Leatherman Wave+ Review

Leatherman makes and sells multi-tools at many incremental steps along a long continuum. At the upper end are multi-tools built of top-notch materials with comprehensive feature sets and a long list of included accessories. The Wave+ falls somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, and it is important to note that although key differences set those other tools apart, they are few. We will discuss the nuances, but just know that the Wave+ can do almost everything a top-end model can, especially if you source some aftermarket accessories.

Performance Comparison

Functions

In some ways, the Wave+ has all the features you would want and more. There are pliers, scissors, wire cutters, two blades, two files, a saw, a can/bottle opener, and a plethora of screwdriver options. They're also lockable, except for the pliers, significantly increasing the safety factor. The wire cutters are replaceable, the blades are good, and the screwdriver set is expandable. Using Leatherman's proprietary bit driver format, one can acquire almost all the desired driver bits. It is worth noting that their system has noticeably “squashed” bits, decidedly not compatible with 1/4 inch standard bits. Leatherman has chosen this format to save some space (and sell more of their proprietary accessories by proxy). By our estimation, the one fixed flat-head screwdriver built into the Wave+ could be eliminated to make room for a full-sized 1/4 inch bit driver. This, plus making the pliers somehow lockable, would make the Wave family of multi-tools pretty much perfect. Alas, no such perfect multi-tool is available, but the Wave+ has most of the features you could want at a pretty affordable price.

An upgraded Wave+ from the previous generation Wave now includes better steel in the main knives (420HC Stainless Steel), full-length straight and serrated blades, and many more bits. Again, our primary functional wish with the Wave+ is that the bit driver should really accommodate standard 1/4 inch bits.

Construction Quality

We've had absolutely no issues with the construction quality of the Wave+. All pivots are tight, and the overall build is stiff enough for all but the most stubborn of rusted tasks. The locks work reliably, and the blades stay out of the way when using the pliers. And vice versa.

The Wave+ is built similarly to Leatherman's higher-end products. All are assembled with threaded fasteners (instead of rivets) and have just the right amount of friction built into the various hinges. While others use better steel in their main blade and titanium for the handle, they are otherwise the same as the Wave+.

Ergonomics

The Wave+ balances size, weight, portability, and ergonomics. Some functions would be better if they were larger, but some would actually decline in functionality with increased size. For instance, we wouldn't want the handle to be any larger when using the knife or saw blades. The pliers could be a little larger, and they are prone to pinching when there is something small between their jaws.

Regarding ergonomics, the smooth external plates of the Wave+ are more comfortable in some conditions than the texture of other multi-tools we tested. The main ergonomic upgrade that could be made would be for Leatherman to make a tool with the functions of the Wave+ and the free-hinging pivots and tools that are held closed with magnets and springs.

Anytime a multi-tool knife blade opens from “inside” the folded pliers handles, the working edge of the blade is in line with the center of said handle. Better ergonomics are available when the knife blades open from outside the closed plier's handles, as on this tool. The blade is both easier to deploy and better in use. The knife is likely to be most users' most used tool, and if they aren't accessible on the “exterior” of the closed tool, then they aren't easily accessible enough. The ones here are doubly useful because they open easily with a single-thumb flick.

Portability

Leatherman ships the Wave+ with a simple nylon belt sheath, but you can also purchase an aftermarket pocket clip or lanyard ring. At around 8 ounces, the Wave+ is a typical weight for a full-sized multi-tool. The external profile of the closed Wave+ is smooth and clean, catching minimally in and out of your pocket or against the contents within.

A growing subset of multi-tools comes with integrated pocket clips. Most of our test team prefers this method of multi-tool carry. That the Wave+ can be configured this way is welcome and appreciated. Those that prefer belt holstering their multi-tool will dig the simple sheath that is included. Carried loose in your pocket, the Wave+ is smooth but heavier than you'd wish. Of course, some are even heavier. The biggest products in our test are double the mass of the Leatherman Wave+.

Should You Buy the Leatherman Wave+?

This is Leatherman's best-selling tool for a reason. It competes with the higher-end models in many ways at a much more palatable price point. Most users won't notice the small functionality and material trade-offs between this multi-tool and higher-end options. But everyone will notice the savings.

What Other Multi-Tools Should You Consider?

If you have money to drop and are a geek about blade steel and top-tier performance, check out the fantastic Leatherman Charge+ TTi or ARC. They're the proverbial Cadillacs of the multi-tool world. The only other full-sized multi-tool that can compete with the Wave+ on pure value is the Leatherman Wingman – it has a few useful features that Wave+ doesn't, like spring-loaded pliers (a seriously underrated feature) and larger and more easily accessible scissors, but it doesn't have the replaceable wire-cutter jaws. If you're looking for a more reasonable size for an everyday carry, you can't go wrong with the more compact Leatherman Skeletool CX (it has a dedicated belt loop clip!).