Tag Archives: hunting

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 5 2025

Episode 133 – Is it time to license bow ownership in UK?

The is no doubt that the last few weeks have been very exhausting, with my Mams funeral in Wales, helping at a weekend long scout camp, half term with associated childcare and more. To finish it all off with an ambulance journey to the local hospital accident and emergency department. Why? Well, it was thanks to knocking myself out at the archery wood, when I fell and hit my head on the car park tarmac (asphalt). So in all it’s been very tiring. Anyway, back to the topic of this post.

Before I dive into the main context of this article, I’d like to mention I have recorded a video and uploaded it on YouTube giving a review and my thoughts on the SRT wild boar target. Feel free to check it out. I’m hoping to do more reviews of this kind so if you find them useful let me know.

Onto the main focus of this episode of the podcast and this is a question which could be at best a hugely contentious issue or at worse a downright explosive one.

Here are links to Amazon music and Spotify versions of the podcast can be played below.

Is it time to license bow ownership in the UK?

 I explore this question, offering my thoughts on the matter and consider what possible alternatives are available. So you might wonder why I am posing this question.

Well at my Mams funeral I got talking to my cousin who is a police officer and the subject of knife crime and licensing of bows come up in the conversation. This got me thinking and hence this episode.

I try to approach the topic from a pragmatic view point of what is practical or realistic. If you listen to the various media reports you could believe that all bow ownership whether longbow, compound or crossbow is in some ways unnecessary and they should be licensed as firearms are in the UK.

I don’t think licensing is an option, as those who wish to use a bow for nefarious reasons aren’t likely to register ownership. I do think there are some practical steps that could be taken such as limiting the sale of bows to archery shops or recognised sport shops, where people can be given advice on what is suitable. I go into more details in the podcast.

In an ideal world there would not have to be any thought of restrictions but we don’t live in a perfect world and there are people who will use bows inappropriately. Sadly this is likely to always happen. There is one other factor to consider and that are the current media stories and style of reporting, which can be quite sensationalist in some cases and in turn can greatly influence government policy and the general publics view.

  Let me know what your thoughts are on the subject. Thanks for reading.