Leatherman Skeletool vs Wave Plus: which multitool should you pick?
Pick the Skeletool for a 5 oz carry weight with pliers, a blade, and a driver. Pick the 8.5 oz Wave Plus for scissors, a saw, 2 files, and more drivers. Pocket weight shows up every day; the saw only matters when you need it.
Published September 24, 2026
Decision table
| Attribute | Leatherman Skeletool | Leatherman Wave Plus |
|---|---|---|
Current maker name | Skeletool | Wave Plus |
Tool count | 7 | 18 |
Weight | 5 oz | 8.5 oz |
Closed length | 4 in | 4 in |
Open length | 6 in | 6.25 in |
Width | 1.24 in | 1.2 in |
Overall thickness | 0.52 in | 0.7 in |
Primary blade | 2.6 in, 420HC stainless steel | 2.92 in, 420HC stainless steel |
Blade configuration | 1 420HC combo knife | 1 420HC plain knife and 1 separate 420HC serrated knife |
Pliers | Needlenose pliers and regular pliers | Needlenose pliers and regular pliers |
Cutters | Hard-wire cutters and wire cutters | Premium replaceable wire cutters and premium replaceable hard-wire cutters; also an electrical crimper and wire stripper |
Drivers | Large bit driver | Large bit driver, small bit driver, and medium screwdriver |
Included bits | Phillips #1 and #2; screwdriver 1/4 in and 3/16 in | Eyeglass screwdriver; Phillips #1-2 and 3/16 in screwdriver |
Handle bit storage | Stated by the maker | Not stated by the maker |
Scissors | None | Spring-action scissors |
Saw | None | Saw |
Files | None | Wood/metal file and diamond-coated file |
Ruler | None | 8 in / 19 cm ruler |
Can opener | None | Can opener |
Bottle opener | Carabiner/bottle opener | Bottle opener |
Pocket attachment | Replaceable pocket clip and carabiner | Lanyard ring; pocket clip and carabiner not stated by the maker |
Locking | Locking blade | All features except the plier head lock |
Outside access | Outside-accessible features | Outside-accessible features |
One-hand operation | One-hand operable features | One-hand operable features |
Included sheath | Sheath sold separately | Sheath sold separately |
Warranty | 25-year warranty | 25-year warranty |
Source | Leatherman Skeletool | Leatherman Wave Plus |
Who should pick which
Choose the Skeletool
Choose it when 5 oz, a pocket clip, pliers, a combo blade, and a large bit driver cover the jobs you actually face. It is the cleaner pocket carry, not a shrunken Wave Plus. Carry the short list on purpose, not as an apology.
Choose the Wave Plus
Choose it when you will use scissors, a saw, separate plain and serrated blades, 2 files, or the wider driver set. Those tools earn the 8.5 oz weight; unused features are just pocket ballast.
Check current availability
Frequently asked questions
How many tools and how much weight does Leatherman state for each?
Leatherman states 7 tools and 5 oz for the Skeletool. It states 18 tools and 8.5 oz for the Wave Plus.
Are the Skeletool and Wave Plus the same size when closed?
No. Both are 4 in long when closed, but the Wave Plus is 0.7 in thick versus 0.52 in for the Skeletool. The Skeletool is slightly wider at 1.24 in versus 1.2 in.
How do the blades differ?
The Skeletool has a 2.6 in 420HC combo knife. The Wave Plus has a 2.92 in 420HC plain primary knife plus a separate 420HC serrated knife.
Does the Skeletool have scissors, a saw, or files?
No such tools appear in the Skeletool Specifications block or its complete 7-tool list. The Wave Plus tool list includes spring-action scissors, a saw, a wood/metal file, and a diamond-coated file.
Which one has a pocket clip or carabiner?
The Skeletool feature list states a replaceable pocket clip, and its tool list states a carabiner/bottle opener. The Wave Plus tool and feature lists state a lanyard ring but do not state a pocket clip or carabiner.
Keep the decision in context
This comparison covers these specific Leatherman multitools. Explore the broader multitool guide for other compact, general-purpose, and larger options. Visit our complete gear index for the full catalog.