Juice XE6 and the entire line up has no locking blades?!?!?!

[TRUE LIBERTY]

Was about to buy one and I discovered it had no locking blades. Would like to hear any opinions and experiences on how good these blades stay in place. The only other one I can find in that size area I am looking for is the Victorinox Swiss Army Evolution S557 minus the saw in the kind of tools I want but also has a locking blade. So before I order the Wenger anything that might change my opinion that a locking blade is not that big of a deal for the Juice would be welcomes.

[powernoodle]

The Juices have non-locking, slipjoint type blades just like the traditional knife that your grandpappy used to carry.  As with any slipjoint, you can't apply pressure to the spine while using it.  But this was never a problem for grandpappy, and its not a problem for us either.  You just can't stab with the blade (not that you were going to), nor use it in a manner that might cause the blade to fold.  No worries.

[TRUE LIBERTY]

The Juices have non-locking, slipjoint type blades just like the traditional knife that your grandpappy used to carry.  As with any slipjoint, you can't apply pressure to the spine while using it.  But this was never a problem for grandpappy, and its not a problem for us either.  You just can't stab with the blade (not that you were going to), nor use it in a manner that might cause the blade to fold.  No worries.

Well thanks for trying not sure what I would read to possibly change my mind. I actually had a bad experience as a 18 year old many years ago with one of those grand daddy knives and it folded up on my fingers pretty bad. So much blood. Just never could get past it to ever trust them again. For some reason I just assumed all Leathermans locked into place.

[strmliner]

Locking blade vs non-locking blade on a MT?  Is that really a decision point?

Having many slipjoints (primarily SAKs), locking OH folders, and different plier-based MTs, I don't see the big deal here.  While my original PST and my Juice Xe6 don't have locking blades, my Gerber Strata, LM Wingman, and Sidekick do.

Find the one that best fits your decision-criteria (ie, weight, tool selection, locking/non-locking, etc.) and give it a go.  Often times, what we find appealing when viewing pictures and reading descriptions is not what feels best in our hands, on our belts, or in the pocket.  Quite often this is the reason many people have multipe MTs...different reasons for different tools.

I like my Juice Xe6 because of the size and weight...the tool selection works for me, so it's close by and gets used.  But my favorite is my Gerber Strata for a multitude of reasons...the Strata's get used the most.

Keep looking and find what works for you...what's comfortable to carry in the manner that you really want.

 

[sawman]

Some of my favorite knives are slipjoints, especially SAKs. If I'm performing a task that requires a locking blade, I will use a locking blade.

[powernoodle]

If you don't like non-locking blade, then the Juice lineup is not for you.

[mrynnr]

Have you looked at the spirits?

[lowtech]

Hello and welcome!
While not a real practical downside concerning useability, I can understand that you want to stay away from slipjoints because of your bad experiences. If a compact, locking tool is on your wanted list, than maybe a Gerber MP 400 Compact Sport might fit the bill. It´s not as nicely finished as teh spirit, but more compact and cheaper. All implements lock securely.

And btw, if you came here to get advise on what ONE tool to buy, I fear you have been caught in a trap with a bunch of enablers.... Enjoy!

[TRUE LIBERTY]

Not so much looking for advice on what tool to buy just running out of smaller multi tools that fit my needs with the tools I require.

[lowtech]

So, what tools should be included?

[Aloha]

I'll add my 2c,

The juice line is pretty good non locking blade aside, however the drivers are what are most concerning.  They are stubby and can "bite" when deployed which makes them annoying.  The pliers are light to light medium duty IMO but are far more capable than any 91mm SAK pliers including the Wenger S557.

The blades on all my examples are good and retain pretty well giving their size and non locking nature.  The scissors are not bad at all on the juices with them tho somehow I feel the 91mm SAKs still edge them out ymmv. 

Given your experience with slip joint blades I fully understand the hesitance of giving them a try.  I've had my beloved Swisschamp blade fold up on me as well which can be a bit disheartening.  I prefer locking blades for work yet have no qualms using my SAKs and Leatherman Squirt blades for detailed or finer jobs. 

If light to light medium performing pliers coupled with assorted tools is what you are after then the Juice line is not bad.  If you can get away with over performing tweezers ( SAK pliers ) then the S557 ( and my Swisschamp ) cannot be beat. 

Lastly, slipjoint blades are best used when the pressure is always on the cutting edge.  Their failure point from my experience or lack thereof is pushing the blade into what I'm trying to open/cut.       

[TRUE LIBERTY]

So, what tools should be included?

Something the size of the swiss champ. Locking blade. The rest on my must have don't need to lock.  A Phillips head but on the side not the bottom of a knife. Flat head, saw, scissors and file but not a must have. That's it. Anything extra is just a plus. Thinking maybe the Winter one and I will just remove that cheap looking plastic ruler compass that annoys me so much.

And I already have the workchamp just looking for another one with similar features for my collection.

[dks]

Also, the juice blade though not locking it does stay open more safely than most slipjoints as it seems to have like a notch or hook at the pivot that keeps it reasonably secure. You need to fight that to close it. I do not have one near me to check...

[Aloha]

Good call DK    I think thats also a very good tool..

[TRUE LIBERTY]

(Image removed from quote.)

Also, the juice blade though not locking it does stay open more safely than most slipjoints as it seems to have like a notch or hook at the pivot that keeps it reasonably secure. You need to fight that to close it. I do not have one near me to check...

Close but no good. The phillips needs to be on the side. But thanks for the try. I guess the fun in this is trying to find the next one in my collection that fits the bill.

[shibafu]

Also, the juice blade though not locking it does stay open more safely than most slipjoints as it seems to have like a notch or hook at the pivot that keeps it reasonably secure. You need to fight that to close it. I do not have one near me to check...

Is that on a new or old style Juice?  I would be tempted by the new-style Juice if it has a stronger lock-up.  I have 3 or 4 old-style Juices and the backsprings are fairly soft on all of them.  I mean they're OK, perfectly usable, but the blade is not as secure in the open position as a 91mm SAK for example, and nowhere near something like a Spyderco UKPK, Enzo PK70 or TBS Boar.

[lowtech]

(Image removed from quote.)

Also, the juice blade though not locking it does stay open more safely than most slipjoints as it seems to have like a notch or hook at the pivot that keeps it reasonably secure. You need to fight that to close it. I do not have one near me to check...

Close but no good. The phillips needs to be on the side. But thanks for the try. I guess the fun in this is trying to find the next one in my collection that fits the bill.

The Phillips IS on the side, or more precise, the Bit holder for the included (standard 1/4") bits is on teh side - the holder is just stowed away on teh stub where teh backside tool would sit so you don´t loose it.

[TRUE LIBERTY]

(Image removed from quote.)

Also, the juice blade though not locking it does stay open more safely than most slipjoints as it seems to have like a notch or hook at the pivot that keeps it reasonably secure. You need to fight that to close it. I do not have one near me to check...

Close but no good. The phillips needs to be on the side. But thanks for the try. I guess the fun in this is trying to find the next one in my collection that fits the bill.

The Phillips IS on the side, or more precise, the Bit holder for the included (standard 1/4") bits is on teh side - the holder is just stowed away on teh stub where teh backside tool would sit so you don´t loose it.

But that still means you have to carry extra items and I hate belt pouches. It either goes in my pocket or clips to my pocket. But I broke down and decided to give a try the Swiss Champ and break my personal rule about having a locking blade. The Wenger version with locking blade was just to wide. A store was offering free engraving for two days so it was the clincher.

[TRUE LIBERTY]

Have you looked at the spirits?

To big for pocket carry on the weekends without a dedicated pocket clip. Even though it really is a nice size and weight for the amount of tools you get.