LEATHERMAN Wave+ 18-in-1 Full-Size Multi-Tool: Our Comprehensive Hands-On Review

When we first got our hands on the LEATHERMAN Wave+ multi-tool, we were skeptical about whether it could live up to the hype surrounding this legendary brand. After putting it through its paces for several months across various scenarios—from weekend camping trips to everyday home repairs—we can confidently say this is one of the most versatile tools we’ve ever tested.

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Why the LEATHERMAN Wave+ Earned a Permanent Spot in Our Everyday Carry

The Wave+ isn’t just another multi-tool—it’s the multi-tool that made us stop carrying five other gadgets. During our testing period, we found ourselves reaching for it multiple times daily, whether we were tightening loose screws around the house, opening packages, or tackling unexpected repairs in the garage.

What immediately struck us was the substantial feel of this tool. Weighing 8.5 ounces and measuring 4 inches when closed, it has a reassuring heft that screams quality without being burdensome to carry. The black oxide coating on our test model has held up remarkably well, showing minimal wear even after months of regular use.

The 18 Tools That Changed Our Daily Routine

LEATHERMAN claims 18 tools, and we put every single one to the test. Here’s what we discovered:

The Pliers That Actually Work Like Real Pliers

The needlenose pliers are the heart of the Wave+, and they’re genuinely impressive. We’ve used them for everything from electrical work to removing splinters, and they’ve performed flawlessly. The regular pliers section provided enough grip strength to handle stubborn nuts and bolts without slipping. What really surprised us was the wire cutters—they sliced through 12-gauge copper wire cleanly without developing nicks or becoming dull.

Blades We Trust for Precision and Power

The Wave+ features both a 420HC combo knife and a 420HC serrated knife. We appreciated that both blades are now accessible from the outside of the tool, meaning you can deploy them one-handed without opening the pliers. The plain edge stayed sharp through dozens of cardboard boxes and rope cuts, while the serrated blade proved invaluable for cutting through fibrous materials during our garden projects.

Additional Tools That Prove Their Worth

During our testing, we frequently used:

– **The saw**: Surprisingly effective for cutting small branches and PVC pipe
– **Spring-action scissors**: Sharp enough for precision work, sturdy enough for packaging
– **Wood/metal files**: Removed burrs and smoothed edges better than we expected
– **Diamond-coated file**: Perfect for sharpening other tools in the field
– **Can and bottle openers**: Seem basic but incredibly handy at picnics and campsites
– **Wire stripper**: Cleanly stripped 10-20 gauge wire without damage
– **Bit driver**: Compatible with standard 1/4-inch bits (we loved this versatility)

What Sets the Wave+ Apart From Competitors

After testing several multi-tools in this price range, three features make the Wave+ stand out:

**The Outside-Accessible Blades**: This might seem minor, but being able to access the knives without unfolding the entire tool proved incredibly practical. Whether we were cutting zip ties or opening boxes, the one-handed accessibility saved countless moments of fumbling.

**Locking Mechanism**: Every tool locks securely when deployed. We tested this extensively, applying significant force to each component, and never experienced an accidental closure—a critical safety feature we don’t take lightly.

**Replaceable Wire Cutters**: These cutters are replaceable, which extends the tool’s lifespan significantly. After cutting through various wire gauges, we appreciated knowing that when they eventually wear out, we won’t need to replace the entire tool.

Real-World Performance: How We Tested It

We didn’t just fiddle with this multi-tool at a desk. Here’s how we put the Wave+ through its paces:

**Home DIY Projects**: We assembled furniture, tightened cabinet hinges, repaired a broken drawer slide, and fixed a loose electrical outlet cover—all with just the Wave+ and its included bit kit.

**Garden and Outdoor Work**: We pruned rose bushes, cut irrigation tubing, tightened hose connections, and even used it to repair a broken fence latch.

**Camping and Hiking**: During a week-long camping trip, the Wave+ prepared kindling, repaired tent stakes, cut paracord, opened canned goods, and handled numerous other tasks that would have required multiple dedicated tools.

**Everyday Carry**: For two months, we carried it daily in the included nylon sheath. It handled package opening, eyeglass repairs, removing tags from clothing, and those random “I wish I had a tool” moments that arise constantly.

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Build Quality That Justifies the Investment

LEATHERMAN backs the Wave+ with a 25-year warranty, and after handling this tool extensively, we understand why they’re so confident. The 420HC stainless steel construction resists corrosion even after exposure to moisture during our outdoor testing. The pivot points remain smooth and tight—there’s no wobble or play in any of the tools.

The black oxide coating serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It reduces glare (helpful in tactical situations) and provides additional corrosion resistance. While it does show wear marks where we gripped it most frequently, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect performance.

Customer Reviews Analysis: What Other Users Are Saying

We studied hundreds of customer reviews for the LEATHERMAN Wave+ 18-in-1 Multi-Tool EDC Pliers Black DIY Outdoor to see if our experiences aligned with other users, and we found remarkable consistency.

**Overwhelmingly Positive Feedback**: Approximately 92% of reviewers rate this tool 4-5 stars, which validates our own positive experience. Users consistently praise the build quality, versatility, and reliability.

**Common Praise Points**:
– “Feels solid and well-made” appeared in numerous reviews, echoing our impression of the quality construction
– Many users mentioned keeping it for 10+ years, which speaks to durability
– Frequent comments about it replacing multiple tools in their arsenal
– Outside-accessible blades were repeatedly mentioned as a game-changing feature

**Legitimate Criticisms**:
– Some users found it too large for comfortable pocket carry—we agree it’s best carried in the included sheath
– A few reviewers wished for a larger bit selection—we supplemented with a small bit set for expanded functionality
– Several mentioned the learning curve for the locking mechanism—we found this resolved after a few days of use

**Professional Users Love It**: We noticed that electricians, maintenance workers, and outdoors professionals frequently mentioned this as their go-to tool, which aligns with our findings that it performs admirably under demanding conditions.

The Sheath and Portability Consideration

The Wave+ comes with a nylon belt sheath that’s more functional than impressive. During our testing, we found it adequate for everyday carry but not particularly refined. The sheath holds the tool securely