Head-to-head · Best EDC Multi-Tools

Leatherman Wave Alpha vs Leatherman Wave+

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Leatherman Wave Alpha comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about buyers who want the best-built, best-cutting full-size Leatherman — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best EDC Multi-Tools

Leatherman Wave Alpha

4.8

$199.95as of Jun 7

The Leatherman Wave Alpha, launched in October 2025, is the premium evolution of the best-selling Wave platform. It is the first Wave with a MagnaCut reverse-tanto blade, adds full-size one-handed scissors, and wraps it all in contoured topo-textured G10 handles. GearJunkie scored it 9.8/10, calling the MagnaCut blade and full-size scissors meaningful upgrades fans have asked for, and The Gadgeteer praised the scissors as cutting exquisitely. At $199.95 it costs about $80 more than the Wave+ and ships without a pouch or clip, but for buyers who want the best-built, best-cutting Wave, the Alpha is the new flagship.

Strengths

— First Wave with a premium MagnaCut reverse-tanto blade for elite edge retention and rust resistance
— Full-size, one-handed outside scissors, the largest cutting surface on any plier-based Leatherman
— Contoured topo-textured G10 handle scales improve grip and look striking

Watch-outs

— At $199.95 it costs roughly $80 more than the original Wave+
— Ships without a pouch or pocket clip in the box
— At 8.25 oz it is still a heavy pocket carry

$199.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best EDC Multi-Tools

Leatherman Wave+

4.7

$103.95as of Jun 7

The Leatherman Wave+ has been the benchmark full-size multi-tool for years, and it remains the best all-around value in the category. Its 18 tools include outside-opening blades and a saw, spring-action scissors, replaceable wire cutters and a full set of drivers, all backed by a 25-year warranty. OutdoorGearLab scored it 74/100 and called the value undeniable, while CleverHiker rated it a perfect 5.0/5 as its overall favorite. The main knocks are weight and a proprietary bit format, but for someone who actually uses a multi-tool regularly, the Wave+ delivers the most capability per dollar of anything here.

Strengths

— 18 tools cover nearly every EDC need: pliers, two blades, saw, file, scissors and screwdrivers
— Four tools open from the outside, so blades and saw deploy without unfolding the pliers
— Replaceable wire cutters mean the most-worn part can be swapped instead of scrapping the tool

Watch-outs

— At around 8.5 oz it is heavy for pocket carry without the included sheath
— Proprietary flat-bit driver is not compatible with standard 1/4-inch bits
— Scissors are internally nested and smaller than the new Wave Alpha's

$103.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Leatherman Wave Alpha

The Wave Alpha is the premium version of the Leatherman Wave+, sharing its outside-opening layout but upgrading to a MagnaCut blade, G10 handles and full-size scissors at roughly double the price. It is dramatically more capable than the minimalist Leatherman Skeletool CX or the slim Gerber Armbar Drive, and unlike the non-locking Victorinox Huntsman, every tool locks. Its blade steel is the best in this group, outclassing the Wave+'s 420HC and the Skeletool CX's 154CM.

Leatherman Wave+

The Wave+ is the value champion of this group, delivering the same outside-opening design as the pricier Leatherman Wave Alpha for roughly half the money. It carries far more tools than the minimalist Leatherman Skeletool CX and the slim Gerber Armbar Drive, and unlike the no-lock Victorinox Huntsman, all 18 of its tools lock. Its scissors are nested and smaller than the Wave Alpha's new full-size pair, and its 420HC blade trails the Alpha's premium steel.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Leatherman Wave Alpha	Leatherman Wave+
Tools	16	18
Blade Steel	CPM MagnaCut	420HC
Weight	8.25 oz	8.5 oz
Handle Material	Topo-textured G10	—
Scissors	Full-size, one-handed	—
Key Tools	Pliers, blade, saw, file, scissors	Pliers, 2 blades, saw, file, scissors
Origin	Made in USA	Made in USA
Warranty	25-year limited	25-year limited
Closed Length	—	4.0 in
Wire Cutters	—	Replaceable

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