Best Leatherman Multitools of 2026: Which Model Should You Buy?
Leatherman sells more than a dozen multitools, and the names (Wave, Rev, Rebar, Signal, ARC) do not tell you much about which one fits your camp kit. Choosing the best Leatherman multitool comes down to how many tools you really use, how much weight you will carry and how much you want to spend. We compared the current lineup on weight and packed size, durability and weather resistance, and comfort and ease of use. Our top pick is the Leatherman Wave Plus, the brand's best-selling all-rounder. For other brands, see our best multitool guide.
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- ALK Score9.4
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- ALK Score9.2
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- ALK Score9.4
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- ALK Score9.4
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LEATHERMAN Signal 19-in-1 Multi-Tool, Coyote Tan
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- BrandLeatherman
LEATHERMAN, Super Tool 300 Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
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Leatherman Skeletool RX Multitool with Serrated Knife and Glass Breaker,
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LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX 7-in-1 Multi-Tool, Lightweight EDC, Onyx
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- Brandtopstache
Last update on 2026-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
All three are current Leatherman models sold on Leatherman's own site, and all carry the brand's 25-year warranty. Prices move, so tap a button to check today's price. This quick table is our Leatherman multitool models compared at a glance.
| Award | Product | Key spec | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Leatherman Wave Plus | 18 tools; 8.5 oz; outside-accessible blades; saw | Most campers and DIY | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best Budget (Under $50) | Leatherman Rev | 14 tools; needlenose pliers; locking blades | Pocket carry on a budget | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best Premium / Upgrade Pick | Leatherman ARC | 20 tools; MagnaCut blade; FREE one-hand opening | Buyers who want the best Leatherman makes | Check Price on Amazon |
These short Leatherman multitool reviews use maker specs and Amazon rating history. We did not test these tools.
1. Best Overall: Leatherman Wave Plus
LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel
- Tools: 18, including saw, spring-action scissors, ruler and knife blades
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Build: outside-accessible locking blades, premium replaceable wire cutters
- Warranty: 25 years
Why it made the list: Leatherman calls the Wave Plus its best-selling all-rounder, and it earns the title with a saw, spring-action scissors and blades you can open without unfolding the pliers. Replaceable wire cutters keep it useful for years. It is highly rated by buyers, with thousands of ratings, the largest pool in the Leatherman lineup we found.
Highlights:
- Outside-accessible knife and saw
- Replaceable wire cutters
- Big rating pool and long warranty
Trade-off:
- At 8.5 oz it is heavier than compact models like the Rev
Best for: Campers who want one Leatherman that handles camp chores, gear repairs and home fixes.
2. Best Budget (Under $50): Leatherman Rev
LEATHERMAN Rev Pocket Size Multitool, Stainless Steel
- Tools: 14, including needlenose and regular pliers, hard and regular wire cutters, wire stripper, knife, file, Phillips screwdrivers
- Access: outside-accessible tools, all-locking blades
- Carry: compact with a removable pocket clip
- Warranty: 25 years
Why it made the list: No Leatherman plier tool sells for under $30, so we raised this award to under $50. The cheapest Leatherman we found, the Skeletool KBX, is essentially a folding knife with a bottle opener, so we chose the Rev instead. It is a true plier-based tool with 14 tools and locking blades, and it is highly rated by buyers, with over a thousand ratings.
Highlights:
- Real pliers and wire cutters in a pocket size
- Outside-accessible tools
- Same 25-year warranty as flagship models
Trade-off:
- No saw or scissors listed
Best for: First-time Leatherman buyers and anyone who wants a light glovebox or tackle-box tool.
3. Best Premium / Upgrade Pick: Leatherman ARC
Leatherman ARC 20-in-1 Multi-tool with MagnaCut Blade
- Tools: 20, for trail, campsite and home repairs
- Blade: MagnaCut steel, which Leatherman says holds its edge and resists corrosion
- Opening: FREE technology, one-hand opening with gloves, tools lock in place
- Warranty: 25 years
Why it made the list: Leatherman describes the ARC as its most advanced multitool. Every tool is outside-accessible, opens with one hand and locks, and the MagnaCut blade is a step up from standard stainless. It is highly rated by buyers, with hundreds of ratings, a smaller pool than the Wave Plus because it is a newer model.
Highlights:
- Premium MagnaCut blade steel
- One-hand opening, even with gloves
- No break-in period, per Leatherman
Trade-off:
- The highest price tier in the lineup, and Amazon prices can vary a lot from Leatherman's list price
Best for: Buyers who want the top of the line and will use the one-hand features often.
We looked at weight and packed size, durability and weather resistance, comfort and ease of use, tool mix, and value. We checked Leatherman's current lineup on its own website, then compared Amazon listing specs, star ratings and rating volume. We did not do hands-on testing. We left out models that no longer appear on Leatherman's site, even when Amazon sellers still list them, and picked three distinct models at different price points.
Type
- Compact: tools like the Rev and Wingman keep pliers in a pocket size.
- Full size: the Wave Plus, Rebar and Surge add a saw and bigger pliers.
- Keychain: the Micra is a scissor-based keychain tool; see our best keychain multitool picks for more.
- Pliers: most Leatherman tools are plier-based; the Skeletool line is the exception.
- Tactical: the MUT adds firearm tools and a MOLLE sheath.
- EDC: slim tools such as the Skeletool; our best edc multitool guide covers daily carry.
Features worth paying for
- Pliers: check for replaceable wire cutters, found on the Wave Plus and Rev.
- Scissors: spring-action scissors are far easier to use than small snips.
- Saw: useful for kindling and small branches at camp.
- Bit set: bit drivers turn a multitool into a small repair kit.
Weight vs comfort: car camping or backpacking
For car camping, weight hardly matters, so a full-size tool makes sense. For backpacking, pick a compact model or the Skeletool line and leave the 8 oz-plus tools at home.
Weather & season ratings
Multitools have no weather rating. Stainless steel resists rust, and MagnaCut steel is made for corrosion resistance, but every tool needs drying after rain or salt water. For wet trips, see our best multitool for fishing picks.
Setup, packing & storage
Carry the tool in a sheath on your belt or pack hip belt, or clip it in a pocket. Store it dry with the tools closed, and oil the pivots before a long off-season.
Materials, repairs & warranty
Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty on its multitools and builds many of them in Portland, Oregon, according to its listings. Replaceable wire cutters let you fix the most common wear point yourself.
How much should you spend?
- Under $30: no Leatherman plier tool sells here.
- Under $50: compact plier tools like the Rev and Wingman, plus the Micra keychain tool.
- Under $100: the Rebar and Skeletool line.
- Under $150: the Wave Plus, Super Tool 300 and Signal. Premium models like the ARC and Wave Alpha can cost more.
Leatherman groups its tools into a few families, and knowing them makes it easier to answer which Leatherman multitool is best for you.
- Wave family: Wave Plus is the do-it-all full-size tool; Wave Alpha is a premium version with a MagnaCut blade and G10 handles.
- Compact plier tools: Rev, Wingman and Sidekick trade some tools for lighter weight and lower prices.
- Heavy-duty tools: Rebar, Super Tool 300 and Surge have bigger pliers and more robust builds for work.
- Outdoor: Signal adds a fire starter, whistle and hammer for camping and hiking.
- Skeletool line: light knife-first tools for EDC; the KBX is basically a knife with a bottle opener.
- Specialist: MUT for firearm maintenance, and ARC as the flagship with FREE one-hand opening.
- Keychain: the Micra is a small scissor-based tool.
If you want one tool for everything, start with the Wave family. If weight matters, look at the Rev or Wingman.
What is the best leatherman multitool?
The Leatherman Wave Plus is our best Leatherman multitool for 2026. It has 18 tools, outside-accessible blades, a saw, spring-action scissors and replaceable wire cutters, backed by a 25-year warranty. The Rev is the budget pick, and the ARC is the premium flagship.
Is leatherman a good multitool brand?
Yes, Leatherman is a good multitool brand for most buyers. It has a long track record, large rating pools on Amazon and a 25-year warranty on its multitools. Its lineup covers everything from keychain tools to heavy-duty and specialist models, so you can match a tool to your needs.
Which leatherman multitool should I buy?
Buy the Wave Plus if you want one full-size tool for camping and home jobs. Choose the Rev or Wingman if you want a lighter, cheaper plier tool. Pick the Signal for outdoor extras, the MUT for firearm work, or the ARC if you want Leatherman's most advanced design.
How long does a multitool last?
A quality multitool can last for many years with care, and Leatherman backs its tools with a 25-year warranty. Pivots, locks and wire cutters wear first. Cleaning grit out, oiling the joints and replacing cutters where the design allows keep it working well.
Is a multitool worth it?
Yes, for most campers. One tool covers pliers, blades, drivers and often a saw or scissors, saving weight and pocket space. It handles tent and stove repairs, cord cutting and first aid tasks. A Leatherman on sale can be one of the best-value items in a camp kit.
How do you clean a multitool?
Open every tool and rinse it in warm soapy water, scrubbing the pivots with a small brush. Dry it completely, then add a drop of light oil to each joint and work the tools open and closed. Wipe away extra oil so it does not collect dirt.
What is the most reliable multitool brand?
Leatherman is one of the most trusted names, with a 25-year warranty and huge rating pools. Gerber, SOG and Victorinox are also well-established makers with their own strengths. Compare warranty terms and the specific tool layout, not just the brand name.
The Leatherman Wave Plus is our best Leatherman multitool overall. The Rev is the budget pick with real pliers in a pocket size, and the ARC is the premium upgrade with a MagnaCut blade and one-hand opening. Watch for a Leatherman multitool sale around the holidays, and check price on Amazon before you buy.






























