Customer Reviews

Leatherman 78105003 Juic+B15976e XE6 Pocket Multitool

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Leatherman Juice XE6 is at best a compromise, at worst a bit of disappointment. I have used mine for about 6 months now and most of the time it serves me very well but there are some elements of the design that make me search for different tool to do a job I ought to be able to do with the XE6. I'll list the things that annoy me, anything I don't mention you can assume lives up to the claims in the promotional literature.

First off, the pliers: The jaw design is functional and the jaws seem pretty tough but you'll not get to push them to their limit since the axle they are mounted on doesn't seem up to the job. When you squeeze hard on the handles they flex slightly where they join the jaws. This means when you squeeze the pliers on something thin the handles touch together in the middle (specifically the top of the file and the top of the saw make contact). Often when gripping small things I want to squeeze the handles harder to get a better grip, but it doesn't achieve much because I am already making the handles touch in the middle and also I'm scared of damaging the mounting of the jaws.

Second the scissors: They are sharp but some element in the design means they don't cut very well towards the tip of the blade, even when cutting easy things like thin paper. I think the blades simply meet at an angle too close to parallel, in essence they have tried to incorporate too much blade into the short length and not made the handle long enough. The scissors on standard Victorinox Swiss Army Knives are better.

Third the corkscrew: This is a bit of a joke really, the levering `assist' mechanism puts pressure on the top of a wine bottle using a single edge of metal about a millimeter thick. I used this for a while but after it cracked lumps of glass off the top of a couple of bottles I gave up and resorted to brute force and pulling the corks out using the screw alone. Being used to removing corks in this manner using a Swiss army knife I don't find the level of force needed much of a problem, but there are further faults with the Leatherman's corkscrew; the screw itself is quite short and narrow, it works fine on artificial corks but it often tears traditional corks in half leaving the other end still in the neck of the bottle.

Lastly a minor point on ergonomics: The screwdriver blades are made to be levered out with your thumbnail. The length of the screwdriver blades means that if you lever one out quickly with your thumb the end of the driver is likely to make quite hard contact with the flesh of your thumb just below the nail. The screw driver blades are sharp enough to cut you quite easily. I have got used to opening the screw drivers without cutting myself but believe me, if you use one you will likely suffer the same minor injuries at some point during use.

This may read like a rather scathing review but bare in mind I have only mentioned the things that disappointed me. Just about everything else is great. The blades are great the file and saw are great. The screw drivers are very high quality. Everything is bundled together into a very compact package and very attractively finished. When closed all the lines and edges are smooth making the tool suitable for carrying in a pocket or bag. There are some very nice touches to the design like a series of small ridges near the base on the back of the serrated blade so you can identify which blade is which without opening them.

Overall I am still pleased with the tool, but I was disappointed by the week feeling pliers and the scissors that are frankly just badly designed.

This is an outstanding multitool but unlike most multitools, it is actually a pocket tool similiar in size to a swiss army knife. It is a little smaller than most multitools. (I own seven full size multitools and three key chain tools.) It does not come with a sheath though Leatherman told me that a nylon Crunch sheath will work for this largest model of the Juice.

This tool has as many tools as you will get on a multitool. Realize that everything is smaller. If you want a larger multitool get a Leatherman Wave or a Gerber Legend. If you want a compact tool this is the best way to go

I bought the xe6 to replace a swiss army knife I parted with, and have absolutely no regrets. Unlike a typical swiss army knife, leatherman's concept seems to be building a true tool. The tools in the xe6 are placed well and impressive; The wire-cutters/stripper especially so (How true is that Gene?). One word of caution though and I think the only drawback, the blades don't lock; maybe a minimal drawback, but it you use the blade often you might be well-off buying the Wave instead (wave blade is much longer as well).

The "bottle/can opener" is really only a bottle opener because the front bit is too blunt. The flat-head screwdrivers have a tendency to nick your fingers if you're not careful when prying them out. The awl is blunt, nowhere near as good as a Swiss Army Knife awl. The fingernail slot for the wood saw is difficult to reach unless you unfold the scissors first.

The large Juice model costs only a bit less than the Wave, is not usefully smaller, and the Wave has more implements, and (most importantly) the knives, saw and file LOCK OPEN. Do I need to say more? Why does Leatherman even offer this thing?

I came into possession of a Juice in rather odd way. Mine came from under eight inches of sand at a saltwater beach in Southern Maine as a response from my metal detector.

What a great find! This tool was encrusted with salt sand, and a good rinse with fresh water made it as good as new. The only damage is few very small nicks in the anodized handle , which came from electrolylsis.

The tool took that sandy grave without major complaint and works like it just came from the store new. This is testament to a well built quality tool. I have a Leatherman Wave & vastly prefer the Juice. Why? I like the fact the Juice has a phillips head screwdriver, that it is more compact, and has a positive detent on almost everytool when you open them.
The Juice, unlike the Wave has bolsters which makes it feel more hefty in your hand. Someone else quibbled about the corkscrew. That's not the reason to buy a well made tool-or am I missing something here? The Juice has every conceivable tool one might need except perhaps a wine cellar or glass chiller.

Addendum: The "levering mechanism" (for the corkscrew) that some one else mentioned in their review is a can opener opener-not a levering mechanism for the "joke" corkscrew.

I have 14 years old and this tool was my bithday present and is very good tool i use it for all and is undestructable!!!!!!

The xe6 is the best combination of tools and size. Scissors and serrated blade are essentials; corkscrew and saw occasionally handy. Small enough to always be with you. See my full review @ epinions.com.

One of my son's gave me this for Christmas. He thought it was perfect for me. He thought it might go well with my original pocket leatherman ... and look very cool when I pulled it out of my purse.

This is a very high quality tool that does exactly what it is supposed to do.

This is a handy tool. I like the look and feel. I keep it in my car. My girlfriend likes it too!