Category Archery

Leatherman multi tool
Nov 27 2025

Are Leatherman Multi-tool any good

 

Several years ago I wrote a review of the Leatherman multitool I’ve been using for years. This is an update of that review. I’ve owned a few different multi tools varying from the bargain basement ones that come free with a torch at a service station, to the more expensive Leatherman models.

I’ve found them a useful addition to my archery belt and I’ve used them for camping, hiking and even skiing. Pretty much every scout leader I know carries one of these tools on a camp.

The two I have are the  Wingman and Sidekick. Essentially the two are nearly identical and a full breakdown of the different features are shown below.
The only real difference is the Sidekick has a small saw blade instead of the scissors that can be found on the Wingman.

Uses in the field

I’ve used the pliers countless times for extracting  arrow points of piles from targets after the shafts have snapped 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 the blade to try and cut a wayward arrow from a tree though, as whilst sharp I would expect the tip to snap under the pressure. For removing of arrows I use an old flat headed screw driver that I have in my quiver.

It’s worth remembering that no matter how good a multitool is, it is by it’s very nature is a compromise, the pliers will never be as good as a true pair of full pliers.

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. I’ve also used it to make impromptu walking sticks.

Leathermans knife blade and scissors
Leathermans pllers close up
Give you an idea of the size of the Leatherman
Give you an idea of the size of the Leatherman saw blade and knife blade (the knife was not fully opened and locked in place)
Leatherman opened up

Tools breakdown

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. The WINGMAN has these tools

  • 420HC Combo Knife
  • Bottle Opener
  • Can Opener
  • Medium Screwdriver
  • Package Opener
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Ruler (1 in/2.54 cm)
  • Small Screwdriver
  • Spring-action Needle nose Pliers
  • Spring-action scissors
  • Spring-action Wire Cutters
  • Wire Stripper
    Wood/Metal File Measurements:
    2.6 in | 6.6 cm (blade length)
    3.8 in | 9.7 cm (closed)
    7 oz | 198.4 g

SIDEKICK  has these tools , and mine came with a Carabiner Bottle Opener Accessory.

  • 420HC Serrated Knife
  • Medium Screwdriver
  • 420HC Knife
  • Bottle Opener
  • Can Opener
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Ruler (1 in/2.54 cm)
  • Saw
  • Small Screwdriver
  • Spring-action Needle nose 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

Workmanship

The workmanship is good and the pivotal joints haven’t slackened off much after 10 years of use, which I have 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 comfortable in the hand, compared to some cheaper models you can find on the market.

I now make a point of always carrying one of mine when out and about.

So if you are looking for a  Christmas present I’d say either would be 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.

If you like this content and would like to see more reviews then please let me know, either here on my YouTube channel. As always thanks for reading, watching and support.

Nov 17 2025

Episode 134 – How to build confidence in distance judgement

In my latest podcast I provide a quick update on what has been going on over the past couple of weeks, including appearing in both Bow International magazine in a contributor’s sections and the official National field Archery Society members magazine, as the author of an article on encouraging children into the sport.

I would to say thank you to those who reached out to me after the last episode (Episode 133 – Is it time to license bow ownership in UK?). I really appreciated the feedback and insights you all offered.

In the second half of the episode I launch into the coaching content of the episode where I explain a technique I’ve used myself and have coached other archers with. It is surprisingly straight forward and can help build confidence in distance judgement and overall shooting. It revolves round the basic idea of shooting 2 arrows, the goal to have them both land the prime spot of the target. It sounds simple but I go into a more detailed explanation in the episode, outlining how it can build confidence and factors to consider concerning consistencies etc.

As I’ve mentioned before I can embed Spotify material on this site but for those of you who use amazon music I can only provide a link.

As always if you have any questions or queries you can drop me an email on or via this website  There is my YouTube channel if you enjoy the content, where I will be hosting the shooting style outlines, I mention in the podcast. I think the Traditional Bowhunter will be the first one out. If you enjoy the content, please hit the Like button and consider subscribing to the channel.

Most of all remember to enjoy your shooting and as always thanks for listening, watching and supporting.

Nov 13 2025

Autumnal walk

I had the choice of hitting the gym or going for a walk today and decided on an autumnal walk. While out and about I record this quick review of a poncho I’ve been using for a few months.

This light weight poncho from Kombat UK is one I’ve been using for a few months. Overall I feel it works pretty well as a lightweight poncho, that packs down small, meaning it can be thrown into a pack for summer showers.

I’ve been using it for 6-9 months off and on and it’s proved really useful on a couple of occasions when I was carrying my laptop bag and need to ensure it and me kept dry. I am a bit of a convert to ponchos over carry waterproofs when out and about for short walks. It is very light weight weighing about 350 grams and comes in a small bag.

One tip I forgot to say in the video is to carry it into a small zip lock or dry bag. This way when you are using it and packing it away wet it won’t get you bag wet.

The one downside I have for it is the neck hole is a bit small as is the hood. I have caught the poncho on brambles while testing so I don’t think it’s really ideal for full on bushcraft use as I think it’s a bit too thin, but for a light weight quick throw over to keep you dry it works ok, especially if you want something to cover a day sack. It’s not the largest poncho on the market, but for me being 5ft 8 it works ok, though I would like it to be longer to cover the back of my legs.

I’m not going to give it a rating out of 10 like some sites do. What I will say it’s comparatively inexpensive and useful. I do need to re waterproof mine though as it has seen a fare bit of use and abuse. It’s good for light showers and not something to rely on in an emergency situation.

You can check out their website https://www.kombatuk.com/ and the poncho I was showing is the US style Poncho in black (https://www.kombatuk.com/product/us-style-poncho-black/) retailing for £24.95

I bought it from T.W Ryder Ltd in Birmingham where I’ve bought loads of kit over the years https://www.twrydersinbirmingham.co.uk/ The hoodie is from Northern Movement and is probably one of my favourites and been using for a couple of years https://northernmovement.co.uk/

Just as a quick update, I took the opportunity to test it out in strong wind and heavy rain today as storm Claudia hit the area. You can check out my thoughts, definitely need a couple of paracord loops for the eyelets.

Thanks for reading and watching