Leatherman has announced that a new Wave “Alpha” multi-tool will be launching soon, and they provided a teaser image that gives us a detailed first look.
From the image, the Leatherman Wave Alpha tool appears to be an updated Wave, with some enhancements to the design.
Here’s what we can see about the new Leatherman Alpha:
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CPM MagnaCut knife blade steel
Thumb stud (replaces Wave finger loop)
Large scissors (replaces Wave serrated blade)
Awl (replaces Wave small scissors)
Textured handles
Here are the two side by size – the Wave+ on the left and new Leatherman Alpha on the right.
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A lot of the core tools remain, such as the pliers, replaceable blade cutters, wood-cutting saw, file, bit screwdrivers, medium screwdriver, and can opener.
The knife blade also has a different tip shape – it looks like tanto-style vs the drop point of the regular Wave.
It seems that the new Leatherman Wave Alpha could be a replacement for the Charge-series multi-tools. Leatherman no longer features the Charge on their website, implying that the entire line has been discontinued.
Thus, I don’t think it’s fair to assume that the Wave Alpha will be replacing the existing Wave tools. I’m guessing that Leatherman intends for the new Alpha tool to be a more premium tool, taking the place of the Charge tools.
The Wave Plus is priced at $120 at the time of this posting. Given the upgrades and changes put into the Wave Alpha, I think it’s fair to expect it to sell at a higher price point.
Launch Date: October 14, 2025
Price: TBA
Jason T.
Instead of continually increasing the price of their multitools with higher end materials, Leatherman should focus more on keeping the price of their tools more affordable. I have never had a need for a supersteel knife blade on a multitool!
A feature that should have been on multitools a long time ago is the ability to swap out tool layers. Gerbers had that ability 25 years ago, but they never offered the individual tools to swap in and out. At the time they did offer though the ability to custom order a multitool with the tool layers you wanted. There was limited customization, but it was an option. I ordered one and it is still my favorite multitool.
Tim B.
That’s actually one of the reasons I like the SOG multi-tools… you have a certain amount of swap-ability. First discovered this many years back when I got a Paladin Powerplay (which I discovered was OEM’d by SOG). Was great, because while I liked a lot of the electrician-focused tools on the Powerplay, there were a couple tools I didn’t need (such as a punchdown), which I quickly swapped out.
Tommy
This is the first Leatherman I’ve been excited for in forever. I will be first in line to get one. It’s the exact tool set I’ve been saying they need to do forever. I may have even emailed Leatherman a few years ago, I can’t remember for sure. Basically the exact tool set as a Surge, just with no serrated blade, which is mostly unnecessary anyways. And the price point being reasonable for an updated Wave, I’m totally down. Probably the first new Leatherman I’ll have bought in years!
EBT
Stuart, just fyi, I received my free Armbar last Friday from Blade HQ along with a knife I wanted. No problems with order or items!
Funny, this Leatherman Wave model is less than the knife I ordered.
Jared
All of the changes look like positives to me (well, except the price).
Magnacut is great. I don’t know that you “need” that per se, but I’m happy it’s not just another 420hc blade.
The thumb stud is interesting. I wonder if it will still be a rotate-out action or if this implies you can flick it out like you would a pocket knife?
Big scissors are welcome – a serrated blade is not. Good swap in my mind. I genuinely cannot remember a time when I needed a serrated blade. I realize people like them for rope and bread, but a sharp knife cuts rope just fine and… ok I guess if you’re cutting bread, this version will suck.
I also like having an awl. I use that in bushcraft-scenarios more than anything else, but it can also substitute for the times when you’re tempted to pry with your knife point.
Textured handles is a nice touch.
Scott L
I really like the look of this. The changes seem thoughtful, especially the textured grips. I like a lot of the colorways that Leatherman has been releasing, but I’d be concerned that it would be hard to find this if dropped outdoors versus something stainless or colorful. I tend to prefer a wide thumb hole over a stud on a blade.
Yadda
Nice to see Leatherman updating or enhancing one of their most popular platforms. With the expired patent, updating the platform to make the Wave Alpha a premium buy kind of makes sense. Others go low, Leatherman goes high.
Mike S
I’d like to see two identical, non-serrated knives on a multitool. Would only have to sharpen them half as often.
Jared
I have to admit, my first thought was: “Isn’t that kinda like… carrying two knives? In that case I expect most people would choose to simply carry one and alternate if they genuinely preferred sharpening in pairs”.
…but then I thought: “wait a minute, many of my Swiss army knives have a pair of plain-edged blades!”
Those, of course, are two different sizes, but it’s kind of similar. I’ve heard of people using one for most tasks and keeping the other (usually the small blade) sharp for when they need it. I still can’t imagine two identical blades would be popular, but it almost exists. Sort of.