William FowlerAsk any camper or hiker and they’ll tell you the Leatherman is a must-have for any outdoor adventure—or simply to use around the house. This multifunction tool is constructed with precise craftsmanship to take with anywhere and do almost anything. Whether you want to fix a zipper or pull a nail, this is your go-to.
But ultimately which is the better option: Wingman or Wave?
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re unsure which one to throw into your backpack, have a look at our review below as we unpack their features.
Leatherman Wave
Here we have a compact tool designed to fit into your pocket with ease. Ideally you can use it for any adventure or everyday task.
The manufacturers are so confident of their product it’s backed by a 25-year warranty. In our opinion this is a positive indication regarding its quality and performance. However, this warranty won’t cover any malfunctions caused by unreasonable usage.
Leatherman Wave is made of superior stainless steel making it very durable. It features a number of tools including wire cutters, pliers and openers.
Its main outstanding feature must be the internal locking blades that rotate individually for easier access. The knife blades are large and have bigger thumb holes for easier use. Also, the bronze bushings make the knives very easy to access.
You’ll like that all tools lock when fully extended for your convenience and safety. It comes in a number of colors, the most popular being the black oxide finish. However sleek as it may be, a number of customers have noted that the “black” rubs off.
Fun Outdoor Quiz
For a product with so many tools attached it can be pretty heavy to carry around—especially in your pocket. Carrying it in your backpack seems like a better idea.
Pros
- Versatile
- Well-engineered
- Quality construction
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Black coat rubs off
Leatherman Wingman
This tool is also made of durable stainless steel. You can use the Leatherman Wingman for just about anything including pulling staples or installing light fixtures. Not only is it lightweight but it also easily fits into your pocket.
It’s equipped with 14 tools including screwdrivers, pliers and wire cutters to mention a few. This tool comes with a wire stripper which isn’t present on the Wingman.
You only need to use one hand to open, access and use any of the tools which is convenient. It features a locking blade so you can cut with the utmost confidence.
Like the Wave, it also comes with a 25-year limited warranty and it’s constructed and repaired in the USA.
The Wingman is also pretty useful if you’re looking for a budget tool that does the job. What we didn’t like about it is the cutters don’t close all the way. This is rather inconvenient when it comes to storage.
Pros
- Lower price
- Durable
- Reliable
Cons
- Heavy
- Blade has rough edges
Key Differences Between the Wave and the Wingman
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tools
The main difference has to be the number of tools attached. The Leatherman Wave has 17 tools while the Wingman has only 14.
Price
Though they cost more or less the same the Wingman is slightly cheaper than the Wave.
Weight
The Wave weighs just under 9 oz. while the Wingman weighs 7 oz. making it relatively lighter than its counterpart.
Length
They both feature compact designs meaning they’ll fit in your pocket with ease. However there is a slight difference in terms of their length when closed. The Wave is 4” long while the Wingman is 3.8”.
Blade Length
The knife on the Wingman is 2.6” long while the one on the Wave is almost 3”. Both are reasonably sized and adequate to perform most relevant tasks.
Knife Design
The Wingman only has one knife which features a partially serrated design. This allows it to cut through ropes and fibers with ease. The difference between the two is the Wave has two knives, one which is similar to the Wave in terms of the partially serrated design and the other is corrosion resistant. However they are both made of stainless steel making them both easier to maintain.
Scissors
The scissors on the Wave features a spring action design. This means it’s designed to reduce hand fatigue during cutting. The same can’t be said about the scissors on the Wingman. Sure, they’re well-sized and sharp but they’re better suited for more delicate tasks. We wouldn’t recommend them for extensive cutting.
Ruler
The ruler for the Wingman is found at the back of the file and it’s less than an inch long, which doesn’t make it very useful. However the Wave comes with a separate 8” long ruler. So if you want to get accurate measurements it’s clear which one to choose.
Package Opener
The Wingman comes with a plastic package opener for opening those delicate packages without damaging the contents. Unfortunately the Wave doesn’t have this particular tool. For that task you’ll have to decide between the two metal knives.
Pocket Clip
The Wingman also comes with a pocket clip and carry to conveniently secure your Leatherman onto your pocket or belt. However the Wave doesn’t have this feature.
Final Thoughts
After careful consideration we will have to go with the Leatherman Wave. Sure, it’s slightly on the expensive side but it comes with more handy features.
It offers two different wire cutters. This means you can choose one depending on the strength of wire you want to cut; the Wingman only comes with one. Also, the Wave has two pliers: a needle nose for picking at those small objects and a regular one. And it’s the only one which comes with a saw.
But overall they’re both effective tools which work as expected. The next time you want a convenient tool to sort out some handyman work, why not pick either of these super convenient tools? Alternatively, you can read our post on the best Leatherman for everyday carry.
Is Leatherman made in USA?
Yes. The Leatherman product is manufactured in the USA where the regulations for the production of such tools are strict and high, only allowing the best top-grade manufacturers. The materials used are never substandard. They are sturdy to guarantee that it will always meet the expectation it must deliver.
It is ergonomically designed, ensuring easy and comfortable use. It is constructed delicately with precise craftsmanship, so that each tool that carries the brand name will not malfunction in any way. This is to ensure that the multifunction tool to be used for various purposes will surely do its job.
Will Leatherman rust?
With all confidence, Leatherman will not rust over the course of its service time. The hinges of the numerous tools built into it, and the tools themselves will never succumb to rust, and will remain dependable over a long time.
A rusty tool will not be utilized fully, but it will never be the case with a Leatherman. It is made with superior stainless steel that underwent rigorous tempering processes to provide the toughness it claims to offer, making the tool stand out even more. Of course, it will certainly help to have a proper maintenance routine to keep the tool clean and polished.
Does Leatherman offer lifetime warranty?
Leatherman boasts of a 25-year warranty and when you think of it, that is a very long time. It speaks about the product’s durability. By the time that the period is over, it can be safe to assume that you have already made use of the tool.
The tool is so well-made that the company believes with confidence that it will last as long as the warranty period. A point to consider, though is that the warranty will not cover any damage that is done through abusive and unreasonable usage that is not in the tool’s recommended applications.
Can you carry a Leatherman on a plane?
As a general rule, any multi-purpose tool that has a blade or is seven inches in length or longer, are strictly prohibited in aircrafts. This is a precaution to keep everyone in the flight safe, including the bearer. Brining the product into the airport, whether intentionally or not, may pose the risk confiscation.
Of course there are approved Leatherman products that you can carry, but always remember that it is the discretion of the inspection personnel whether to approve it or not. Causing a commotion because of it will only cause more problem, so travelers must always be wary of the tools they are carrying with them.
Jimmy Hubbs