Bring it back! (KF4 Appreciatcion Thread)

[max6166]

Good point, gtg! That would be an excellent combo 

A stock KF4 and a Soldier would also be a good combo. You wouldn't have scissors, but you could get a lot done with those 2 tools.

I think I would actually prefer a stock KF4 and a "Soldier with scissors". I don't think there's ever been a 93mm with scissors though, has there? And please don't tease me with pics of some amazing mod I'll never have! 

[MultiMat]

...Which I think is pretty good considering the difference in the overall sizes of the tools. I personally think the KF4 makes a great hiking/camping tool, partly because of the "large" saw in such a small tool.

I don't have any Vics, Sogs, etc. to compare, but if anyone else wants to take a pic, I'd be interested.

Here ya go Luke http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/S6300515.jpg[/img]]                       KF4 + SAK Huntsman & SwissTool                                                                                                                                      http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/S6300534.jpg[/img]]                         Side by side with the Huntsman .KF4 is almost 1cm shorter & only 1/2 cm wider (comparing knives at their widest points)                                                                                                                                                                                  http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/S6300535.jpg[/img]]                              Group hug Swisstool , Supertool ,Juice & Surge . Top too bottom 

[MultiMat]

Sounds like there's a few more fans out there than just me!

I was guessing some people would ask for scissors, as they seem to be about the "favorite" implement that the KF4 lacks. Although I love the current setup, I'd also be happy to see the serrated blade switched with scissors...

I'm kinda surprised by the lack of enthusiasm for the saw... I can understand not wanting a MT-sized saw in general, but IMO the Juice saw is a standout feature on the KF4. I've used it fairly often, both on wood and drywall, and I've been very happy with it. Also, even though the KF4 is so much smaller, the saw has the same cutting length as the Wave, Charge, and Surge. I think it's a great design. The saw and awl combo make a great drywall pair by the way.

I think I'll take a pic comparing the saws and post it here tommorrow.

I hope I did not beat you to the punch Luke , but in the short time I have had my Kentucky Fried Juice I have got a bit attached to it . Initially the lake of scissors & BOTTLE opener was a major concern but I have gotten over that. I quite like the saw option in such a small Tool & all the talk about it got me thinking.                                  http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/S6300564.jpg[/img]]                         I did a small saw trial on some hard wood , with my Surge , SAK Huntsman , Juice & Swisstool. They all seemed ok & the Juices blade although short did not hinder it too much. I was surprised at the SAK's saw I was not expecting too much but it did ok.                                                                                                                                      http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/S6300538.jpg[/img]]                             The Juice's saw is actually longer than the Surge's  But the Surge saw is a bit beefier .                                               http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/S6300568.jpg[/img]]                        I think when it comes to serious sawing you need a proper saw but in a pinch I would be happy to use any of the above tools , I just need a beer opener on my KF4 

[NeitherExtreme]

Thanks MultiMat!! Those pics are awesome. Thanks for doing that.

I think its a really strong point of the KF4 (and Juices in general) that even though they are smaller, the "working" portion of the files and saws are really quite comparable to the larger tools. Even the Swisstool only has one or two more teeth on the saw.

I think when it comes to serious sawing you need a proper saw but in a pinch I would be happy to use any of the above tools...

I agree entirely. MT saws aren't for "real" work, but they sure can be handy for small jobs.

[max6166]

A lot of people seem to want scissors on the KF4. So what does everyone think about the XE6? Gives you scissors and more. Weighs 25g more.

Also wondering if anyone has ever considered modding the KF4 or EX6 to get that configuration...

[NeitherExtreme]

Also wondering if anyone has ever considered modding the KF4 or EX6 to get that configuration...

I'd love to see a juice mod...

Aside from the obvious problems, I have a hard time choosing the perfect setup.

[Benner]

A lot of people seem to want scissors on the KF4. So what does everyone think about the XE6? Gives you scissors and more. Weighs 25g more.

Also wondering if anyone has ever considered modding the KF4 or EX6 to get that configuration...

Part of the KF4's appeal (IMO) is the fact that it is a great size to hold and for me has nearly everything I need and nothing I don't.  The XE6 adds a lot of bulk and tools that I am not so keen on.

[MultiMat]

Thanks MultiMat!! Those pics are awesome. Thanks for doing that.

I think its a really strong point of the KF4 (and Juices in general) that even though they are smaller, the "working" portion of the files and saws are really quite comparable to the larger tools. Even the Swisstool only has one or two more teeth on the saw.

I think when it comes to serious sawing you need a proper saw but in a pinch I would be happy to use any of the above tools...

I agree entirely. MT saws aren't for "real" work, but they sure can be handy for small jobs.

No worries cobber . I always thought the Juice line was a bit of a joke , but all the talk about the KF4 lead me too getting one. I reckon they are a "SUPER" pocket knife .A SAK with proper pliers , I think if you put a red Victorinox on one  micky d would be raving about them

[NeitherExtreme]

I think if you put a red Victorinox on one  micky d would be raving about them

Maybe Scieber could help us on this one...

[NutSAK]

Thanks a lot Luke.  You have driven me to hunt for a KF4 on Ebay.    

There are none available right now. 

[I'm Still Bison]

 You'll love and appreciate the KF4.I had one for sometime,and I liked mine,it just didn't fit my needs or requirements.

[NutSAK]

I've been considering the tool selection, and it seems that it would be the perfect thing in combination with a minimalist SAK.  The Vic Compact would be perfect IMO, since it has the tools that the KF4 is missing.  A Yeoman would also be a great choice.

So, it seems that I now need a KF4.    It's all about the never-ending quest for the perfect EDC combo.

 

[NeitherExtreme]

So, it seems that I now need a KF4.   

Sounds like it. I'm kinda sad about how hard they're getting to find.

And if you think about it, I can't imagine it would be too hard for LM to bring them back, since they've got all the pieces still in production for the other juices. (Yellow guy=me, Blue guy=LM)

[J-sews]

Makes me wonder why in tarnation they ever discontinued it. What was the point? Like you say they are still making all the same parts.

[Benner]

Makes me wonder why in tarnation they ever discontinued it. What was the point? Like you say they are still making all the same parts.

It can't have sold very well I guess.  Which is surprising.

[max6166]

I think the sales were largely affected by the colours. They need to make it look more rugged and manly for it to be taken seriously. It looks too much like a toy.

[Benner]

I think the sales were largely affected by the colours. They need to make it look more rugged and manly for it to be taken seriously. It looks too much like a toy.

The other Juices seem to do well though. 

[Sea Monster]

Is there another name for the Officer SAK? I can't find it

[max6166]

I think the sales were largely affected by the colours. They need to make it look more rugged and manly for it to be taken seriously. It looks too much like a toy.

The other Juices seem to do well though. 

That's true, but I was thinking that perhaps the configuration of the KF4 appeals to a different market than the others, and that it's appearance doesn't reflect that.

The KF4 is more of a no-nonsense workhouse, but it looks like all the other models which are more appealing to the general public.

In other words, a guy looking for a Wave or Gerber is more likely to dismiss it because it doesn't look tough, while the general public would pick it up and put it back because the tools aren't cutesy enough in comparison to  the rest of the line. It's just a theory though.

My other theory is that LM dropped it so that people more people would buy the more expensive XE6, which I would hazard a guess has a larger profit margin than the KF4.

Ultimately though, I think it all probably has a lot more to do with pricing. The pricing of the Juice series as a whole has always struck me as a bit strange, especially within the context of LM's entire line of products.

Yeah, I know those theories all contradict each other. But they sounded good when I wrote them! 

[Benner]

I find if you write enough contradictions you are just more likely to be correct. 

[max6166]

I find if you write enough contradictions you are just more likely to be correct. 

You are absolutely right, though I don't agree...

[I'm Still Bison]

Is there another name for the Officer SAK? I can't find it

                 I've also read and heard the Spartan called the Officer's knife

[Benner]

Is there another name for the Officer SAK? I can't find it

                 I've also read and heard the Spartan called the Officer's knife

I believe that the Spartan was the first style of what we know know as the Officers series yes. 

[NeitherExtreme]

That's true, but I was thinking that perhaps the configuration of the KF4 appeals to a different market than the others, and that it's appearance doesn't reflect that.

The KF4 is more of a no-nonsense workhouse, but it looks like all the other models which are more appealing to the general public.

In other words, a guy looking for a Wave or Gerber is more likely to dismiss it because it doesn't look tough, while the general public would pick it up and put it back because the tools aren't cutesy enough in comparison to  the rest of the line. It's just a theory though.

That's about what I would guess too... I wonder what would happen if it came back with a serious make-over, say Ti scales (for the knife crowd) or bone/wood scales (for the traditional crowd)? It seems that sort of thing could make it stand out to the markets that it's tool selection would best fit.

[gafftapegreenia]

My KF4 came today! It's grey, Moontrail was sold out of the yellow ones. Buy anyway, I love this thing. Instant affection. My other Juice is an S2, honestly, I was underwhelmed. But the KF4, its awesome.

[NeitherExtreme]

My KF4 came today! It's grey, Moontrail was sold out of the yellow ones. Buy anyway, I love this thing. Instant affection. My other Juice is an S2, honestly, I was underwhelmed. But the KF4, its awesome.

Horaay!! Another KF4 found a happy home. Congrats on the purchase, and welcome to the KF4 club.

I agree about the S2, actually. I carry mine some, and it's a fine tool, but it's never grown on me at all. Maybe it just needs more time...

[Lion]

I had an S2, but gave it to my mom. I liked it and really liked the scissors, but I just missed having a diamond file too much.

Leo

Edit: Woops, almost forgot. Congrats on the KF4!

[DaveK]

I have a yellow KF4 on the way too

I've had a brand new one for a while, but I've been reluctant to use it as the anodised scales don't seem too hard wearing. But now I have a used one coming, I'll EDC it and give it a proper test.

Still need a grey one though 

[ducktapehero]

*DTH covers ears*


I do NOT need a KF4, I do NOT need a KF4, I do NOT need a KF4, I do NOT need a KF4, I do NOT need a KF4, I do NOT need a KF4, I do NOT need a KF4.

Dammit, now I need a KF4. 

[gafftapegreenia]

Oh, you need a KF4, yes, you need a KF4