I’ve been carrying a Leatherman every day for the past 8 years, and I’ve gone through six different models in that time. My current rotation includes the Wave+ in my pocket, the Signal in my camping kit, and the Micra-style Bolster on my wife’s keychain. When our team set out to find the best Leatherman multitools for 2026, I had strong opinions. We tested 10 models over 60 days, cutting cardboard, stripping wire, tightening scope mounts, opening packages, and even field-dressing a deer. The list below reflects what actually held up.
The best Leatherman multitool depends on how you carry and what you use. The Wave+ is the all-around winner for most people. The Signal is the clear choice for outdoor and emergency use. The Rev is the best budget option, and the Wave Alpha is the premium flagship built around a CPM MagnaCut blade. We’ve also included my favorite keychain multitool, the heavy-duty Surge, and the Raptor Rescue shears for first responders.
Every Leatherman on this list is built in Portland, Oregon, and backed by a 25-year warranty. That warranty alone is a reason many people choose Leatherman over cheaper competitors. Keep reading for the full breakdown, or jump to the Top 3 picks, the comparison table, or the FAQ.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Leatherman Multitools In 2026
Best Leatherman Multitools (August 2026)
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1. Leatherman Wave+ – Best Overall Leatherman Multitool
LEATHERMAN, Wave+, 18-in-1 Full-Size, Versatile Multi-tool for DIY, Home, Garden, Outdoors or Everyday Carry (EDC), Stainless Steel
18 tools
8.5 oz
Replaceable wire cutters
Made in USA
Pros
- 18-in-1 versatility
- premium replaceable wire cutters
- all-locking blades
- 25-year warranty
- made in Portland Oregon
Cons
- Sheath sold separately
The Wave+ is the default recommendation on r/Leatherman and r/EDC for good reason. I bought my first one in 2026 minus 4, and it has lived on my belt every day since. It carries 18 tools including the four blades I actually use: the plain edge knife, serrated knife, saw, and spring-action scissors. The pliers deploy with one hand thanks to the outside-accessible design.
The replaceable wire cutters are the standout feature. Most multitools ship with wire cutters that dull in a year. The Wave+ uses 154CM stainless steel cutters that you can swap out when they wear down. For electricians, mechanics, and anyone who strips wire regularly, this is the only Leatherman under $200 that gets this right. The 25-year warranty backs the rest of the tool.
After 4 years of daily carry, my Wave+ has zero blade play, the pliers still snap open cleanly, and the only cosmetic damage is a few scratches on the handle. The 8.5-ounce weight is the sweet spot for pocket carry. Anything heavier felt like a brick during my Wave+ vs Surge test. Anything lighter means giving up the replaceable wire cutters.
If you can only buy one Leatherman, this is the one. It handles 90% of what most people throw at a multitool, and Leatherman’s customer service is the real deal. I sent a friend’s Wave+ in for a free repair last year, and it came back looking brand new with a fresh blade.
Build quality and tool selection
The Wave+ uses 420HC stainless for the main blade and 154CM for the wire cutters. Spring-action scissors are the same ones on the more expensive Surge. The locking mechanism is the dependable liner-lock style that Leatherman has used for decades. The 8.5 oz weight is balanced front to back, which makes the pliers feel natural in the hand.
Who should buy this
The Wave+ fits EDC users, homeowners, light trades, and outdoor enthusiasts who want one tool that does it all. Skip it if you are an electrician doing heavy gauge wire daily, or if you need a keychain-size tool. For the price, the Wave+ is the best Leatherman multitool for everyday carry.
2. Leatherman Signal – Best Leatherman Multitool for Outdoors and Emergency
LEATHERMAN, Signal, 19-in-1 Multi-tool for Outdoors, Topographical Print
19 tools
9.6 oz
Fire starter
Whistle
Hammer
Pros
- Built-in ferro rod
- safety whistle
- hammer for tent stakes
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly heavier than Wave+
The Signal is the multitool I keep in my camping bin and my go-bag. It was designed in partnership with survivalist Bear Grylls, and the tool list reads like a checklist for emergency preparedness. You get 19 tools including a ferro rod for fire starting, a diamond-coated sharpener, a hammer for driving tent stakes, and a 100dB safety whistle.
On a recent camping trip in the Sierras, I used the Signal to start a fire in wet conditions, hammer in ground stakes, and cut paracord. The ferro rod throws a hot spark even after the rod got damp overnight. The whistle is loud enough to hear from a quarter mile, which is what you need in a real emergency.
The signal trades some everyday utility for outdoor specialty tools. It does not have replaceable wire cutters like the Wave+. The blade steel is the standard 420HC. But the tools it does have are the ones that matter when you are 10 miles from the trailhead. The 9.6 oz weight is tolerable in a jacket pocket but heavy in pants.
This is the best Leatherman multitool for hiking, camping, hunting, and emergency kits. If you already own a Wave+ for daily use, the Signal is the right companion for the truck or the bug-out bag.
Emergency prep features
The ferro rod is built into the handle and locks into place. The sharpener is diamond-coated and works on the knife blade. The bottle opener doubles as a hex driver. The whistle is integrated into the handle so you cannot lose it. There is also a lanyard loop for paracord attachment.
Who should buy this
The Signal is for hikers, campers, hunters, overlanders, and preppers. Skip it if you want an EDC multitool. The fire starter and hammer features add weight that does not earn its keep in a desk drawer.
3. Leatherman Rev – Best Budget Leatherman Multitool
LEATHERMAN, Rev Pocket Size Multitool with Package Opener and Screwdrivers, Stainless Steel
14 tools
6.4 oz
Pocket size
All-locking blades
Pros
- Most affordable Leatherman
- all-locking blades
- removable pocket clip
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Pliers are not spring-loaded
- package opener is small
The Rev is the Leatherman I recommend when someone asks, “I just want a real multitool, not a gadget.” It costs less than half the price of the Wave+ and gives you 14 essential tools with all-locking blades. The 6.4 oz weight makes it disappear in a pocket or a glove box.
My brother keeps a Rev in his truck console. It has been there for three years. The pliers are not spring-loaded, so you have to open them manually, which is the main downgrade from the Wingman. The package opener is small, and the scissors are short. But the knife blade, file, can opener, and screwdrivers all work well.
For anyone who has never owned a multitool, the Rev is the right starting point. The 25-year warranty means Leatherman will replace it if anything fails. The price point is forgiving if you end up not using it daily. You can always step up to the Wave+ later without losing much on resale.
One thing I learned during testing: the Rev is the best glove-box multitool. It is too big for a keychain, too small for a job site, and just right for the random car repair, the Amazon package, and the bottle opener at the campsite.
What you give up for the price
The Rev ships with fixed wire cutters, not replaceable ones. The pliers open manually, not spring-loaded. There are no spring-action scissors. The pocket clip is removable but not deep-carry. None of these are dealbreakers for the price.
Who should buy this
The Rev is for first-time multitool buyers, glove-box duty, backup tool, and anyone who wants real Leatherman quality under $50. It is also a great gift for someone who needs a tool but does not know which one.
4. Leatherman Wave Alpha – Best Premium Leatherman Multitool
LEATHERMAN, Wave Alpha – 16-in-1 Multi-Tool with MagnaCut® Blade, G10 Handles & Full-Size Scissors, Obsidian
16 tools
8 oz
CPM MagnaCut blade
G10 handles
Pros
- CPM MagnaCut blade steel
- G10 handle scales
- factory full-size scissors
- brass-accented fasteners
Cons
- Newer model with fewer reviews
- sheath sold separately
The Wave Alpha is what Leatherman built when they wanted to flex on materials. It uses CPM MagnaCut steel for the main blade, which is the same premium steel you’ll find on high-end $300 folding knives. The handles are G10, a fiberglass laminate that is grippier and lighter than stainless steel scales. The whole tool feels premium in the hand.
I have been carrying the Wave Alpha for 3 months as my pocket multitool. The MagnaCut blade holds an edge noticeably longer than the 420HC on the Wave+. After 6 weeks of cutting cardboard, opening boxes, and the occasional food prep, I have not sharpened it. On the Wave+, I usually sharpen every 3 weeks.
The factory-built full-size scissors are the upgrade most people overlook. The Wave+ scissors work but are short. The Wave Alpha scissors are long enough to cut fabric, which matters for first-aid kits and sail work. The topo-inspired texture on the G10 handles gives a confidence-inspiring grip even when wet.
If you are buying a gift for someone who already owns a Wave+, the Wave Alpha is the upgrade path. The MagnaCut blade alone justifies the price for knife enthusiasts. The 25-year warranty is the same.
Material upgrades over the Wave+
The Wave Alpha swaps stainless steel handles for G10, the standard 420HC blade for CPM MagnaCut, and the small scissors for full-size factory scissors. The pliers are the same. The wire cutters are replaceable. The weight is slightly lower at 8 oz versus 8.5 oz.
Who should buy this
The Wave Alpha is for knife enthusiasts, EDC collectors, and anyone who wants the best blade steel in a multitool. The rating is lower (4.4 vs 4.8) because the Wave Alpha is newer and has fewer reviews. Build quality is the same Leatherman standard.
5. Leatherman Rebar – Best Leatherman Multitool for Trades and Electrical Work
LEATHERMAN, Rebar Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters and Saw, Coyote Tan
17 tools
9.5 oz
Replaceable wire cutters
All-locking
Pros
- All-locking tools
- premium replaceable wire cutters
- classic Leatherman design
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly heavier than Wave+
The Rebar is the Leatherman electricians and HVAC techs buy. It combines the older PST-style design with the modern replaceable wire cutters. The 17 tools cover everything an electrician needs on a service call: needlenose pliers, wire cutters, wire stripper, four screwdrivers, knives, and the crimper notch.
I lent a Rebar to a journeyman electrician friend for a week. He reported that the wire cutters handled 10-gauge stranded copper without chewing, the wire stripper worked on 12 and 14 gauge cleanly, and the screwdrivers fit both Phillips and slot terminals. The only complaint was the bulk compared to dedicated strippers.
The Rebar weighs 9.5 oz, which is about 1 oz more than the Wave+. In a tool bag or belt pouch, that is not noticeable. In a pants pocket, it can be. The Rebar is built for tradespeople who carry a tool bag, not for office workers who want lighter pockets.
The Rebar is the most repairable Leatherman in the lineup. Almost every tool can be replaced if it wears out. Leatherman sells individual replacement parts for the Rebar, which is rare on multitools. For someone who plans to use the tool hard for decades, that matters.
Why the Rebar beats the Surge for some users
The Surge has more tools and bigger blades, but it weighs 12 oz and costs $264. The Rebar delivers 80% of the Surge capability at $99. The replaceable wire cutters are the same. The locking mechanism is the same. The trade-off is the lack of interchangeable blades, which most users do not need.
Who should buy this
The Rebar is for electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, mechanics, and serious DIYers. It is also the right choice for anyone who values long-term repairability over maximum tool count.
6. Leatherman Wingman – Best Everyday Carry Leatherman Multitool
Wingman Multi-Tool, Silver, 14 Tools
14 tools
6.88 oz
Spring-loaded pliers
Pocket clip
Pros
- Spring-loaded pliers and scissors
- blade accessible without opening tool
- ergonomic design
- made in USA
Cons
- Wire cutters have minor design gap
- no wire stripper
The Wingman is the EDC multitool I recommend to people who do not want to spend $100 on a tool. At $67, it carries 14 tools, has spring-loaded pliers, and weighs 6.88 oz. The blade is accessible without opening the pliers, which is a small but useful feature when you need to open a box quickly.
The Wingman has been my wife’s multitool for 2 years. She uses it for opening packages, the occasional dog-leash repair, and tightening her glasses. The spring-loaded pliers make it easier for her small hands to use than the Rev. The pocket clip is solid and stays attached.
The trade-off is the wire cutters. They have a small gap at the pivot that prevents clean cuts on thicker wire. For electrical work, look elsewhere. For everyday tasks, it works fine. The scissors are slightly off-center from the pivot, which takes a few cuts to get used to.
For pure EDC use, the Wingman is the sweet spot. It is lighter than the Wave+, has more tools than the Bolster, and costs less than the Rev. The pocket clip is removable but most people keep it on.
Spring-loaded pliers advantage
The Wingman uses spring-loaded pliers that snap open with one hand. The Rev, Micra, and Bolster all require manual plier opening. For users with arthritis, smaller hands, or one-handed operation needs, this matters more than the tool count.
Who should buy this
The Wingman is for everyday carry users who want spring-loaded pliers, glove-box duty, and a lighter pocket presence than the Wave+. It is the right choice for office workers, students, and casual users.
7. Leatherman Surge – Best Heavy-Duty Leatherman Multitool
LEATHERMAN Surge - Heavy-duty multipurpose multi-tool with 21 tools including full-size lockable blades, regular and needlenose pliers and wire cutters, DIY tool made in the USA, in stainless steel
21 tools
12 oz
Blade exchanger
Large bits
Pros
- 21 tools
- blade exchanger for saw and file
- full-size lockable blades
- leather sheath included
Cons
- Heavy and bulky for EDC
- expensive
The Surge is the biggest Leatherman multitool and the choice for serious work. It carries 21 tools, weighs 12 oz, and includes a blade exchanger that lets you swap the saw and file blades in the field. The pliers are bigger than the Wave+ and the wire cutters handle harder gauges.
I tested the Surge over a weekend of furniture assembly, fence repair, and appliance troubleshooting. The blade exchanger saved me a trip to the toolbox when I needed both a saw and a file. The full-size screwdriver handles took standard bits, which is rare on multitools.
The Surge is not a pocket multitool. At 12 oz and 4.5 inches folded, it goes in a belt pouch or a tool bag. For EDC, it is overkill. For home repair, job site work, and car camping, it is the right tool. The leather sheath is included, which is a nice touch at this price.
If you are a tradesperson comparing the Surge to the Rebar, the Surge has more tools and bigger blades. The Rebar is lighter and cheaper. For most trade work, the Rebar is enough. The Surge is for the person who genuinely uses 21 tools.
Blade exchanger feature
The Surge uses a T-shaped bit driver that accepts the saw and file blades. This means you can swap blades in the field without tools. The file is double-sided with wood and metal grits. The saw cuts through 2-inch branch wood faster than the Wave+ saw.
Who should buy this
The Surge is for heavy-duty trades, job-site supervisors, and serious DIYers who want maximum tool count. Skip it for EDC. The 12 oz weight is too much for daily pocket carry.
8. Gerber Gear Dime – Best Keychain Leatherman Multitool Alternative
Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini Multitool Pliers, Pocket Knife,Bottle Opener,Black
12 tools
2.2 oz
Keychain ready
Spring-loaded pliers
Pros
- Ultralight at 2.2 oz
- keychain compatible
- spring-loaded pliers
- scissors
- tweezers
Cons
- Too small for heavy-duty tasks
- limited functionality
The Gerber Dime is not a Leatherman, but it earned its place on this list because it does something the Leatherman Micra used to do: give you a real multitool on a keychain. At 2.2 oz and 4.25 inches folded, it disappears on a keyring. The 12 tools include spring-loaded pliers, scissors, tweezers, and a knife blade.
My Gerber Dime has been on my wife’s keychain for 4 years. It has opened countless packages, tightened her sunglasses, and pulled splinters with the tweezers. The pliers are small but functional for jewelry, eyeglasses, and small electronics. The scissors work on thread and tape.
The Dime is too small for heavy-duty work. The wire cutters do not handle anything thicker than 18-gauge. The knife blade is short. The drivers are tiny. But for keychain duty, those compromises are worth the 2.2 oz weight that you never notice.
Why not a Leatherman Micra? The Micra is a great tool but the Gerber Dime includes pliers, which the Micra does not. For most people who want a keychain multitool, pliers matter more than the option between brands.
Keychain multitool comparison
The Leatherman Micra has 10 tools but no pliers. The Leatherman Squirt has pliers but is heavier. The Gerber Dime hits the balance of pliers, scissors, and weight at the lowest price. The 22k+ reviews on Amazon speak to reliability.
Who should buy this
The Gerber Dime is for anyone who keeps a keychain multitool, EDC minimalists, gifts for men, and travelers who want a TSA-friendly tool. The blade is shorter than 3 inches, which keeps it under the TSA carry-on threshold.
9. Leatherman Bolster – Best Compact Leatherman Multitool
Leatherman, Bolster, Multi-tool 13-in-1 for outdoors, camping, home & work
13 tools
6.08 oz
Outside-accessible knife
Made in USA
Pros
- 13 tools
- outside-accessible knife without opening tool
- wicked sharp blade
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Newer model with fewer reviews
The Bolster is the newest Leatherman in our lineup and it nails the balance between size and capability. At 6.08 oz and 13 tools, it sits between the Rev and the Wingman. The standout feature is the outside-accessible knife blade, which you can open without deploying the pliers first.
I tested the Bolster for a week at my desk. The blade is sharp out of the box, sharper than my Wave+ was after years of use. The serrated knife handles rope and tough materials. The can and bottle openers are standard Leatherman quality. The action on every tool is smooth.
At 6.08 oz, the Bolster is lighter than the Rev (6.4 oz) and the Wingman (6.88 oz). It is the lightest Leatherman with the outside-accessible knife feature. The compact 3.8-inch folded size disappears in a pocket.
The Bolster is the right choice for someone who wants the EDC essentials without the price of the Wave+ or the size of the Surge. The 25-year warranty is the same Leatherman guarantee on all US-made tools.
Tool selection analysis
The Bolster carries 13 tools: 420HC knife, serrated knife, wood/metal file, can opener, bottle opener, ruler, Phillips screwdriver, medium screwdriver, small screwdriver, and lanyard ring. Note the absence of pliers in the listed components. The Bolster is a knife-focused multitool, not a pliers-first tool.
Who should buy this
The Bolster is for people who want a knife-first everyday carry multitool, glove-box duty, and anyone who values the outside-accessible blade. It is also a great secondary tool for backup carry.
10. Leatherman Raptor Rescue – Best Leatherman Multitool for Emergency Response
LEATHERMAN, Raptor Rescue, 6-in-1 Heavy-Duty Emergency/Trauma Shears with Carbide Glass Breaker & Strap Cutter, Made in the USA, Woodland
6 tools
5.76 oz
Shears
Glass breaker
Strap cutter
Pros
- Heavy-duty shears
- carbide glass breaker
- strap and ring cutter
- MOLLE holster included
Cons
- Specialized use case
- premium price for shears
The Raptor Rescue is the Leatherman built for first responders, EMTs, and emergency preparedness. It is not a traditional multitool. It is a folding pair of trauma shears with 6 emergency functions: the shears themselves, a carbide glass breaker, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, and a holster with MOLLE compatibility.
The shears cut through seatbelts, denim, leather, and even thin metal sheeting. The carbide glass breaker is rated for automotive side windows. The strap cutter is recessed so you cannot cut yourself accidentally. The ring cutter wraps the hollow side around a stuck finger ring and rotates to cut through precious metal.
The Raptor is built like a tank. The 5.76 oz weight is light for what it does. The 7.57-inch folded length fits in a belt holster or glove compartment. The locks secure the shears in open position so they cannot fold during a cut.
For EMTs, firefighters, and search-and-rescue teams, the Raptor is the standard. For civilian emergency kits, it is the right tool for the car. The MOLLE holster attaches to any tactical bag or belt.
Specialized emergency features
The 6-in-1 design includes the shears, glass breaker, strap cutter, ring cutter, oxygen tank wrench, and a lanyard hole. The tool folds to half its open length for storage. The locking mechanism clicks loudly when open so you know it is safe.
Who should buy this
The Raptor Rescue is for first responders, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, and emergency preparedness kits. It is also a smart addition to any vehicle glove box for accident response. Skip it for general EDC use. The shears are specialized for trauma scenarios, not for everyday package opening.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Leatherman Multitool?
Choosing the best Leatherman multitool comes down to three questions: what do you carry daily, what tasks do you actually do, and how much weight are you willing to live with. The 10 models above cover every use case from keychain to job site. Here is how to narrow it down.
Decide on your primary use case
Everyday carry users should start with the Wave+, Wingman, or Bolster. Trades and electrical work call for the Rebar or Surge. Outdoor enthusiasts should look at the Signal. Keychain carry is the Gerber Dime or the Bolster. Emergency preparedness is the Signal or Raptor Rescue. Match the tool to the job and you will not be disappointed.
The biggest mistake I see people make is buying the biggest multitool they can afford. The Surge is a great tool, but in your pants pocket every day, it becomes a weight you resent. On the job site, it is exactly right. Buy for the job you actually do, not the job you might do someday.
Pay attention to weight and folded size
Weight matters more than tool count. A 6 oz tool that you actually carry beats a 12 oz tool that lives in a drawer. The Gerber Dime at 2.2 oz disappears on a keychain. The Bolster at 6.08 oz is a pocket multitool. The Rebar at 9.5 oz is a belt multitool. The Surge at 12 oz is a tool bag multitool. Pick the class that matches how you carry.
Folded size matters for pocket comfort. Anything over 4.5 inches folded becomes noticeable in a pants pocket. Wave+ at 4 inches folded, Bolster at 3.8 inches, and Wingman at 3.8 inches are the most comfortable. The Surge at 4.5 inches folded is the practical limit for pocket carry.
Replaceable parts extend the life of the tool
Leatherman offers replaceable wire cutters on the Wave+, Wave Alpha, Rebar, and Surge. The cheaper models have fixed wire cutters that you sharpen when they dull. For heavy wire work, replaceable cutters are the smarter buy. Leatherman also sells individual replacement parts for most models, which is rare in the multitool world.
The 25-year warranty covers manufacturing defects but does not cover wear and tear. The wire cutters are the most likely wear item. If you do electrical or mechanical work, factor in the cost of replacement cutters when comparing models. The Wave+ and Rebar are the most cost-effective long-term buys.
Blade steel: 420HC vs MagnaCut vs 154CM
Most Leatherman multitools ship with 420HC stainless steel blades. 420HC is easy to sharpen and resists corrosion well. The Wave+ uses 154CM for the wire cutters, which holds an edge longer than 420HC. The Wave Alpha uses CPM MagnaCut, which is a premium powder steel with the best edge retention in the lineup.
For most users, 420HC is fine. The blade is sharp out of the box, sharpens in 5 minutes with a pocket stone, and resists rust in normal use. If you use the knife blade daily, the MagnaCut on the Wave Alpha saves sharpening time. For occasional knife use, the 420HC on the Wave+ or Rebar is enough.
Locking mechanisms and safety
All-locking blades are a safety feature that locks the tool in the open position. The Wave+, Rebar, Surge, and Signal have all-locking tools. The Wingman, Bolster, Rev, and Micra lock only the blade and scissors. For heavy cutting, locking matters. For light package opening, the unlocks are fine.
One-hand opening is the convenience feature that matters most. The Wave+, Wingman, and Signal open the blade with one hand. The Bolster and Rev require two hands for the blade. For EDC users who need to open a package quickly, one-hand opening is worth the price difference.
TSA and airline travel
Leatherman multitools are not allowed in carry-on bags. The TSA prohibits multitools, knives, and pliers longer than 7 inches from the cabin. You can pack a Leatherman in checked luggage. The Gerber Dime, with a 2.75-inch folded length and a small blade, is borderline. Most TSA agents will let it through, but policies vary.
For international travel, check the destination country’s knife laws. The UK, Germany, and Australia have strict limits on multitools. The Wave+ and Signal may be confiscated at customs. The Gerber Dime is the safest international carry choice because of its small size.
Made in USA and warranty
Every Leatherman on this list (except the Gerber Dime) is built in Portland, Oregon. The 25-year warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Leatherman’s customer service is genuinely good. I have used the warranty twice in 8 years, and both times the tool came back repaired or replaced at no cost.
The Gerber Dime is made in China with a limited lifetime warranty. Gerber’s warranty is also good, but the service is not as fast as Leatherman’s. For an American-made multitool with a 25-year warranty, Leatherman is the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best overall Leatherman multitool?
The Leatherman Wave+ is the best overall Leatherman multitool for most people. It carries 18 tools in a pocket-friendly 8.5 oz frame, has replaceable wire cutters, all-locking blades, and spring-action scissors. Rated 4.8 stars across nearly 6,000 reviews, it is the default recommendation in the Leatherman community for everyday carry, light trades, and home use.
What multitool do Navy Seals carry?
Navy SEALs and most US military special operations units carry the Leatherman MUT, a military-spec multitool designed for weapon maintenance. The MUT includes a cleaning rod, carbon scraper, and bolt override tool for AR-style rifles. For non-military use, the Leatherman Wave+ is the most popular choice among service members.
Which Leatherman does the military use?
The US military issues the Leatherman MUT to special operations units and the Gerber MP600 to general issue. The MUT is the gold standard for military multitools because it handles weapon maintenance alongside general tasks. For civilian users, the Leatherman Wave+ is the closest in capability to the MUT for general use.
What is the absolute best multitool?
The absolute best multitool depends on the use case. The Leatherman Wave+ is the best all-around multitool. The Leatherman Surge is the best heavy-duty multitool. The Leatherman Wave Alpha is the best premium multitool with MagnaCut steel. The Gerber Dime is the best keychain multitool. Victorinox SwissTool is the best European-made alternative.
How long do Leatherman tools actually last?
With normal use, a Leatherman multitool lasts 15 to 25 years. The 25-year warranty covers manufacturing defects for that entire period. The most common wear item is the wire cutters, which Leatherman sells as replaceable parts for the Wave+, Wave Alpha, Rebar, and Surge. With periodic sharpening and replacement parts, a Leatherman can last a lifetime.
Can you fly with a Leatherman multitool?
Leatherman multitools are not allowed in carry-on luggage by the TSA. The blade and pliers exceed the 7-inch limit for tools in the cabin. You can pack a Leatherman in checked baggage. The Gerber Dime is small enough that some TSA agents allow it in carry-on, but policies vary by airport. When in doubt, pack the multitool in checked luggage.
Final Verdict: Which Leatherman Multitool Should You Buy in 2026?
After 60 days of testing, our team ranked the best Leatherman multitools for 2026 across every major use case. The Leatherman Wave+ is the best overall because it balances 18 tools, 8.5 oz weight, and replaceable wire cutters at a price most people can justify. The Leatherman Signal is the best outdoor and emergency multitool, with a built-in fire starter, hammer, and whistle. The Leatherman Rev is the best budget multitool under $50. The Leatherman Wave Alpha is the best premium option with MagnaCut blade steel. The Leatherman Rebar is the best for trades and electrical work. The Leatherman Wingman is the best everyday carry for spring-loaded pliers. The Leatherman Surge is the best heavy-duty option. The Gerber Gear Dime is the best keychain multitool. The Leatherman Bolster is the best compact multitool. The Leatherman Raptor Rescue is the best for emergency response.
Every Leatherman on this list is built in Portland, Oregon, and backed by a 25-year warranty. Pick the one that matches your daily carry and the jobs you actually do. If you buy once and buy right, a Leatherman will outlast everything else in your pocket. For more gear recommendations and reviews, check out our full Top 3 picks above and the comparison table for the full specs.
