Head-to-head · Best EDC Multi-Tools

Leatherman Wave+ vs Victorinox Huntsman

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

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The short answer

Leatherman Wave+ comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about anyone who uses a full-feature multi-tool regularly and wants the best value — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best EDC Multi-Tools

Leatherman Wave+

4.6

3 sources1 derived$129.95as of Aug 1

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 4.7 out of 5 as its overall favorite. The main knocks are weight and a proprietary bit format. For someone who actually uses a multi-tool regularly, nothing here offers more capability per dollar.

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

$129.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best EDC Multi-Tools

Victorinox Huntsman

4.5

3 sources2 derived$107.45as of Aug 1

The Victorinox Huntsman is the classic mid-size Swiss Army Knife, packing 15 tools into a 3.4 oz frame: scissors, a saw, can and bottle openers, an awl, and a corkscrew. CleverHiker rated it 4.5/5, calling it remarkably portable considering its 15 functions, and Field & Stream endorsed it as a fully loaded adventure companion with tight, intentional action. It is the lightest, most pocketable tool here and the only one without pliers, trading locking strength and gripping power for breadth and Swiss craftsmanship. At around $40 with a lifetime warranty, it is the value classic of the category.

Strengths

— 15 tools, including scissors, can/bottle openers, saw, awl and corkscrew, in a 3.4 oz frame
— Each tool opens and closes with precise, deliberate Swiss-made action
— Slim, light pocketknife format carries far more easily than a plier-based tool

Watch-outs

— No blade lock, which limits confidence on tougher cutting tasks
— No pliers, so it cannot grip or cut wire like the Leatherman tools
— Cleaning the tool after messy jobs can be fiddly

$107.45 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

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.

Victorinox Huntsman

The Victorinox Huntsman is the lightest tool in this group at 3.4 oz, less than half the weight of the Leatherman Wave+ or Leatherman Wave Alpha, and it is the only one without pliers. It packs more small tools than the minimalist Leatherman Skeletool CX, including scissors, a saw and a corkscrew the Skeletool lacks. Unlike every Leatherman here and the Gerber Armbar Drive, its blade does not lock, so it suits lighter tasks.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Leatherman Wave+	Victorinox Huntsman
Tools	18	15
Blade Steel	420HC	—
Weight	8.5 oz	3.4 oz
Closed Length	4.0 in	3.58 in
Key Tools	Pliers, 2 blades, saw, file, scissors	2 blades, scissors, saw, can/bottle opener
Wire Cutters	Replaceable	—
Origin	Made in USA	Made in Switzerland
Warranty	25-year limited	Lifetime
Extras	—	Corkscrew, awl, tweezers, toothpick
Blade Lock	—	None
Material	—	Stainless Steel

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