Leatherman Kick multi-tool

It’s a fair assumption to say most hunters are content with a reasonably compact multi-tool that offers the usual main features such as pliers and a knife. That may sound like a basic rule of thumb when selecting a multi, but frankly that’s why certain models are more popular than others.

Also we are now seeing a lot more designs that offer less ancillary features to concentre on the most used ones, to make them more compact. In other words the manufacturers are being customer-driven which in my opinion is a good thing as the choice of multi-tools - though now vast - is to some extent at least becoming self limiting as tools are being manufactured to fit certain criteria.

Basic Butterfly

This may seem a long introduction for a basic tool but that’s exactly what the new look Leatherman Kick is. One of the most basic, butterfly opening multis that offers just enough main functions to appeal to a demographic that wants simple, reliable and no non-essentials.

The Kick is by far Leatherman’s slimmest new multi-tool to date but it still retains the same full strength body with newly designed and engineered plier head as seen on the Fuse and Blast I tested previously.  Measuring only 4” closed it’s 9/16” wide and weighs 5.2oz. That makes it a ‘smidgen’ lighter than the Fuse but in features it loses the scissors.

The new favoured pliers offer needlenose, regular, hard wire cutter, wire cutter and wire strippers. From the handles emerge a 2 ½” clip point knife with thumb nick for ease of opening, large and small flathead screwdrivers plus a lanyard ring. The other handle holds a can/bottle opener with thumbnick and a medium crosshead screwdriver and that’s your lot.

Groovy Man

I’m sure you now realise why I introduced the Kick as I did. However, a major feature that stands out is the inclusion of the Zytel-edged handle inserts. These are grooved for fingers so afford a comfortable and sure hold when opened to use the pliers. However, even when closed for operating another tool or for when using the knife, the flat wide bare steel double handle still offers a good chunk of metal for a sure grip.

As the tools lock out on a friction grip, they can’t close once the handles are doubled back on themselves or slip out of what is a very secure ‘lock out’ anyway. Nice to know though, that the extra security is there.

As it’s a Leatherman the Kick comes with the quality of build you’d expect and a 25-yr guarantee, a leather pouch is included in the price making this a bargain basic as well.

For: Good no nonsense, compact multi

Against: Might be too basic for some

Verdict: You can be assured of build quality and longevity

PRICE:
£44.95 incl leather belt pouch