Why the Wave+ specifically
There are dozens of multitools. What made the Wave the default recommendation for so long is one specific feature: the blades open from the outside. On most multitools, you have to unfold the handles to get to the knife - which requires two hands and defeats the purpose half the time. On the Wave+, both the plain blade and the serrated blade fold out from the outside, one-handed, like a regular pocket knife. That small difference makes it the tool you actually reach for rather than the one sitting in a drawer.
18 tools, but the pliers are the point
The Wave+ officially has 18 tools. In practice, you will use three or four regularly: the needle-nose pliers, knife blade, screwdrivers and scissors. The pliers are the main difference from a Swiss Army knife because they grip, bend, pull and crimp. They are not spring-loaded, so you open them manually between squeezes. That is slower for repetitive work, but keeps the mechanism simple.
The 25-year warranty is not marketing
Leatherman backs the Wave+ with a 25-year limited warranty. That support matters, but it is not blanket cover for loss, abuse or every kind of wear. Treat it as protection against defects and failures, not as permission to use the tool as a pry bar.
What it costs and what you get
Around €100. For context: a decent pocket knife alone costs €40-60. A multitool at €25 will have pliers that flex, bits that strip, and blades that need sharpening after six months. The Wave+ is a tool for the rest of your life if you do not lose it, and the Skeletool is a lighter, stripped-down alternative at a lower price if you want something smaller.
Wave+ vs Surge, ARC and Victorinox Swiss Tool X
At 8.5 ounces (241 grams), the Wave+ balances capability and carry weight. The Surge has 21 tools, larger pliers and blades, plus a blade exchanger, but weighs 12.5 ounces (354 grams). It makes more sense in a tool bag or on a belt than loose in a pocket.
The ARC weighs almost the same as the Wave+ and gives you 20 outside-accessible tools, a MagnaCut knife blade and smoother one-handed operation. Its official US price is almost twice that of the Wave+. The better blade steel and access are real upgrades, but they do not make the Wave+ obsolete.
The Victorinox Swiss Tool X is the alternative for buyers who prefer a polished all-steel build and fixed screwdrivers instead of Leatherman’s interchangeable bit system. The Wave+ remains easier to configure around different screw heads and has widely available replacement cutters.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the Surge for heavier plier work, the ARC for premium blade steel and one-handed access, and the Swiss Tool X for traditional fixed tools. For most home repairs, travel and everyday carry, the Wave+ is still the sensible middle option.
For a wider comparison, read our guide to the best BIFL multitools.
