Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool Review

Leatherman’s new Sidekick and Wingman multi-tools are described as “entry-level” tools that are aimed at first-time multi-tool buyers and current users looking for a high quality backup at a good price. The Sidekick is priced at $40, and the Wingman at $30, which seems pretty reasonable, especially with the tools being made in the USA.

I was able to get my hands on a Sidekick sample to review, and tried to be as comprehensive as possible. If I left anything out, or if you have any questions, leave a comment below.

Initial Thoughts

Closed Sidekick, front and back

When the Sidekick sample arrived, the first thing I did was look it over to see where Leatherman may have cut costs. After all, this is a “value-priced” tool, right? After a good few minutes of scrutiny, I could not find anything that screamed out “compromised quality.”

The Sidekick feels solid and well-built. It weighs in at 7.0 oz, and is 3.8″ long when closed. Both handles open smoothly to present the pliers, and the knife blade and tools deploy just as fluidly. Inner tools lock in place with a with a satisfying and reassuring click.

Leatherman knew exactly what they were doing when they designed the Sidekick and Wingman tools. “Entry-level” is an appropriate description, but only in regard to the tools’ low price point, not their quality. Once the target audience, first-time multi-tool buyers and those upgrading from generic import models, get a taste for Leatherman quality, they’re definitely going to be hankering for more.

Leatherman Sidekick Knife Blade

Knife blade and wood-cutting saw

The liner-lock plain-edge knife blade is 2.6″ long and made from 420HC steel. Its usable cutting edge is actually about 1/4″ shorter than its stated length, but that’s not a big deal. For comparative reference, the Sidekick’s blade is slightly shorter and thinner than the one on Leatherman’s Skeletool. While the knife blade can be deployed with one hand via its elongated thumb-hole, I find it easier and more comfortable to use two hands.

Update: Loosening the pivot machine screw ever so slightly with a T10 Torx driver improves the ease at which the knife can be deployed one-handed. I didn’t like how loose this made the knife feel, so I tightened it back up. Loosening the blade is not recommended.

With use, opening the knife one-handed does seem to be getting easier, or it at least it seems to be getting easier.

Sidekick Pliers

Spring-action pliers with wire-cutting function

The combination pliers have a spring-action, and are quite nice to use. Both the regular and needlenose gripping zones are grooved well with no visible burs or defects. The edges of the tool’s handles are rounded and provide a comfortable grip even when squeezing them tightly.

The wire-cutter is comprised of two triangular cutting edges that meet at the center (forming an X shape). They’re not very sharpened (nor should they be given the design), so they tend to crush smaller wires before cutting them, and require more effort to cut through thicker wires and nylon cable ties. Still, they’re functional and get the job done.

Saw Blade and Inner Tools

• wood-cutting saw (liner lock): sleek and appealing design, well-sharpened teeth, and performs as well as the saws on Leatherman’s higher-priced tools
• short serrated knife: usable length, nothing to complain or write home about
• 1-3/16″ ruler (part of a 3-in-1 tool): could be handy, but may be a bit short
• small screwdriver (located at tip of ruler): great size and shape, works well
• metal file (opposite face of ruler): too short for rapid material removal, but good for emergency deburring
• can opener & bottle opener: can opener could be sharper/more pointed, but works well enough
• v-groove wire stripper (side of bottle opener): comes in handy in a pinch, and is sharper than anticipated
• Phillips screwdriver: 3-dimensional (!!) and works very, very well (I only tested it on non-damaged screws)
• large slotted screwdriver: wider than I typically use, but may work well for light prying tasks

Inner Tool Latching Mechanism

The inner tools snap into place by a slip-joint-like mechanism that can be described as a spring-steel cam-action latching detent mechanism. There’s no manual lever that must be pressed to unlocked the tools as with some other Leatherman multi-tools. To close and return a tool back into the handle you simply need to apply a bit of pressure to overcome the spring tension. While not quite as secure as a positive-locking system, the detent stop works very well in holding tools straight.

Closeup of locking mechanism

Carry Methods & Accessories

You can wear or carry the Sidekick via its removable belt/pocket clip (which looks to fit up to ~1-3/4″ belts), lanyard loop, or leather pouch. The leather pouch has two grommets which can accommodate the included mini-carabiner, or similarly sized accessory or keychain carabiners.

Speaking of which, the included mini-carabiner is actually quite nice in itself, and features a bottle opener and 1/4″ hex wrench. It’s a neat accessory that I really hope Leatherman will decide to sell separately in the future.

Conclusion

Leatherman describes the Sidekick and Wingman multi-tools as “entry-level,” but they’re certainly designed and built far better than this suggests. I am quite impressed with the Sidekick’s design and how well it performs, and definitely recommend it.

If you’re looking for your first multi-tool, are fed-up with the cheap flimsy one you bought (or were given as a gift), or are looking for a backup for a larger or higher-end tool, you should definitely consider giving the Sidekick or Wingman a try.

Purchase a Sidekick Now or Check Price via Amazon
More Info via Leatherman (incl. alternative purchase links)

As mentioned, the Sidekick is priced at $40, and the Wingman at $30. Although the Sidekick was featured in this review, much of the assessment can be applied to the Wingman as well. Comparing the two, the Wingman features a partially serrated and plain edge combination blade, scissors instead of the Sidekick’s wood-cutting saw, and a “package-opener” hook instead of a serrated knife. The Wingman also lacks the Sidekick’s leather pouch and carabiner accessory.

Wingman via Amazon
More Info via Leatherman (incl. alternative purchase links)

Thank you to Leatherman for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically returned, donated, or in some cases retained for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

Update: Amazon’s ETA for these tools is Oct. 15th if you preorder now. If you’d like to get your hands on a Leatherman Sidekick or Wingman tool of your very own as soon as possible, you can find additional retailer links in the “Buy it Now” section of the tools’ product pages at Leatherman.com (links above). Some of these retailers are expected to have the Sidekick and Wingman in stock as early as next week.