Based on my experiences a few months back I started a survey on Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArcheryNeedsYou/) as to whether Leatherman or Gerber were preferred, for those interested in the results it is presently standing at about 50/50 split.
Anyway I thought I would review a couple of Leatherman multi tools I have, both of which can fit easy into a quiver or belt pouch.
The two I have are the Wingman and Sidekick. Essentially the two are nearly identical, the second one (sidekick) being purchased as I thought I’d lost the first.
The only real difference is the sidekick has a small saw blade instead of the scissors that can be found on the wingman.
Here is a quick break down of the tools, both are made from stainless steel, are pocket sized and covered by the Leatherman 25-year warranty.WINGMAN – described by Leatherman as having 14 tools in one
Tools:
420HC Combo Knife
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Medium Screwdriver
Package Opener
Phillips Screwdriver
Ruler (1 in/2.54 cm)
Small Screwdriver
Spring-action Needlenose Pliers
Spring-action Regular Pliers
Spring-action scissors
Spring-action Wire Cutters
Wire Stripper
Wood/Metal FileMeasurements:
2.6 in | 6.6 cm (blade length)
3.8 in | 9.7 cm (closed)
7 oz | 198.4 g
SIDEKICK again it has 14 tools, and mine came with a Carabiner Bottle Opener Accessory.
Tools:
420HC Serrated Knife
Medium Screwdriver
420HC Knife
Bottle Opener
Can Opener
Phillips Screwdriver
Ruler (1 in/2.54 cm)
Saw
Small Screwdriver
Spring-action Needlenose Pliers
Spring-action Regular Pliers
Spring-action Wire Cutters
Wood/Metal File
Measurements:
2.6 in | 6.6 cm (blade length)
3.8 in | 9.7 cm (closed)
7 oz | 198.4 g
Uses in the field
I find the pliers useful when extracting piles after the shafts snap in the boss,3d targets or more often trees and need removing.
A sharp knife is always useful if you spend any time outdoors whether it be camping, walking or archery.
Quick note here is I wouldn’t use it to cut a wayward arrow from a tree though, as whilst sharp I would expect the tip to snap under the pressure. I use an old flat headed screw driver that I have in my quiver for this.
I have found the crosshead screwdriver is perfect for tightening the screws on my archery tab. This being on both the sidekick and wingman.
The wingman comes with a small pair of scissors which I’ve found surprisingly useful for archery, when fitting servings etc.
The sidekick comes with a small saw blade, which isn’t going to chop down any redwoods but I have used to saw through branches of about an inch thickness with ease. For that reason I tend to have the sidekick to hand when camping or working in the woods.
Workmanship
The workmanship is good and the pivotal joints haven’t slackened off, which I seen on cheaper multi tools.
The finish on the back of the sidekick serrated blade is a little rough which you notice more when folded up but that is the only criticism I have.
The rolled metal handle makes using the pliers more cumfortable in the hand which I noticed when compared to cheaper budget copies.
I now make a point of always carrying one of mine when out and about.
So if you are looking for a birthday present or early Christmas present I’d say they were a good buy and addition to a kit belt or pouch. If you are looking for something a bit more then have a look at what I think they call the expedition range.
Rating 9/10
N.B. I bought one of the tools from eBay and it was supposed to come with a leather case. It didn’t, instead it had a cheap nylon one and this is not uncommon looking at reviews.
Good review Rob. I’ve used a Leatherman Charge for some years now and I can’t recommend the brand highly enough. The charge has both a saw and scissors so you get the best of both worlds. Leatherman tools are solid and they are also covered by an excellent warranty – on the one occasion I had a problem they not only rectified it without any fuss but they also returned the tool fully serviced and sharpened.
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Thanks for the comment Ian. Might have to take a look at the charge.
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