it's needless. This goes on ad nauseaum. But, for myself, add tweezers and a metal file (not a nail cleaner but a REAL file), drop one of the flatheads for a larger Philips and the thing would be on the mark. Tweezers on a larger tool body are unwieldy but given the conditions under which I may use this thing I still think it would be better than nothing.

However, given that I can't have exactly what I want it seems better to me to carry something that's missing a few things rather than something that throws a few more in and makes me lug it all around. The S2 gets high marks for an OK tool set, good construction, terrific weight and dimensions.

I bought this tool because I was tired of having to go down to the basement or out to the garage everytime I needed a screwdriver, knife, pliers, etc. I also use it extensively when I go sailing (the bottle opener makes me the most popular guy after a day of racing.) I chose this model because of its compactness and I did not need a corkscrew. It fits nicely in my pocket, is not excessively heavy or bulky, and has great ergonomics-much better than my Swiss Army knife. I carry it with me at all time and now I don't have to remember to bring an armful of tools with me as I work on projects around the house.

This is a great tool for those who carry one all the time. It is small enough to fit in my jeans pocket, yet big enough to actually get something done. The pliers and scissors combo is handy and all the screwdriver tips work well. The blade isn't bad and holds a edge ok (what can you expect from a knife in this price range). One side of the tool is thicker than the other so at first you might thing it is broken. This is normal and doesn't affect any functions (and saves a little weight).

I don't need a tool that can do everything except have it's own battery pack...I just need something that will help me tighten screws on instruments and tighten a loose nut occasionally. For me, this suits the bill. It's small enough that it lives happily in my purse regularly and isn't too bulky when I want to keep it in my pocket.

This isn't for people who need the heavy-duty tools and capabilities, but for the rest of us...this fits well.

After many years of hard use, I lost my PST. I tried living with out it but it just became to hard, so I needed a replacement. I used to work in theater, so a full functioned leatherman came in handy, and when the Wave came out, it was going to be my next purchase. However I have reached a point where I don't need the extra knife blades, saw, file etc. I didn't even need some of the features I had in the PST. The S2 packages everything I need in a slick, compact but functional package. If I KNEW I was going to be lost in the wilderness, I would want the Wave. But for everyday use, the Juice is elegantly efficient. And if I DO get lost in the wilderness, I'll be okay.

Only downside is that it came without a holster. It's small enough to pocket, but when I have keys and cell phone in pocket, I like to move some weight out of there.

I've owned a variety of Leatherman tools over the years and unlike a lot of other products out there, their quality and attention to detail keeps getting better and better. I also own a Leatherman Charge and love the manly feel of it. But the Leatherman Juice S2 can fit in your pocket like a regular pocket knife. Its sturdy construction can handle most of the simple projects around the house or office with ease. If you're the kind of guy who likes to carry a little knife in your pocket, then you'll want to trade it in for this little guy. A pleasant surprise was that it hasn't gotten scratched up when I've put it in the same pocket with my car keys. I've owned it for 6 months now and it still looks like new, except for a little lint here and there.

This is a great tool. I don't need a million functions - I've never used an awl and I don't see the point of a three-inch saw - and that's the beauty of the S2. It combines all the tools an average person is likely to need without getting bogged down with specialist attachments that never get used. Plus, it's compact and it looks cool.

Had it for 2 weeks. Used pliers to loosen a hand-tightened door stop, and the tool literally broke in half. I barely applied pressure...

I've sent it back for replacement (leatherman warranties tools for 25 years). Hopefully it was a defect. We'll see.

It is very snazzy, though. Looks great, nice weight and balance, very sharp blade. Aesthetically, it's top-notch.

It's just small enough to carry in a pants pocket without being obtrusive, unlike the Wave and similar sized tools. Likewise, it has a very good scissors, thus replacing that mighty-mite, the Micra. So, what we have here is something that I can live with in my pocket (replacing the Micra) that's just stout enough to handle lighter needle-nose plier chores (puting the Wave into the car glove box, should the extra power be needed).

What keeps it from perfection is this: I'd be satisfied to lose the middle size screwdriver blade in favor of the Micra's nail file - the one function I regret not having.

This is a great tool.
I like the easy access to the knife and scissors from the outside without opening the butterfly.

It's a little bit heavier than a compact Swiss Army knife, but it feels solid and it opens on all sides (left, right, inside, and outside).

Since my last review in Dec 2001, I have uppgraded from 4 to 5 stars mainly becuase there are more accessories available now for this fantastic tool.

When I first bought it in Dec 2001, it did not come with case or plastic holster. Now Leatherman offers a plastic holster belt clip (so you can show off the wonderful color of Juice) and also a leather carry case which felt more like neoprene to me.

I am still insistant on the issue of alignment:
When it is completely closed , the handles are not at the same level.

They are off by about 1-2 mm which is quite noticeable to the touch and to the eyes.

Leatherman needs to work on this because if its intent is to appeal to those who place more emphasis on aesthetic design rather than functionality, this is a pretty big No-No.

The colors available from the Juice series are all very nice. I had a hard time deciding color, let alone the various functionality this line offers.

I still love it despite the minor things that bug me. But, hey we all have our idyosyncracies, right ?