Leatherman Wave+
Two decades of proven ownership, a huge parts-and-repair history and the 25-year warranty make it the safest Leatherman to own for years, and it is still the top performer in recent independent testing.
Consolidated from 3 independent outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 3 positive sources
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Pros & cons
- ✓ Two decades of proven service
- ✓ Huge parts-and-repair history
- ✓ Backed by a 25-year warranty
- ✓ Named the best-performing multitool overall in CleverHiker's testing
- ✓ The most recommended full-size multitool anywhere, per multiple outlets and r/BuyItForLife
- ✗ Recent quality-control complaints reported
- ✗ Mid-tier price reduces value perception
- ✗ Costs a premium over tools with the same core capability
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
3 positive sources
CleverHiker Taylor Passofaro · reviewer · Nov 2021 Time-tested, feature-packed, and high-quality, the Leatherman Wave+ is the best-performing multitool because it combines excellent features in a comfortable, compact frame. It proved its worth on Minnesota farms and on cold-finger backpacking trips where this thing gave us the dexterity we lacked.Read T
The Big Outside Article · May 2026 Good suggestion, Roque, but for a fully loaded but lightweight multi-tool, I lean toward the Leatherman Wave+. But since the Micra is simpler and much less expensive, I decided to add both to my review (above) because I really like your suggestion, so thanks!Read B
Best Compact Multitools - Small Tool. Big Solutions. BestCompactMultitools Team · reviewer · Nov 2025 For Law Enforcement: The Leatherman Wave Plus offers the versatility you need for daily duty without unnecessary weight.Read
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #1 of 16 on our multitools tier list, in S tier. That placement draws on 3 independent outlets.
None of the 3 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Recent quality-control complaints reported. Mid-tier price reduces value perception. Costs a premium over tools with the same core capability.
Ranked nearby in Multitools
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D tier #12 2 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Gerber Dime
F tier #13 4 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Leatherman Wave Alpha
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F tier #16 8 of 11 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.