The LEATHERMAN Wingman sits in a curious spot in the company’s lineup. It is not the flagship model, nor is it the budget option, but it aims to be a practical everyday carry tool for people who want a balance of functionality and price. After spending time with it in various real-world scenarios—from household repairs to outdoor tasks—I can say it delivers on that promise, though not without some compromises.
At first glance, the Wingman feels solid. The stainless steel construction gives it a reassuring weight, but at 7 ounces, it is not overly heavy for pocket carry. The design is typical LEATHERMAN: a pair of pliers form the core, with folding tools tucked into the handles. What sets this model apart are the spring-action pliers and scissors. The spring-loaded pliers allow for quick, repetitive gripping without manually opening them each time, which is genuinely useful for tasks like pulling zip ties, holding wires, or tightening bolts. The scissors, also spring-loaded, cut through paper, tape, and even light fabric cleanly, though they struggle with thicker materials like cardboard or heavy-duty thread.
Other tools include a 420HC knife blade (partially serrated), a wood saw, a file, a wire cutter, a can opener, a bottle opener, a Phillips screwdriver, and a small ruler. The knife blade is sharp out of the box and holds an edge reasonably well, but the serrated section is aggressive—fine for cutting rope but overkill for lighter tasks. The wood saw works for small branches and softwood, but it is short and slow, so do not expect it to replace a proper saw.
- Spring-action pliers are responsive and reduce hand fatigue during repetitive use, though the jaws are not as robust as those on the LEATHERMAN Wave+ or the Rebar.
- Scissors are a highlight for everyday cutting needs, but they lack a spring return mechanism on some units (a known inconsistency) and can feel flimsy under pressure.
- Tool access is mostly external, meaning you can open the knife, scissors, or file without unfolding the pliers. This is convenient, but the knife blade requires two hands to open, which slows things down compared to one-handed-opening models like the Skeletool.
A notable limitation is the lack of a replaceable wire cutter. The integrated cutter works on thin wire and copper, but it will dull over time, and you cannot swap it out. This is a trade-off you get at this price point. Additionally, the Phillips screwdriver is a bit short for deep recesses, and the flathead tip is narrow, limiting its versatility. The file is coarse and works for smoothing edges but not for precision work.
Compared to a dedicated multitool like the Gerber Suspension-NXT, the Wingman feels more refined in hand but offers fewer tools. The Gerber is cheaper and has a similar spring-action plier design, but its build quality and fit-and-finish are not as consistent. The LEATHERMAN Wingman also competes with its own sibling, the Sidekick, which trades the scissors for a saw and a different blade shape. If you prioritize scissors over a saw, the Wingman is the better choice.
In real-world use, the Wingman handles light to medium tasks well. It is great for opening packages, tightening screws, cutting tape, and minor repairs around the house. It also works for camping tasks like cutting cord, preparing food, or trimming small branches. However, for heavy-duty work—like cutting thick wire, prying, or prolonged sawing—it falls short. The pliers can flex under high force, and the knife blade is not ideal for hard use.
Who is this for? The Wingman is suitable for everyday carry users who want a versatile tool for common tasks without spending a lot. It fits well in a pocket or on a belt pouch, and the spring-action features make it efficient for quick jobs. It is also a decent option for light DIYers or office workers who need a tool for occasional repairs. On the other hand, it is not for professionals who need a heavy-duty multitool for construction, electrical work, or outdoor survival. The lack of a one-handed blade, replaceable cutters, and a robust saw limits its appeal for those users.
Overall, the LEATHERMAN Wingman is a capable multitool that balances cost and functionality. It has genuine strengths in its spring-action pliers and scissors, but it also has clear weaknesses in tool durability and selection. If your needs are moderate and you value convenience over raw power, it is worth considering. Just keep your expectations realistic—it is a tool for everyday life, not for extreme situations.