The Wave is the multi-tool that defined the category. The Wave Alpha is what happens when Leatherman revisits the formula with better steel and a sharper eye for detail.
Eighteen tools are packed into the familiar frame, now finished in three considered colourways: Canyonland, Cascadia, and Obsidian. The blades are made from S35VN steel, a step up from the standard 420HC, holding an edge noticeably longer under heavy use. All tools lock open, and the outside-accessible knife and saw mean you can get to the most-used tools without unfolding the whole thing.
The design retains the classic Wave silhouette, which fits naturally in a belt sheath or coat pocket. It is the kind of tool you reach for without thinking, whether you need pliers on a campsite or a screwdriver in a van.
Backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, the Wave Alpha is built to be used for decades. The price reflects the quality of the steel and the precision of the build. If you already own a Wave and have wondered whether the upgrade is worth it, the answer is yes.