Leatherman Models Compared: Which Multitool in 2026?

How this comparison was put together

Leatherman's multi-tools page lists about two dozen models, and the names blur together fast. Here are the most-searched ones in four groups: full-size, mid-size and lightweight, keychain and compact, and no pliers.

Every tool count, weight, length and price comes from the model's own leatherman.com page, opened on October 1, 2026. Prices are what each page listed that day and will move. We haven't handled these tools, so there are no hands-on verdicts, only what Leatherman publishes and what the numbers imply. "Closed length" is the folded size.

Leatherman models at a glance

Full-size pliers tools

These close at 4 to 4.5 inches and carry the longest tool lists.

Wave Plus. The Leatherman Wave Plus is the reference point for the range. Leatherman calls it its best-selling multi-tool, with all-locking features and replaceable wire cutters. At $129.95 it is the second-cheapest full-size model here, and at 8.5 oz it is 4 oz lighter than the Surge.

Wave Alpha. The Wave Alpha is the other Leatherman Wave in this group, with the same 18-tool count. The extra $70 buys materials and refinements: a MagnaCut blade, G10 handles and full-size one-handed scissors, per Leatherman. Pick it for the upgrade, not for more tools.

Surge and Super Tool 300. These are the big-pliers pair. The Leatherman Surge lists 21 tools, four outside-opening tools and a blade exchanger that swaps a saw and a file, at 12.5 oz and $159.95. The Super Tool 300 lists 19 tools at 9.6 oz and $119.95, with the same 4.5 in closed length. The Surge costs $40 more and weighs about 2.9 oz more for two extra tools. Either is a toolbox tool first and a pocket tool second.

Signal. The Leatherman Signal is the outdoors variant: 19 tools including a ferrocerium rod, emergency whistle, hammer surface and sharpener. At 7.5 oz it is the lightest full-size model here.

Arc. The Leatherman Arc lists 20 tools and $249.95, the highest price in the group. Leatherman says every tool opens with one hand and locks, and the blade is MagnaCut steel.

Mid-size and lightweight models

These trade tool count for weight, closing at 3.8 to 4 inches.

The Rebar lists 17 tools at 6.7 oz and $99.95, including a saw and an 8 in ruler. That is close to the Wave Plus tool count at about 1.8 oz less.

The Wingman and Rev both list 14 tools and a 3.8 in closed length. The Wingman lists spring-action pliers and scissors and is $49.95 at 7 oz. The Rev lists neither, weighs 5.9 oz and costs $44.95.

The Leatherman Skeletool goes the other way: 7 tools at 5 oz and $89.95, namely pliers, wire cutters, a combo knife, a carabiner and bottle opener, and a bit driver. There are no scissors, saw or file. The Skeletool CX is $99.95 for the same count and weight, with a 154CM straight blade. They are the lightest pliers models in this table.

Keychain and compact tools

The Leatherman Micra lists 10 tools at 1.8 oz, closed at 2.5 inches, for $49.95. It has spring-action scissors, tweezers, a knife and several small screwdrivers, but no pliers. For other tiny blades, see our keychain knife guide.

The FREE T2 steps up in size: 8 tools, 3.3 oz, 3.6 in closed and $49.95, with one-hand tools but no pliers. It showed as sold out when we checked.

The Leatherman Squirt is no longer sold. The Squirt PS4 and ES4 are on Leatherman's Retired Products page, listed at 2.3 in closed and 1.9 oz, and the PS4 had spring-action pliers. None of the pliers models in this table close smaller than 3.8 in.

Pliers-free tools

• Skeletool KB: a blade and a bottle opener, 1.3 oz, $39.95. Leatherman pitches it as an everyday carry knife; our EDC knife guide covers the wider field.
• Raptor Rescue: folding trauma shears with a strap cutter, ring cutter, oxygen tank wrench and glass breaker, 5.8 oz, $79.95.
• OPNR: a $10 keychain tool with a bottle opener, mini pry, screwdriver and package opener, 0.52 oz.

Retired models and a recall

Leatherman lists the Charge Plus and Charge Plus TTi as retired in 2025. A voluntary recall covers units made between July 2024 and March 2025 in which the knife tip may not fully close. Read that page before buying one second-hand.

Leatherman versus Victorinox and Gerber

These are the nearest same-size models from each maker's own site, as listed in October 2026.

Victorinox. The Spirit X offers more functions (24 against 18) in a lighter body, made in Switzerland, with a pouch included. Its page says the blade isn't one-handed, and at $145 before tax it costs about $15 more than the Wave Plus. The Classic SD is lighter and cheaper than the Micra, but has 7 functions, a non-locking blade and no pliers.

Gerber. The Suspension-NXT lists 15 tools at $38.49 against the Wingman's 14 at $49.95. Its page also shows $54.99 and gives the closed length two ways, so check before you buy. The Center-Drive is bigger and heavier than the Wave Plus and says it is made in the USA. The Dime fits needlenose pliers into 2.2 oz, which the Micra lacks, though its page says 12 tools in one place and lists 10 in another.

Warranty

Leatherman's warranty page describes a 25-year limited warranty for the original owner of a tool bought for personal use through an authorized dealer. It excludes abuse, theft, loss, rust and corrosion, cosmetic wear, and sheaths and accessories, and Leatherman repairs or replaces at its discretion.

Victorinox's lifetime warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing under normal use. Gerber's product pages state a limited lifetime warranty.

How to choose the best multitool

• One tool for most jobs: Wave Plus, or Super Tool 300 to save $10 and carry more weight.
• Heavy work: Surge. Camping: Signal.
• Lightest with pliers: Skeletool or Skeletool CX.
• Budget pliers tool: Rev or Wingman.
• Keychain: Micra, or OPNR if you only need an opener.
• Premium: Wave Alpha or Arc.

Rules on carrying blades differ by state and country, so check local rules before you go. For flying, read the TSA's multi-tools page before you pack.

A multitool is one of the classic everyday carry items. If you like having something in your hand between jobs, echoPi, which is in development, is an EDC fidget slider with seven real clicks as a design target, each able to play a note; join the list for launch news.