The Leatherman Wave+ is the multi-tool that most people picture when they hear the word “Leatherman.” It packs 18 tools into a stainless-steel body that closes to four inches and slides into a pocket, and every single tool locks open so you can actually bear down on it without it folding on your fingers.
Leatherman builds every tool in Portland, Oregon, and backs it with a 25-year warranty — the kind of guarantee that tells you the company expects you to keep this thing for a lifetime. The Wave+ is the workhorse of the lineup: the one that ends up in toolboxes, glove boxes, tackle boxes, and daypacks.
Real Price & Specs (checked September 2026)
| Spec | Leatherman Wave+ |
|---|---|
| Price | $129.95 list (sheath sold separately) |
| Tools | 18 |
| Weight | 8.5 oz / 241 g |
| Closed length | 4 in / 10.2 cm |
| Blade | 420HC stainless steel, 2.92 in |
| All-locking | Yes (every implement except pliers) |
| Warranty | 25 years |
Prices are from Leatherman’s official store and public listings at the time of writing; specifications are from Leatherman’s published product data.
18 Tools, All of Them Locking
The Wave+’s tool loadout covers nearly every repair you’ll face in a day: needlenose and regular pliers, premium replaceable wire cutters (a key upgrade over the original Wave), an electrical crimper and wire stripper, a plain 420HC knife and a serrated one, a saw, spring-action scissors, two files, three screwdrivers, a can opener, bottle opener, and an 8-inch ruler.
What separates the Wave+ from cheap multi-tools is that everything locks. Every implement (except the plier head) clicks into a locked position, so you can push, pull, and twist without worrying about it folding shut. The four outside-accessible tools — the two blades, saw, and file — open one-handed, which is invaluable when your other hand is holding whatever you’re fixing.
What We Love vs. What Could Be Better
✅ What We Love
- 18 tools covering pliers, cutting, and screwdriving
- Every implement locks for safe, sturdy use
- Replaceable wire cutters extend the tool’s life
- Outside blades open one-handed
- 25-year warranty, made in the USA
❌ What Could Be Better
- 8.5 oz is heavier than a basic pocket knife
- Sheath sold separately at $130
- Bit driver uses proprietary bits
- Not TSA-friendly if you forget it in a bag
Who Should Buy the Leatherman Wave+
Great for: campers, DIYers, anglers, tradespeople, and anyone who wants one dependable tool that lives in a pocket or glove box. It’s the default “first real multi-tool” recommendation for a reason.
Look elsewhere if: you just need a knife (a dedicated folder is lighter), you want the absolute lightest option (look at the Skeletool), or you’ll mostly leave it at home.
Final Verdict
The Leatherman Wave+ is the benchmark multi-tool for good reason. It’s the rare product that nails the balance between capability and portability — enough tools to handle real work, compact enough to actually carry. The all-locking design, replaceable wire cutters, and 25-year warranty make it a buy-once purchase. If you own exactly one multi-tool, this is the one to own.
Scores are our editorial ratings on a 1–10 scale (the reviewer’s own assessment), not merchant-provided or user-generated data. This page may contain affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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