Written by: Jin Fujisaki / Published: 2026-02-12
When most people hear "multi-tool knife," they picture the red-handled Swiss Army Knife (Victorinox). It's a wonderful tool, but at its core, it's still a "knife."
However, when you're repairing something or bending a stiff object, what you really need isn't a knife — it's a "plier." In 1983, Tim Leatherman founded "LEATHERMAN" and turned that conventional wisdom on its head. Unfold it from its closed state, and what appears is a sturdy, full-sized plier. This isn't a "handy gadget with a knife attached." It's a "toolbox that also happens to have a knife."
| The World's Best-Selling Model: "WAVE+"
image FACTORY GEAR
Leatherman offers many models, but the one that has continued to reign at the top is the "WAVE+." The reason lies in its overwhelming "ease of use."
Normally, to use the knife on a multi-tool, you have to open the tool first and then pull the blade out. With the WAVE+, however, you can deploy the knife instantly with just your thumb while the handle remains closed (one-hand open feature). When you're on the job site with one hand occupied, you'll truly appreciate how invaluable this feature is. On top of that, a saw, file, scissors, screwdriver, and more — 18 functions in total — are packed into a body just 10 cm long.
| The Meaning of the "+" — Replaceable Wire Cutters
image EDC GARAGE
The "+" in the product name represents a significant evolution from the previous "WAVE" model. Specifically, the "wire cutter" blades at the base of the pliers are now replaceable.
What happens when you force-cut hard wire or a nail and chip the blade? In the past, you'd have to either replace the entire tool or send it in for repair. With the "+," however, you can unscrew just the blade portion and swap in a new one. As long as the main body doesn't break, you can maintain razor sharpness virtually forever. It's an extremely rational, distinctly American approach to "using a tool for the long haul."
| The Peace of Mind of Having a "Lock Feature" on Every Tool
image Market
Have you ever used a cheap multi-tool, only to have the blade snap shut on its own the moment you applied force, nearly slicing your finger? With the WAVE+, every tool — not just the knife, but even the screwdrivers and can opener — is equipped with a "lock feature."
Once it clicks into place and locks, no amount of force will cause it to close on its own. Until you press the release button, the blade stays firmly fixed. It's precisely this safety design that makes the WAVE+ trustworthy as a "serious tool" rather than a toy.
| The Confidence Behind the "25-Year Warranty"
image Ehime Machine Honten
Leatherman products come with a remarkable warranty: a "25-year warranty." If the tool breaks under normal use within 25 years of purchase, they will repair or replace it free of charge.
"25 years" effectively carries the same meaning as a "lifetime warranty." It's a testament to how robustly these tools are built, and a statement that the manufacturer takes responsibility even in the unlikely event of a breakdown. This is the biggest reason why professionals who push their tools to the limit on demanding job sites choose Leatherman.
| Conclusion: 241 Grams of "Preparedness"
image Abhor
The WAVE+ weighs approximately 241 g. It's heavier than a smartphone, and you'll feel a substantial presence in your pocket. But that weight is the weight of the reassurance that comes from knowing "with this, I can handle anything."
Gripping a hot pot at a campsite, tightening a loose screw on your glasses, opening a cardboard box, cutting through a tangled rope. It calmly solves every little "uh-oh" moment in daily life. Carrying a WAVE+ means you're ready to enjoy whatever trouble comes your way.
