Comparison

Leatherman Skeletool vs
Wave+

Skeletool is the light kit. Wave+ is the daily kit. Same factory. Same 25-year authorized-dealer warranty. Different tool counts.

Leatherman Wave+

Leatherman

7 tools. Combo blade, pliers, bit driver, clip and carabiner.

Build

18 tools. Dual blades, spring scissors, wood/metal and diamond files.

420HC combo blade, 2.6 in, 55–59 HRC.

Materials

420 stainless frame. 420HC plain 2.92 in plus serrated. 55–59 HRC.

5 oz (141.75 g). 4 in closed. 6 in open. 0.52 in thick. Clip and carabiner in the box.

Key specs

8.5 oz (240.97 g). 4 in closed. 6.25 in open. 0.7 in thick. Clip sold separately.

25-year limited, original owner, authorized dealer.

Warranty

Same 25-year limited, original owner, authorized dealer.

Bits are replaceable. Customer-paid freight on warranty claims is unpublished.

Repairability

Replaceable wire cutters. Same authorized-dealer gate.

Not published beyond the 25-year term.

Expected service life

Not published beyond the 25-year term.

Unverified. Sheath sold separately. No yearly consumable schedule on the spec page.

Consumables / yr

Unverified. Sheath and clip sold separately.

Lightest pocket. Fewest tools.

Best for

Everyday carry and shop tasks.

Winner

No single winner. Skeletool for the light pocket. Wave+ for everyday work. Signal if you want a ferro rod.

Pick Leatherman Skeletool if

you want 7 tools at 5 oz, a clip and a carabiner, and 4 in closed is the whole argument.

Pick Leatherman Wave+ if

you want scissors, two knives and files, and 8.5 oz is fine.

Notes

Leatherman Skeletool vs Wave+

The split is the kit, not the factory. Both come from Portland. Both keep blades out of a carry-on.

Skeletool is 7 tools and 5 oz (141.75 g). 420HC combo blade, 2.6 in, 55–59 HRC. 4 in closed. 6 in open. 0.52 in thick. Bits, clip and carabiner in the box. No scissors. No ferro.

Wave+ is 18 tools and 8.5 oz. Two 420HC knives, plain 2.92 in and serrated, both outside. Saw and file outside. Spring scissors. 4 in closed. 6.25 in open. 0.7 in thick. Clip sold separately. No ferro. No whistle. No hammer.

This ledger is the standard Skeletool, not the CX line.

Leatherman Signal vs Wave+ is the fire-kit pairing. Signal has the ferro rod. Tools holds the three Leathermans.

TSA: blades go in checked baggage. That is Leatherman’s own travel note.

Questions

Which is lighter?

Skeletool at 5 oz (141.75 g). Wave+ is 8.5 oz. Signal is 7.5 oz.

How many tools does each have?

Skeletool, 7. Wave+, 18. Signal, 19.

Does either include a pocket clip?

Skeletool includes a removable pocket clip and a carabiner. Wave+ clip and sheath are sold separately.

Can either go in a carry-on?

No. Bladed multi-tools stay in checked baggage. That is Leatherman’s travel note.

Sources