Tag Archives: fishing

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.

Jan 29 2016

Equipment review – Flambeau bazuka bow case

Bazuka case in the rain

Bazuka case in the rain

I think it’s fair to say I get some ribbing about my flatbow bow case. The normal comments are   “Is that for the hard shots?” Or “Is it for the ones you don’t like?” But at the end of the day it works and protects the bow which is what I bought it for. This is also why I bought one for Sharon to house her Black Brook American flatbow.
Whilst many archers simply have a cloth case for covering their bow I wanted something more substantial especially when going camping. There are loads of different cases for takedown recurve or compound bows, but it is quite hard to find ones suitable for one piece  American flatbows. This is why I invested in a Flambeau bazuka case. For those interested I do use a cloth cover which the bow sits inside the hard plastic case.
I know other archers use these cases to transport their longbows and American flatbows especially when flying (I think Flambeau say it’s airline approved) as they provide excellent protection.
Though as Jim Grizzly Kent said when I was talking about the cases with him “I’m not sure how I would feel walking through an airport carrying something called bazuka. ”
It was in fact an old club member from Black Arrow who first showed me his Bazuka case some four or five years ago.
Some anglers among you may already be familiar with the case as I know it can be used for fishing rods too. I actually bought Sharon’s case from http://www.gerrysfishing.com/ an angling store who were very helpful when checking size and delivery times.

The plastic is very durable taking knocks without deformation, it’s also pretty light for it’s size.
The carrying handle is well positioned to make it easy to carry and balance in the hand. The only problem I’ve found with the handle is the moulding seem is a little rough on mine whilst Sharon’s is fine, but this is easily solved with a bit of sanding or tape.
The case opens one end allowing you to slide the bow in or out and the flap securely locks into place.

Opening flap of the case

Opening flap of the case , with my linen bow bag in the case

There are holes where you could fit a cable or padlock.

securing pin so you can extend the length of the case

securing pin so you can extend the length of the case

Mine was relatively cheap at just over £35 though this was a couple of years back. It was purchased from Merlin archery in Loughborough. I’ve added some foam padding inside the top to provide some padding at the ends .
The length is adjustable which means it can accommodate a variety of lengths of bows or fishing rods. The case comes in two sizes and the ones we have go from 63-87 inches which is the smaller one I think.

Give you an idea of the size

Give you an idea of the size

Dimensions and diameter of hole can be seen in the photo.

View of the opening of the case approx 10 cms

View of the opening of the case approx 10 cms

Being black plastic it can get warm if left in the sun or car, which is important to consider when storing or transporting your bow. Bows don’t like getting too warm. So when possible I will keep it in the shade or keep the flap open. Since it is pretty air and water tight it’s worth remembering never to put your bow away wet as the water has nowhere to evaporate.
The times I’ve found it of most use was when going camping, as I can pack the bow into the case and put it in the car without worrying about it being knocked or damaged in transit whilst buried under tent, sleeping bag etc.
Whilst you wouldn’t be able to fit a quiver in with the bow,  I think you could fit some arrows is you packed it carefully.

Overall I’ve been pretty impressed and happy with the case. I’ve been using it for about four years. When you consider the bow costs in excess of £600 I think  £35 (though that was several years ago) to keep it protected is well worth it. The case I bought Sharon was around  £50 including delivery so considering her bow was £670 again it is well worth it.
So if you are after a very durable bow case for your flatbow or longbow I’d recommend the bazuka case. 9/10
Thanks for reading.