Welcome to another installment of Editor’s Review from FREESKIER. Each week our editorial staff provides in-depth, honest reviews about the gear they’re testing on a weekly basis. Our goal? To point you towards the best brands and products on Earth so you can trust your equipment whole-heartedly and have as much fun in the mountains as possible. Read up on Leatherman’s Wave, below, then visit us again tomorrow for more awesome gear coverage.
It’s Leatherman’s best-selling multi-tool for a reason. Well, for many reasons, actually: notably its one-hand operability, outside-accessible features and “all-locking” mechanisms.
Indeed, each and every feature of Leatherman’s Wave (17 tools in total) can be opened and operated with just one hand. That includes the outside-accessible blades which are easily deployed while the multi-tool is in its folded position, much akin to a standard pocket knife. Each of the Wave’s tools and knives (minus the plier head) lock into place, as well, ensuring optimal ease of use and peace of mind; by locking various features into place while the tool is in use, you’re able to apply pressure to the tool without worrying about losing a finger.
For day-to-day maintenance and repair, home improvement or outdoor adventures including spring skiing, fishing, biking, camping, hiking and beyond, this tool has served me well. It retails for $89.95 (in its stainless steel color-way, pictured below). Comparable products in the $30-50 range generally offer fewer tools and bulkier builds. For those who crave a sleek, compact design with thoughtful functionality and all the fixins, the Wave is well worth consideration. This tool does not include a pocket clip. I don’t tend to carry much of anything in my front or back pockets so I’m in the habit of keeping this bad boy in my backpack, center console, etc. It’s worth noting that the Wave’s carrying case does include a belt loop.
This latest iteration of the ever-popular Wave (last updated in 2004) boasts larger knives, re-enforced pliers and longer wire cutters compared to previous makes. The tool comes with a 25-year warranty and like all Leatherman products it’s USA-made in Portland, Oregon. Custom engravings are also available with your purchase for an extra $6.95. [cough] Father’s Day… [cough]
Closed length 4 in / 10 cm
Weight 8.5 oz / 241 g
Primary blade length 2.9 in / 7.37 cm
Tools:
Needle-nose pliers
Regular pliers
Hard-wire cutters
Wire cutters
Wire stripper
420HC knife
420HC serrated knife
Saw
Spring-action scissors
Ruler 8 in / 19 cm
Can opener
Bottle opener
Wood/metal file
Diamond-coated file
Large bit driver
Small bit driver
Medium screwdriver
