That probably sounds strange coming from someone who owns a lot of them, but it is the truth. I have reviewed multitools for years and I keep coming back to the same conclusion. Most multitools try to do too much, and as a result, they usually do most of it just okay. For real work, I almost always prefer a dedicated tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And yet, I keep buying them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of that is because I review gear, and part of it is because I am convinced I must be missing something. Multitools occupy a strange middle ground for me. I do not love them, but I also do not want to be without them. To me, they shine as emergency tools. They are perfect for glove boxes, backpacks, tool drawers, and the random places where you suddenly need something and have nothing else nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I own every multitool on this list.<\/strong> Some I bought with my own money. Some were sent for review and never left my rotation. All have been carried, used, and judged through years of real-world testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, there are exceptions. A few multitools genuinely earn their keep, either through smart design, reliability, or by doing one specific thing extremely well. This list reflects that reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the Leatherman multitools that actually matter, tested, handled, carried, and judged through a very real love-hate relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quick picks based on real-world use, carry style, and what each tool actually does best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wave+ \u2014 Best overall If you asked ten people to name a multitool, odds are most of them would describe the Leatherman Wave+, even if they didn\u2019t know its name.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wave+ has become the default for a reason. It hits the best balance Leatherman has ever achieved between size, weight, durability, and tool selection. With 18 tools packed into an 8.5-ounce frame, it covers almost everything a multitool reasonably should without tipping into gimmicks or excess bulk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The replaceable wire cutters are a standout feature and one of the main reasons the Wave+ still feels modern. You\u2019re not throwing away a tool when the cutters wear out. The blades are accessible from the outside, lock securely, and feel like real cutting tools instead of afterthoughts. The pliers are strong enough for real work, and the overall layout is intuitive even if you don\u2019t use multitools often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not the most exciting Leatherman. It\u2019s not the lightest or the toughest. But it\u2019s the most complete, and that\u2019s why it continues to dominate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you only ever buy one multitool and don\u2019t want to think about it again, this is the safest answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best For:<\/strong> Pros:<\/strong> Cons:<\/strong> The Leatherman Surge is what happens when Leatherman stops worrying about pocket comfort and focuses entirely on capability.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This thing is a brick, and that\u2019s not a criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With 21 tools, massive pliers, long blades, and interchangeable saw and file components, the Surge feels closer to a portable toolbox than a traditional multitool. It\u2019s built for electricians, mechanics, contractors, and anyone who regularly breaks lighter-duty tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pliers are the largest Leatherman makes. The scissors are excellent. The interchangeable blade system lets you swap tools depending on the job, which adds real flexibility instead of marketing fluff. Everything about the Surge feels overbuilt in a reassuring way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At nearly 13 ounces, this is not something you casually drop in a pocket. It lives in a bag, on a belt, or in a work kit. But if you\u2019ve ever snapped a cheaper multitool under load, the Surge makes immediate sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You feel every ounce of the Surge, but that\u2019s the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best For:<\/strong> Pros:<\/strong> Cons:<\/strong> The Leatherman Rebar is quietly one of the most practical multitools Leatherman makes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn\u2019t chase trends, colors, or clever design flourishes. Instead, it focuses on delivering a tight, functional toolset that makes sense for people who actually work with their hands. The pliers are strong, the wire cutters are replaceable, and the inclusion of a crimper and wire stripper makes this especially appealing for electrical and technical work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything locks, which inspires confidence when you\u2019re applying force. The stainless steel construction feels solid without being overbuilt, and at 6.7 ounces, the Rebar is lighter than it looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not flashy, and it\u2019s not trying to be fun. It\u2019s trying to work. That\u2019s exactly why it earns a spot on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best For:<\/strong> Pros:<\/strong> Cons:<\/strong> The Leatherman Signal is one of the few multitools I genuinely enjoy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, the Signal commits fully to its outdoor and emergency role. The built-in ferro rod<\/a>, hammer surface, safety whistle, and pocket clip give it a clear identity that most multitools lack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I bought the green topo version for a review and loved it. Unfortunately, it ended up becoming an emergency birthday gift for my son\u2019s friend after I\u2019d already opened it. When I went to replace it, only the light blue version was available at the time. Still cool, just not as cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Signal isn\u2019t the most versatile multitool on this list, but that\u2019s not the point. It\u2019s designed to live in a pack, vehicle, or emergency kit and be genuinely useful when things go sideways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best For:<\/strong> Pros:<\/strong> Cons:<\/strong>TL;DR: Leatherman Multitool Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wave Alpha \u2014 Premium flagship with MagnaCut blade and upgraded materials
Surge \u2014 Heavy-duty work
Rebar \u2014 Trades and electrical
Signal \u2014 Outdoor and emergency
Wingman \u2014 Best value
Sidekick \u2014 First multitool and glove-box duty
Skeletool CX \u2014 Lightweight carry
Micra \u2014 Keychain and daily tasks<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeatherman Wave+: Best Overall Multitool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/leatherman-wave-plus-review.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Leatherman](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31s2K-ZUQML._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n ![\"Amazon](\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/aawp\/assets\/img\/icon-check-prime.svg\"){kind=icon}
<\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
People who want one reliable multitool that can handle home repairs, outdoor tasks, and emergency use without specialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Excellent balance of size, weight, and functionality
Replaceable wire cutters extend tool lifespan
Outside-accessible, locking blades feel like real tools<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heavier than minimalist EDC-focused multitools
Costs more than entry-level options<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeatherman Surge: Best Heavy-Duty Multitool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/leatherman-surge-black.jpg\")
![\"Leatherman](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/4137-TYt3sL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Tradespeople and users who need a genuinely heavy-duty multitool for real work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Largest pliers and longest blades in Leatherman\u2019s lineup
Interchangeable saw and file system adds versatility
Built to survive job-site abuse<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Too heavy for casual or pocket carry
Bulky compared to most multitools<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeatherman Rebar: Best for Trades and Electrical Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Leatherman](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41qtnLjDjRL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Electricians, technicians, and serious DIY users who want a no-nonsense multitool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All-locking tools improve safety and confidence
Excellent wire-focused tool selection
Compact and relatively lightweight<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Less ergonomic for long sessions than larger tools
Not ideal for pocket carry<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeatherman Signal: Best Outdoor and Emergency Multitool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techwriteredc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/leathermansignal-camping-multitool.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Leatherman](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41Bbq3jm1aL._SL160_.jpg\")
\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/a> <\/div>\n\n Buy on Amazon<\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Campers, hikers, and anyone building emergency or preparedness kits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Built-in ferro rod and hammer surface add real utility
Pocket clip makes it easier to carry than most multitools
Distinct outdoor focus with useful design choices<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Less general-purpose than the Wave+
Not ideal for fine or technical work<\/p>\n\n\n