Best Multi-Tools · #1
Wave+
Leatherman
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The multi-tool everything else is measured against. Eighteen tools, four outside-accessible blades you can open one-handed, and all-locking implements in a 8.5-ounce stainless package backed by a 25-year warranty.
Pros
- One-handed, outside-accessible knife blades
- All tools lock securely for safe operation
- Comprehensive 18-tool selection for diverse tasks
- Excellent build quality with robust stainless steel
- Backed by a reassuring 25-year warranty
Cons
- A bit heavy for ultralight carry
- Included bit driver limited to standard bits
- No pocket clip included (sold separately)
Best uses
- Everyday Carry
- Camping and Hiking
- Home Repair
- Vehicle Toolkit
- Professional Trades
Specifications
- Weight
- 8.5 oz (241 g)
- Closed Length
- 4 in (10 cm)
- Materials
- 420HC Stainless Steel, 154CM Stainless Steel
- Tools Included
- 18
- Warranty
- 25-year limited
- Blade Access
- One-handed, outside-accessible
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Everyday Carry, Camping and Hiking, Home Repair, Vehicle Toolkit, Professional Trades
Where to buy the Wave+
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Leatherman Wave+ isn't just a multi-tool; it's a benchmark. For decades, the Wave, and now the Wave+, has defined what a serious multi-tool can and should be. This isn't a keychain gimmick or a flimsy backup; it's a robust, well-engineered piece of kit designed for serious work and reliable performance. It embodies the core philosophy of Leatherman: practical utility in a compact, durable package. From the construction site to the campsite, the Wave+ provides a comprehensive array of tools that consistently perform under pressure, making it the go-to choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Its thoughtful design prioritizes accessibility and functionality, ensuring that the right tool is always at hand when you need it most, without unnecessary bulk or complexity. What sets the Wave+ apart is its unparalleled balance of features, ergonomics, and build quality. It boasts 18 tools, carefully selected to cover a wide spectrum of common tasks, from cutting and sawing to tightening and crimping. The inclusion of four outside-accessible blades, a key differentiator, allows for quick, one-handed deployment without having to open the entire tool. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference in real-world scenarios where time and convenience matter. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and backed by a 25-year warranty, its durability is legendary, standing up to years of hard use and abuse. While not the lightest tool on the market, its 8.5-ounce weight feels substantial and reassuring, a testament to its robust construction rather than an impediment to carry.
Construction and Materials
The Wave+ is built to last, plain and simple. Its primary construction is from high-quality 420HC stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening. The primary knife blade, however, is upgraded to 154CM stainless steel, offering superior edge retention and durability, a detail that speaks to Leatherman's commitment to performance where it counts. All tools lock securely into place, providing a solid, stable platform for tasks ranging from delicate adjustments to more strenuous cutting or prying. The fit and finish are exceptional, with smooth articulation and precise tolerances that inspire confidence. This isn't a tool that will rattle apart; it feels like a single, cohesive unit designed for years of abuse.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Wave+ consistently delivers. The pliers are robust, with a strong grip and replaceable wire cutters that handle everything from fine wires to tougher gauges. The knife blades, both plain and serrated, come sharp and hold an edge well for daily tasks. The saw cuts surprisingly effectively for its size, and the spring-action scissors are a constant utility for anything from cordage to paper. While the bit driver is excellent for common fasteners, specialized bits may require an adapter or a separate kit. The outside-accessible tools are a game-changer, allowing for quick deployment of the most frequently used implements without fumbling.
Weight and Carry
At 8.5 ounces, the Wave+ has a noticeable presence in a pocket or on a belt. It's not a lightweight tool for ultralight backpackers, but its heft contributes to its feeling of capability and durability. For daily carry, many prefer a belt sheath, which keeps it secure and easily accessible. Without a sheath, it can ride comfortably in a pant pocket, though its mass is certainly felt. The integrated lanyard hole is a practical touch for securing it against loss, particularly when working over water or at height. This is a tool you carry because you know you'll use it, not because you're trying to shave grams.
Durability and Warranty
Leatherman's 25-year warranty isn't just marketing; it's a testament to their confidence in their product. Tales of well-used, even abused, Leatherman tools being repaired or replaced without question are common, reinforcing their reputation for standing behind their gear. The Wave+'s robust stainless steel construction resists corrosion well, and its all-locking tools prevent accidental closure during use, a common point of failure in lesser multi-tools. This is an investment that's designed to last for decades of regular, hard use, making its initial cost a long-term value proposition.
Alternatives Considered
At its price point, the Wave+ stands out for its balanced feature set. Competitors like the Victorinox SwissTool offer similar quality but often lack the one-handed outside blade access that defines the Wave+. Some Gerber models might offer slightly different tool combinations, but often with less refined ergonomics or a more cumbersome deployment. The Leatherman Charge series offers premium materials and a few extra tools, but at a significantly higher cost that isn't always justified for most users. For the money, the Wave+ provides the most well-rounded and user-friendly experience without unnecessary frills or compromises on core functionality.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best multi-tools that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Edge geometry and steel
- Grind, stock thickness, and how the steel behaves between sharpenings in real camp tasks.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Wave+ — frequently asked questions
- Is the Wave+ worth it?
- We rank it #1 in Best Multi-Tools. The multi-tool everything else is measured against. 5-ounce stainless package backed by a 25-year warranty.
- What is the Wave+ best for?
- Best for everyday carry, camping and hiking, home repair and vehicle toolkit. Standouts: one-handed, outside-accessible knife blades and all tools lock securely for safe operation.
- What are the downsides of the Wave+?
- A bit heavy for ultralight carry, Included bit driver limited to standard bits and No pocket clip included (sold separately).
- What are the key specs of the Wave+?
- Weight: 8.5 oz (241 g) · Closed Length: 4 in (10 cm) · Materials: 420HC Stainless Steel, 154CM Stainless Steel · Tools Included: 18 · Warranty: 25-year limited
- Construction and Materials — what should I know about the Wave+?
- The Wave+ is built to last, plain and simple. Its primary construction is from high-quality 420HC stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening.
- Real-World Performance — what should I know about the Wave+?
- In the field, the Wave+ consistently delivers. The pliers are robust, with a strong grip and replaceable wire cutters that handle everything from fine wires to tougher gauges.
Compare side by side
Put the Wave+ against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.