The Leatherman Wave is considered a full-size multi-tool, but at 4” overall length when closed, it’s more of a medium tool. It is Leatherman’s most popular tool, and I can see why. I chose it based on the types of tools that it comes with. The pliers are good and they have wire cutters and a hard-wire cutter in the pivot of the pliers. The hard-wire cutters help with cutting thick wire or smaller nails without damaging the finer wire cutters. I would personally prefer replaceable wire cutters, but these are permanent. 
There is a very good can opener that doubles as a bottle opener. At the base of the can opener, there is a somewhat sharpened “V” that is used for stripping wire. One of the selling points for me was the screwdriver bit holder. The holder uses a full-size bit, but what Leatherman did was shave off the sides to slim down the bit. They will fit into a full ¼” bit driver. The bit supplied is reversible with a Philips on one side and a flat-head on the other. Other bits are available for purchase. The scissors are decent, but could be better if they were slightly longer. There is also a small bit holder that holds a proprietary precision screwdriver. It is perfect for those fine screws on eyeglasses and is reversible for Phillips and flat-head. The last interior tool is a large flat-head driver that can double as a light-duty pry-bar. Another large selling point for me was the accessibility of the knives, saw and file from the outside, while the tool is closed. The knives came from the factory very sharp and I have yet to need to sharpen them. Granted, I don’t use the blades very often, as also carry a pocket knife that I will usually use first. One feature I appreciate is that the Wave has separate straight and serrated 
blades. I rarely use a serrated blade, so I prefer it being separate. However with that being said, the serrations are great. They aren’t the sharp/pointy serrations you usually see, but more of a smooth serration that doesn't snag on rope and fabric. There is a very good wood saw that can shred through small branches rather quickly. The wood/metal file is very handy and on the reverse of it is a fine, diamond-coated file. After owning this tool for over a year and a half, I would definitely recommend it to anyone. There are a few accessories I would suggest getting alongside the tool. It comes with a MOLLE pouch(for the black) or a belt pouch(for the silver) that has room for spare bits. You can purchase a 40-piece bit set that contains more Phillips, flat-head, hex and even Torx driver heads. I also recommend the bit extender. It slips into the bit holder and extends your driver 3.25 inches and allows you to use any full-size, ¼” driver bit. One last note is that I just, upon writing this review, found out that there is a hidden (very well hidden) lanyard loop inside one of the handles. I never knew it was there, but it is really easy to deploy if you want it, but out of the way if you don’t.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Some what compact tool packed with tools and features.
Target Market: The handy-person type that wants a good variety of tools to be always with you.
FNBs:
Key Features
- 17 tools
- Sturdy design
- Relatively small
Key Benefits
- Blades accessible while closed
- Changeable driver bits
- All tools lock
Tools Included
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Hard-wire Cutters
- Wire Cutters
- Wire stripper
- Knife
- Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Spring-action Scissors
- Ruler
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal File
- Diamond Coated File
- Large Bit Driver
- Small Bit Driver
- Medium Screwdriver
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Mine is the Black Oxide version and there is also a Polished Stainless version.
What others are saying?: “It is a very well designed mid-range multi-tool that packs a lot of functionality into a compact and non-encumbering size.” -ToolGuyd
Price point:
- MSRP = $99.20 - $111.30
- Retail = Black-$69.99 Silver-$57.22
I need it now! Availability: The Leatherman Wave is available from many retailers including Amazon and Wal-Mart.
Our Rating:
+ Sturdy design + Well thought out tools + Separate straight and serrated knives + Sharp knives
- Non-replaceable wire cutters - Wire cutters are kind of soft and I could see them becoming damaged, if used heavily - The lanyard loop was a little too hidden, but once found was pretty apparent
Score: 8.5
