Leatherman Sidekick & Wingman by Nutnfancy

These MTs achieve amazing quality for their cost. The 6.8 oz Leatherman Wingman and Sidekick are medium duty multi-tools (MDMTs) that are mostly made in the US. The will act as a tractor beams to the entire Leatherman line for folks who perhaps have never integrated such a handy accessory into their daily activities. Both don't quite achieve the same quality levels of the higher priced and proven Hall of Fame MTs like the Leatherman Juice, Blast, Fuse, Charge, Wave, Rebar, and the others. The main blades do have some wiggle in them and one unlocked on me during firecrafting in the mountains. But these hollow ground 420HC blades, like the opposite tool (scissors in Wingman, saw in Sidekick) are accessible from the exterior and are easy to get to. This is a favorite design feature. The blades arrive very sharp and I prefer the non-serrated version on the Sidekick. They don't offer quite the same cutting performance as the Wave/Charge tight-locking, flat ground clip blades but they should be adequat for most users. Interior toolsets feature: phillips and flat blade drivers, a coarse stubby file with measurement markings, can opener/cap lifter, lanyard ring (Sidekick), package opener (Wingman), and short serrated sheepsfoot blade (Sidekick). No toothpicks, tweezers, diamond files, awls, or removable bit drivers will be found in these MTs given the price levels. The springloaded pliers were excellent in testing and the wire cutters are functional. Quality is mostly excellent on these MTs. While you will find some play between the tool halves, the Side Sidekick/Wingmans' tools snap into place with authority. The polished stainless steel should resist rust better than the bead blasted predecssors (shown). Value is phenomenal. At www.cutleryshoppe.com I got the Sidekick for $27, the Wingman for $20! These will be standard setters in the entire industry and decimate the generic Chinese-produced Leatherman knockoffs (like Kobalt) in terms of quality and durability. Each comes with a 25 year warranty as well. In the POUs of daily carry, solider MT, BOK tool, car MT, or even gift item, the Sidekick and Wingman are worth every penny and this value catapults them into Hall of Fame MT status here in TNP.///////////////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 9 out of 10 (given the extremely low pricing)

[@RanouttaTalent]

I have a wingman. i'm a mechanic and for me, the whole goal of the multi tool is to save me a trip to the truck but stays out of my way for normal life. I have used a wide range of pocket knives and multi tools and have destroyed all of them. At the price I have no hesitation taking risks with this tool and that ability saves me time. It's a great tool at a great price

[@shumiwu4693]

I got a leatherman wingman and I use it a lot. As a prepper enthusiast, I like to do bushcraft and survival because I want to live at the end of days. I love my wingman

[@Michaelwentsomewhere]

hey nutnfancy,bought the wingman about a month ago because of this video(Not my first MT).was HIGHLY skeptical due to the price point.HAVE NOT Been disappointed yet.great EDC for someone in a management role that doesnt have to use it everyday at work.alot of capability in such a small package. it arrived rather lose,especially the belt clip but it was nothing that couldnt be fixed.love it keep doing what your doing

[@Red_Proton]

FINALLY! Picked up a brand new Leatherman Sidekick and have been wearing it about 4 weeks, now. My EDC pocketknife broke, and I discovered the Leatherman Sidekick was on sale during my hunt for a new pocketknife. First Leatherman MT for $30 and I am extremely happy! Watched a butt load of your reviews, Nutnfancy, to help me make an informed decision because I am on a budget. Thanks! Great videos!

[@not2fast4u2c]

I just bought a side kick today I tightened the Torx srews and got some of the wiggle out of it This is my first leatherman and for the price I am satisfied with the Quality Good Reveiw !!!!

[@sunshinelowe]

Both of these are sold at The Home Depot. I bought a wingman and it's pretty nice. I work in retail and a lot of the tools such as the package opener, the pliers and the outside position blade and scissors make my life a lot easier. I bought mine around the $20 - $25 range.

[@flyhigh8313x]

Leatherman has been with me growing up. My dad allways had one and then when I got older I got my first one just loved having it. Now I don't feel right with out having it on my side, so much so that when I flew to the mid west and only had carry on bags, I had to stop and buy a new MT just to fill the void, and It was cheep enough that I just left it with a friend of mine and never had any issues. MT do make awesome gifts.

[@greenbmxer94]

Just a heads up, I bought one of these today from EMS. I love the feel but I had to exchange it because the other side of the ruler didn't have a file on it, it was just plain and forgotten. Other than that, awesome tool and I got a new one with the file and I'm very happy with it. Like so others see please.

[@rodporterfield]

"Tractor beam" term...so true! I've had the sidekick clipped to my pocket for about 7-8 months now and it's been awesome!!! I want a wave now!!!

[@davidalehman]

I have no problem with my tool play on my wingman. Just got mine yesterday after seeing this video. Great bargain for the price. I've already used it to take apart my 795 and put a clipdraw on my 1911 and the package opener is probably the most innovative tool in this MT. Thanks Nutnfancy for the heads up on the low price and free shipping.

[@bearfoot100]

I use a Leatherman Charge Ti every day, as an electronics installer. Great tools. I keep a swiss tool in my off road buggy because it replaces so many other tools I might need. My original Leatherman was purchased from Jeff at the Cutlery Shop, when he first opened in Idaho.

[@FWalshingham]

Got my sister a Wingman this past Christmas. She's headed to Africa for a long-term missions trip pretty soon, so I wanted to get her something she could really use. Hopefully she'll carry it with her.

[@thedrdoug]

Thanks for the review Nutn. I got a sidekick for my wife and she is using it as an EDC now. Super cool. Thanks again for all that you do for us. Keep on keepin' on.

[@ToxicGreen357]

I've used the package opening tool to hold back the slide of my firearm to clear a jam. It worked pretty well in that role.

[@gilbert41300]

I now carry a multi tool because of your reviews. And also now started my leatherman collection.

[@ubioubiestveritas]

Picked up a Wingman last year for a friend and just bought another one this year to try it out myself. The Wave works best for my system and I've EDC'd one for about ten years now. Wore one out and Leatherman sent me the new model to replace it. Outstanding tools and an excellent 25 year warranty! I may have to try the Juice S2 as well.

[@cmprodutions]

I strongly agree with your "tractor beam" theory. I bought the Wingman a year ago and now I'm hooked on MTs.

[@l8tbraker]

I am SO glad I picked up a knifeless Fuse. Always carry a quality locking knife.

[@MrGolfbum]

Bought the Wingman at Home Depot for $20 on Black Friday. For $20, how can you go wrong?

[@modelmanjohn]

I got the wingman around christmas from homedepot when it was only sale for $20. Best value multitool I ever bought. I could use one of the $70-$100 models, but quite frankly, I'll hardly use 80% of the tool options on them. On my wingman, I use the knife, screwdrivers, scissors, and package opener almost daily.

[@nreedbuffalo]

I have used my Sidekick pretty much every day at my job in a grocery store since I got it a couple weeks ago. I mostly use the pliers to pull stuff forward that is out of reach, since I have short arms. I love the pocket clip; I just throw it in my back left pocket. Works great

[@phillipzz1]

Thanks Mr. Nutnfancy, just brought 3 MTs for the family and myself...great price. Please continue the videos lovin' them. Still love the Leatherman Juice.

[@DLAdventures2]

I purchased a Juice S2 last week after watching your review and seeing you use it in some of your vids. Can't believe how many times I have put it to use in just a week. Keep the informative reviews coming, they are very helpful. Thanks Nutn!

[@noAED4you]

I just picked up the Sidekick a few days ago to replace the original Survival Tool from Leatherman. So far I really like it. Its small and compact but big enough to still function as a medium duty MT. I carry a Gerber Diesel in my pack for a more robust tool but my Sidekick lives in its leather sheath in my front right pocket. The small "quality issues" are not really issues at all for me. This tool fills its roles perfectly.

[@mcabros]

The wingman is great for hospital work as a nurse. Unlike the wave, I find it light enough to wear on scrubs with the clip. Plus, at the price, if it gets contaminated beyond cleaning, I can live with having to throw it away. In a perfect world, I would trade the scissors for a rescue blade.

[@Yongasoo]

I just got this, as a cheap alternative to my wave(here in Argentina you have to multiply the price by 3) as a throwaway MT and man, I fell in love with this thing, it's cheap and mine has no wiggle at all, just perfection. Besides, I got a set of black & decker screwdriver tips for about 2 dollars and turned the carbiner into an awesome tool.

[@docwilkey]

I like the Wingman. I am retired and like carrying a MT but don;t need all the tools that my Super Tool has. I live in a big city so I like the smaller size and sense my clothing no longer have belts I love the pocket clip. The Wingman has everything I need on it, and I use the scissors more than any other tool on the MT.

[@whoknowsjon]

Nutn It is super funny I just bought this tool for my brothers birthday because at Christmas he saw my awesome Juice S2(which i bought because of your review) and wanted to keep it. I did not know that they were new. I am newer to the EDC world. Well i have always had a knife in my pocket but not much else. Thank you for doing a review on these. I feel much better gifting it now that it has the Nutnfacny stamp of approval on it. you are great and keep up the good work on the videos.

[@2xwcs]

I used to find myself saying "Oh i'm not a huge fan of nutnfancy..." But then a new video comes up and I get all giddy. Good stuff. :)

[@ianbots]

I just bought my first multi tool as a Leatherman wingman, I bought it because it's easy to take apart so I can fabricate parts for its as soon machinist

[@jjjjjoeeeeee]

have a sidekick but the pocket clip broke sent it in and waiting to see the result. I totally agree about them being tractor beam MT. I never carried one before but now that i sent it in for service I am missing it. I am considering going to buy a wave so i don't have to be without one. Love the videos and thanks for the awesome reviews.

[@mbarkn]

When you mentioned the partial serrated blade on the Wingman, I agree. If you need a serrated blade, you usually need a full length serrated blade. That's what I love about the Leatherman Surge. It has a full length straight edge blade, as well as a full length separate serrated blade. Both accessible without opening the tool. Plus the Surge has a saw and scissors as well. Also, scissors are accessible without opening the tool. Good Review on these two "entry level" MT's. Thumbs Up!

[@whartonoutdoors7493]

Just bought a wingman. Thanks for the review. I've been tractor beamed.

[@QUIVERFUL]

I jumped on the MT train 20 years ago with the original Leatherman. Friends laughed at me & my new-found "toy tool." Then I noticed nearly all the mechanics were carrying them at the mainline carrier I flew for, which further validated my decision. I trusted those guys with my life every day. Literally. Sadly, my trusty Leatherman went AWOL about a year & a half ago and I needed a quick replacement. I stumbled across the Wingman and it became part of my EDC before I even knew what EDC meant.

[@toplcame]

totally love the video thanks just bought the sidekick for my BOB. The light weight and the cost made it it a perfect fit for a tool that will work, but one that I will hopefully never have to use.

[@roundhouse283]

The Wingman is awesome. The one I have has no wiggle. I use it around the house all day. I started using Gerber, but I am now caught in the Leatherman tractor beam.

[@CalcityAirsoft]

I was looking at a MT for my little brother when he turns 16 and this just may have to be it! Awesome review Nutn!!

[@414bushman]

i love spring assist pliers, this and size were the main reason why i got this. i prefer it even to juice series

[@Iridium242]

In the last month I have become a letherman addict lol, got a Sidekick and a Rebar both. The sidekick will fit my needs great for day to day and the Rebar went into one of my BOBs and replaced the cheap Chinese one that was in there. I plan on many many more.

[@40ouncebounce]

Thanks nutnfancy! I really want to get myself one of those now... never liked multi tool's till you showed me all of these..

[@joryang2008]

Picked up a wingman while overseas last month. No play in the knife yet. It has replaced my 1993 military issue leatherman for EDC.

[@avalon449]

I bought thte Juice S2 about two years ago based on your review and carry it every day at my office job. I've also bought several and given as gifts. Also bought the Charge TTi based on another review by you but can only carry that weekends/nights becasue of the size weight. Doesn't fit in a suit and tie job..... Love Leatherman!!!!

[@EdSaenzDrums]

My first MT was a SOG Power Assist. Great tool. But I found out that I didn't carry it a lot, because it's too big and heavy and the sheath isn't great for carrying it either. At almost $90 bucks. Now i just leave it in the car and always carry my Wingman in the same pocket as my EDC knife. For me the Wingman is perfect for my EDC system. Perfect size and weight, and excellent carry option with the pocket clip. No need for sheath. And the price didn't hurt either

[@GrizzlyTube1]

Nutn was right on in this review. The sidekick is the latest addition to my MT collection. The Leatherman Sidekick really is a killer MT for the price. Yeah it doesnt beat my Fuse for quality but only slightly. I'm glad nutn did this video because the leatherman sidekick deserved a good review.

[@ShenaniGunLongColt]

just got a Wingman from Home Depot, love it!! and i did notice that my bead blasted Surge tends to rust a bit, nice to know that the Wingman's polished finish gives it extra rust protection

[@Tobruk42]

Picked up my first Leatherman multi-tool (Wingman) at The Home Depot for $19.88. I put it right to work around the house. I was impressed that the flat head screw driver can handle the heavy use. I think the Wingman is more of a home tool, the Sidekick more outdoor. I'm actually excited to own a Leatherman now and could definitely see a better Leatherman multi-tool purchase in the future,

[@Ramn8tr]

I've owned the Wave since 2004, and use it for camping and when I'm outdoors, but I love carrying the Wingman for my EDC system. For the kind of daily tasks I need it to perform, it is perfect for that. And like Nutnfancy said, for the price, I won't be too upset if I break it or lose it (though my wife did have my name engraved on it from swissknifeshop). If I go backpacking, shooting, or camping, I reach for the Wave. When I go to the grocery store or the movies, I reach for the Wingman.

[@pacoseventeen]

Was looking to get the Sidekick to replace my Gerber Diesel as a medium duty multitool, glad I watched this first. I'm gonna be stepping up to the next level Leatherman for sure.

[@ccntnd]

I know I’ll find my Charge TTI as soon as I buy a new MT, so spending 28 bucks instead of nearly 100 sounds so much better. If my old Charge truly is gone forever, I’ll enjoy having a half decent replacement in this Sidekick (a straight blade trumps the scissors, though I would love to have both). Chargey… if you’re reading this, please come home!!

[@KeithKacanek]

O got the sidekick this summer, and I AM converted! So useful in so many ways, I don't know how I lived without it! Looking to upgrade to the Surge, and get either a Real Avid AR15 Tool, MUT, OHT, or Gerber eFECT II for my weapons cleaning gear

[@evan8895]

me and my dad switched out the saw for the scissors on these two epic multi-tools. we now call each one either a wingkick or side man LOL!!!

[@IMZReady4Anything]

Definitely a good option for gifting to a less than prepared friend. Or even to light duty user like my wifey!

[@_Skunkfoot_]

I got the Sidekick recently and it's pretty much the perfect multi tool for me. I paid $40 since REI is a bit expensive, but I'm happy paying that. This tool has everything I want (except an awl) and none of that extra stuff I don't really need. I really like the simplicity and design of the tool.

[@sam9353]

Just got my sidekick as a graduation gift today.

[@bnknapp107]

I just watched your video on the the Leatherman Sidekick and Wingman, liked it. You said that the Leatherman Blast is no longer on there site, I looked and it still is on the site. The Leatherman Fuse and the Kick are retired. Keep up the good work and more Leatherman videos.

[@edn2448]

My new wingman has turned me into a MT lover

[@flashider556]

Those mt's would make great gifts.

[@romanf.robles4702]

I own the wingman and love it. It replaced my ol pst for edc. I also own the blast but I gotta say the locking tools don't really impress me. I've never had a tool fold up on me on either my pst or wingman and neither have locking tools. Plus just seems like one more step in deploying whatever tool I need.

[@celticwarrior916]

Great entry level tools. Great idea to engrave them and give as gifts... Leatherman is the standard for MT's. Great review Nutn!

[@aerosaaber]

I ordered a pair of sidekicks for my Dad and Dad in Law (from cutleryshoppe). Even though I've had a Wave for years, I'm jealous they're getting new MT's and I'm not. (I did pull them out of the box and play with it, I like it, ALOT) I think my wife might need a small multi-tool too.

[@xTechDecayx]

I've got one of these in my pocket right now. I probably pull this thing out of my pocket 5 times a day at a minimum. Hasn't failed me yet.

[@zer0576]

Love my new wingman from cutleryshoppe! picked up a Persistence along with it too which i equally am in love with. Thanks for the FAST free shipping!

[@Ramn8tr]

When my Wingman was new, the blade lockup was tight, but after 5 months of daily use in the EDC role, the lockup has gotten quite loose, so much so that I can lock the blade open and wiggle the tool body back and forth, and here the blade clicking against the liner lock! Sent an email to Leatherman about this. I made sure to point out that even if the lack of tight tolerance is a pricing issue, my $20 CRKT Pike's Peak has better lockup and was made in China. We'll see how this goes.

[@dennispoley6005]

Four?...I carry three on me every day. Started back in the day with a Fiskers(Gerber) Multilock...still use it at work. Now the Micra is on my keychain, the Sidekick rides in my pocket, and the Charge TTI ,Cabelas edition, is in my EDC pack. Will be adding the new Surge and the Raptor soon. Good video!

[@dennispoley6005]

You can't be ready for everything, but I can try! lol Multitools come in handy all day long, if they didn't I wouldn't waste the weight and money.

[@OpaKnows]

Well done, comparing and contrasting a whole bunch of different Leatherman MT's. Peace, brother.

[@hunter35474]

The first REAL multitool that I bought (I don't consider the $5 p.o.s. from Target I received for Christmas a real MT) was a Sidekick. In fact, it's still my main MT. I carry it on the clip in my pocket every day, except when I'm at school. Paired with the Style PS on my keys (which I can and do take to school) it takes care of pretty much any task it might be called on to perform in a suburban household. I consider it a "suburb multitool".

[@POTTINGERMAN]

Got the wingman today lovely tool for an everyday carry around , I love the sprung pliers

[@saketron]

@nutnfancy I've been looking for a good affordable MDMT to carry every day and ultimately went with the Juice S2. I Just stumbled upon your channel about a month ago and I have to say the amount of HIGH QUALITY content you have put out over the years is simply amazing. Thank you for all of the thorough field testing, honest opinions and practical knowledge you have shared with the world.

[@GlueStick213]

I just got the Sidekick! It was $19 at Home Depot! Thanks for the review nutnfancy!

[@KungFuTweety1]

the package opener is like the orange pealer on a victorinox!

[@NGMonocrom]

Must admit, the one thing my Wingman does far better than my Kick and (quite frankly) ALL older Leatherman multi-tools is rust-resistance. And that's putting it mildly. My older Leathermen tools back when I was a teenager would rust away while just looking at them.

[@paul8m3]

I love my wingman. I know its not the best leatherman, but its very nice. Its just fine for around the house or camp functions. For 25 bucks I feel like I got a good deal. Its a hell of alot better than an all chinese winchester or some bullcrap walmart brand for the same money. The more I use it, the more i like it. Im glad there was a review done on it, since it is an awesome deal for what you get.

[@mathewrculbertson]

I have many leatherman products, but my wingman is my fav. Pocket clip baby!!!!!!!!!

[@BernhardOelreich]

Bought a Wingman because of the package opener. Really nice for the price. Only thing I don't like is the scissors. I would have liked them better if the spring would work from the start, so that I wouldn't have to fiddle around with them to get the spring out.

[@codyd.18]

The Leatherman Wingman was my first full-size MT and it did indeed convert me. I have a Leatherman Wave on order as I type this. Nice review - thanks nutn.

[@ArmedVegan]

Just saw the Wingman at Home Depot and wanted to know how it compared to the charge next to it at the store. Perfect timing. Might pick up a MOLLE Charge for a duty belt. Thanks for sharing!

[@thedowntrodden1522]

Im a butcher by trade i use the sidekick at work its awesome to have tools on hand without having to have to worry about wearing on my juice which can stay in my backpack for camping for the 18 dollars i spent on it works great for everyday opening of cases and stuff good value for cost

[@mysss29]

@nutnfancy Tighten that pivot--I was amazed at how solid one of my linerlocks became once I did that. I'll bet it's why yours folded--tightening my pivot screw completely removed some very worrying flex in the locking-side liner when it was locked. I love that they're so cheap, and that they use torx rather than security fasteners. I wouldn't want to buy someone a "locking" knife that wasn't reliable, though.

[@cmprodutions]

Also, I needed to pop open my Wingman to clean some gunk out, and it was SUPER easy to take apart. Slightly less easy going back together, but not bad at all.

[@WaywardAce]

I just purchased a Leatherman Blast brand new on Friday. They're still in production.

[@anthonymedina5809]

Thanks for the comparison. I have had the Wingman and really liked it. However, the scissors were not that great, I think the saw cutter would have been more handy for me. So I decided to go ahead and order the Sidekick.

[@Iboo30]

I ordered the wingman yesterday, got it today... looks pretty good .. haven´t used it yet but it´s my first real multitool ... I do have some cheap ones home, on my keychain and the other one for normal usage but it was crap ... I am really excited about the wingman and who knows ... maybe I´ll upgrade later on ... :)

[@Generic2008]

I have both of these as well as 6 other Leatherman tools. I pocket carried the Wave for a while. I love my Wave and Charge Ti but these guys are the right size for me to pocket carry... and the integrated pocket clip is a great addition. I ended up swapping blades on the my Sidekick and Wingman. I just use the Wingman more and I also prefer a non-serrated blade. Great review. Oh....blade wiggle. I didn't notice any before swapping the blades. I had a little wiggle afterward that a small tightening of the torx screw that holds the blade in took care of.

[@serridgeas]

Hi Nut'n I've got the sidekick and love it, it was my first and it has been used hard and never failed me i just wish it had the changeable wire cutters (being a welder it would be perfect then)

[@CunoWiederhold]

FYI, I snapped up a "Wingman" last night at Home Depot for 20 bucks (on sale). No sheath, but there was a pallet of them and the sign said "while supply lasts". I don't know if that's a good price or not, but I figured, you can't have too many Leathermen in you household.

[@deadbolt9019]

Just did the same tonight. I wasn't even in the market for ANOTHER leatherman, but $20 bucks sounded way too cheap to pass up. Justlooked and they are $28+ online, so I think we both got a helva deal.

[@ShakerHP]

Nutt'in...I carry my Wingman everyday ... I like to roll it around in my hand like a wirrie-stone I love the high polished and rounded corners... BTW I have 30 different Leatherman tools....

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Thanks for the info. I just wish the Wingman had the Sidekick blade.

[@GlueStick213]

I think that the Sidekick would be great for a vehicle emergency kit. I've only had my a day or two but I'm carrying it EDC (in my backpack).

[@highonimmi]

i bought a wingman for work. love it! it fits in the tiny thigh pocket and is lite weight:)

[@trottheblackdog]

Own and love the Blast. Sad to see it's not in the 2012 catalog. I like these two little ones though.

[@stevenlinford4312]

I've been using my sidekick regularly for three years and I lost it today! Super bummed. I'll most likely just buy another one I liked it so much.

[@urodoctormr]

Right in nutn. Im pretty new to leatherman only having a mut and a wingman. Great vid

[@bnash8990]

I just picked up a Leatherman Sidekick at Knifeworks in Tn. I love it! I am going to get a Wingman next.

[@mark33545]

You just made my loss of my blast even more panful

[@destroyka777]

I literally went "oooOOOHH" at the springloaded pliers. Very sexy for 20 sum bucks (I guess 30 or 40 sum up here in Canada, but still!). I dig these for a backup unit I could stash in my bugout bag or in my vehicle or toolbox.

[@SlowmovingGiant]

just pcked up a wingman from Amazon including shipping to Australia for under $27.00 looking forward to getting it. My 2nd Leatherman, have a Micra.

[@floyd2386]

These DO NOT have hardwire cutters, that notch is a stress relief point. Leatherman says you can jack up your pliers if you try using it as such. Also, the wire stripper is the v notch on the bottom of the can opener. Great vid btw, keep up the good work.

[@nwtipton]

I can't wait for the rebar.

[@akpunxrockin]

The can opener/cap lifter has a sharpened wire stripper I love my side kick for guitar maintenance.

[@POTTINGERMAN]

Same here my wingman has no wiggle when the blade is out its super tight I think it's a top quality tool I carry it everyday in work my only problem is the scissors are not very sharp or maybe the blade angle is wrong they just don't cut very and that's from day 1 when I got it