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....

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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.

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

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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.. 

[Outback in Idaho]

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?

[Outback in Idaho]

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.

[Millhouse]

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.

I reckon £45.

[Threeme2189]

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

Those weird english government folk think that locking blades are the reason for accidents in the health care system...
If only they knew better...

(I meant no offense to anyone related to England, a government, a health care system, or a locking blade)

 

[Gareth]

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?

Given the actual carry laws in other Counties I still think the UK ( ) has it relatively easy. 

It's not even a Statute Law, it's a bit of Case Law i.e some layer convinced a Judge that a lock effectively makes a folding knife into a fixed knife. 

The Statute Law says you need a good specific reason to have a fixed blade ( i.e a gutting knife for a fisherman) but no reason to have a folding knife with a cutting edge of less than three inches.  So the Case Law basically redefined locking knives as fixed blades, not folders. 

[cerbera147]

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.

I reckon £45.

I think that's too much 

I think if Leatherman are aiming at a certain end of the market then that should be the case across the board. A Wave sells for approx £70 here. If it was me I'd be thinking 'should I save a bit more and get this fancy Wave?' 

These should be priced so low that buying one is a no brainer. The Gerber Suspension seems to sell well from Amazon; it is currently £30 but I think it went as though as £22 / 23 

[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.

I reckon £45.

I think that's too much 

I think if Leatherman are aiming at a certain end of the market then that should be the case across the board. A Wave sells for approx £70 here. If it was me I'd be thinking 'should I save a bit more and get this fancy Wave?' 

These should be priced so low that buying one is a no brainer. The Gerber Suspension seems to sell well from Amazon; it is currently £30 but I think it went as though as £22 / 23 

You can get a Wave for £70 but full retail is more like £100 isn't it?   Heck, the Fuse is supposed to be something like £60.   So if full retail was around £45 (and that seems like a slightly optimistic guess, but hopefully not more) then we might reasonably be able to pick one of these up for about £30.

[Millhouse]

Lets hope the price is reasonable. Would make nice gifts for a few folk I know.

[thebullfrog]

For the price point, the Wingman looks extremely attractive to me. I'm somewhat fond of it honestly. It may just find itself onto my "must buy" list.

[J-sews]

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

Somebody has a keen eye! 

 

[thebullfrog]

I knew something looked off about that Blast, but I couldn't put my finger on it.

[craigy]

im not tto pleased like a few people with leathermans new ways im thinking the victorinox are now the best multitools out there for normal people obviously  leathermans higherspec stuff is great and i will not doubt that but some sillys moves have been made already this year.

[Styerman]

Not having seen the new stuff , can't really comment . That said , what they have rolled out is pretty dissapointing ! I was hoping for follow on MUT types , and maybe a tweaked Skelle .

Chris

[thebullfrog]

I like the Wingman/Sidekick because it is entry level. I agree that LM has made a couple questionable choices of late, but I think this move is a good one. It helps take some of the market currently held by cheap knockoffs and no-name tools. That's a huge chunk of buyers right there. If someone can get a $30 Wal Mart brand tool, or a $30 LM, there's a fair share of buyers who will take the LM. Having an entry level tool like this is, and one with an interesting design to boot, will be a big boost to LM. Myself,I think it'll be great to be able to get a cheapo beater multi without having to buy some POS knockoff.

[Mr. Whippy]

I like the Wingman/Sidekick because it is entry level. I agree that LM has made a couple questionable choices of late, but I think this move is a good one. It helps take some of the market currently held by cheap knockoffs and no-name tools. That's a huge chunk of buyers right there. If someone can get a $30 Wal Mart brand tool, or a $30 LM, there's a fair share of buyers who will take the LM. Having an entry level tool like this is, and one with an interesting design to boot, will be a big boost to LM. Myself,I think it'll be great to be able to get a cheapo beater multi without having to buy some POS knockoff.

That's a valid point.

If pumping out these lower price point tools allows them to continue their higher quality, higher priced tool development, then I'm all for it.

...and don't forget, they're backing these with their 25 year warranty as well.

[Grant Lamontagne]

That was something I asked about- would these entry level tools be covered by the same 25 year warranty, and the answer was yes.  Leatherman will still stand behind them 100% as the quality of manufacture hasn't changed on these, even though the fit and finish may not be up to their usual standard.

I know many of us are going to get one or the other (or more likely both) simply because we are hardcore junkies, but Leatherman stands to make a killing with these, running them at this price point.  You will start to see these at Ace Hardware, Wal Mart, Home Depot, B&Q and pretty well anywhere else you can buy tools.  Leatherman is using these to introduce the Leatherman brand to people who wouldn't spend a lot on a tool, who know nothing about tools, and who wouldn't normally even put enough effort or thought into one to bother doing research on sites like this one to find out about which one is best.

I's an interesting concept, and I'm sure with the sheer volume of tools they are likely to sell at that price point that they will make a fortune, even if they only make a dollar off each one.

Def

[David]

Grant are we going to see some more camo Blasts like the one in the pic you posted earlier?