This was a pretty refreshing review, actually. Its nice getting a Leatherman review from someone who's not already obsessed with Leathermans and can identify the bad parts.
Great multi-tool, I have one. As an old GI from the C-ration days, the can opener is awesome in the field. I recommend cutting the lids clockwise. Results in a much smoother cutting of the lids. These tools are excellent for service guys in the field. The seraded blades are fantastic for cutting anything and everything, vegetation, cord, rope, even wire. I wore the original Leatherman out back in the mid 80s while stationed in Honduras.
I'm not sure about field guys today, but on downtime, the guys would disassemble their Leatherman's and rebuild them, sometimes modifying the tools into other things. I recently combined a Leatherman Wingman and a Rev in a rebuild, to put as much into a single handle as possible, like a Swiss Army Knife (minus the pliers). I had a duplicate flathead screwdriver blade, so I took it to the grinder and made an awl blade out of it, so my project tool now has 7 blades in one handle. I have plenty of field tools, so the pliers weren't necessary on this, so I just went with a single handle idea, knife on the front, and 6 tool blades on the back (3 at top and 3 at bottom). Leave it to a bunch of grunts to disassemble something expensive and rebuild it into something more practical. 😁 I'm sure those guys and gals over at Leatherman wouldn't be too amused, but it looks great and takes up virtually no space. I'm certain my warranty is trash now, though... Imagine sending in my Frankenstein for a repair, I'm sure I would get a strongly worded return letter. We still use that can opener though, because the best chow certainly isn't in MRE packs. 😁
I got one of these for Christmas last year. I usually carry it with my Benchmade Barrage to get the best of both worlds. It's great having a little screwdriver with me. And that package opener is amazing for that crappy plastic clamshell packaging. I prefer using it over a knife for it personally.
I have the Rev, Wingman, and Wave. Oddly enough I prefer the Rev. I don't get where people expect to walk onto a job site with any pocket multi tool and expect to frame a house, pull cable, and wire a house with it. 😂 I see a multi tool as a be prepared type of equipment. Something for emergency repairs and temporary fixes when in the field or on the road. I use mine for the pliers when fishing for removing circle hooks from catfish.
I like my 5 y/o Wingman better than I expected, save for the ambiguous knife blade. I added a small thumb-stud to it for even easier opening of that less than useful blade. The sprung pliers are excellent, as is the pocket clip. That said I bought mine when it was about $35 and I’d be hard pressed to buy one now as the Wingman is now within a stone’s throw price-wise of the better Rebar. Good “reviewdeo”…thank You.
I took the best parts from my Leatherman Wingman and Rev, and rebuilt them into a single handle (knife) with 7 different tool blades. I modified 1 of the flathead screwdrivers into an awl, and kept the Rev knife blade instead of the Wingman's serrated blade. I have plenty of field tools, so I didn't need (or trust) the pliers, so doing away with them was no big deal, especially compared to rebuilding it into a slimmer lightweight knife. The mods for this are online, and a few others have done this, but I managed to get 7 blades so I'm proud of that. As far as Leatherman tools are concerned, most of them are great, but the Rev has a two piece split-frame core that I hated, so I used the Wingman's single piece inner frame for my mod.
@@DEInTheGarage It's actually pretty easy to do, and you don't need any parts other than what already exists with the Wingman or Rev. You might try experimenting with it, you can really come up with a great knife that's ultra minimalist, as in lightweight, compact, and nothing useless. I just got curious, and this can be built with a Wingman or Rev, you don't have to use both, I just did to get the one-piece frame from the Wingman and the clean edge knife from the Rev. It's fun, it just takes 2 Torx bits (size 10) to remove the screws. However, on the pocket clip end, you'll need a 1/4 inch socket to remove the hex-head that keeps the pocket clip in place (hidden beneath the Torx 10 bolt on that side). You seem to just be having fun with your videos, and that's what it's all about. These aren't rocket engines, they're multi-tools, LOL! 😁
I can understand the backwards use of the can opener. The Leatherman can openers are almost identical to the one on my old camp knife from the 70's. It's basically set up to cut and pull towards the user. Whereas the can openers on my Gerbers and Victornox multi-tools are set up differently where it's more of a cut and push. The first few times I used those, I worked them like my old camp knife and thought that it wasn't made very well. However, I quickly determined that I was working it backwards. I've come to like the Gerber and Victornox style of can opener better than Leatherman and my old camp knife - but that's my preference. Other people have their own preferences. I enjoyed your video - Thanks for posting it.
I carry only four Leathermans and one Gerber: Surge, Signal, Crunch, Squirt ES4, and Gerber Dime. These 5 get me through whatever I come across to fix.
Leatherman makes really good tools. They make amazing tools. The wingman is a budget multitool. Leatherman has a lifetime warranty and if you get a higher end leather you will love it.
Good review, I've got mine for about 5 years now and had some of the same reactions as you did but it's become my trusted tool and have used almost every tool on it aside from the questionable ruler lol.
You touched on an important point I haven't seen mentioned here. Sure, a wave is great. So are many of the higher end models but the form factor doesn't work for me. I need basic tools and a slim profile. Right tool for the right job.
The ruler is not for measuring linear distance. It is great for sizing nuts and bolts and holes. Preferences aside, many serious multi tool users like combo blades. But only Victorinox has it right with serrations at the tip end, leaving the close part for push cutting. Multi tools are not first and foremost knives. Wingman is a light duty tool. By the way, Victorinox makes both thinner and thicker blades. Some of my 40-50 year old pocket knives are still in great shape. Most knives are broken when used as pry bars. Even a $100 or $300 dollar knife can break when used incorrectly. Only Victorinox Spirit has a tool actually designated as a light pry bar. It is thick. The Wingman is not good for real bushcrafting. Or camping. NO AWL! More an urban general pocket or pack tool. Or in the home. Too flimsy for sustained workplace use. Leatherman needs to be clear that it just isn't a pro tool like the Surge or Super Tool. Not my 1st choice for any serious outdoors enthusiast, or boy scout either. Thanks for the review. Many are too easy on Leatherman. Actual usability over time is the acid test. Cheers!
You are absolutely correct. If you are someone who carries a full blade (i.e. my Benchmade Axis Flipper or Gerber Paraframe), then switching to an EDC multi tool is not going to be a smooth transition. Apples and Oranges. I think many people have unsupported blind love for Leatherman because they are usually the first serious multi tool you get. As a scout, getting a Leatherman was the "you have arrived" moment. Even though it has been years since I was particular impressed by a Leatherman, the name alone still conjures a strong feeling -- Wish it had an awl though!!
I don't believe we have blind love for Leatherman, you just compared a budget model to the quality your accustomed to in a single blade. Get your hands on a Wave, Charge, or Charge TTI. Live with it for a month then try going back to only carrying a single blade. You feel naked.
It literally does say it right on the package "DIY", the other models you mentioned are clearly marked "pro". Makes me wonder if you don't actually have this tool and are speaking out of your ass.
on the crimping you want as much mechanical advantage as possible so put the connector as low as you can in the pliers. then you only have to squeeze half as hard and it doesnt hurt.
Great video. It’s not a bad tool, but as you discussed, it is compromised. I’m with you on the blade. I mean I’m in the UK and the blade is the legal length (although it locks), but I would prefer a full length blade. I tried to peel apples and the serrated bit made it a pain. All the other tools do work fairly well, but the bottle opener’s hook is actually a little too hooked to open bottles easily or it may just be me.
Certainly the same concept. I was surprised at how pleasant it was to open a can with it. Obviously not the quickest method, but if the can opener in my kitchen was missing I would not hesitate to break it out to open some beans.
I think leatherman use 440C steel which isn't very hard, particularly for a file - I'm surprised it even cut that bolt. Guess it would be ok on softer metals, aluminium, brass, etc.
I thought they were pretty good scissors. I briefly test them at 1:16 in the video. Since making this video (and carrying this knife daily) I have found them to be quite strong and useful. It is a nice touch having them outside the knife like the combo blade.
BS Swisstool wins hands down if you're spending £80 ($100) or more, Swiss made + lifetime warranty. Lower end LMs aren't really all that i.e. Squirts and Styles. The only half decent ones which don't have Swisstool equivalents are medium sized in the £50 ($60) region like the Rev, Wingman and Sidekick and even then it's subjective, their phoney 2D Phillips SDs are a bit crap imo, I've read a lot of accounts of these deforming easily. The Wingman & Sidekick wire cutters are not fit for purpose, and can't even cut through a cable tie or household electric wire, hardly suprising given that they don't meet and there is a gap between both blades. So really the only competitive model in the whole Leatherman product range is the Rev. I read a lot of comments from people who had bought these a few years back for just $20 or less but nowadays even in the USA these cost nearer 50 bucks, here in the UK you can find one for around £45, just under $60 if you shop around. The question for me is do I want a mediocre £45 tool or just save a few pounds more and carry an ounce more weight to have a real heirloom Swisstool?
Thanks for the review, I appreciate that you were giving the Leatherman a fair try out, and it was refreshing not to see a review by a Leatherman fan boy. Decided not to buy.
No, you are correct. Someone pointed that out to me a bit ago. The bevel on the can opener should be facing away from the lip on the can (i.e. inwards). Thanks for catching that!
I agree, I use this multi tool every day, mostly for Plumbing and camping. Multintools don’t replace real tools but they do in a jam, or save a trip to your truck.. the video seems to “fumble” with the tools. They work fine if you know what your doing.
Bro, you opened the can to the wrong side, if you turned it clockwise you could open it without desataching the tool to the can. The wirecutter you used it wrong, first you used a wirestriper the second time you used a wirecutter.
Dude stay of the monsters or the meth you are going to fast your hands are shaking and you are not using the tools the right way , just remember it's a multi tool when you need small jobs the tool is there .
oh really!!!??? I was looking at buying the Wingman mainly for the scissors, as my Sidekick doesn't have any and I'd really like that feature........ I was actually thinking about getting the Wingman and swapping over my Scissors from the Wingman for the Saw on the Sidekick. Are the Wingman's Scissors really not that good??? Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
This was a pretty refreshing review, actually. Its nice getting a Leatherman review from someone who's not already obsessed with Leathermans and can identify the bad parts.
When using a Leatherman can opener turn the can counter clockwise and it works much better.
Great multi-tool, I have one. As an old GI from the C-ration days, the can opener is awesome in the field. I recommend cutting the lids clockwise. Results in a much smoother cutting of the lids. These tools are excellent for service guys in the field. The seraded blades are fantastic for cutting anything and everything, vegetation, cord, rope, even wire.
I wore the original Leatherman out back in the mid 80s while stationed in Honduras.
Good tip! Thanks. Now that I think about it, that makes more sense given the grind on the opener.
I'm not sure about field guys today, but on downtime, the guys would disassemble their Leatherman's and rebuild them, sometimes modifying the tools into other things. I recently combined a Leatherman Wingman and a Rev in a rebuild, to put as much into a single handle as possible, like a Swiss Army Knife (minus the pliers). I had a duplicate flathead screwdriver blade, so I took it to the grinder and made an awl blade out of it, so my project tool now has 7 blades in one handle. I have plenty of field tools, so the pliers weren't necessary on this, so I just went with a single handle idea, knife on the front, and 6 tool blades on the back (3 at top and 3 at bottom). Leave it to a bunch of grunts to disassemble something expensive and rebuild it into something more practical. 😁 I'm sure those guys and gals over at Leatherman wouldn't be too amused, but it looks great and takes up virtually no space. I'm certain my warranty is trash now, though... Imagine sending in my Frankenstein for a repair, I'm sure I would get a strongly worded return letter. We still use that can opener though, because the best chow certainly isn't in MRE packs. 😁
the only youtuber that can use a file correctly
haha.. for real
I got one of these for Christmas last year. I usually carry it with my Benchmade Barrage to get the best of both worlds. It's great having a little screwdriver with me. And that package opener is amazing for that crappy plastic clamshell packaging. I prefer using it over a knife for it personally.
this is about the most genuine video ive seen
I have the Rev, Wingman, and Wave. Oddly enough I prefer the Rev. I don't get where people expect to walk onto a job site with any pocket multi tool and expect to frame a house, pull cable, and wire a house with it. 😂
I see a multi tool as a be prepared type of equipment. Something for emergency repairs and temporary fixes when in the field or on the road. I use mine for the pliers when fishing for removing circle hooks from catfish.
You wont catch me out of the house without a pocket toolbox of some type. Leatherman has won my loyalty over the last few years.
I like my 5 y/o Wingman better than I expected, save for the ambiguous knife blade. I added a small thumb-stud to it for even easier opening of that less than useful blade. The sprung pliers are excellent, as is the pocket clip. That said I bought mine when it was about $35 and I’d be hard pressed to buy one now as the Wingman is now within a stone’s throw price-wise of the better Rebar. Good “reviewdeo”…thank You.
I took the best parts from my Leatherman Wingman and Rev, and rebuilt them into a single handle (knife) with 7 different tool blades. I modified 1 of the flathead screwdrivers into an awl, and kept the Rev knife blade instead of the Wingman's serrated blade. I have plenty of field tools, so I didn't need (or trust) the pliers, so doing away with them was no big deal, especially compared to rebuilding it into a slimmer lightweight knife. The mods for this are online, and a few others have done this, but I managed to get 7 blades so I'm proud of that. As far as Leatherman tools are concerned, most of them are great, but the Rev has a two piece split-frame core that I hated, so I used the Wingman's single piece inner frame for my mod.
Dang... really? never even considered doing something custom like that!
@@DEInTheGarage It's actually pretty easy to do, and you don't need any parts other than what already exists with the Wingman or Rev. You might try experimenting with it, you can really come up with a great knife that's ultra minimalist, as in lightweight, compact, and nothing useless. I just got curious, and this can be built with a Wingman or Rev, you don't have to use both, I just did to get the one-piece frame from the Wingman and the clean edge knife from the Rev. It's fun, it just takes 2 Torx bits (size 10) to remove the screws. However, on the pocket clip end, you'll need a 1/4 inch socket to remove the hex-head that keeps the pocket clip in place (hidden beneath the Torx 10 bolt on that side). You seem to just be having fun with your videos, and that's what it's all about. These aren't rocket engines, they're multi-tools, LOL! 😁
Haha.. I am absolutely going to give this a try. thanks for the information!
I can understand the backwards use of the can opener. The Leatherman can openers are almost identical to the one on my old camp knife from the 70's. It's basically set up to cut and pull towards the user. Whereas the can openers on my Gerbers and Victornox multi-tools are set up differently where it's more of a cut and push. The first few times I used those, I worked them like my old camp knife and thought that it wasn't made very well. However, I quickly determined that I was working it backwards.
I've come to like the Gerber and Victornox style of can opener better than Leatherman and my old camp knife - but that's my preference. Other people have their own preferences.
I enjoyed your video - Thanks for posting it.
Thanks for the feedback and also for not re-nailing me to the wall over the can opener thing. Haha.
That ruler has come in handy for hardware an the can opener works pretty dang good
I carry only four Leathermans and one Gerber: Surge, Signal, Crunch, Squirt ES4, and Gerber Dime. These 5 get me through whatever I come across to fix.
Opening cans with the Wingman requires a backward movement~not forward /awkward~for easier, faster and better results. Right, Mr Tom Clumsy?
Leatherman makes really good tools. They make amazing tools. The wingman is a budget multitool. Leatherman has a lifetime warranty and if you get a higher end leather you will love it.
Good review, I've got mine for about 5 years now and had some of the same reactions as you did but it's become my trusted tool and have used almost every tool on it aside from the questionable ruler lol.
The ruler is for map scaling and all those tools are useful in a pinch when you have none of the other tools. Hence multi tool not do everything tool.
Looks decent for the price! May have to grab one when not feeling like packing around the surge!
you wont regret it, I just recommend carrying something else for main blade. A $24 Gerber Paraframe makes an excellent pair with the Wingman.
Yep its a very solid tool my only gripe is the wire cutter is a style I don't like much but a very solid tool. Worth it's cost for sure.
The wave has a great blade on it
You touched on an important point I haven't seen mentioned here. Sure, a wave is great. So are many of the higher end models but the form factor doesn't work for me. I need basic tools and a slim profile. Right tool for the right job.
The ruler is not for measuring linear distance. It is great for sizing nuts and bolts and holes.
Preferences aside, many serious multi tool users like combo blades. But only Victorinox has it right with serrations at the tip end, leaving the close part for push cutting. Multi tools are not first and foremost knives. Wingman is a light duty tool.
By the way, Victorinox makes both thinner and thicker blades. Some of my 40-50 year old pocket knives are still in great shape. Most knives are broken when used as pry bars. Even a $100 or $300 dollar knife can break when used incorrectly. Only Victorinox Spirit has a tool actually designated as a light pry bar. It is thick.
The Wingman is not good for real bushcrafting. Or camping. NO AWL! More an urban general pocket or pack tool. Or in the home. Too flimsy for sustained workplace use. Leatherman needs to be clear that it just isn't a pro tool like the Surge or Super Tool.
Not my 1st choice for any serious outdoors enthusiast, or boy scout either.
Thanks for the review. Many are too easy on Leatherman. Actual usability over time is the acid test.
Cheers!
You are absolutely correct. If you are someone who carries a full blade (i.e. my Benchmade Axis Flipper or Gerber Paraframe), then switching to an EDC multi tool is not going to be a smooth transition. Apples and Oranges.
I think many people have unsupported blind love for Leatherman because they are usually the first serious multi tool you get. As a scout, getting a Leatherman was the "you have arrived" moment. Even though it has been years since I was particular impressed by a Leatherman, the name alone still conjures a strong feeling -- Wish it had an awl though!!
I don't believe we have blind love for Leatherman, you just compared a budget model to the quality your accustomed to in a single blade. Get your hands on a Wave, Charge, or Charge TTI. Live with it for a month then try going back to only carrying a single blade. You feel naked.
Lol I don't think Leatherman markets the wingman as a "pro tool" this a budget multi tool that once upon a Time costed $25-30 brand new.
It literally does say it right on the package "DIY", the other models you mentioned are clearly marked "pro". Makes me wonder if you don't actually have this tool and are speaking out of your ass.
on the crimping you want as much mechanical advantage as possible so put the connector as low as you can in the pliers. then you only have to squeeze half as hard and it doesnt hurt.
Fair enough. Good point
Great video. It’s not a bad tool, but as you discussed, it is compromised. I’m with you on the blade. I mean I’m in the UK and the blade is the legal length (although it locks), but I would prefer a full length blade. I tried to peel apples and the serrated bit made it a pain. All the other tools do work fairly well, but the bottle opener’s hook is actually a little too hooked to open bottles easily or it may just be me.
I’m an engineer, if I go to a job where I don’t need to lug my tools around but need just a multi tool, this is ideal. But one 👍
the can opener reminds me of the old p38 us army can opener
Certainly the same concept. I was surprised at how pleasant it was to open a can with it. Obviously not the quickest method, but if the can opener in my kitchen was missing I would not hesitate to break it out to open some beans.
You're using the can opener wrong. You go backwards not forward. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Great video! Thanks 👍🏻
Thanks!
You can buy the sidekick and swap blades, basically a straight blade for 20 bucks
Yep, I actually have a video where that is what I ended up doing
So which do you like better? The Benchmade or the Leatherman?
I think leatherman use 440C steel which isn't very hard, particularly for a file - I'm surprised it even cut that bolt. Guess it would be ok on softer metals, aluminium, brass, etc.
Yea, in this context it seems much more like "fluff" than a valuable feature to have on this tool
@@DEInTheGarage Correction - turns out it's 420HC but the difference is minimal
I bought the side kick just because of the straight edge knife. I still prefer victorinox products though. Nice review
I haven't had a Victorinox in many years, but have been thinking about pickup on up again lately. Any suggestions on a good all around EDC?
Good review thanks!
An the tip of the file works great as a finish screwdriver flathead for switch plates etc
What about the scissors?
I thought they were pretty good scissors. I briefly test them at 1:16 in the video. Since making this video (and carrying this knife daily) I have found them to be quite strong and useful. It is a nice touch having them outside the knife like the combo blade.
Somehow your negative review and test sold me on buying it?
The can opener is designed to work backwards not frontwards!
Leatherman is the best multitool brand
Yup
BS Swisstool wins hands down if you're spending £80 ($100) or more, Swiss made + lifetime warranty. Lower end LMs aren't really all that i.e. Squirts and Styles. The only half decent ones which don't have Swisstool equivalents are medium sized in the £50 ($60) region like the Rev, Wingman and Sidekick and even then it's subjective, their phoney 2D Phillips SDs are a bit crap imo, I've read a lot of accounts of these deforming easily. The Wingman & Sidekick wire cutters are not fit for purpose, and can't even cut through a cable tie or household electric wire, hardly suprising given that they don't meet and there is a gap between both blades. So really the only competitive model in the whole Leatherman product range is the Rev. I read a lot of comments from people who had bought these a few years back for just $20 or less but nowadays even in the USA these cost nearer 50 bucks, here in the UK you can find one for around £45, just under $60 if you shop around. The question for me is do I want a mediocre £45 tool or just save a few pounds more and carry an ounce more weight to have a real heirloom Swisstool?
Thanks for the review, I appreciate that you were giving the Leatherman a fair try out, and it was refreshing not to see a review by a Leatherman fan boy.
Decided not to buy.
Everybody thinks Serrated blades suck until they need to cut a zip tie 😂
The ruler is good for measuring nuts.
Is it just me to open a can on a clockwise direction?
No, you are correct. Someone pointed that out to me a bit ago. The bevel on the can opener should be facing away from the lip on the can (i.e. inwards). Thanks for catching that!
Learn how to use the tools the right way
are you referring to the can opener?
I agree, I use this multi tool every day, mostly for Plumbing and camping. Multintools don’t replace real tools but they do in a jam, or save a trip to your truck..
the video seems to “fumble” with the tools. They work fine if you know what your doing.
But uses the can opener backwards
Right on! Combo blades are the worst!
Bro, you opened the can to the wrong side, if you turned it clockwise you could open it without desataching the tool to the can. The wirecutter you used it wrong, first you used a wirestriper the second time you used a wirecutter.
Good review, just picked one up at lowes $24.99 Thanks for the review !
Thanks for the positive feedback! $24.99 is a steal for a tool like this one.
That's a good price at that price it's a great deal
What Lowes do you go to. Mine it's 50
I'm so tired of hearing of benchmade lol
I will give you that it has become a bit of a pretentious brand, but I will stand by them for an EDC. The can take a beating.
Went the wrong direction with the can opener.
Dude stay of the monsters or the meth you are going to fast your hands are shaking and you are not using the tools the right way , just remember it's a multi tool when you need small jobs the tool is there .
Felicitaciones desde chile, muy buen video.
The only tool this thing has is plyers ,cuters and a combo budget blade end of sentence the scissors are bloody rubbish
oh really!!!??? I was looking at buying the Wingman mainly for the scissors, as my Sidekick doesn't have any and I'd really like that feature........ I was actually thinking about getting the Wingman and swapping over my Scissors from the Wingman for the Saw on the Sidekick. Are the Wingman's Scissors really not that good??? Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)
When you say “end of sentence” but you don’t know how to end a sentence.
They cost $70.00 now.
Take the pocket clip off
I really like the pocket clip. That is how i EDC