Leatherman Curl vs Sidekick
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 15 of 29 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Sidekick weighs 198 g (7.0 oz) and the Curl 213 g (7.5 oz), so the Sidekick is 14 g lighter, 7% less. By the manufacturers' own counts, the Curl carries 15 tools and the Sidekick 14. Blade length is 73.7 mm (2.90 in) against 66 mm (2.60 in).
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Sidekick weighs 198 g (7.0 oz) and the Curl 213 g (7.5 oz), so the Sidekick is 14 g lighter, 7% less. Folded, the Curl is 101.6 mm (4.00 in) long and the Sidekick 96.5 mm (3.80 in). The Sidekick is the slimmer in the pocket: 14.2 mm thick against 15.2 mm for the Curl.
Sources: Curl: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Curl: eu.leatherman.com (checked 2026-08-31), Sidekick: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts, the Curl carries 15 tools and the Sidekick 14. Only the Curl has hard-wire cutters, bit driver, scissors, diamond-coated file and awl. Only the Sidekick has serrated knife and saw.
Sources: Curl: eu.leatherman.com (checked 2026-08-31), Curl: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Sidekick: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
Blade length is 73.7 mm (2.90 in) against 66 mm (2.60 in). The blade locks open on the Sidekick and not on the Curl.
Sources: Curl: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Curl: eu.leatherman.com (checked 2026-08-31), Sidekick: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Sidekick is $20 cheaper: $69.95 against $89.95 for the Curl. Per counted tool that is $6.00 for the Curl and $5.00 for the Sidekick.
Sources: Curl: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Curl: eu.leatherman.com (checked 2026-08-31), Sidekick: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, wire stripper, plain-edge knife, can opener, bottle opener, ruler, wood/metal file, flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Leatherman Curl
5 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Compact size and thin profile 2
- ✓ Versatility and modding capability 2
Leatherman Sidekick
10 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Compact and lightweight design 2
- ✓ High overall satisfaction 2
Questions
Which is better, the Curl or the Sidekick?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Curl if you need a tool only it carries (hard-wire cutters, bit driver, scissors, diamond-coated file and 1 more) or you want the longer blade (8 mm longer). Choose the Sidekick if price matters (it is $20 cheaper at list price), you need a tool only it carries (saw) or you want a serrated blade.
Which is lighter, the Curl or the Sidekick?
The Sidekick, at 198 g against 213 g for the Curl, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Curl worth it?
The Curl lists at $89.95, $6.00 per counted tool. Among 5 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Compact size and thin profile" (2 of 5).
Is the Sidekick worth it?
The Sidekick lists at $69.95, $5.00 per counted tool. Among 10 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Compact and lightweight design" (2 of 10).