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Leatherman’s Fan-Favorite Multi-Tool Gets Even More User-Friendly

The latest generation of the Wave boasts a super steel blade and a small but significant deployment-easing element.

Close-up of a black folding knife with textured handles and gold-accented pivot screws on a rough stone surface.Leatherman
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By Steve Mazzucchi

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Two years ago, Leatherman dropped a shoe-in for the GP100 with the ARC, a totally loaded (and spendy) multi-tool featuring 20 functions, next-gen FREE technology and a MagnaCut steel blade. 

GP100: Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the most important releases collects key watches, cars, outdoor gear and more. Browse the full list or catch up on last year’s winners.

As fantastic as that product continues to be, it’s a bit, well, much for the everyday user, a big reason why alternatives like the Wave continue to be bestsellers for the brand.

A person wearing a teal fleece jacket is using a multi-tool knife to cut open a yellow bag labeled "Organic Venice" with dark roast whole bean coffee, featuring notes of marshmallow and stone fruit. The person's hands, adorned with rings, are prominently shown.
The brand’s biggest-ever pair of multi-tool scissors is just one of 16 reliable tools built into the Wave Alpha.
Leatherman

Boasting an impressive set of 16 essential tools, the Wave is arguably the best all-around multi-tool, and that case is only buttressed by the premium upgrade it received just a few months ago.

Released in October, the Wave Alpha boasts Leatherman’s biggest-ever multi-tool scissors and a 2.89-inch reverse tanto blade made of MagnaCut, which remains unrivaled for its blend of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. 

A person wearing a plaid shirt and olive pants is using a black multitool to tighten or loosen a screw on a metal bracket attached to a wooden surface. The multitool is held firmly in one hand, while the other hand stabilizes the wooden surface. The scene appears to be outdoors with natural light.
Tasks such as driving bits are aided by the Wave Alpha’s durable G10 handle scales, featuring a new topography-inspired texture that enhances grip.  
Leatherman

But what takes the Wave Alpha over the top into GP100 territory is the fact that Leatherman responded to fan feedback and added to the blade a small but significant element previously only available on the ARC: a thumb stud. 

Because as handy as a thumb slot is, a stud is the superior option for one-handed deployment. 

A close-up of a hand holding a partially opened folding knife with a black handle and a blade marked "MagnaCut." The knife has visible brass-colored pivot screws and textured grip scales. The background is dark and out of focus.
The rare, fan-requested thumb stud on the MagnaCut blade is the proverbial dagger that seals the Wave Alpha’s place in the 2025 GP100.
Leatherman

That’s especially true in certain all-too-common scenarios, such as when you are tired, in an awkward position or wearing gloves. 

This particular stud is made of stainless steel with a protective Cerakote finish, ensuring it sticks around for the long haul.

Assuming Leatherman continues to do the little things for its fans, the brand seems very likely to do so as well.

Multi-tool with orange handles featuring pliers, scissors, saw, knife, file, screwdriver bits, and other fold-out tools. The pliers have a metallic finish and the handles have textured grips. The tool is partially open, displaying several of its functions.Leatherman

GP100 Winner

Leatherman Wave Alpha

Specs

Blade Length/Material 2.88 inches/MagnaCut Stainless Steel
Functions 16
Weight 8.26 ounces

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