In between.....

[plowboy]

I've read many of your reviews on medium to small sized multi-tools.  I'm hoping to find a quality tool that is between the size of my beloved Spirit and Crossgrip.  I know that Leatherman produces the Juices and the the S2.  To those of you that have these tools, can they be easily dropped into a front pocket (size considerations)?  Do they have locking tools?  If the tools don't lock, do they have any spring mechanism to help hold them in the open position?

What other tools (let's say 20 - 25 percent smaller than the Spirit) would you recommend?  And, while I hope to not offend anyone, don't recommend a tool made in China.  I really prefer to avoid products from China.

Thank you for your help.
 

[I'm Still Bison]

The Juice S2 is very pocket friendly,so is the KF4. I have the KF4,and there are no locking tools,but I haven't any problem with any tool accidentally closing up on me. As for country of origin on the various parts,I don't know,but I'm reasonably sure they are assembled in Oregon.

[Zio Arcano]

And, while I hope to not offend anyone, don't recommend a tool made in China.  I really prefer to avoid products from China.

Many things produced in China are actually quite good, but in case of multitools... well, I agree, it's really cheap stuff.

As for country of origin on the various parts,I don't know,but I'm reasonably sure they are assembled in Oregon.

Yes, here it says that some parts are made in Europe, Canada and Mexico and then assembled in Oregon.

[Grant Lamontagne]

The Leatherman story is a bit convoluted nowadays.  The bottom line is that leatherman meets the requirements for a "Made in the USA" label everywhere except California.  They meet all other state and federal laws for acceptable percentages of outsourcing, except in California, and they were sued as a result.  That is why Leathermans no longer bear the USA label on them- if they did, they would have to make special runs without USA on them to ship to dealers in Cali, which would cost a whole heck of alot more.

Frankly, I don't care if a tool is made in Lower Shebubia, as long as it's well made and realiable.  Quite frankly, the thought of some yahoos seeing a chance at making a few bucks by sueing Leatherman for false advertising makes me want to arrange a fatal faulty plier accident for them, but that's getting somewhat off topic.

Def

[plowboy]

The S2 and KF4 are two options I will certainly consider.  Anyone else have other suggestions?

Thanks for mentioning the two Leathermans, Bison56.
 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I think the only tools you are really going to find in that size range are the Juice models.  The CrossGrip from SOG is pretty robust for a keychain sized tool, but I am guessing you know that already. 

It looks like the Juice models might be your only real option.

Def

[parnass]

Recommend you find an original Leatherman PST multitool.  It has full sized pliers and several other tools.  The entire tool is smaller than a Spirit, but a little larger than most Juice models.  It weighs less than the Juice CS4.

The PST blades don't lock, but it is well built.  I like it better than the current generation Leatherman tools.

[Grant Lamontagne]

If that's the case, then try to track down a PST II- pretty well the same as parnass said, but also with the scissors and the diamond file, both of which are Leatherman's best designs IMHO.

Def

[Gryffin]

I've read many of your reviews on medium to small sized multi-tools.  I'm hoping to find a quality tool that is between the size of my beloved Spirit and Crossgrip.  I know that Leatherman produces the Juices and the the S2.  To those of you that have these tools, can they be easily dropped into a front pocket (size considerations)?  Do they have locking tools?  If the tools don't lock, do they have any spring mechanism to help hold them in the open position?

You'd be surprised how much smaller the "old skool" Leatherman tools were compared to the newer ones, or to your Spirit. For "office carry" I've been packing an old LM PST-II (same as the original tool, but with scissors instead of the awl, and a diamond-coated file), and it's a very capable tool. No locks, but if you close the handles, they prevent the implements from closing on your fingers.

The Juice line varies widely in thickness. The S2 and C2 are quite slim, and ride well in a pocket; but the XE is a moose, a bit big for pocket carry.

[Grant Lamontagne]

No locks, but if you close the handles, they prevent the implements from closing on your fingers.

Not necessarily- I have a scar on one of my fingers resulting from the two stitches I had to get after a PST II folded on me.

But yes, it is safer than a standard slip joint folder in that regard, but I still wouldn't suggest trusting it.

Def

[znapschatz]

The Leatherman story is a bit convoluted nowadays.  The bottom line is that leatherman meets the requirements for a "Made in the USA" label everywhere except California.  They meet all other state and federal laws for acceptable percentages of outsourcing, except in California, and they were sued as a result.  That is why Leathermans no longer bear the USA label on them- if they did, they would have to make special runs without USA on them to ship to dealers in Cali, which would cost a whole heck of alot more.

Frankly, I don't care if a tool is made in Lower Shebubia, as long as it's well made and realiable.  Quite frankly, the thought of some yahoos seeing a chance at making a few bucks by sueing Leatherman for false advertising makes me want to arrange a fatal faulty plier accident for them, but that's getting somewhat off topic.

Def

Off Topic:  Actually, suit was brought by the state of California because of blatant domestic content misrepresentations by the Leatherman company.   While the tools were assembled in Oregon, various key components were either made or processed offshore.  Plier castings came from Mexico, files were imported from Austria and other stuff I don't recall.  OTOH, some components were sent off to be polished, sharpened or whatever.  It was a stretch, at least, to claim 'made in USA," a strong marketing position, and unfair to competitors who labeled their products properly.  After having read the legal decision, available online in PDF format (sorry, got the reference elsewhere, didn't save, you'll have to look it up), I am convinced justice was served in this case.

On Topic:  Compared to the Juice, the PST/PST II have stronger pliers and more "crude" design.  When I carried one, it was often necessary to wear work gloves or cushion my hand with a folded hanky to keep the sharp edges from digging my flesh when cranking down hard.
That wouldn't be necessary with a Juice.   Its handles are more hand friendly, and
a too tight grip would spring the tool.  In fairness, I must admit to having bent a PST with too much squeeze, but it will still hold up better than the Juice.   

That noted, I like the Juice, it's useful as a compact tool set for most EDC purposes.  I believe it to be unique in its size category with useable, if small, pliers.  AFAIK, there is no comparable SAK .Just don't ask too much of it.

[plowboy]

I've been traveling a few days and just had a chance to check back.  Thanks for the useful information.  I'm going to think about the smaller Juices and maybe the older Leatherman that was mentioned.

Thanks again.