This latest Leatherman Wave is impressive (model 830039). The screw driver portion is a removable bit unlike the previous version. The outer sheathed blades and files have a similar but stronger locking mechanism, and overall the metal seems to be thicker, especially around focal points that show torque damage on my older Leatherman.

I use this multi-tool a lot, and came pretty close to picking up the SOG version of similar design, but the complexity of that design made me hesitant because of the increased points of failure. After reading the reviews on this Leatherman and comparisons to the previous version, there just wasn’t a question. It was the right size to fit the most needs and still remain compact enough to be out of the way.

whether doing work around the house, out in the field, or at a camping ground, a Leatherman is always useful. Much more useful than my old Swiss Army knives, and ubiquitous enough that having one will never raise eyebrows. My Winchester bowie, otoh, make people think I’m trying to be an Asian crocodile dundee….ahem….so it stays at home unless I’m out doing a solo backpacking trip.

If you have an older version and are considering an upgrade, rest assured, it’s everything your older Laetherman Wave is and then some. You won’t regret it.