Not what I expected- New Leatherman Tools

[SlackOne]

I'm expecting to see these at Walmart as soon as they hit the market, probably replacing the Freestyle and Fuse on shelves.  If it makes any sense, they're a lot more "obvious" as gifts than the Freestyle was (shinier, fiddlier) so they'd fly off the shelves around the holidays.

I'll probably get a Wingman.  I'd already replaced my Wave's serrated blade with Vic scissors, and am loving it.  I'd often though about the possibility of getting rid of everything on one side and serrating the main blade, but LM beat me to it   I still question the utility of LM's "combo tool" as the Wave's sucks on ice at opening bottles, but we'll see how this version does.  The file does look pretty weak...have to see if it has any utility at all.  Of course LM also sticks that rinky-dink thing on the Squirts and people don't seem to hate it, and this one has to be of better utility than that one.

[Chako]

Going from what I have seen in the past, we will probably have to wait till September/October to get them.

[BIG-TARGET]

I'm trying to get as much going as possible here, so I'm a bit sparse on the pics.  I'll keep uploading more, but here's a few to get you started.

First off, these new tools, the Sidekick and Wingman are not what many of you expected, judging by the speculation I saw in the other thread.  These are Leatherman's attempt to enter the ultra low price market.  In fact....



The MSRP on one is $29.99 and the other is $39.99.  The Sidekick is to be the more expensive one, although for all intents and purposes both these tools are pretty well the same.  The Sidekick has a wood saw, while the Wingman has scissors.  The Wingman also has a clamshell opener, while the Sidekick has a serrated blade.



The fancy leather pouch and carabiner come with the Sidekick, while the Wingman is sold as is.



These tools encompass a number of firsts for Leatherman- they have sprung pliers, they have a lower fit and finish and a super low price point as a result.  The body also has an interesting cutout that allows the tools to be pushed out for use, which is kind of neat.

All in all they aren't bad at all, especially considering the price point.  They aren't that exciting, but then they aren't meant to be.  They will also be replacing the Fuse and Kick models, so if you want one of those, get 'em while they're hot!

Def

I see an MT.O group buy in the future!

Hint! HINT!!!

[Dunc]

I actually don't mind the look of them and will probably get one or the other to try out . I just noticed the little LM logo on the plier heads in Grants photo 


I take LM were launching there new slogan too .

[umberto00]

I'm actually very interested in that Carabineer! 

[David]

I`m much more interested in that camo Blast with the new locks. Any intel on that jewel boss.

[darkhawk]

I'm actually very interested in that Carabineer! 

almost worth it because of that

[umberto00]

I'm actually very interested in that Carabineer! 

almost worth it because of that

I EDC a juice KF4 on a small carabiner and chain hanging from my belt loop in my back pocket. Since the KF4 doesn't have a bottle opener, this would solve all my problems! 

[Gareth]

I think it's hard to complain about them given the very low price point.  Though I'm still less than convinced about the file shape.  Lets see what they cost when they come to the UK though.

[Kidi]

here in australia the laws vary from state to state.

In a nutshell in NSW (as is my understanding) carrying blades have to have a 'legal purpose' so carrying one for the sake of it is a no no. Still as a tradesman i have a purpose

In practice though you can carry a sak or a multitool and unless you a silly enough to draw attention to yourself its never a problem. Cops don't really comb the streets stopping people in search of blades. Most cops also excersise a degree of discretion anyway.

I am happy that they are locking tools, i'm certain despite all the forum ettiquete that several of our UK brethrens EDC Blasts, Waves, Powerlocks everyday. They just keep their noses clean and stay smart about how they go about doing it.

I can't wait to get a sidekick
(also now i may hold off on buying a BLAST for my mother to replace the KICK i won on this forum.... between now and september they may have another price drop)

The law is kinda similar to that in Israel, here everything sharp is considered a knife, and  you must be carrying that specific knife for a reason (a machete for cutting you food for example would only make the judge laugh). Self defense would only be acceptable if you are threatened by something or someone.

Luckily, All multitools are allowed for everyone (though cannot be sold to youth) anywhere, though security in public places are not likely to let you in with a large multitool.


As for the new tools- they look great, but I think that silly opener on the Wingman is useless, and the design of the scissors design is bad. The Sidekick has the right tools, except for the combo blade. Why would I want a combo blade when I have a separated serrated blade?

That file might be small, but the tasks expect from a tool of this size are nail filing and some simple wood filing - I'm sure it can handle this.

[markn951]

OH MY GOD I NEED A WINGMAN NOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AHB]

OH MY GOD I NEED A WINGMAN NOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shhh, No need to shout.. 

[Xelkos]

Grant do these two new tools have locking Blades ? If they do lock and they are replacing the non locking Kick I think that is a bad move .

Dunc

The inside tools don't look "locking" but more of the pressure-spring type seen on PST & Juice. Not sure I like that, would rather had them like the original Super Tool. But the liner locks look to be there.

Why is England so down on locking blades, they want more accidents in the health-care system?

[Xelkos]

OH MY GOD I NEED A WINGMAN NOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shhh, No need to shout.. 

Do we need to get the frozen salmon out of the freezer for a bonking?

[Mr. Whippy]

These pics make the tool look much better than the stock photos. At the price I'll probably pick one up.... I'm liking that carabiner, looks good.

I agree with this.

3D Phillips and size-wise, it actually stacks up nicely to the Blast.

I want more info on that file, though.  Looks pretty short for real work (and no diamond coat  ).  Could you actually resharpen a shovel or rototiller blade with it?  I do that regularly with my Charge ALX...

I'm starting to warm up to this entry level tool. 

Edit to add: I think Grant's pictures do the tool much more justice than the stock shots--I thought this was going to be Juice or Squirt sized.