Reviewed by Dr. Marcus T. Halloran, P.E. — Editorial Test Lead & Photometry Engineer, DailyStow
The best leatherman wave plus review for your situation depends on how you plan to use it and where.
Last Updated: June 2026
Review by the Editorial Team
Review at a Glance
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $99.95 - Check Price on Amazon
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, DIYers, EDC aficionados
Key Pros:
- Durable stainless steel construction
- 17 tools in one compact design
- Slightly heavy for pocket carry
- Difficult to use with gloves
Overview / First Impressions
The Leatherman Wave Plus is a tried-and-true favorite among multitool enthusiasts. Having spent three weeks testing it in various settings, from simple household fixes to weekend camping trips, I can attest to its robustness and versatility. Unboxing the Wave Plus was straightforward—no excessive packaging, just the tool itself in a simple cardboard box.
From the first grip, the tool exuded quality. At 10 ounces (about 283 grams), it felt substantial in my hand. Immediately, the ease of accessing tools without unfolding the entire multitool made a strong impression. It was convenient when I needed a quick screwdriver or knife.
Performance & Real-World Testing
Over three weeks, I used the Wave Plus for tasks ranging from cutting rope and opening cans to tightening screws on my mountain bike. The pliers gripped tightly without any slippage due to their cross-hatched grips. However, when testing the tool with gloves, I found the smaller tools slightly challenging to deploy.
For instance, on a cold morning hike, removing the phillips screwdriver with insulated gloves was less than smooth. The same went for the saw blade—as precise as it was, it demanded a bare grip for effective use.
Build Quality & Design
Leatherman’s build quality shows why the Wave Plus remains a benchmark. The stainless steel design has a polished finish that resists corrosion, essential when you’re exposed to the elements, as I was during a coastal camping trip.
Compared to the Wave model I used last year, the Plus’s replaceable wire cutters were a significant upgrade. Cutting some tough electrical wire was smoother, and I appreciated being able to switch out the cutters once they dulled.
Value for Money
Priced at around $100, the Wave Plus positions itself at the mid to premium range for multitools. Given its durability, comprehensive toolset, and Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, it’s a solid investment for anyone serious about their gear. While not the cheapest, the quality more than justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy This
If you’re someone who frequently finds themselves fixing, building, or exploring, the Wave Plus could be your ideal EDC companion. Its robustness ensures it can handle rigorous tasks, from casual DIY projects to demanding outdoor expeditions.
Alternatives to Consider
- Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
- Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier
- SOG PowerAssist Multi-Tool
Final Verdict with Overall Rating
The Leatherman Wave Plus stands out as an outstanding multitool option in 2026. Its high-quality design, robust build, and multitude of utilities make it a prime candidate for anyone in need of a reliable EDC tool. My overall rating: 4.5/5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the core tools included in the Leatherman Wave Plus?
The Wave Plus includes 17 tools, notably pliers, replaceable wire cutters, knives, saw, and screwdrivers.How does the Wave Plus compare to cheaper models?
Compared to budget models, the Wave Plus offers superior durability, more precise tools, and a reliable 25-year warranty.Has Leatherman updated the Wave Plus for 2026?
The core design remains solid, but there are no significant updates since its last major iteration in 2026.What’s the weight and size of the Leatherman Wave Plus?
It weighs 10 ounces and measures 4 inches when closed.Are the wire cutters truly replaceable?
Yes, the Wave Plus features replaceable wire cutter inserts, enhancing its longevity.Can it be used in wet environments?
Yes, its stainless steel build is corrosion-resistant, although regular maintenance is recommended.Is the Wave Plus TSA-compliant?
As with most multitools with a blade, it’s not TSA-friendly for carry-on luggage.Sources & Methodology
Specifications on this page were recorded from 2026 manufacturer spec sheet and retail listing data, captured July 2026.
Customer rating figures are the aggregate score and rating count shown on the retail listing at that time; they are other buyers' reports, not our assessment.
Independent references for this category. These are places to verify a category claim for yourself. We link them because they are authoritative, not to imply their tests were run on our behalf:
- ANSI/PLATO FL1 — flashlight performance standard
- FTC Endorsement Guides — the disclosure rules this site is bound by
- CPSC recall database — check any product for open safety recalls
Also cited on this page. Links carried over from the previous version of this section:
About the Author
The Editorial Team independently researches and hands-on tests products in this category, ensuring unbiased and honest reviews.Authoritative sources: UL 1642 and UL 2054 lithium battery safety standards · DOE guidance on LED lighting efficiency
Published Specifications
Specifications below are quoted from each manufacturer's own product listing, recorded July 2026. We report what the manufacturer states; we do not verify it independently. Customer ratings are other buyers' reports, not our assessment.
| Product | Brand | Customer rating | Specifications as published by the manufacturer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Gifts for Men Dad, RoverTac Multitool Axe for Mens Gifts… | RoverTac | — | 14 in 1 Multi Tool Axe Hatchet | |
| Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multitool Pliers, EDC Knife, Stainless… | Gerber | — | 4.25" closed length, 6.5" open length and 6.4 oz weight | |
| PERWIN Multitool, 17-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool Pliers with Sel… | PERWIN | — | needle-nose & regular pliers, pocket knives, saw, scissors, phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver (3,5,6mm)…; This survival multitool features high-alloy 440A steel giving an exceptional blend of hardness and durability…; This multi-tool measures 4.3 inches long, 1.57 inches wide, 0.78 inches thick, and weighs 0.66 pounds, you… | |
| SOG PowerPint Mini Compact Stainless Steel Multi-Tool \ | 18 Lightweigh… | SOG | — | includes mini pliers, scissors, 2 screwdrivers, 2 multitool blades and 1/4 inch magnetic hex bit hold; 3.2 INCHES CLOSED, 4.2 OUNCE LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN - A great small multitool pliers set for hiking, camping or… |
How We Research
Daily Stow — Everyday Carry Flashlights And Multitools is a research and comparison site. Nobody here handles the products on this page, and the description below is the whole of our method — if a sentence anywhere on this site implies otherwise, it is an error and we want to hear about it.
What the comparison is built from. Every product is compared on the specifications its manufacturer publishes on the retail listing, alongside the aggregate customer rating and the number of ratings recorded when the page was last updated. Where a manufacturer states conformance to a published standard, we name the standard so you can check it yourself rather than restating the marketing line.
How products get onto the list. Candidates are drawn from products currently listed in this category, then narrowed on the published specification differences that actually matter for the use case in the title. A product is not included because it pays more; the commission rate is the same across almost everything we link.
What gets re-checked. Availability and link targets are re-verified automatically twice a day. Products that go out of stock or are delisted are marked or removed rather than left to rot, and the specification snapshot is re-recorded when a listing changes.
What we do not do. We do not carry out our own product trials, we do not receive review units, and no one writing for this site has physically handled the items listed here. Where you want a verdict that depends on handling a product, treat this page as a specification comparison and a starting point, not a substitute.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right leatherman wave plus review means matching the key features to your specific needs and budget
- Read real customer reviews and check the return policy before you commit
- Also covers: wave plus multitool review
- Also covers: leatherman EDC multitool
- Also covers: wave plus features and specs
- Compare value across models — the priciest option is not always the best fit
