I use tools a lot. Most aren’t worth talking about. But the Leatherman Wingman stays in my pocket every single day. It’s simple. It’s useful. It works.
First Impressions
When I first got the Wingman, I thought: okay, it’s compact. Looks solid. It measures 3.8 inches closed and 6 inches open, weighing around seven ounces, so it stays in your pocket without getting in the way. The body feels sturdy and the edges are rounded enough to avoid cutting into your pocket lining. It has a clip, which is my preferred carry method. When I’m carrying it, I barely notice it.
What I Actually Use It For
The Wingman gets used on the farm, at home, in the pickup, and wherever I need it. A few tools pull most of the weight.
The package opener. This hooked blade cuts open bags of feed, hay bale wrap, and tough packaging without slicing into whatever’s inside. I use it more than anything else on this tool. It’s one of those features that sounds minor until you’re using it three times a day.
The drivers. Flat and Phillips drivers are tucked inside, simple but effective. They handle quick fixes without any drama. They aren’t deep enough for torque-heavy jobs, but for tightening a loose screw on something that needs it right now, they do the job.
The pliers. These are legitimate, full-jaw pliers. Not tiny jewelry pliers. I’ve used them to pull wire, crimp connectors, and grab things I couldn’t reach by hand. After farm life and seasonal projects, they’re still aligned.
The clip. I don’t need a sheath. It rides at the front of my pocket until I need it. This is underrated when it comes to daily carry practicality.
Where It Falls Short
It’s not perfect. I’ve learned where it falls short over time.
The blade is average. The serrated combo blade is functional but sharpening it is more work than it should be. If you need a serious cutting edge, carry a dedicated blade in addition to this tool. The file and ruler are small enough to be nearly useless for anything serious. The Phillips driver is shallow — I’ve ended up using the tip of the file to reach recessed screws, which tells you something.
All of that is manageable. I know where this tool excels and where it doesn’t. That’s exactly why it stays in my pocket.
Where It Fits in Your EDC
The Wingman works best as a Primary EDC multi-tool if you’re in an active environment where you actually use your hands. Farms, job sites, workshops, and field work. If you want a multi-tool for the office or light carry, the Leatherman Squirt is smaller and lighter. If you need outside-accessible blades or more tool variety, the Wave+ is the upgrade — but it costs almost three times as much and is heavier to carry daily.
The Wingman hits the sweet spot: enough capability to handle most real-world tasks, small enough to carry every day, and priced where it doesn’t hurt to put it through hard use. It’s built from 420HC stainless steel and comes with a 25-year warranty. For the price point, that’s hard to argue with.
One thing worth noting: the Wingman has a clip but no outside-accessible blade. If you’re carrying a dedicated folding knife alongside this tool, that’s fine. If you expect the Wingman’s blade to be your primary cutting tool, you’re going to reach for it and be disappointed. Know what job this tool is doing in your kit.
The Verdict
The Leatherman Wingman has been in my pocket long enough to earn a permanent spot there. It’s been through farm work, home projects, travel, and daily carry. It still works. That’s the standard.
It’s not the most impressive multi-tool Leatherman makes. It’s the one I actually carry. Those aren’t the same thing, and the difference matters more than most gear reviews admit.
What multi-tool are you carrying? Drop it in the comments — I’m always curious what other people are running in their kit.