Leatherman Wingman

New leatherman not a patch on the old ones – Had an older Leatherman before, which was fablulous, so when I lost it, I replaced it with the Wingman. There are a few things that really bug me, the scissors have no spring (unlike my old one) so you have to snip, manually open, then snip again. The phillips head screwdriver doesn't work on most screws. And no corkscrew either (not a big deal in Australia now, but a problem travelling in Europe). But WORST of all, you can't even open a bottle of beer with it. We had 4 people, all familiar with Leathermans, all trying at a recent picnic (I thought maybe I was being a bit slow), but no, none of us could get the top off. Best we could do was cut a hole with the can opener, then try and lever it off. Very very disappointing.

Great multi-tool – I'm pretty impressed with these, I haven't had for too long but so far so good. The pliers are very good quality, sturdy, with very little free-play. They are spring loaded which is a great help. I don't know why some manufacturers make multi-tools without spring loaded pliers (well I do, and its cost). There's no point making them without a spring. I have a few Victorinox products and both these brands have their upsides and downsides. For me, the scissors on my Victorinox, which are serated, do a better job. That however is a minor thing. The blade could be a little longer, but I like how it is accessible without opening the tool. I also like how the can/bottle opener is integrated, which leaves space for something else. Great idea. That space however is wasted on a file/ruler (in my opinion). I haven't used the file yet but meh, its a file. As for the ruler on the other side, I think its totally pointless. It doesn't even have increments (not that they are essential).The package opener is also a great addition, so much easier (and safer) than using scissors or a sharp knife. Overall a great quality product though, and it also comes with a sheath.

Excellent backup – I gave my son a pair when he was 12 with the usual "look after them and they will last forever" Asked him a few months ago if he still knew where the were. He showed me a thing that had never been looked after with a rusty blade. Leatherman replaced it with no questions asked, no receipt, son is now 25, with the latest model. Don't think you can ask for more and hopefully son may show a bit more respect the second time around.

A new toy and I like it – I've been in the company of this new tool for the near last month. So far so good - its cheaper and less complicated than the latter offerings from Leatherman like the Wave, Supertool or the TTi's that graced my palms ever so quickly (had to send back due to faults). The wingman is a pretty sleak and contoured tool, when closed it graces your palm comfortably and when open it seems that it is more comfortable in one way than another! It seems that Leatherman have designed it for more ergonomic use than other tools, the long side handle fits on the palm and the curved side of the other handle gives good finger grip and its very comfortable with high pressure work.

Anyhow simply enough the Wingman is a cheap and very cheerful tool for use either in and around the home, while fishing (which I do a lot) or at work (which I do a lot now). I have found that the Wingman is pretty capable with taking on tasks that I would have gotten my Supertool 200 to do, or my Wave to accomplish; however the weight reductions finds me carrying this offering 99% of the time in my pocket or on my belt while at work.

The tool is constructed alike any other if its offerings, from stainless steel and has two outer folding blades. One is a partial serrated blade and its clip point in design and the other blade turns out to be a gull style scissor combination - which is very handy at a quick deployment!

Other than that it has simply a phillips and flat style screw driver, a can opener, a small file (useless), a wire stripper and a package opener thingo (dont use the knife its too sharp!) and thats about all - its very spartan in its deployment but thats all you need from day to day life.

The jaws are spring loaded - therefor the days of managing to open the pliers with one hand to open them for the task is gone, like the wind. They are sprung so that you only have to close them with little pressure to achieve your task.

Other than that due to its lighter weight, my Wave (DLC Black) and Supertool & 200 and Kick have all been either reassigned or retired due to one reason or another.

Buy a Wingman or a Sidekick if you want that little bit more! Lightweight compared to other tools, ergonomics, features Could have made the file better (user friendly), knife longer and deeper and not a combo blade, a better lanyard hole, and included a basic sheath - buying one is too expensive!