Leatherman Juice KF4 Review (A Visual Tour)

NeitherExtreme · **on:** November 25, 2008, 03:15:31 AM

Overview
The KF4, though now retired, was introduced by Leatherman in 2001 with the launching the Juice line. It’s been released in “solar” yellow as well as “storm” grey. You’ll also see my customized beater in a few picks.

As far as the tools go, the KF4 tool list reads like a fully equipped large multi-tool, with the notable exceptions of scissors and can/bottle openers. Everything on this tool solidly snaps open with back springs like a slip joint pocketknife.

All opened:

Size
The tool is a medium size; significantly smaller than most common full sized multi-tools, but a lot bigger than the standard keychain fare. For me it’s on the large side of “pocketable”.

Measured in Inches:

For those who like things simple:

Larger than a Micra:

More pocketable than a PST:

Smaller than a Super Tool 200:

Thickness compared to a Juice S2:

Plain Blade
To me it’s a very nice length- just a hair over 2.5 inches (6.5 cm). That, along with its slip-joint design, keeps in legal in most places, but still long enough to be very useful. Its edge holding is nothing special, but it sharpens up quite easily.

Plain Edge:

Serrated Blade
Same length as the plain blade, but the point comes down in a sheepsfoot pattern. The plain edge at the tip helps make up for lack of scissors if you keep it sharp. The serrations are designed well and cut effectively.

Serrated Edge:

File
On both sides the cutting surface starts close to the handle and extends to the tip, giving the most usable edge possible. I’ve used the standard side on both wood and metal, and it’s worked great on both. On the other side, the diamond file is something special- very fine and yet quite aggressive. Lastly, there’s a “metal saw” on the edge, but to be honest it’s not all that functional.

Standard File:

Diamond Coated:

Awl
The awl on the KF4 isn’t very sharp, but it is a handy feature, and works great for putting clean holes in drywall/plaster, and general poking around.

The dull-but-handy Awl:

Next to Surge & PST:

Saw
It’s thin, it cuts well, and is amazingly long for the tool’s size. The saw is placed in the same slot as the awl, which needs to be opened to get to the saw.

Saw & Awl Combo:

With a Super Tool 200:

Ruler
The KF4 was the only Juice to have a ruler printed on it’s scales:

Pliers
Though they are not as strong as a full sized Leatherman, they open wide. And more importantly, they feel nothing like a keychain. The wire cutters are small but functional, and the hard wire notch works well.

Up Close:

With PST and Surge:

With Surge:

Phillips
Nicely cut, fits both #1 and #2 Phillips heads equally. I can use this as fast as a “real” screwdriver when it’s stretched out.

“Stretched”:

Squared edges:

Flat Drivers
There are medium, small, and eyeglass sizes. All are chisel ground, but have worked well for screws and light prying.

Medium:

Small:

Eyeglass:

Lanyard Ring
It’s small, and hides away in a cutout in the Phillips without wasting any extra space. It does require some tool, like a key, to open it.

Hiding beside the Phillips:

Lanyard working out:

Pros:
+ Medium Size
+ Lots of Functional Tools
+ Diamond File
+ Usually Legal

Cons:
- Smaller/Lighter Duty Pliers
- No Scissors, Can/Bottle Opener
- Mediocre Awl
- Non-locking

J-sews · **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2008, 03:28:18 AM

Hey hey hey! Very well done Luke!

I like that photo-heavy style you used. Outstanding quality pictures too!

Poncho65 · **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2008, 03:28:33 AM

Man that was a great review Luke very professional looking

Wish my pics had the clarity yours have

I am gonna have to practice at that

You have done a great tribute to the humble KF4

Poncho65 · **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2008, 03:29:16 AM

Bob beat me 2 the punch

by like 15 whole seconds

donvito · **Reply #4 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:21:14 AM

Superb pics, really nicer review thx.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #5 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:46:34 AM

Great review mate, and stunning pictures

Gareth · **Reply #6 on:** November 25, 2008, 09:35:01 AM

What they said! Great pics mate. Shame the tool doesn't have a bottle opener though.

Freudian Frog · **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2008, 09:51:59 AM

God I still need one of those beauties.

hawkchucker · **Reply #8 on:** November 25, 2008, 10:30:02 AM

Makes me want one! I really dig your review. Great job!

Benner · **Reply #9 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:45:21 PM

Wow!

That is one superb review.

NeitherExtreme · **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2008, 11:27:10 PM

Thanks guys.

It was a fun way to spend an afternoon.

MultiMat · **Reply #11 on:** November 26, 2008, 08:25:53 AM

Luke tops pics mate . I am going out on a limb buddy , but I reckon the KF4 is your favorite LM.

max6166 · **Reply #12 on:** November 26, 2008, 09:05:35 AM

Damn it! You have no idea how much I want a KF4 now!!!

Why, oh why do you keep tormenting me with these KF4 threads, Luke?!

J-sews · **Reply #13 on:** November 26, 2008, 12:48:11 PM

Quote from: max6166 on November 26, 2008, 09:05:35 AM

Damn it! You have no idea how much I want a KF4 now!!!

Why, oh why do you keep tormenting me with these KF4 threads, Luke?!

The man is evil. Pure evil.

NeitherExtreme · **Reply #14 on:** November 26, 2008, 12:59:04 PM

Quote from: MultiMat on November 26, 2008, 08:25:53 AM

Luke tops pics mate . I am going out on a limb buddy , but I reckon the KF4 is your favorite LM.

Well, based on carry time (and # of threads started about it), I'd have to call this my favorite all time MT.

Quote from: J-sews on November 26, 2008, 12:48:11 PM

Quote from: max6166 on November 26, 2008, 09:05:35 AM
Damn it! You have no idea how much I want a KF4 now!!!

Why, oh why do you keep tormenting me with these KF4 threads, Luke?!

The man is evil. Pure evil.

There's no other explanation.