Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool Review
- 18 tools, including a saw, spring-action scissors and a ruler
- Outside-accessible blades and tools that lock open
- Replaceable wire cutters; 420HC and 440C stainless steel
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Eighteen tools, outside-access blades that lock, and wire cutters you can replace instead of retiring the whole tool. Here's what the Wave+ does well and what it asks of your pocket.
Quick verdict
The Leatherman Wave+ is a full-size, 18-in-1 multitool built around outside-accessible, locking blades, spring-action scissors and wire cutters you can replace when they wear. At 8.5 ounces in 420HC and 440C stainless steel, it handles household fixes, DIY jobs, garden chores and camp tasks with one tool. It's heavier than a pocket knife and the sheath is extra, but few tools cover this much ground.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Outside-accessible blades open without unfolding the handles
- Locking tools add security during harder cutting jobs
- Replaceable wire cutters extend the tool's working life
- Spring-action scissors reopen on their own for faster snipping
- Built from 420HC and 440C stainless steel
- Made in Portland, Oregon, with a 25-year warranty
What could be better
- 8.5 ounces is heavy for a pants pocket
- Sheath sold separately
- No pocket clip, so it rides loose in a pocket or in an add-on sheath
- A full-size frame is overkill if you mostly need a blade
Key features, explained
Outside-accessible, locking blades
The Wave+ puts its blades on the outside of the handles, so you can open a knife without first unfolding the pliers. That sounds minor until you're on a ladder or holding a part in your other hand. Leatherman shows a serrated edge cutting rope among the cutting tools, and the tools lock in place when open, which adds security during harder cuts. It's the feature that makes the Wave+ feel like a knife first and a multitool second when you just need to cut something.
Replaceable wire cutters
The headline upgrade is a set of premium replaceable wire cutters. Cutting wire is one of the hardest jobs a multitool does, and on tools with fixed cutters, a chipped or dulled edge means the pliers lose a key function for good. On the Wave+, the cutters can be swapped, so a worn edge doesn't retire the whole tool. Leatherman pitches this as the way to keep using a professional-grade multitool for years, and anyone who regularly snips wire or cable will appreciate it.
Spring-action scissors, saw and ruler
Leatherman frames the Wave+ as a DIY must-have, and the supporting tools back that up. Spring-action scissors reopen on their own, which makes repeated snips on zip ties, tape and packaging faster and easier on the hand. A saw handles small branches, dowels and plastic pipe, and a ruler covers quick measurements. Leatherman also shows the tool pulling upholstery staples and tightening eyeglasses, the kind of small jobs that usually send you hunting for a toolbox.
420HC and 440C stainless build
The Wave+ is built from 420HC and 440C stainless steel. In broad terms, 420HC is tough, corrosion resistant and easy to sharpen, while 440C is harder and holds an edge longer, so the mix lets each part of the tool use the steel that suits its job. Leatherman builds its tools at its factory in Portland, Oregon and backs them with a 25-year warranty. The all-stainless construction also tolerates sweat, rain and garden dirt with little more than a wipe-down.
Size, weight and carry
Closed, the Wave+ measures about 4 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches and weighs 8.5 ounces. Leatherman calls it pocket-sized, and it is, but it's a full-size tool you'll notice in light pants. There's a lanyard ring and no removable pocket clip, and the sheath is sold separately, so belt carriers will want to add one. As with any tool that carries a blade, check local carry rules before taking it to work, school or on a trip.
Leatherman Wave+ specs
| Brand | Leatherman |
|---|---|
| Model | Wave+ (832524) |
| Type | Full-size multitool |
| Tools | 18 |
| Closed size | 4 x 1.5 x 0.8 in |
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
| Steel | 420HC and 440C stainless |
| Blades | Outside-accessible, locking |
| Wire cutters | Replaceable |
| Scissors | Spring-action |
| Carry | Lanyard ring; sheath sold separately |
| Made in | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Prices change often. See the live price: Check Price | |
Who should buy it?
Great for
- Homeowners who want one tool for quick fixes and DIY jobs
- Campers and gardeners who need a saw, blade and scissors together
- Truck, toolbox or belt carry for anyone who reaches for pliers often
Skip it if
- You want a light pocket knife rather than a full-size tool
- You expect a sheath in the box
- You prefer clip carry in a pants pocket
Frequently asked questions
How many tools does the Leatherman Wave+ have?
It's an 18-in-1 multitool. Named tools include a saw, spring-action scissors, a ruler, a serrated blade and replaceable wire cutters, though the product information doesn't break down all 18.
How much does the Leatherman Wave+ weigh?
It weighs 8.5 ounces, with a closed size of about 4 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches. That's full-size multitool territory, noticeably heavier than a pocket knife.
Does the Leatherman Wave+ come with a sheath?
No. The sheath is sold separately, and the Wave+ has no removable pocket clip, so plan on adding a sheath for belt carry.
Can you replace the wire cutters on the Wave+?
Yes. The Wave+ now uses premium replaceable wire cutters, so worn cutters can be swapped instead of retiring the whole tool.
What steel is the Leatherman Wave+ made from?
Leatherman lists 420HC and 440C stainless steel. Stainless resists rust well, but a quick wipe and dry after wet use still keeps the pivots running smoothly.
What warranty does the Leatherman Wave+ have?
Leatherman backs its multi-tools with a 25-year warranty and says they're made at its factory in Portland, Oregon.
Final verdict
The Leatherman Wave+ earns its all-rounder billing: 18 tools, outside-accessible locking blades, spring-action scissors, a saw and replaceable wire cutters, built from 420HC and 440C stainless in Portland, Oregon and backed by a 25-year warranty. At 8.5 ounces with no sheath in the box, it's a commitment to carry. If you reach for pliers and a blade most days, it's one of the most complete tools you can own.
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