Leatherman Multi-Tools: From the Discontinued Squirt to Full-Size Favorites

Introduction

There has been some unwelcome news for fans of pocket-size multi-tools: the Leatherman Squirt has reportedly been discontinued and is no longer available to buy new. What makes this sting a little more is that, so far, Leatherman does not appear to have a direct replacement waiting in the wings. If you already own one or two of these tiny tools, you are holding onto something with a growing collector appeal.

The good news is that Leatherman’s wider lineup still covers a lot of ground, from slightly larger keychain-adjacent options up to serious full-size workhorses. In this guide, we walk through the Squirt in both of its main versions, the Juice as a natural alternative, and the larger models including the Super Tool 300, Surge, Wingman, Sidekick, and Wave Plus.

The Leatherman Squirt: A Tiny Tool Worth Hunting For

The Squirt came in two main versions. The Squirt S4 puts scissors front and center, while the Squirt PS4 leads with pliers but still includes a pair of small scissors. What made both so beloved is the form factor: the shape, the operation, and the sheer simplicity are wonderful. Sometimes known as fifth-pocket tools, they are sized for the little watch pocket in a pair of jeans, and when folded up they are genuinely tiny, roughly the size of a finger.

That kind of quality in such a small package is rare, which is exactly why the discontinuation stings. On the secondhand market, the picture is already shifting. Specialized and collectible versions have been listed for around $135, while well-used examples can still be found cheap. The expectation, though, is that once word spreads about the discontinuation, prices will climb and availability will shrink. Pawn shops and various resale sites are worth watching if you want to secure one before the market tightens.

If scissors are the tool you actually reach for, the Squirt S4 is the version to seek out. It offers the same tiny folded footprint and simple one-hand-friendly operation, just with scissors as the primary function rather than pliers.

Leatherman Juice: The Middle-Ground Option

If you miss out on a Squirt, the Juice line is the natural alternative. It is a little bit larger, and there are a few different versions to choose from. It sits in an interesting spot in the lineup: noticeably smaller than a full-size multi-tool but not Squirt-small either. For some buyers, it raises an honest question of whether to just jump all the way up to a full-size tool instead.

Still, as a step up from a keychain tool that keeps more capability in the pocket, the Juice makes a lot of sense, particularly for anyone who found the Squirt slightly too minimal for everyday tasks.

Budget-Friendly Favorites: Wingman and Sidekick

Leatherman also makes a couple of models that are simply outstanding inexpensive options: the Wingman and the Sidekick. At roughly $60 to $70, they deliver a lot of tool for the money and are great choices for a glovebox, a workshop drawer, or a first serious multi-tool.

One design detail worth noting is the spring-loaded operation. The initial reaction from some users is uncertainty about the springs, but with more use the consensus flips: they genuinely grow on you and make repeated one-handed use more comfortable.

The Sidekick shares that same budget-friendly value and spring-loaded operation, making both of these easy recommendations for anyone who does not want to spend full-size money.

Full-Size Workhorses: Super Tool 300 and Surge

At the top of the size range sit the Super Tool 300 and the Surge. These are really large tools, built for people who want maximum capability rather than minimum carry weight. Between the two, the Surge has the more comfortable handle, a preference worth considering if you plan on gripping your multi-tool hard and often.

Both are bigger than anything else discussed here, so they are best treated as belt-carry or tool-kit companions rather than pocket tools.

The Classic All-Rounder: Wave Plus

The Wave Plus is the updated version of the classic Wave, and it remains an outstanding multi-tool by just about any measure. It balances a serious toolset with a carry-friendly size, which is why it has stayed such a favorite for so long.

Overall Buying Advice

Choosing between these comes down to how you carry and how you work. If your priority is a nearly invisible everyday carry tool, the discontinued Squirt PS4 or S4 is worth hunting down on resale sites and in pawn shops before prices rise. If you want something a touch more capable without going full-size, the Juice fills that gap. For budget-conscious buyers, the Wingman and Sidekick at around $60 to $70 offer spring-loaded convenience and plenty of function. And if you want maximum tool in one package, the Surge, Super Tool 300, or Wave Plus are the full-size options to compare.

One practical note: since the Squirt is no longer sold new, treat listings carefully. Condition and specialization vary widely on the secondhand market, and the pricing spread from beat-up bargains to collector-grade examples is significant.

Conclusion

The reported discontinuation of the Leatherman Squirt is a genuine loss for anyone who values serious quality in a finger-sized package, and the lack of an announced replacement only adds to the concern. In the meantime, the Squirt PS4 and S4 remain worth tracking down secondhand, the Juice makes a solid mid-step alternative, and the Wingman, Sidekick, Wave Plus, Super Tool 300, and Surge cover every size and budget above it. Whatever your carry style, Leatherman’s lineup still has a tool that fits the pocket and the task.