Leatherman Wave vs Wave+: what actually changed

Buy the Wave+ if you're buying new: it's the only one Leatherman still sells, at $129.95, with replaceable wire cutters [1][2]. Keep or buy a used original Wave if it already works and you rarely cut hard wire. Leatherman says the 2018 update mainly added replaceable cutters and a better sheath [2]. Note the Wave+ sheath now costs $20 extra [1][3].

Replaceable wire cutters. This is the headline. Leatherman's product manager said fans had been asking for replaceable cutters "for some time" [2]. On the original Wave, the cutting edges are part of the jaw. If you nick them on hardened wire, the damage stays for the life of the tool [5]. On the Wave+, the cutters are inserts, so a worn edge is a part swap instead of a warranty trip.

A crimper and an 18th tool. The Wave+ tool list includes an electrical crimper alongside the regular and hard-wire cutters [1]. That's where the jump from 17 to 18 tools comes from [2][4].

The sheath. Leatherman's 2018 announcement described a new sheath with a metal snap instead of Velcro [2]. Today, though, the Wave+ ships without one: Leatherman's product page says "Sheath sold separately" [1]. Its nylon sheath is $20 and its premium leather sheath is $50 [3][7].

What didn't change. The layout is the same idea: the plain blade, serrated blade, saw and file open from outside the closed handles, and the blades open one-handed [2][8]. Owners upgrading mostly cite the bit driver and the cutters, not a new shape [1].

• Anyone buying their first full-size Leatherman. It's the only Wave you can buy new from the maker [1].
• Electricians, ranchers and anyone who cuts fence or hard wire. The replaceable cutters are made for them [2].
• Desert truck kits where one tool has to cover hose clamps, wire, cord and food. See our full Wave+ page.

• Owners whose Wave still works. One Wave+ shopper on Leatherman's own page says they've carried the same original Wave daily for 20 years and can't justify replacing a good tool for one feature [1].
• People who rarely cut wire. The main upgrade won't matter to you.
• Same-category alternatives: if you want something lighter than either, the Skeletool is 5 oz and $89.95 [9]. If your tool lives in a camp kit, the Signal adds a ferro rod and whistle for $149.95 [10].

Leatherman's 25-year warranty covers its tools [6], but used buyers should read the terms on Leatherman's warranty page before counting on it [6]. Check the cutter edges for nicks, since they can't be swapped [5], and check that every blade locks. MultitoolDB lists the original as coming with a sheath [4], so ask the seller if it's included.

Heat. Both tools are stainless steel with no batteries, so heat isn't a failure point. A tool left on a truck dash gets hot to the touch; let it cool before you grip it.

Sand and grit. Fine sand gets into pivots and liner locks on any multi-tool. Blow out grit after dusty trips, and wipe away excess oil so it doesn't trap dust.

Wire and fences. Ranch fence and baling wire are common on desert roads. That's exactly the job the Wave+'s replaceable hard-wire cutters were made for [1][2].

• An original Wave owner on Leatherman's page says theirs has lasted 20 years of daily use [1].
• A Wave+ owner on r/Leatherman says they're "not impressed," with complaints about the fit and finish of their unit [11].
• After five months, an r/multitools owner who doubted the purchase says the Wave+ earned its place [12].
• A ToolGuyd commenter notes the original Wave's cutters were the common wear point, which Leatherman fixed with the inserts [5].