Leatherman Juice C2 and CS4

When I reviewed the Juice XE6 a while back I was surprised at how much thought must have gone into the design of this series of tools. Reason being the C2 and CS4 multis are ultra-compact and like the XE6 are packed with practical features and look stylish into the bargain too. This had me chase down two others I feel offer certain features hunters could find appealing in such a compact and handy package.

Common Theme

The build for both goes for a butterfly opener made from stainless steel with anodized aluminium handle plates. Some tool functions can be accessed with it closed while others need it to be opened for deployment, then closed for a secure grip. Both share the same configuration when open; that being the needle-nosed pliers, wire and hard-wire cutters. After that, the list becomes more model-specific.

The C2 is available in Storm Grey and Inferno Red and could be seen as a compromise for those not needing everything the XE6 has. It offers a bottle/can opener, lanyard attachment; extra small,  small, medium/large flat head screwdrivers, corkscrew, 2.6” 420HC clip point fine edge knife blade. There’s also a medium Philips head screwdriver. Weighing a 4.3oz with a closed length of 3.25” it soon grows on you despite the limited ‘tool box’, but no bad thing if this is suitable for your requirements as it’s the slimmest and least expensive.

First Choice

Leatherman says; “The Juice CS4 is versatility at your fingertips.” Well, I reckon that sums up all of the models in this series. Colours here are Storm Grey and Glacier Blue. This a slightly heftier yet still ultra-compact design with a quick access 2.6” long 420HC clip point knife blade, 2 ½” woodsaw, awl, a generously sized pair of scissors with articulating ‘un-sprung’ handles, bottle/can opener, lanyard attachment, extra small,  small and medium/large flathead screwdrivers, awl/punch, medium Philips head screwdriver and corkscrew. Weighing 5.5oz, with a closed length of 3.25”, this model would be my first choice due to the scissors and woodsaw.

A Polycarbonate or Leather Case is available for either but are extra and they come with Leatherman’s 25-year Warranty. If you only need a few specific tool functions you’ll likely be well served with the slim-line Juice C2. Due to materials used in manufacture neither will cause concern of fatigue or failure, all tools lock out positively and deploy by thumb/nail nicks or lugs.

Leatherman Juice C2 and Juice CS4

Prices: £69.95 and £89.95 respectively

Contact: Whitby & Co, 01539 721032 for nearest stockists

www.whitbyandco.co.uk

For: Compact and reasonably practical

Against: Tool choice might be too limited for some needs

Verdict: If you’re looking for a small/medium multi either could be up your street  

Pic Caps

1: If it’s only a few specific extra tools you need you’ll likely be well served with the Juice C2

2: The Leatherman Juice CS4 – ‘versatility at your fingertips’ –this would be my choice of the two due to the inclusion of the scissors and woodsaw