Leatherman Wave Alpha vs Wave Plus
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 18 of 29 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Wave Alpha weighs 234 g (8.3 oz) and the Wave Plus 241 g (8.5 oz), so the Wave Alpha is 7 g lighter, 3% less. By the manufacturers' own counts both carry 18 tools, but not the same ones. The blade steel is MagnaCut® Stainless Steel on the Wave Alpha and 420HC stainless steel on the Wave Plus.
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Wave Alpha weighs 234 g (8.3 oz) and the Wave Plus 241 g (8.5 oz), so the Wave Alpha is 7 g lighter, 3% less. Folded, the Wave Alpha is 102.6 mm (4.04 in) long and the Wave Plus 101.6 mm (4.00 in). The Wave Plus is the slimmer in the pocket: 17.8 mm thick against 21.3 mm for the Wave Alpha.
Sources: Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts both carry 18 tools, but not the same ones. Only the Wave Alpha has awl. Only the Wave Plus has serrated knife and ruler.
Sources: Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
The blade steel is MagnaCut® Stainless Steel on the Wave Alpha and 420HC stainless steel on the Wave Plus. Blade length is 73.2 mm (2.88 in) against 74.2 mm (2.92 in).
Sources: Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Wave Plus is $70 cheaper: $129.95 against $199.95 for the Wave Alpha. Per counted tool that is $11.11 for the Wave Alpha and $7.22 for the Wave Plus.
Sources: Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry needlenose pliers, regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, wire stripper, plain-edge knife, flathead screwdriver, saw, scissors, bit driver, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, diamond-coated file, electrical crimper, phillips screwdriver.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Leatherman Wave Alpha
No point was repeated by independent reviewers yet.
Leatherman Wave Plus
6 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Blade is sharp out of the box 3
- ✓ Scissors are sharp and cut well 3
- ✓ Tool is durable and sturdy 3
- − Blade does not hold an edge well 2
- − Blade steel is not premium quality 2
- − Scissors are less effective than full-size 2
Questions
Which is better, the Wave Alpha or the Wave Plus?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Wave Alpha if you need a tool only it carries (awl). Choose the Wave Plus if price matters (it is $70 cheaper at list price), you need a tool only it carries (ruler) or you want a serrated blade.
Which is lighter, the Wave Alpha or the Wave Plus?
The Wave Alpha, at 234 g against 241 g for the Wave Plus, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Wave Plus worth it?
The Wave Plus lists at $129.95, $7.22 per counted tool. Among 6 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Blade is sharp out of the box" (3 of 6), and the most repeated criticism is "Blade does not hold an edge well" (2 of 6).