Snapshot
The Wingman is the perfect essential multi-tool that lives up to the Leatherman reputation. It has all of the basics covered without redundancy or unnecessary functions making for a comfortable size to use and carry. It’s exactly what you need and nothing more.
Tech Specs
- Weight: 7 oz
- Closed Length: 3.8in
- Blade Length: 2.6in
- # of functions: 14 tools (listed below)
- Material: Stainless Steel
Form and Function
One of the first questions anyone asks about a multi-tool is exactly how “multi” the tool is. This one is advertised as having 14 different tools. At first I thought this was a little bit misleading since many of them are on the same attached piece, but in reality they do all work well. The Wingman includes the following:
- Pliers – Counted as 3 tools, The plier head has needle-nose and regular pliers with a wire cutter at the base
- Clip-point knife – with a partially serrated blade allowing for smooth slices and light sawing
- Spring-action Scissors – that work great and surprisingly keep their spring after years of use
- Screwdrivers – phillips as well as medium and small flatheads… the smallest of which is at the tip of the ruler/file. Counted as 3 tools total.
- Ruler/File – A 1.5in ruler on one side and a metal or wood file on the other with a small flathead screwdriver at the tip.
- Bottle/Can Opener – also counting as 2 tools, the flip-out component is useful for both.
- Wire Stripper – the most hidden of all features, it’s a sharp notch at the base of the bottle opener that allows for stripping wires of all sizes.
- Package opener – last but certainly not least if you want to keep the knife blade any kind of sharp
Truly providing the function of 14 tools, the Wingman has covered nearly every situation I’ve run into camping, working around the house or as a Boy Scout leader. It doesn’t have some of the fancier and more dedicated tools like the Leatherman Rebar, which has a distinct serrated and straight blades, a saw, and an awl, but it doesn’t leave you wanting.
The only advertisement that I can’t quite agree with on the Wingman is that it is ‘one-hand operable’. I have tightened and oiled mine during maintenance over the years and may have messed something up, but I don’t recall it ever being easy to use with one hand. Two hands are definitely needed to pull out most tools and to disengage the strong liner-lock for the blade.
Rating and Recommended Use
- Durability: 10/10
- Tool Relevance: 8/10
- Ease of Use: 8/10
The Leatherman Wingman is the all-around mule that you need in your pocket when working. It doesn’t have a blade for hunting or camping, but alongside your favorite fixed-blade, this is the perfect companion to get the job done.