Leatherman Wave Alternatives: Six Multi-Tools That Break the Rules

Introduction

Leatherman remains the undisputed market leader in multi-tools, and its Wave model has long been the bestselling multi-tool in the world for good reason. But several lesser-known brands are doing things very differently, and a few of them genuinely challenge the status quo. This guide compares six multi-tools that live by their own rules, from a fully customizable design to a budget flagship packed with innovation.

GOAT Multi-tool: Build Your Own Multi-Tool

The GOAT multi-tool is the newest kid on the block. It was funded on Kickstarter to the tune of half a million dollars, and while early backers waited around two years for delivery, it is now available to buy at $120 for the standard tool set. The core idea is simple and unique: you choose the tool layout and configuration, swapping tools in and out in a matter of seconds. You pick the tools you use and ditch the ones you don’t, and GOAT guarantees the tool for 100 years, with the option to return just the component you need rather than the whole thing.

The design is a little utilitarian, which many will appreciate, and it includes a deep-carry pocket clip. The configuration tested weighs a very respectable 215g (7.6oz), slightly lighter than the Leatherman Wave’s 240g (8.5oz). It is a touch longer than the Wave but a little narrower, with about the same thickness, and it ships with a well-made embroidered MOLLE sheath with elasticated pockets for carrying extra tools.

The pliers open smoothly and are spring-loaded, with replaceable triangular wire cutters that effectively give you three cutting blades instead of the one or none found on most multi-tools. The smooth surface at the base doubles as a striking surface or light-duty hammer. All tools are externally accessible, with six slots per side for up to 12 tools. You can choose a non-locking blade for UK-legal carry, upgrade the steel (an S35VN option is available), swap the blade to a left-handed position, or remove it entirely for a file instead. Highlights include large scissors, a quarter-inch bit driver socket with magnetic bit retention that also accepts Leatherman flat bits, a removable utility knife with replaceable scalpel blades, a wood and plastic saw, and a set of scraper and wrench combinations including a 2mm Allen key that works on the tool’s own screws.

The trade-off is handling. Accessing and swapping tools can be fiddly and takes practice, and the plier handles don’t lock in place, which could be a problem if the cutters jam. It is not as smooth or refined as the Wave. In return, no other multi-tool offers this level of customization, and if that’s what you want, this could be a genuine Leatherman alternative.

SOG PowerAccess Deluxe: Compound Leverage Pliers

SOG has been serious about multi-tools for over 30 years, and its standout feature is the compound leverage plier mechanism. The PowerAccess Deluxe is designed in the USA, made in China, guaranteed for life, and priced at $80 in the US and around £99 in the UK. First impressions are good: the stonewash finish looks nicely industrial, and while it is a fair bit longer than the Wave when closed, it weighs about the same.

The compound leverage action doubles the power at the plier head, and the handles move quite a lot to achieve it. Some people dislike that, but the payoff is a super-strong grip and cutting force on bigger items. The pliers are always locked to the handle, so if they jam while cutting they release easily. Integrated hard wire cutters are included but unfortunately not replaceable. A clever bonus is the quarter-inch bit driver built into the end of the plier head, held magnetically, turning the tool into a compact screwdriver.

The internal tools rely on some clumping because the fingernail ridge sits too close to the fulcrum to be useful, though the light spring tension keeps access manageable. All tools lock open and release cleanly from the back. The tool set includes a thin main blade, can opener, 3D Phillips, precision flathead, medium flathead with bottle opener, serrated blade, saw, chisel, awl with sewing eye, and a two-sided file. There’s no scissors, and the included bit driver tool adds a bit of wobble, so swapping it out for scissors would be a sensible move. There’s no pocket clip, but the embroidered pouch with a sleeve for the bit kit is excellent.

If pliers and raw force are your main priority, the compound leverage might just swing it, and the price makes this very good value for money.

Gerber MP600 Bladeless: The Tough Veteran

Gerber joined the multi-tool race in 1991 with the Multi-Plier, which has been going strong ever since. The current MP600 Bladeless version reviewed here no longer carries USA markings and is believed to be made in Asia, but the core design has changed little. The bladeless format benefits countries like the UK where locking knife blades are generally banned for public carry, putting it in direct competition with something like Leatherman’s bladeless Rebar.

This model is a fair bit longer than the Rebar when closed but only slightly longer with the pliers out, and the parallel handles when closed make it a little harder to use. The big upgrade is replaceable hard wire cutters, triangular in shape for three changeable blades, something the older versions never had. Single-handed plier opening doesn’t come any easier or faster than this.

Tool access is where the design shows its age: you open the handles and reach the tools internally, which is a little awkward, though the tools avoid clumping nicely. On board you get a saw with replaceable U-shank blades, a 3D Phillips, can opener, Fiskars-made scissors (Gerber’s parent company), a two-sided file, and three flathead screwdrivers including one with a bottle opener. All tools lock with a slide-release mechanism that works well, though the plastic slider may put some people off. The included pouch is high quality but wide and bulky.

Compared with the Rebar, this is a very close run thing at a similar price. The Gerber feels more robust and the swappable saw blade is a great feature, but the Rebar is lighter at 180g (6.35oz) versus 225g (7.9oz), more compact, and easier to access, which likely tips the balance.

Roxon Phantom: Big Scissors and Swappable Blades

Roxon isn’t a mainstream multi-tool maker, but the brand has impressed with innovation and value in its smaller tools, and the Phantom is its flagship. At around $50 in the US and £50 to £60 in the UK, it is a bulky, heavy tool at over 300g (over 10oz), bigger than the Wave in pretty much every respect. The cosmetic detailing on the scales divides opinion, and there is some unwanted play you probably have to forgive at this price, but the rounded edges make it feel good in the hand.

The pliers click satisfyingly into detents, are spring-loaded, and have replaceable hard wire cutters with a spare set included in the box. The star feature is a substantial pair of spring-loaded scissors that fold out at the press of a button: they are the biggest scissors seen on any multi-tool and easily slice through paracord in one go.

All remaining tools are externally accessible. The knife blade is single-hand opening, liner-locked, and interchangeable: release the two scale catches, swap in a new blade, and clip the scales back. The standard Tanto blade uses 3Cr15MoV steel, a step below the 440-series steels elsewhere here, but the blades are seriously thick, and clip point, sheep’s foot, and utility blade options come in magnetically attaching individual cases. On the other side there’s a liner-locked saw, and a release button lets you fan out four smaller tools including a can opener with flathead, an awl, a 2D Phillips, and a chisel with built-in wire strippers. A basic hard case is included but adds to the bulk.

Fit and finish is not at Leatherman’s level, and durability under hard use would need proving. But factoring in the price, the great scissors, and the blade exchanger, the Phantom becomes hard to beat on value.

Victorinox Spirit X: The Polished Challenger

If any tool currently challenges Leatherman and the Wave in particular, it is Victorinox with the Spirit X. Every tool is individually accessible and lockable with zero clumping, and all of them open with total precision. No other multi-tool in this comparison manages that. All the tools, without exception, are useful and capable, and the whole thing is beautifully engineered. It is often described as being too nice to use.

For anyone who values refinement and flawless execution over modularity or raw plier force, the Spirit X is the most convincing alternative in this lineup.

The Benchmark: Leatherman Wave

The Wave remains the reference point for a reason. It gets the important things right and keeps improving, which is why excitement continues to build around newer Leatherman releases. At 240g (8.5oz) with a balanced tool set, easy access, and proven refinement, it is still the multi-tool to beat.

Buying Advice

Recapping the field: the GOAT is ingenious and practical for multi-tool enthusiasts but somewhat unrefined for general users. The SOG has a great pair of pliers and a clever quarter-inch bit holder but is let down by its internal tools. The Gerber is tough and capable but showing its age in tool access. The Roxon offers great innovation but can’t compete on quality at its price. The Victorinox Spirit X is the most polished challenger, and the Wave remains the all-round benchmark.

Choose the GOAT if customization is your priority, the SOG for plier power on a budget, the Gerber for tough bladeless carry, the Roxon for maximum features per dollar, and the Spirit X if you want the finest finish. If you simply want the safest all-round choice, the Wave is still the one to buy.

View more details for Gerber MP600 Bladeless

Conclusion

There may not be a definitive Leatherman killer yet, but the competition is closer than ever. The GOAT changes the game with customization, the Victorinox matches Leatherman on refinement, and the Roxon and SOG deliver serious value. Match the tool to what you actually do with it, and any of these could serve you well.