What is the difference between the Leatherman Wave Plus and the original Wave?

The Wave Plus adds replaceable wire cutters to the original Wave design — the most-requested upgrade from Wave users. Replaceable cutters let you swap fresh cutting edges without sending the tool for service. The original Wave is discontinued; always buy the Wave Plus for current production.

Can I get my Leatherman knife blade sharpened?

Yes. Sharpen at home using a whetstone or diamond sharpener at 20 to 25 degrees per side. Leatherman's LifeSharp program provides free sharpening for MagnaCut blade owners. Leatherman also sharpens the blade as part of any warranty service submission.

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Leatherman Multi-Tools: The Original American Multi-Tool — Made in Portland, Oregon Since 1983

In 1975, Tim Leatherman and his wife spent ten months touring Europe and the Middle East in a $300 Fiat that kept breaking down. His Boy Scout knife couldn't do what needed doing — he needed pliers. He spent the next eight years developing prototypes in his Portland garage, collecting rejection letters from every company he approached, until he and college friend Steve Berliner finally landed a 500-unit order from Cabela's in 1983. The Pocket Survival Tool launched that year. Leatherman went from 200 tools sold in its first year to over one million per year by 1993. Today, over 128 million Leatherman tools have been sold worldwide, every one of them made in Portland, Oregon at the company's 90,000-square-foot facility. The 25-year warranty isn't a marketing promise — it is an engineering standard backed by a factory that has been repairing and standing behind its own tools for over four decades. Knifeworks carries the full Leatherman lineup.

Leatherman 831180 Super Tool 300, Stainless Steel-(19 TOOLS)

$119.95

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Leatherman 931005 Nylon MOLLE Sheath

$20.00

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Leatherman 831548 Rebar, Stainless Steel-(17 TOOLS)

$99.99

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Leatherman 830278 Surge, Black Oxide-(21 Tools)

$159.99

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Leatherman 931012 Removable Bit Driver

$25.00

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Leatherman Black Nylon Sheath Medium (4.25" x 1.5" x 0.8") - 934928

$20.00

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Leatherman Raptor Rescue Shears - Black w/ MOLLE Holster (6 TOOLS) 831741

$99.99

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Leatherman 832262 Signal-(19 TOOLS)

$149.99

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Made in Portland, Oregon — Every One Every Leatherman tool is manufactured at the company's 90,000 sq ft facility in Portland, Oregon. Not assembled overseas. Not outsourced. Made in America by a company whose founder grew up in Oregon and whose name is on every tool.

25-Year Warranty — Backed by a Real Repair Shop Leatherman's 25-year warranty is backed by an in-house repair team in Portland. Submit online, mail your tool, and Leatherman's technicians repair or replace it. No call centers, no runaround — the same factory that built it fixes it.

128 Million Tools Sold — The Original Tim Leatherman invented the pliers-based multi-tool in 1983. Every imitator came after. "Leatherman" has become the generic term for the entire product category — the way "Kleenex" became tissue. That's what 42 years of quality earns.

Fast Shipping from Knifeworks Most orders ship same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana. Expert support at 888-225-9775.

The Complete Leatherman Buyer's Guide (2026)

Everything you need to choose the right Leatherman — from the $300 Fiat origin story to the full model comparison, tool count guide, Wave Plus vs. Surge vs. Skeletool decision, outdoor and first responder series, care and maintenance, and a use-case quick reference. Click any topic to expand.

The Leatherman Story: How a $300 Fiat and Eight Years of Rejection Letters Changed the Tool Industry+

In 1975, Tim Leatherman and his wife Chau bought a used Fiat 600 in Amsterdam for $300 and spent ten months touring Europe and the Middle East on a tight budget. The car kept breaking down. The hotel plumbing kept leaking. Tim carried a Boy Scout knife and used it for everything — but what he needed, constantly, was a pair of pliers. "I kept wishing I had a pair of pliers," he recalled years later. "Just pliers."

Back in Portland, Tim — a mechanical engineering graduate of Oregon State University — spent the next several years building prototypes in his garage while his wife paid the bills by helping resettle families fleeing Vietnam. He eventually patented the design and named it "Mr. Crunch." Then he started knocking on doors. Knife companies said it was too much of a tool. Tool companies said it was too much of a gadget. AT&T passed. The U.S. military passed. Gerber passed. For three and a half years, the rejection letters piled up.

Then Tim partnered with college friend Steve Berliner. In the spring of 1983, Cabela's placed an order for 500 units. Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. was officially incorporated on July 5, 1983. The tool — renamed the Pocket Survival Tool (PST) — sold 200 units in its first year. By 1993, Leatherman was selling over one million tools a year. Today, over 128 million Leatherman tools have been sold in more than 80 countries, every single one made in Portland, Oregon.

1975: Tim and Chau's European trip — the $300 Fiat, the broken plumbing, the idea for "pliers in a pocket knife"
1975–1983: Eight years of garage prototyping, patent application, and rejection letters from every major company
Spring 1983: Cabela's places a 500-unit order — the first sale; Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. incorporated July 5, 1983
1984: 30,000 PSTs sold; company begins growing rapidly
1993: Over one million tools sold per year; brand becomes synonymous with the entire product category
1998: Wave introduced — becomes a million-unit seller almost immediately; still the bestselling Leatherman today
Today: 128+ million tools sold; 525 employees; 90,000 sq ft Portland facility; 25-year warranty; distribution in 80+ countries

"Leatherman" Is Now a Generic Term — What That Means for Quality When a brand name becomes the generic term for an entire product category — like "Kleenex" for tissues or "Band-Aid" for adhesive bandages — it signals something specific: that product defined the category so completely that competitors are still playing catch-up decades later. "Leatherman" is now the word most people use for any pliers-based multi-tool, regardless of brand. That isn't a marketing victory — it's an engineering legacy.

Full Leatherman Lineup: Every Series and Model Compared+

Model / Series	Tool Count	Weight	Key Features	Best For
Wave Plus	18	8.5 oz	All blades lock; outside-accessible blades; spring scissors; replaceable wire cutters	The all-time bestseller — all-purpose, the benchmark Leatherman
Surge	21	12.5 oz	Most tools of any Leatherman; large format; replaceable wire cutters; large bit driver	Maximum capability — mechanics, tradespeople, heavy jobsite use
Super Tool 300	19	9.6 oz	Military-grade, all tools lock, 154CM wire cutters, large plier head	Military and law enforcement — the duty-ready Leatherman
Skeletool	7	5 oz	Minimalist — pliers, knife, bit driver, bottle opener, carabiner clip; one-hand blade access	Lightweight EDC — hikers, trail runners, minimalists
Skeletool CX	7	5 oz	Same as Skeletool + 154CM knife blade and carbon fiber handles	Premium Skeletool — best blade steel, refined aesthetics
Free P4	21	8.6 oz	Magnetic one-hand opening on all tools; full-size pliers; all tools outside-accessible	Convenience-first — easiest Leatherman to operate one-handed
Free T4	12	2.4 oz	Magnetic one-hand opening; tether-ready; scissors-focused; ultra-compact	Pocket/keychain EDC — the smallest useful Leatherman
Signal	19	7.5 oz	Fire starter, emergency whistle, hammer, saw, replaceable wire cutters	Backcountry, camping, wilderness survival
Raptor Response	6	6.7 oz	Trauma shears, ring cutter, O2 wrench, glass breaker, ruler, strap cutter	EMS, first responders, fire, military medevac — purpose-built emergency tool
Tread LT	29	Worn on wrist	Multi-tool bracelet — 29 tools including screwdrivers, hex wrenches, box cutter, cutting hook	Hands-free always-carry — no pockets needed

Wave Plus vs. Surge vs. Skeletool — Choosing the Right Leatherman for Your Life+

These three models account for the majority of Leatherman purchases and represent the three fundamental buyer profiles. Here is the honest comparison:

	Wave Plus	Surge	Skeletool
Tools	18	21	7
Weight	8.5 oz	12.5 oz	5 oz
Size	Compact — fits any pocket	Large — substantial in hand	Slim — nearly disappears
Outside-Accessible Blades	Yes — knife and serrated blade	Yes	Yes — knife blade
Scissors	Yes — spring-loaded	Yes — spring-loaded	No
Replaceable Wire Cutters	Yes	Yes	Yes
Carabiner Clip	No	No	Yes
Best For	Everything — the most balanced single Leatherman	Heavy-duty work — mechanics, contractors, serious jobsite tasks	Lightweight EDC — when weight and pocket space matter most
Who Buys It	First-time Leatherman buyers; gift recipients; everyday users who want one tool for everything	Tradespeople, mechanics, serious DIY users who need maximum capability	Hikers, trail runners, minimalists, cyclists, ultralight carry

First Leatherman? The Wave Plus Is the Correct Answer for Most People The Wave Plus is Leatherman's all-time bestselling tool for a reason: 18 well-chosen tools including outside-accessible knife and serrated blade, spring-loaded scissors, full pliers, replaceable wire cutters, and a complete bit driver — in a package that fits any pocket. It covers 95% of what any user will ever need. If you aren't sure which Leatherman to buy, buy the Wave Plus.

The Leatherman Free Series: One-Hand Magnetic Opening — What Makes It Different+

The Free series is Leatherman's most significant product innovation since the original Wave — and it solves a real problem. On every previous Leatherman, accessing tools required two hands: one to hold the tool, one to open the implement. The Free series eliminates that requirement.

How the magnetic opening works: Every tool in the Free series opens with a one-handed magnetic pull — a proprietary system where each implement is accessible and deployable without a second hand. Swing the tool open, grab the implement with one thumb, pull — the magnet holds it in position until you actively close it. For a user whose other hand is occupied (holding a rope, gripping a railing, wearing a glove), this is a meaningful real-world upgrade.

Model	Tools	Weight	Best For
Free P4	21	8.6 oz	Full-size Free multi-tool — maximum capability with one-hand operation throughout
Free P2	19	7.9 oz	Compact Free pliers tool — slightly smaller, slightly lighter, all tools still one-hand accessible
Free T4	12	2.4 oz	Keychain/pocket Free — ultra-compact, scissors-forward design, tether-ready

Free vs. Wave Plus — Which Should You Choose? Wave Plus is better value for the money and has a longer track record of reliability. Free series is the right upgrade for users who genuinely work with one hand occupied, wear gloves frequently, or find two-handed tool access a real-world problem. If your primary use is around the house or on a job site where two-hand operation is never an issue, the Wave Plus is the better investment. If you're climbing, paddling, working in tight spaces, or wearing gloves routinely, the Free series addresses a problem you've probably already had.

Signal, Charge & Outdoor Series — Built for Wilderness and Backcountry Use+

Leatherman's outdoor-specific models add survival and emergency tools not found on the general-purpose lineup. These are the tools designed for situations where the nearest hardware store is 40 miles away.

Model	Tools	Signature Outdoor Features	Best For
Signal	19	Fire starter, emergency whistle, hammer, saw, replaceable wire cutters	Backcountry camping, wilderness survival, hunting, expedition preparedness
Charge Plus TTi	19	Titanium handles, S30V knife blade, all tools lock, replaceable wire cutters	Premium EDC — the Wave Plus in titanium with a S30V blade upgrade
OHT (One Hand Tool)	16	One-hand plier opening; designed for military; all tools accessible while open	Military and tactical — designed to deploy while holding a line or wearing gloves

The Signal's Fire Starter — More Useful Than It Sounds The Signal's integrated ferrocerium fire starter is not a novelty. It is a dedicated, replaceable ferro rod that works when wet, when cold, and when everything else has failed. In a backcountry emergency where a lighter has been lost or has run out of fuel, having a fire starter that is also your pliers, your saw, your whistle, and your wire cutters is genuinely valuable. The Signal is Leatherman's most complete answer to the question: "What do you carry when you can only carry one tool?"

Raptor Response — The Leatherman Built for Emergency Medical and First Responders+

The Raptor is not a general-purpose multi-tool. It is a precision emergency response tool designed specifically for EMS, fire, military medevac, and first responder use. Its 6 tools are chosen entirely around trauma response scenarios:

Trauma shears: Purpose-built EMT scissors that cut through clothing, seat belts, and light leather quickly and safely to expose injuries without secondary trauma
Ring cutter: Cuts rings off swollen or injured fingers — a critical first-responder task that cannot be done with standard tools
O2 wrench: Fits the standard connection points on oxygen cylinders — used to open tanks quickly in the field
Glass breaker: Hardened carbide tip for vehicle extraction — breaks tempered glass without shatter risk to the responder
Ruler: Wound measurement and approximate sizing for field triage
Strap cutter: Hook-style cutter for seat belts, webbing, and gear straps

The Raptor folds to fit in a chest pocket or MOLLE pouch and includes a nylon holster. It is widely adopted by fire departments, EMS services, military medics, and search-and-rescue teams. It is not a tool for hobbyists — it is a professional emergency response instrument.

Leatherman Care, Maintenance & Quick-Reference Use-Case Guide+

Care and Maintenance:

Clean debris from pivot points and tool channels periodically with a soft brush or compressed air — grit in the pivots is the primary cause of stiff action over time
Apply a light drop of oil to pivot points and blade hinges — Tuf-Glide, 3-in-1, or gun oil works well; avoid WD-40 for long-term lubrication
Dry the tool after exposure to water or saltwater — rinse with fresh water first if used in salt environments, then dry and oil before storage
Rust and corrosion are not covered under the 25-year warranty — proper maintenance is the owner's responsibility and is straightforward
Sharpen knife blades at 20–25° per side; Leatherman's LifeSharp program (for MagnaCut blade owners) provides free sharpening service
Replaceable wire cutters (on Wave Plus, Surge, Signal, and others) can be swapped in the field — replacement cutters are available at Knifeworks

Quick-Reference Use-Case Table:

Use Case	Recommended Model	Why
First Leatherman / all-purpose gift	Wave Plus	18 tools, all-time bestseller, covers everything — the correct answer for most buyers
Mechanic / contractor / heavy jobsite	Surge	21 tools, largest format, highest plier and bit driver capability
Lightweight EDC / hiking / trail	Skeletool or Skeletool CX	5 oz, carabiner clip, pliers + knife + bit driver — the minimum capable Leatherman
One-hand operation / glove use	Free P4 or Free P2	Magnetic one-hand opening on every tool — solves the two-hand problem
Wilderness / backcountry camping	Signal	Fire starter, whistle, hammer, saw — the survival-oriented Leatherman
EMS / first responder / military medic	Raptor Response	Trauma shears, ring cutter, glass breaker, O2 wrench — purpose-built for emergency response
Military / duty carry	Super Tool 300	All tools lock, 154CM wire cutters, military-grade construction
Premium EDC upgrade	Charge Plus TTi	Titanium handles, S30V blade — the Wave Plus at its most premium
Keychain / always-have	Free T4	2.4 oz, tether-ready, magnetic one-hand opening — smallest truly useful Leatherman
No-pocket carry	Tread LT bracelet	29 tools worn on the wrist — always with you when the tool is in the drawer

Leatherman Multi-Tools — Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers from the team at Knifeworks — carrying the full Leatherman lineup including Wave Plus, Surge, Skeletool, Free series, Signal, Raptor, and accessories.

Where are Leatherman tools made?+

Every Leatherman tool is made in Portland, Oregon at the company's 90,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Leatherman has been making tools in Portland since 1983 — the only exception was a brief period from 1985 to 1989 when demand briefly exceeded capacity and some PSTs were also made in Japan. Since 1989, 100% of Leatherman production has been in Portland. The company employs approximately 525 people at the Portland facility and tests its tools in the Pacific Northwest — the Cascades, the Oregon coast, and the high desert.

What is the best Leatherman to buy?+

For most people buying their first Leatherman or buying a gift: the Wave Plus. It is Leatherman's all-time bestselling tool, with 18 well-chosen implements including outside-accessible knife and serrated blades, spring-loaded scissors, replaceable wire cutters, and a full bit driver — in a package that fits any pocket. For a mechanic or contractor who needs maximum capability: the Surge (21 tools). For a minimalist who prioritizes weight: the Skeletool (5 oz, 7 tools). For backcountry use: the Signal (fire starter, whistle, saw).

How does Leatherman's 25-year warranty work?+

Leatherman's 25-year limited warranty covers the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship for 25 years from the date of receipt. To submit a warranty claim, fill out the online form at leatherman.com/pages/customerservice-warranty, then mail your tool to Leatherman in Portland. Allow 10–15 business days for service. Leatherman will repair or replace the tool at their discretion. The warranty does not cover rust, corrosion, abuse, alteration, theft, loss, or commercial/resale use. Note: Leatherman Insider loyalty members can qualify for an extended 40-year warranty.

What is the difference between the Wave Plus and the original Wave?+

The Wave Plus (current production) adds replaceable wire cutters to the original Wave's design — the single most requested upgrade from Wave users. Replaceable cutters mean you can swap in fresh cutting edges without returning the tool for service. The Wave Plus also includes upgraded steel on the wire cutters (154CM in some configurations). Otherwise the tool count, size, and overall design are the same. If you are buying new, always buy the Wave Plus — the original Wave is discontinued.

What does "outside-accessible blades" mean on a Leatherman?+

Outside-accessible blades open from the outside of the closed tool — like a traditional pocket knife — without unfolding the pliers handles first. On the Wave Plus, both the knife blade and the serrated blade are outside-accessible, meaning you can open either blade one-handed while the tool remains closed. This is the most important feature for buyers who use the knife blade regularly for EDC tasks. Not all Leatherman models have outside-accessible blades — the Surge and Skeletool do; some older models do not.

Is the Leatherman Raptor only for first responders?+

No — but its tools are purpose-built for emergency response scenarios. The Raptor's trauma shears, ring cutter, glass breaker, O2 wrench, strap cutter, and ruler are all tools that see their highest value in EMS, fire, military medevac, and search-and-rescue contexts. It is widely used by civilian preparedness enthusiasts, vehicle emergency kits, boat safety kits, and anyone who wants vehicle extraction and first aid capability in a compact tool. For general EDC, a Wave Plus is more versatile. For emergency preparedness and vehicle kits, the Raptor is the right answer.

How do I care for my Leatherman to prevent rust?+

Rust and corrosion are the most common reason Leatherman tools need service — and they are not covered under the warranty, making prevention important. After water or saltwater exposure, rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly before storage. Apply a light coat of oil (Tuf-Glide, 3-in-1, or gun oil) to pivot points and tool channels periodically — especially after wet use. Avoid storing in a wet sheath for extended periods. If surface rust develops, a brass brush and oil will remove light oxidation without damaging the metal. Stainless steel Leathermans resist corrosion better than non-stainless models but still benefit from occasional oiling.

Can I get my Leatherman's knife blade sharpened?+

Yes — several ways. You can sharpen any Leatherman knife blade at home using a whetstone or diamond sharpener at 20–25° per side. Leatherman also offers a LifeSharp program: owners of Leatherman tools with MagnaCut steel blades can claim free sharpening service directly from Leatherman. For warranty submissions, Leatherman will sharpen the blade as part of the service. The Wave Plus, Surge, and most current models use 420HC steel; the Charge Plus TTi uses S30V; the Skeletool CX uses 154CM; some current models use MagnaCut.

️ Leatherman 25-Year Warranty — What You Need to Know

Every Leatherman tool is backed by a 25-year limited warranty from the date of receipt to the original owner. Qualifying products will be repaired or replaced at Leatherman's sole discretion.

What's Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship under normal personal use. Leatherman's in-house repair team in Portland will repair or replace the tool.

What's NOT Covered: Rust, oxidation, or corrosion (the most important exclusion — maintain your tool) · Abuse or unreasonable use · Alteration of the product · Theft or loss · Commercial accounts or bulk purchases for resale · Leatherman Garage products (limited warranty applies)

Leatherman Insider Extended Warranty: Members of Leatherman's free Insider loyalty program can qualify for an extended 40-year warranty — plus free shipping thresholds and 30-day hassle-free returns. Sign up at leatherman.com.

How to Submit a Warranty Claim: Complete the online form at leatherman.com/pages/customerservice-warranty. Print the packing slip emailed to you and include it with your tool. Mail to Leatherman in Portland, Oregon. Allow 10–15 business days for processing after receipt. Each tool requires its own submission form.

Full warranty details at leatherman.com/pages/customerservice-warranty. USA warranty only — Canadian residents use the Canadian Warranty Page; outside North America contact your local distributor.

Made in Portland, Oregon · 25-Year Warranty · The Original American Multi-Tool

128 Million Tools. One City. One Family. One Warranty That Actually Means Something.

Browse the full Leatherman lineup at Knifeworks — from the Wave Plus that defined the category to the Surge for heavy work, the Skeletool for ultralight carry, the Signal for wilderness survival, and the Raptor for first responders. Every tool made in Portland, every tool backed by 25 years. Fast shipping from Columbia, Louisiana.

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