Not what I expected- New Leatherman Tools

[Grant Lamontagne]

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

[Sazabi]

What's the status on the Knifeless Fuse, then, Grant?  Also, I still can't tell:  is the Phillips 2D or 3D?

[Grant Lamontagne]

3D Phillips, and no idea about the knifeless Fuse.  If the standard Fuse is discontinued I would imagine it would go too.

Def

[ari6126]

What's with the CE main blade and the separate serrated blade?

[SlackOne]

3D Phillips is good.  Any pics of the clips on these?

[Grant Lamontagne]

What's with the CE main blade and the separate serrated blade?

My guess is they got a new serration cutting machine and wanted to get their money's worth.

3D Phillips is good.  Any pics of the clips on these?

Coming....

Def

[MTguy]

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.

[gafftapegreenia]

Well.....perhaps not as bad as I feared....still don't like pinch cutters.

[scrappy]

is the tool outsourced to china or is it assembled in the USA, I will buy both.

[Sazabi]

is the tool outsourced to china or is it assembled in the USA, I will buy both.

As per the FB snippet, they're made in the US, like the other Leatherman multis.

[ari6126]

I have a great mod idea. Regrind the main blade PE and replace the package opener with the serrated blade. That would get rid of a lot of the redundancy.

[NeitherExtreme]

Well, I guess they seem like a logical progression for LM, and should make some folks quite happy. That said, I'm disappointed about the Kick disappearing. With it's shorter blade and no locks, it was a good option for non knife friendly settings. It was also a tough, bare bones design with good pliers- I'm not too sure about these new ones, especially those cutters. I'm very happy to hear about the 3d pliers though.

[Grant Lamontagne]

This one show the cutout in the handle that allows you to push the tools out the opposite side.  It also shows the 3D phillips.



Here I am actually using to to push the tools out.



This is the pouch and carabiner that comes with the Sidekick.  The carabiner was really neat and I asked them if they would sell it separately.  They gave a very noncommittal answer...



And this pic shows the clip side, and the size compared to the Blast.



Def

[Chako]

Not what I was expecting. At least they won't cost a lot to add to the collection. 

[jekostas]

I admit, I'm interested in the Wingman.  File looks kinda short, but OHO, locking blades at that MSRP?  Not bad.  Also, an option of getting the carabiner tool and pouch separately would be good - my Kf4 would look mighty fine in that.

[MTguy]

They've grown on me quite abit since the stock photos. I'm interested in both, not sure which one I'd rather get. I hope they do sell the biner and case separately.

[Santos]

to me they just look like baby Waves.

I like them, at that price and american made thats awesome.

The only questions are.

When are they due on the market?
Do the layer tools lock?

[Fistach]

With price 29 $USD (in poland around 50 for our stupid uber high taxes - that's why I'm buying them in US:)) I'll purchase one for my GF:)

[Outback in Idaho]

These are the Fall models coming out in September of 2011.

NEW PRODUCTS ::
As promised to all our loyal fans here. You have the very first look at the new tools for Leatherman in 2011. Coming this September to a store near you the Leatherman Sidekick and Wingman. The best part – they are all Leatherman, 25-year warranty, outside accessible blades and features and only $29.99 & $39.99 MSRP Pictures below…More on the discussion tab. Sahweet!!! Photos have been loaded.

I'd like to get the carabiner with the Wingman. But I wonder why the small blade on the Sidekick? The tool already has a partially serrated blade, adding another smaller serrated blade (looks like the one on the Vista) seems redundant. Leatherman could of done better by making this tool a utility blade and awl in one tool.


Sidekick


Wingman

[mtool78]

BO version would be nice, do you think that might be available some day?

[jekostas]

BO version would be nice, do you think that might be available some day?

It is riveted - Duracoat project!

[Dunc]

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

[Fistach]

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

Yes they have take a look at the image I've made:



Look at the shape that is almost the same as the locking mechanism of Wave.

In the bottom see the release buttons.

[craigy]

bad call there leatherman.making now all there range bar the juice and keychain stuff locking will put the uk market for leatherman down the pan.

[mtool78]

These days non-locking blades would be pretty hard to sell in countries where those are not illegal. Would it be ok by the laws if you just disable those locks?

[Neil]

In the UK disabling the locks would get around the legal side of things but by the looks of it they have no backspring so the blade would just fold.

So they're no good for EDC in the UK.  They are also OHO so that rules out Denmark and the fact that they are OHO+locking means they're no good for Germany.  I'm sure I've missed someone but the point is it looks like LM really don't see the need to appeal to the European market

[mtool78]

Sounds sad... Our local laws are not that clear, in theory its illegal to carry anything that has a sharp edge but in real life it's almost impossible to get into troubles with law if you just don't hurt anyone with your blade. Police will of course take your knife if they see you having one, but probably there won't be any consequences - u may even get your knife back from police station if you were not causing troubles.

[duckman1975]

Thanks Grant, cool pictures.
Is it just me or do they look like a model of multitool from Gerber, forgot the name.
Looks like for light use only.

[Carlos]

Sounds sad... Our local laws are not that clear, in theory its illegal to carry anything that has a sharp edge but in real life it's almost impossible to get into troubles with law if you just don't hurt anyone with your blade. Police will of course take your knife if they see you having one, but probably there won't be any consequences - u may even get your knife back from police station if you were not causing troubles.

Here in Portugal legislation for white weapons is a bit loose. They've got just a few points on that:
- blades shorter than 10cm are not considered weapons, except:
- butterflies, throwing knives, starts, automatic (spring assisted) folders, regardless of length.

They do not mention anything regarding locking or one hand opening. But I know police uses to confiscate -- illegally -- lockable folders even if shorter than 10cm. YOu'll have to go to court to reclaim it back and that takes too long and is too expensive. And even after a favourable decision your chances of getting the stuff back are diminute, because it may have been "lost" meanwhile 

[Santos]

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)