Leatherman Rev Multi-Tool Review

Overview

The Leatherman Rev sits at the entry-level end of Leatherman’s lineup, sharing a frame and price point with the Wingman and Sidekick. It swaps out the Wingman’s spring-loaded scissors for a package opener and a combined file/ruler, and pairs that with a lockable 420HC blade you can open from the outside without unfolding the whole tool. It’s aimed at everyday carry, car repairs, and campsite chores rather than dedicated backpacking — and that distinction matters for this audience.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Weight	168 g (5.9 oz)
Closed length	3.8 in / 9.7 cm
Blade length	2.6 in / 6.6 cm
Blade material	420HC Stainless Steel
Number of tools	14
Blade lock	Yes
Pocket clip	Replaceable
Sheath	Sold separately
Warranty	25 years
Made in	Portland, Oregon, USA

Performance

The tool set here is straightforward: needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, knife, package opener, wood/metal file, can and bottle openers, ruler, and Phillips screwdrivers. Leatherman rounds that out to 14 by counting both flathead sizes and the Phillips head separately, plus a 5mm screwdriver, 3mm screwdriver, 2mm screwdriver, and Phillips screwdriver alongside the pliers and file.

The pliers are the heart of any Leatherman, and the Rev’s are a known quantity — the multitool wiki community notes it has a decent plier head that is like the one of the Leatherman Leap, which is a reasonable pedigree for a budget tool. One BladeForums user who runs a full-size Wave alongside a borrowed Rev summed it up plainly: “i use a wave and the only difference is less tools otherwise pliers seem as strong.” That’s the best-case scenario for a tool at this price — you’re not getting a lesser plier mechanism, just fewer implements around it.

The outside-accessible blade is the Rev’s headline feature, and it’s the one Leatherman’s own review summary leans on hardest: customers appreciate its sharp, easily accessible blade, handy package opener, and lightweight design. In practice this means you can flick the blade open one-handed for quick cuts without unfolding the pliers first — genuinely useful for breaking down boxes or trimming cordage on the trail without digging through every tool to get there. One BladeForums user did flag a quirk on their Rev’s knife, noting “the thumb hole moved to the front of the tip so its a tad ackward for one hand opening” — worth checking on your unit if one-hand deployment matters to you.

Fit and finish get generally good marks. Leatherman’s aggregated review data (310+ reviews) puts it at a 4.6 out of 5 from 310 reviews, praised for its perfect size, high-quality craftsmanship, and ease of use. That said, no product review sample is unanimous — one critical eBay buyer complained the tool they received felt “really heavy,” “not spring loaded,” and reported the “tools don’t lock good”. That’s an outlier compared to the bulk of feedback, but it’s a reminder that QC hiccups happen even with a 25-year warranty behind the product.

For backpacking specifically, the honest take is that the Rev isn’t built with grams in mind. At 168 g it’s heavier than dedicated UL knife options and even heavier than Leatherman’s own Skeletool CX (around 142 g), which drops redundant tools in favor of a more open frame. The wood/metal file and ruler are genuinely useful around a house or job site but are dead weight on a thru-hike. The pocket clip is a nice touch for quick access, but it also adds bulk you won’t find on a simple fixed-blade UL knife.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Outside-accessible, lockable 420HC blade — no need to unfold the whole tool for a quick cut
• Solid, Leap-caliber plier mechanism despite the budget price point
• 25-year warranty and USA manufacturing back up the build quality
• Replaceable pocket clip makes it easy to carry without a separate sheath
• Package opener and file are genuinely handy for everyday tasks and car repairs

Cons

• At 168 g, it’s heavy for anyone counting grams on a long trail
• No scissors (that’s the Wingman) — you get a file/ruler combo instead, which is less universally useful in the backcountry
• Sheath sold separately, adding to the real-world cost if you want one
• Some reports of inconsistent locking feel and finish on individual units
• Screwdriver set skews toward household/mechanical tasks rather than backpacking repairs

Who Should Buy This

The Rev makes the most sense as a glovebox, toolbox, or everyday-carry multitool for someone who wants Leatherman reliability without paying Wave or Skeletool prices. If your “backpacking” is really car camping — where a few extra ounces don’t matter and having a real file, can opener, and full screwdriver set is a plus — it’s a solid, warrantied option. If you’re chasing base weight for a multi-day thru-hike, though, this isn’t the tool; look at something in the 2–3 oz range instead, or a simple fixed-blade knife plus a dedicated small pliers/repair kit.

Verdict

The Leatherman Rev delivers real Leatherman build quality and a genuinely handy outside-access blade at a budget price, backed by a 25-year warranty. It’s a good value pick for everyday carry and car-based trips, but its 5.9 oz weight puts it firmly outside ultralight backpacking territory. I’d rate it a 7/10 as an EDC/car tool and a 4/10 if you’re weighing it specifically for a thru-hike pack list.