Just picked one of these bad boys up for a whopping $16 brand new! Couldn't pass up the chance to get my second Leatherman.
My first Leatherman was the Style CS that I bought a couple weeks ago. For a keychain knife its quality surprised me, and it definitely has gotten a lot of use. I got an email from the store I work for saying they were giving me some free rewards points for a couple days, so I jumped and bought the Wingman so I could really get a feel for Leatherman. I now know why people make fun of Gerber MTs! I've had a standard slide-out Gerber (not sure of the model) since I was 12 or so and never really liked it. This Wingman is GREAT though.
The thing that gets me about Leatherman is the little details. The spring assist design for the scissors is genius, as it is on the Style CS. It's minimalistic, but it's flawless. I love how the lock engages it, so it folds away nice and easy. The small designs on the Philips screwdriver make it look nice, and the liner-lock, outside-opening, knife makes this tool something I could use as an EDC - Not to mention the razor-sharp serrations! The package opener is great too, something that I'm sure will get good use as time goes on. The sturdy slipjoint-esque locking mechanism used for the inner tools is another great feature. When you need your screwdriver, you don't have to worry about it folding in if you apply pressure on the wrong spot (as was the case with my Gerber). The pocket clip is also a nice touch. It's easy on the pocket, and removable for those that don't like it.
My only gripes are small ones. I don't have a use for a metal file. This, obviously, is personal. But it doesn't seem like a practical tool for a multi-tool. On top of that, the ruler isn't numbered, nor are the markings clearly defined to show where an "inch" actually starts and ends (If someone isn't aware that the markings are quarter-inches it could be a very useless tool to have). They could have easily made the lines a couple millimeters longer, or labeled it some other way. Next, I'm a lefty, and the knife is extremely awkward to open left-handed. Right handed is a breeze though, so I can't complain too much as I AM a minority
. The last little thing is the way they 'stamped' "Leatherman Wingman" onto the handle. It looks cheap, and a simple laser-etch or engraving would have added some class to it.
In conclusion, this is a great knife, and a great tool. My small gripes could easily be something others look for and/or enjoy. As far as design, fit and finish, and overall usability I'd give the Leatherman Wingman high grades. This is my go-to multi-tool now, and I will also be EDCing it for awhile to break it in and see if it might take away the urge for me to buy more knives
I'd suggest to anyone who's interested in the Wingman to go ahead and give it a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed!
EDIT: Gotta share this find with you guys! Hopefully you'll see it before it's fixed (as I emailed them about it), but take a look at Sears' "Product Description" of the Leatherman Wingman:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM6587980802P
(I did screencap it for anyone who's too late or can't access the site. Will upload if need-be)
My first Leatherman was the Style CS that I bought a couple weeks ago. For a keychain knife its quality surprised me, and it definitely has gotten a lot of use. I got an email from the store I work for saying they were giving me some free rewards points for a couple days, so I jumped and bought the Wingman so I could really get a feel for Leatherman. I now know why people make fun of Gerber MTs! I've had a standard slide-out Gerber (not sure of the model) since I was 12 or so and never really liked it. This Wingman is GREAT though.
The thing that gets me about Leatherman is the little details. The spring assist design for the scissors is genius, as it is on the Style CS. It's minimalistic, but it's flawless. I love how the lock engages it, so it folds away nice and easy. The small designs on the Philips screwdriver make it look nice, and the liner-lock, outside-opening, knife makes this tool something I could use as an EDC - Not to mention the razor-sharp serrations! The package opener is great too, something that I'm sure will get good use as time goes on. The sturdy slipjoint-esque locking mechanism used for the inner tools is another great feature. When you need your screwdriver, you don't have to worry about it folding in if you apply pressure on the wrong spot (as was the case with my Gerber). The pocket clip is also a nice touch. It's easy on the pocket, and removable for those that don't like it.
My only gripes are small ones. I don't have a use for a metal file. This, obviously, is personal. But it doesn't seem like a practical tool for a multi-tool. On top of that, the ruler isn't numbered, nor are the markings clearly defined to show where an "inch" actually starts and ends (If someone isn't aware that the markings are quarter-inches it could be a very useless tool to have). They could have easily made the lines a couple millimeters longer, or labeled it some other way. Next, I'm a lefty, and the knife is extremely awkward to open left-handed. Right handed is a breeze though, so I can't complain too much as I AM a minority
. The last little thing is the way they 'stamped' "Leatherman Wingman" onto the handle. It looks cheap, and a simple laser-etch or engraving would have added some class to it.In conclusion, this is a great knife, and a great tool. My small gripes could easily be something others look for and/or enjoy. As far as design, fit and finish, and overall usability I'd give the Leatherman Wingman high grades. This is my go-to multi-tool now, and I will also be EDCing it for awhile to break it in and see if it might take away the urge for me to buy more knives
I'd suggest to anyone who's interested in the Wingman to go ahead and give it a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed!
EDIT: Gotta share this find with you guys! Hopefully you'll see it before it's fixed (as I emailed them about it), but take a look at Sears' "Product Description" of the Leatherman Wingman:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM6587980802P
(I did screencap it for anyone who's too late or can't access the site. Will upload if need-be)
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