Customer Reviews

Leatherman 74204003 Juice CS4

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

WOW! This is an absolutely extraordinary tool. There is no question that I would have to rank it not only as the best pocket knife I've ever used (by a country mile), but also as a definite contender for "product of the year" across categories. I'm the kind of guy who always carries a pocket knife in my back pocket; I've done so for several decades, and have been through virtually every one of the Swiss Army varieties, plus a couple of Leatherman Micras. Since I'm not working on cars or using this as an industrial tool, there's no way that I could (or would want to) fit a full-size Leatherman Wave into my pants pocket. I liked all the tools on the Swiss Army knives, and loved the size, quality and flexibility of the Micra. But then...

...ahh! I came across a Juice display at a retail store, and it was love at first sight! The Juice CS4 is, to my mind, the absolutely ideal combination of size, style, tools, build-quality and functionality that I have ever seen, and without a close second. Let's step through it:

The packageis bigger than a Micra, but much smaller than a full-size Leatherman; about the size of a medium-large penknife. The color is cool blue, which I happen to find quite attractive. The tools are everything you'd expect, and then some. There's an open-spiral corkscrew (the best kind), which actually has an "assist", just like a professional bartender's folding corkscrew. I have *never* seen this on any other pocketknife. The primary fold-out tool is a gorgeous pair of needlenose pliers with wire cutters (unlike the Micra, which only has a scissors), but it ALSO has a strong fold-out scissors on the side. NEAT!

Let's keep going! When it comes to screwdrivers, you just can't beat this thing: it has small, medium and large flat-heads, plus a Phillips (not a dinky flat one, but a real, 3-D one) and best of all, every one of these blades flips out from the center, allowing you to re-close the handles and have a superbly balanced, correctly proportioned, long-handled screwdriver; the best I've ever seen, without question. But don't stop there. This thing has a saw, a can/bottle opener, and an awl with sewing eye.

And a knife! A nice, loooong one that is the sharpest I have ever seen on a pocket tool. It has a solid, tapered blade that cuts through stuff like butter, making it a joy to use.

I realize, on re-reading what I've written so far, that it must sound as though I've gone off my rocker (or work for Leatherman, which, of course, I don't). I really am aware that one just isn't supposed to have feelings like this about a pocketknife! But all I can say is that I simply adore this tool, carry it with me 24/7, and wouldn't trade it for anything. It is simply the finest combination/compromise on size, style and functionality that you will find in a pocket tool (including the rest of the Juice line). It is more costly than most, but without question worth the price. Trust me on this [grin].

I've always been a fan of Leatherman "multi-tools", so my review may be biased toward the positive, but there are a few things I would like to say about the Juice CS4. First and foremost, judge this device for what it is: A handy little pocket tool with some very helpful extra features.

The Juice CS4 is roughly the same size as a Swiss Army type knife, yet its construction lends it to more rigorous use. The tool opens to reveal the jaws of the pliers with a satisfying "click". The bits, blades and other tools slide open smoothly and there is no sway or loose rivets to be found. The larger scissors on this tool will quickly become a favorite!

The most-used tools are available without having to flip the tool open - A feature I love in the Leatherman Wave, and adore in this "little brother" of the Wave.

If I have any complaints about my Juice, it would be about the layout of the tools. To access the saw blade, I have to first open the sewing awl. The same holds true for the corkscrew. The bottle/can opener must be partially open to use the corkscrew (unless there's a function to this feature that I'm unaware of.) Another criticism is that there's no positive locking feature on the knife blade, so great care must be exercised to prevent the blade from folding in on the fingers.

One reviewer commented on the sturdiness of the tool. I highly doubt that the Leatherman company ever expected (or designed) this tool to service a heavy-duty work load. If you attempt to use your Leatherman as a torque wrench, it WILL break! Also, if you neglect the steel, it will eventually rust, a fact that holds true for all stainless steel. However, as a light all-purpose tool, the Juice CS4 is a champ.

Another good element of the Juice is its visual appeal. It may sound corny, but this tool is a pleasure to just look at and hold in your hand. The Juice line's smaller size and lighter heft make it the perfect purse companion for my fiancé, a great everyday pocket knife for me and a great gift for any occasion.

My compliments to the Leatherman company for producing a small hand tool with such an elegant, functional design. Its solid build quality (backed by a 25 year guarantee) ensures me that I will be using my Juice for years to come.

This is a good knife. I have had lots of Leathermen in my time. I am impressed with the construction of this new line that they have created. The construction of this knife leaves all of the other Leathermen I have owned looking sort of amateurish.

I have only three complaints about these knives. The first could be either a complaint or a virtue, depending on your needs. It is a bit smaller than the other Leatherman series. Not as small as the micra, but notably smaller than the Wave, etc.

Second, there isn't a version of the Juice that has a locking mechanism on the blade, which always makes me a little uneasy.

Third, all of the "blades" on the knife are very stiff when you first get it. I assume that these loosen up with use. However, that being said, when I first got it, it drew blood while I was opening one of the attachements (no, not the knife blade, I think it was the can opener). Not that noteworthy, except, the next FIVE people that I handed it to had the same experience, each with a different attachment (and none of them the knife blade). We joked around about it working like a samuri sword, needing to taste blood each time it taken out. Regardless, it was a little disconcerting.

My complaints aren't serious enough for me to not recommend it. All in all, if those points don't concern you, it is a good knife.

Clearly, I owe the fine folks at Leatherman an apology. I had dissed Leatherman's customer service in a prior review (scroll down..), whining about a minor, self-induced problem. Come to find out, they (including the Main Man, The Head Honcho, The Connection - Tim Leatherman)had made several attemts to contact me in effort to address my complaint (whine), but all their attempts were deflected courtesy of my email blocker settings. Through their continued efforts they were able to contact me through other means. Sooo, here I stand, embarrassed for badmouthing such a fine company and terriffic product. Sorry.

The CS-4 and I remain inseparable - it's an integral part of my everyday life. In fact, I have gone on to purchase half a dozen or more as gifts for friends (including a Wave for myself), only I had them properly engraved/etched this time as recommended by the manufacturer.

Christmas is coming...

I have the CS4, the Wave and a Supertool. I wear my Wave on my belt all the time. This would be my last choice for carrying around on a daily basis.

The bad: Everything is stiffer than my Wave (even a new Wave). The screwdrivers are harder to get out, since some of the nail nicks are shallow and things start out pretty tight. The blade is short and none of the tools lock. Things are not as thick/robust as the Wave, but it is a Leatherman tool: build quality is high.

The good: Everything's small and nothing locks. This is a tool to carry around when you don't want to carry a Wave. It's got enough tools to handle most situations, including a corkscrew. (Yes, I got it for the corkscrew.) It's got enough stuff to be useful in a pinch, but isn't as generally useful as the Wave.

Basically, this tool won't displace my Wave for most days, but it'll be great when my wife won't let me walk around with a bigger tool.

If you're looking for a general multitool, I'd recommend looking at the Wave or Supertool before choosing this one. The CS4 is slightly more expensive but less usable. If you really need a small tool or the corkscrew, this would be a decent choice for your only tool.

Great Tool if it ever breaks you can just send it in to Leatherman and they will either fix it for you or send you a brand new tool.

I just received my leatherman cs4 tool today, and I think it is great. I have not yet had much experience with it but I love it. It has all the tools that you really need a - blade, saw, awl, corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, pliers, and four different screwdrivers. It is a medium sized knife, 3.25 in. long, and .6 in. thick. It is a relatively big knife, yet still fits in your front pocket. I would recommend it to everybody.

I recieved this a gift and I can tell you that it's one of the best tools I've ever used. However, I do have two concerns. One is that the blades don't lock which means that if enough pressure is applied, it can hurt someone by folding in. As well, the saw has a tendency to fold onto the awl, I have to use quite a bit of force to make sure that it folds properly. However, the blade is really sharp and the screwdriver bits are the best I've ever seen. As well the tools open with a solid click which is somewhat reassuring. This tool is right for you if your looking for a small multi-tool that will be used for general not industrail use!

Smaller than your average leatherman, but superbly made, and with all the tools you could ever need. Great survival tool, and easy to carry in a pocket. Buy one.

I have about a dozen different kinds of mult-tools. This one is
probably the most practical. It's design is slick with its rounded corners, making it comfortable to keep in your pocket - no sheath needed. It has everything you would need for any incident. Its anodized blue color only ups the cool factor for this handy gadget. Everyone should keep one of these in their pocket. It's always in mine.