Leatherman Wave Vs. Wave Plus: A Hands-On Comparison

As a longtime fan of multi-tools, I’ve carried both the Leatherman Wave and the Wave Plus through countless adventures and daily tasks.

In this article, I’ll break down their similarities and differences to help you figure out if the upgrade makes sense for your needs, drawing from my own experiences using them in real situations.

Key Differences Between The Wave And Wave Plus

When I compare these two side by side, the updates in the Plus aren’t revolutionary, but they do make a noticeable impact in longevity and versatility. Here’s a rundown of the main distinctions, based on my hands-on use.

• Wire Cutters: The original Wave has fixed cutters that work fine at first but dull over time, especially if you’re snipping hard wires often. I once wore mine out after a year of heavy use on fencing projects. The Wave Plus swaps them for replaceable premium cutters—both regular and hard-wire versions. This means you can pop in new ones for about ten bucks instead of retiring the whole tool. It’s a game-changer for frequent users like electricians or mechanics.
• Screwdriver Configurations: On the Wave, you get four dedicated flat drivers in varying sizes plus a Phillips. It’s straightforward, but limited if you need specialty bits. The Wave Plus introduces bit drivers—a large one and a small one—along with a medium screwdriver. It comes with bits like an eyeglass screwdriver and a dual Phillips/flat. I’ve swapped in my own bits for Torx or hex heads, making it far more adaptable for modern gadgets.
• Locking Systems: The Wave locks its main blades and tools with liner locks, but secondary implements like the file or saw don’t lock securely. That led to a few slips for me during precise work. The Plus locks everything, using levers on the handles. It adds safety, though the levers can feel a tad spongy at first, altering the grip slightly.
• Scissors Size and Performance: The original’s scissors are larger and cut through thicker materials like fabric or cord with ease—I used them for trimming bandages on a first-aid kit. The Plus has smaller ones, which are still sharp but better for finer tasks like thread or paper. If you do a lot of heavy cutting, you might miss the old size.
• Build Quality and Sturdiness: Weighing in at 8 ounces, the Wave has a bit of flex in the handles and plier head, which isn’t a deal-breaker but noticeable under pressure. The Plus, at 8.5 ounces, feels more rigid with a wedge design at the plier base. In my tests, it handled twisting forces better, like when prying open stuck lids.
• Ruler and File Integration: Minor tweaks here—the Wave’s ruler is a smidge longer at 20 cm versus 19 cm on the Plus. Files are similar, but the Plus combines wood/metal functionality more seamlessly. Not huge, but worth noting for precision work.

These changes make the Plus feel like an evolution rather than a replacement. If your Wave is still going strong, the upgrade might not be urgent, but for new buyers, the Plus edges ahead.

Key Features of The Leatherman Wave

The Wave set the standard for what a multi-tool should be, and many of its features still hold up today. I’ve relied on it for over a decade in various scenarios, from home repairs to outdoor escapades.

• Pliers and Cutters: The needlenose and regular pliers are robust, with a smooth action that doesn’t bind even after years of use. The fixed wire cutters handle soft wires well, though they wear down eventually—I found them perfect for light electrical tasks like stripping insulation or crimping small connectors in my home wiring projects. The electrical crimper is a nice touch for quick, secure joins without needing a separate tool.
• Blades: A straight 420HC knife for clean cuts and a serrated one for tougher materials like rope or cardboard. Both open one-handed, which saved me time when filleting fish on a boat or slicing through packaging during moves. The steel holds an edge reasonably well, and I’ve sharpened them multiple times without losing much material.
• Saw and Scissors: The saw chews through wood branches efficiently, making it ideal for campsite prep or emergency repairs—I once used it to clear a fallen limb blocking a trail. The large spring-action scissors are great for everyday snips, handling everything from paper to thick fabric with precision and minimal effort.
• Files and Openers: Separate files for wood/metal and diamond-coated for sharpening hooks or blades. The can and bottle openers are no-nonsense, popping tops without slippage, and the wire stripper is precise for gauged wires, which I appreciated during audio installations.
• Drivers and Ruler: Multiple fixed drivers cover basic screws, from tiny eyeglass ones to larger flats, and the ruler helps with measurements on the fly—I’ve used it for everything from marking cuts to checking clearances in tight spaces.
• Overall Design: Outside-accessible tools mean no unfolding the whole thing for a quick blade, which is a lifesaver in low-light or one-handed scenarios. It’s compact for EDC without feeling flimsy, and the lanyard ring keeps it tethered during climbs or water activities.

In practice, the Wave shines in balanced utility. I carried mine daily for work, and it never let me down until the cutters dulled.

Pros of The Leatherman Wave

I’ve got a soft spot for the original—it’s reliable and often cheaper on the used market. Here’s what stands out positively.

• Affordability: Easier on the wallet, especially second-hand. I snagged mine for half the price of a new Plus, and it performed admirably for years, making it a great entry point for budget-conscious buyers who want quality without premium pricing.
• Lighter Weight: At 8 ounces, it’s less noticeable in your pocket during long days, whether hiking or commuting—I barely felt it during a full-day festival, unlike heavier tools that drag you down.
• Larger Scissors: Better for bulkier cuts, like packaging, cloth, or even light gardening; their size gives more leverage, which I found superior for tasks like customizing clothing patches or emergency medical snips.
• Simple Driver Setup: No bits to lose; everything’s built-in and always ready, which simplifies things for minimalists—I never worried about misplacing accessories during travel.
• Proven Durability: Many users, including me, have had theirs for years without major issues beyond cutter wear; the 420HC steel resists corrosion, and the overall construction holds up to drops and abuse, as evidenced by mine surviving a toolbox tumble unscathed.

It’s a solid choice if you want classic performance without extras.

Cons of The Leatherman Wave

No tool is perfect, and the Wave shows its age in a few areas based on my use.

• Non-Replaceable Cutters: Once dull, the whole tool suffers. Mine became frustrating for wire work.
• Limited Drivers: Fixed sizes mean you might need extra tools for odd screws.
• Partial Locking: Secondary tools can shift, risking slips.
• Slight Flex: Under torque, it bends a touch, though rarely breaks.
• Harder to Find New: Mostly discontinued, so quality varies if buying used.

These aren’t deal-breakers, but they pushed me toward the Plus eventually.

Key Features of The Leatherman Wave Plus

Building on the Wave’s strengths, the Plus adds polish that makes it my go-to now. It’s like Leatherman listened to user feedback and iterated smartly.

• Enhanced Cutters: Those replaceable ones are the star—premium alloy that stays sharp longer and cuts cleaner. I’ve snipped through chain link and hardened steel wires without issue, and swapping them is easy with just a screwdriver, extending the tool’s life dramatically for heavy users.
• Bit Driver System: The large and small drivers accept standard 1/4-inch bits, expanding options infinitely. With included extras like the eyeglass screwdriver and Phillips/flat combo, it’s ready for eyewear repairs, electronics tinkering, or even furniture assembly—I customized mine with a set of security bits for opening game consoles.
• Full Locking: Every tool secures firmly with handle levers, reducing accidents during forceful applications. The levers are intuitive after a bit of practice, and I’ve found the added lock on secondary tools like the saw invaluable for controlled cuts in awkward positions.
• Updated Scissors and Saw: Smaller spring-action scissors for detail work, such as trimming threads or labels, while the saw remains effective for light woodworking or plastic—I used it to modify gear straps on a backpack without splintering.
• Files and Accessories: Dual files cover rough and fine surfaces efficiently, and the ruler is handy for quick metrics. The lanyard ring attaches securely, and the wire stripper handles multiple gauges smoothly.
• Ergonomic Tweaks: Stiffer build for heavy-duty tasks, yet still pocketable with rounded edges to avoid snags. The pliers have a more pronounced grip texture, which helps in wet conditions like rainy outdoor fixes.

From my perspective, the Plus feels more future-proof, especially with customizable bits.

Also Read: Comparison of Fluke 101 And Klein MM400.

Pros of The Leatherman Wave Plus

The Plus refines the formula, making it worth the splurge in my book.

• Replaceable Cutters: Extends tool life indefinitely—I’ve replaced mine once and it’s like new, saving money long-term and keeping performance consistent for tradespeople.
• Versatile Bits: Customizable for any job, from bikes to computers; the included bits cover niches, and adding your own expands it further—I tackled a home theater setup seamlessly.
• Full Tool Locking: Safer for intense use; no worries about collapses during prying or cutting, which gave me confidence in hazardous environments like construction sites.
• Sturdier Construction: Handles abuse better, ideal for pros; the rigid frame withstands higher forces, as I discovered when using it as an impromptu hammer in a pinch.
• Current Availability: Easy to buy with warranty, plus accessories like sheaths; Leatherman’s support is responsive, ensuring quick fixes if needed.

It’s become my everyday carry for its reliability.

Cons of The Leatherman Wave Plus

Even the upgraded model has drawbacks, though minor.

• Slightly Heavier: Half an ounce more might matter for ultralight packs or extended carry—I noticed it more on multi-day treks where every gram counts.
• Smaller Scissors: Not as robust for thick materials, requiring more effort for bulk cuts; this was a step back for me in scenarios like fabric work.
• Higher Cost: Premium price for the updates, which might not justify for light users—I paid more upfront, though it amortized over time.
• Protruding Blades: When closed, they stick out a bit, potentially snagging pockets or gear; I’ve caught mine on seatbelts a few times.
• Spongy Levers: Locking mechanism feels less crisp at times, though it doesn’t affect function; it took me a week to adjust fully.

Still, these are nitpicks compared to the benefits.

How They Perform On The Job?

Let me share some stories from my experiences to illustrate how these tools stack up.

During a home renovation, I used the Wave to strip wires and crimp connectors.

It handled the basics fine, but when the cutters dulled on copper, I had to switch to dedicated snips.

With the Plus, I clipped through the same wires effortlessly, and the bit driver let me tackle various screw types without pausing.

On a hiking trip, the Wave’s saw cut branches for a shelter, and its larger scissors trimmed moleskin for blisters. The Plus did similar, but its locking saw felt more secure on uneven terrain. For EDC, both slip into jeans pockets, but the Plus’s rigidity shines when prying—say, opening paint cans without flexing.

In automotive work, the Wave’s fixed drivers matched most bolts, but for specialized ones, I needed extras. The Plus’s bits adapted seamlessly. If you’re a DIYer, the Wave suffices; for professionals, the Plus saves time.

Also Read: Top Versa Gripps Competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Wrapping It Up

I’ve shared my journey with both the Leatherman Wave and Wave Plus, highlighting how they’ve tackled real challenges in my life. You might find the original’s simplicity appealing, or prefer the Plus’s modern tweaks for tougher demands.

Whichever you choose, you’ll have a reliable companion that empowers you to handle whatever comes your way. Think about your daily needs—if wires and bits are key, go Plus; otherwise, the Wave still rocks.