Why it works as a gift
A good multi-tool is a gift people use for years but rarely buy for themselves, because a drawer of loose screwdrivers technically does the job. The Wave+ earns its place by putting the tools someone reaches for most into one body: needlenose and regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, spring-action scissors, a saw, two knives, two files, a ruler, can and bottle openers, and bit drivers. Leatherman says every tool except the plier head locks into place, and the blades open with one hand from the outside without unfolding the handles.
It is built to be kept. Leatherman makes it at its factory in Portland, Oregon, from stainless steel, and backs it with a 25-year warranty. The wire cutters are replaceable, so worn cutters do not retire the whole tool. Closed, it is 4 inches long and weighs 8.5 ounces, small enough for a pocket or a glove box.
Against a cheaper multi-tool at a fraction of the budget, the difference is the locking tools, the replaceable cutters and the warranty. Against a single good pocketknife, it trades slimness for range: it is the better gift for someone who fixes things, the worse one for someone who only opens boxes. Leatherman sells the sheath separately, which is worth knowing before you wrap it.
The facts
- Tools
- 18, including needlenose and regular pliers, replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters, electrical crimper, wire stripper, plain and serrated 420HC knives, saw, spring-action scissors, 8 in ruler, can and bottle openers, wood/metal and diamond-coated files, bit drivers and a medium screwdriver
- Size and weight
- 4 in closed, 6.25 in open; 8.5 oz
- Blade
- About 2.9 in primary blade in 420HC stainless steel
- Locking and opening
- Every tool except the plier head locks; blades open with one hand from outside the handles
- Made in
- Portland, Oregon, USA
- Warranty
- 25 years
- In the box
- Sheath sold separately
- Sold by (this listing)
- Leatherman Tool Group
