LEATHERMAN, Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Scissors, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath

There have been excellent reviews of both the Leatherman Wingman and Rebar, as well as all the others, but because there are so many models, it can be hard to choose which one to buy. I hope to help in the choice of economical "Full-size" multitools, as Leatherman calls a number of models.The "full size" line of tools are all about 100mm long when folded, and include the Charge TTi, the New Wave, the Rebar, and the Wingman. The first two are much more expensive than the latter two, and I will only discuss the Rebar and Wingman.Leatherman multitools can be further subdivided between blade-in and blade-out designs. In the former, you must open the tool to have access to the knife blade(s); in the latter they are available just as they would be in a pocket knifeThe Rebar is a blade-in design; the Wingman is blade-out. If your most common use of the tool will be for cutting with the knife blade(s), then the Wingman would be more convenient.The Rebar has a much superior shear-type wire-cutter with replaceable blades. The Wingman has a butt-type or pinch-type wire-cutter. Both work, but the Rebar works noticeably better, especially for hard wire.The Rebar has two large blades, a plain blade and a serrated blade; the Wingman has only a single combination blade, but it is instantly available because of the blade-out design.The Rebar has a full-size double-sided file with a serrated edge that can serve as a hack saw. Wingman has what can only be described as a toy, a single-sided, half length file. I could consider it worthless.The Rebar has a full-size wood saw; the Wingman has none.The Wingman, however, has an excellent scissor, the best of the whole line, while the Rebar has no scissor.The Wingman's pliers are spring loaded; not so the Rebar.All the blades, even the small screw-drivers, of the Rebar lock; only the knife and scissor of the Wingman lock. A negative, however, of the Rebar is that the lock-release levers protrude enough to catch if you carry it in your pocket.The Rebar comes with a nylon sheath, while the Wingman has no sheath but does have a good retentive pocket clip. Also the Wingman has a somewhat more rounded shape at the end so it carries better than any of the other full-size multitools in the pocket.Both Rebar and Wingman have a good Phillips screw driver, but the Rebar's is superior.Unlike the Rebar, the Wingman has no awl.At around 22 dollars the Wingman is the best value; the Rebar with sheath is around 37.Which to buy? If you want a multitool small enough to carry in your pocket, one that you will keep in your desk or kitchen junk drawer, if you will mostly use the knife, and find a scissor handy, I'd recommend the Wingman.If, however, you want a more fully competent multitool, that can compare well with the much more expensive Wave and Charge, a tool that includes excellent file, awl, and superior wire cutter, choose the Rebar.What if price is no object? I'd still probably recommend the Rebar. It is noticeably lighter (191 vs 241 g) than the New Wave, and it is 3 mm less in breadth and thickness, which seems little until you hold the two together. The Wave and Charge are simply too big for even occasional pocket use.All of the multitools mentioned in this review are of high quality and will last a long time. Some reviews have said that Leathermans are not made like they used to be, and a review here compares unfavorably the Rebar with the Supertool. (They are similar in design but the Supertool is considerably bigger.) In any case, I have an "old Supertool", made when they still forged "USA" into the pliers, and for the life of me I can see no difference in quality. Certainly the wire cutter of the Rebar is superior. (Incidentally, they are still made in the USA, but a stupid California law keeps them from stamping it on the tool.)So, just buy one, or several, they are all good. I have one in each car, pack, kitchen tool drawer, backpack, etc. I guess you can have too many Lethermen, but I have not gotten there yet!

I have carried a multitool everyday for over three decades, and find enough use for them to wear one out every two or three years. I've bought from all the major manufacturers, and I've paid over $100.00 for some of them. Usually, I dull and re-sharpen the knife blade until it's pretty much gone - but I also wear the files smooth, dull the screwdrivers, even snap off some of the tools. Sometimes the pivots fail, and the tool falls apart. Some manufacturers offer replacement bits and tools, and I have used that service on some of my tools. I recently had a warranty repair because I squeezed the pliers too hard and bent the handles.If you are looking for the maximum number of gadgets, this tool is probably not what you want. If you are looking for maximum quality and maximum value, I think this is it.The design of the Wingman is clever and easy to use. It has the tools I need most, and even a couple I'll never use - the can/bottle opener, and the pocket clip.Speaking as an engineer, I must say that they put a lot of effort into quality and durability. Aside from excellent fit and finish, it looks and feels to me like they carefully selected the metal used for each part, choosing the optimum hardness, toughness, and/or flexibility demanded for the purpose.Each of the tools works well, allowing for the compact size and multiple functions inherent in the multi-tool genre. The screwdrivers and knife blade are thicker and stiffer than usual, and should stand up to heavy use. The scissors work well for tiny little scissors. The file is beautifully made, but is too short to be useful for anything but little jobs. The pliers have a precise fit and smooth action, and are well designed for functionality. The wire cutters, being the pinch-off type, require more force than the bypass shear type, but should stay sharp longer.The folding handles are shorter than those on "full-sized" multi-tools. This, along with the hard-angular metal shape, makes it hard to exert excessive pressure on the pliers. That's probably good for longevity of the tool.Things I would change:The "Package Opener" could be slightly modified to act as a mini hook-knife, without losing functionality in it's original purpose.The file should have metal-cutting teeth along one edge.The handles would benefit from added knurling to make them less slippery, especially with wet or oily hands.Replacement and alternative tools and blades should be readily available for repair or customization of the tool.

Still an amazing tool after all these years. My original Leatherman was "borrowed" from me recently. It was over 20 years old. I needed a replacement. I bought the Leatherman because of the quality of the first one I had. The Gerber is probably just as good, but I stuck with what has served me without an issue for decades. I don't believe the negative reviews reflect all of these products. Maybe just a quirk. Knife is sharp, all the accessories lock like they should. Excellent quality and functionality. Made in the USA the Gerber is made in China