Tag Archives: bowhunting

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.

The Push podcast
May 7 2018

The Push Archery Podcasts

The Push Podcasts

The Push Podcasts

 It’s been a while since I’ve written a review, other than shoot reports,  so here goes, hopefully you’ll find it useful and interesting. This is kind of a part literature review and general review as I am going to be reviewing a podcast site, which some of you may already be aware of. In recent months I’ve been listening to The Push Archery podcasts.
Here is a link to their website. https://www.thepusharchery.com/
The guys have been publishing material for a few years, putting out a podcast every week or so. Over the last few weeks I’ve been working through their back catalogue of different topics, which I thin is well worth doing.
The podcasts are aimed at traditional bow hunter in the USA and beyond. The fact it is targeted at traditional bow hunters might put some people off, which is in my view is a mistake as they cover many aspects of archery many of which field archers could find helpful.

The Push podcast

One of Matt at anchor

Hosted by Matt Zirnsak & Tim Nebel, who I have to say are not only very knowledgeable on the subject of archery but a good laugh to listen too. More than once I’ve caught myself laughing on the train to work listening to them and their guest interact. As I said since finding them I have been working my way through their back catalogue of recordings of topics and guest. Yes Grizzly Jim if you are reading this I did hear your interview, from the other year.

Tim showing you can shoot in all weathers

Tim showing you can shoot in all weathers

I know that some of you might be wondering what am I doing promoting a traditional bow hunting site, after all hunting with a bow in the UK was outlawed decades ago. Well these guys and their guests know a lot about archery and I do mean a lot. Knowledge, them and their guests are more than willing to share and knowledge that is very applicable to field archers the world round. Also I know there are archers in the UK who go bow hunting overseas, some of whom read this blog who might find the topics covered of interest.
The format of the podcasts are generally focused on an interview with a guest archer, focusing on their shooting, equipment and advice. These usually have a running time of an hour or so. There have been some recent shorter podcasts which have focused on coaching advice and tips. As a field archery coach I have found these really interesting to listen to. The topics have covered your grip of the bow, your “hock” on the string, stance, etc., all of which I think are worth a listen if you are interested in improving your form or just interested in new ideas. I’ve especially liked the post on open verse closed loop shooting with Joel Turner. I think this has been of particular interest as I can be quite analytical at times when shooting, especially if things are not going well. One reason I like the podcasts is I can listen to them on route to work or home and then try applying some of the techniques in my own practise.

Push podcast- Matt at anchor

Matt at full draw

Before I forget, they also have a YouTube channel which you might want to check out.  https://www.youtube.com/user/tnebel20/
Also my thanks to the Matt and Tim for the photos they supplied for this article.
To be completely honest I wasn’t sure how applicable the guest interviews would be, but I have found them both interesting and informative. Whilst I’m not that interested in the hunting aspect, I do enjoy the narrative and it has highlighted the wealth of knowledge out there, going beyond just UK focused field archery.
I used to do a bit of bird watching (feathered kind) along with wildlife photography, so some of the techniques and comments on stalking or sitting in a hide, brought back memories of this.
 I’d suggest you have a listen and let me know what you think, be warned though you may well catch your self laughing or smiling on a train or bus journey.
Thanks for reading