How good is the Leatherman Wave?

golok

golok

Joined
Oct 20, 2000
Messages
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I have been toying with the idea of getting the Leatherman Wave. I have seen it, held it and like it quite a bit. And yet there are other multi-tools on the market.

They are just as good, if not greater.

so how does the Leatherman Wave compare to some of the other multi-tools?
 
The Wave is a good tool with a very high "TOY"
factor that isn't really left hand friendly.

That said the Wave is a good multi tool that has many fans.
The toy referance speaks to the marvel of enginerring that
Leatherman put into this tool. While a good quality tool
it is my feeling that it is intended to more of a medium
duty tool and medium duty knife. Like all compromises
Ok for some things but really good at none.

Basicly ,if you like it buy it. You won't waste your money
unless you expect heavy duty performance. For that
use get a Pulse or a Supertool.
 
One hand opening blades is nice, but I especially liek that blades open with their edges flush along bottom of the handles . Other leathermans, blades (knife, file/hacksaw) open up with bottom edge above bottom line of handle. Wave's design maximizes use of blades, nice feature.

Also I like its diamond file, it makes the file very useful and versatile .

Martin
 
So I can't 'compare' it to others, but...

I've been carrying it almost daily, (have it on now), and am really happy with it.

I've heard negative comments about breakage and wear, but I use mine, and haven't had any of those problems yet. (Knock on wood!)

Mel
 
I used one for 2 years (military) and it served me fairly well. After the 2nd year, the main pivot pin developed some slop, so I sent it back. Leatherman replaced it with a new one... That's service. I also carry a Micra on every keychain I own.

I guess if I were to buy another multitool...or if I wanted to replace my Wave, it would be with a Supertool 200. It is much more robust than the Wave...but it lacks the one-handed opening main blades.

I guess what I am saying is that the Wave is the best tool (IMHO) for most users - UNLESS you have a loyalty to another brand, or you are a very extreme user that is likely to put a lot of twisting-type torque on the tool...

just my .02
 
Tried a Gerber in the store - several years ago, it pinchedmy hand. Bought a Super Tool. My wife! bought me a Wave right when they were introduced - I've carried it (and used it) nearly daily since then (99.) Not having an easy open knife drove me nuts with the Supertool. I also have a PST II for "pocket use.)

I really do like the Leatherman warranty service, since I use everything hard (my daughter even used my Micra for some light pruning,) Leatherman has fixed them all no questions asked. I love them ina pinch, but I won't cut stainless like with my Klein 2000, or pund on things like a punch or chisel w/ Klein screwdrivers.

But it's sure great for quickie fixes, outdoors and on the road.
 
Dude ~ The WAVE quite solid, but you can't get one at RM100.. *hee-hee!* :p

Sam
 
The other day, I bought a new computer desk from Wallymart and brought it home to find that I couldn't find ANY of my other home tools to put it together. The only option that I had was to use the Wave and the Wave Tool Adapter Kit. Mind you, this desk is not small. Well, it took me a couple of hours (because of no cordless screwdriver) but I managed to put the desk together using only the Wave and Wave TAK.

I've been a Leatherman enthusiast for the past 10+
years. You can't go wrong with the Wave.:D
 
I've had one of these baies for about a year. I own several other tools and the wave is simply the best one I have found. Yes, it's a medium duty tool and like any of the others will break if beat the hell out of it. It is a tool not a hammer or pry bar. I will buy another without hesitation.;)
 
What I'd really like to see in these times is an "airport-friendly" version of a pocket tool, no "knife" blades, and some of the other tools tweaked a bit to make them less "dangerous".

Plus, as much as I like alot of the other pocket tools on the market, I've only grown to like the Super Tool due to how the tools actually lock in the open position. I've had too many tools close on my fingers or hands to subject myself to that voluntarily.
 
Had my Wave for 2 years then got swiped from me at the shooting range - was using it to tweak my target pistol. Bought the Supertool but still prefer the Wave. Am still grieving over my Wave - if I get my hands on that lowlife.....
 
I use my Wave almost on a daily basis at my job as a network cabling/wiring guy. It's held up quite well and has saved me from many trips back to the tool box. Only way it could be better was if it was a bit lighter. Add it to the Kershaw Boa, MAG lite and wallet I carry each day and I find myself hiking up my pants too often. To be honest though, of all the above, I could get through the day just fine if I left my wallet at home!

RR
 
>"What I'd really like to see in these times is an 'airport-friendly' version of a pocket tool, no 'knife' blades, and some of the other tools tweaked a bit to make them less 'dangerous'."

===============================================

I wouldn't hold your breath. I would bet a bunch of money that right now you couldn't even board a plane with a pair of pliers in your pocket. :(
 
mnblade -- I fear you are correct.

As for the Wave, I probably carried it more than any other multitool. I switched when the Pulse came out and now am using the Supertool 200 (and thinking of going back to the Pulse).

The only shortcomings of the Wave are that the tools do not lock (in honesty, in over two years of carry, they only folded up on my twice, but that was enough) and the fact that there is no guard of any sort on the knife blades.

It is very easy to run your hand up onto the knife blade (I certainly would not recommend stabbing with it!) or for it to run down through your hand. This is particularly easy to happen due to the weight of the handle (i.e., the rest of the tool). I learned this the hard way, but luckily didn't have to have stitches.

It is still a great tool, and, provided you take these lessons into account, will serve you quite well.
 
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