Like most of you, I've been a Leatherman user for years, and I just signed up to the forum (after browsing for many months) to share some thoughts about the Leap. I just got my Leatherman Leap this week as a replacement for my lost Juice CS4. I needed something lightweight for backpacking, but also as an EDC that would fit in the "watch pocket" of a pair of jeans. I've gotta say, even though it's marketed towards kids, it seems like it's a better pocket-sized tool than the Juice. It's similar in size and weight, but the Leap has a LOT of features that that Juice DOESN'T:The pliers are WAY bigger/stronger than the Juice (awesome)Knife blade is also MUCH sturdier than the JuiceOutside-opening tools (all of them)Locking tools (half of them)No useless wine-bottle openerSecurity-torx hardware used on plier side instead of riveted hardware (can be removed for cleaning?)Half the price!Finally (and my favorite of all), one-handed opening is possible! Well, almost... Leatherman purposefully made the openings on the plastic case a little too small for a kid to push out with a thumb, but with a little sanding, I think the case can be modded to allow for one-handed opening like a full-sized Leatherman!With a couple mods to the plastic case and a more aggressive saw & knife, I think this would be a very popular EDC and backpacking tool. I hope Leatherman realizes this soon and makes and official "adult" version.
Nice to have you join us buddy. Where are the pics?
Happy to hear you like it so much. For me, the biggest fault are the locking levers hidden under all that plastic.
Quote from: Chako on April 17, 2015, 12:25:56 PMHappy to hear you like it so much. For me, the biggest fault are the locking levers hidden under all that plastic.Solution: Custom scales... Tofty and Shapeways???
For me, I think the handles are too short for such size of pliers head, it has the same head as the Rev yet handles of Leap are much shorter. Something isn't right there.A juice size pliers isn't big enough for a little kid but enough for nutnfancy?
A lot will be riding on how strong and resilient the plastic will hold up under extended use.
Glass-filled NylonA thermoplastic material where strength is improved by adding chopped glass fibers. This allows for excellent durability without adding significant weight. In Leatherman knives, the glass-filled nylon handles are so strong that an inner steel frame is not required, thereby reducing weight for a lighter every day carry. Leatherman uses a 60% glass mix.