Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather Sheath
- Full-sized 18-tool multitool
- 2 pliers, wire cutters, 2 knives, saw, scissors, 2 files, 2 drivers, bottle opener, 2 double-ended bits, more
- 100 percent stainless steel
- Includes lanyard attachment
- 4 inches; 8.5 ounces; 25-year limited warranty
Product Description
The New Wave multitool from Leatherman features improved pliers and wire cutters, externally locking knives, a file, and a saw. All the internal tools are positive locking and include scissors, flat 1/4-inch bit driver with Phillips head, flat screwdrivers, can opener, reversible eyeglass screwdriver and wire Stripper. Comes with handy leather sheath. Made in USA with Domestic and foreign parts.Amazon.com Product Description
The Wave multitool’s compact folded shape hides a wealth of tools and blades within. The Wave Multitool From Leatherman: Better than Ever
The most popular full-size Leatherman tool is now better than ever. Larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters and all-locking blades make the new Wave an essential piece of equipment for any job or adventure. The pliers have been redesigned to withstand more than double the previous squeezing load, and the new bronze bushing makes one-handed knife acce… More >>
Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather Sheath
One thing that chaps my hide is a cheap tool. I don’t like ‘em, I don’t buy ‘em and I avoid using them if I don’t have to. Leatherman is well known for their quality and they don’t disappoint here.
Good Points:
This New Wave is extremely well built.
Resists torque/twisting that some other multi-tools don’t.
Nice heft, but not too heavy to slip in a pocket.
Smooth and comfortable finish in the hand.
A really nice selection of functional tools.
Great tool locking, easy to release (but only when you want!)
I’ve used several other multi-tools and beyond the novelty, I never really enjoyed the flip out style (Gerber) because it seemed a bit unstable and difficult to put back. And most of the others cut into the palm. The only detractor is the price, but I don’t mind paying for quality and this baby delivers.
A few days ago, I recieved this item as a gift. I’ve always been a multi-tool and Swiss-knife nut, so I’m not going to rant about how amazing the tiny scissors are like the first-timers.
Right out of the box, there was none of the usual stiffness Leathermen usually have for the first couple days of use. Usually I have to toy around with all the extras while watching a movie marathon to get these things loose. But the Wave? Nice and loose, took me ten minutes to believe it. I was able to just slip it in a pocket before running off to a job, I’m the building’s unnofficial handyman, and this silver darling didn’t disappoint.
A few days later, I’ve managed to use most of the tools enough to get a feel for the quality.
The pliers are very easy to handle compared to my usual set of needles, I’m considering clearing that spot on my belt in favor of the pair on this multi-tool. The screwdrivers, both flatheads in eyeglass size and standard, worked very nicely with the way the folded knife forms a handle to twist. The bit-driver flathead/phillips seems like a nice trick so far, simply for the phillips head. The scissors worked fine cutting this rebellious piece of wire that was too close to a knot to use the built-in wire cutts built into the pliers.
Later on, I tried the wire cutters on some old brass wire and they performed good enough to save me a trip to the toolbox.
I love the knives. Both the straight-edge and serrated can be opened with one hand, pending you’re right handed. Simply hold the folded knife in your palm and unfold the knife with the thumb-latch sticking out. It’s no switchblade, but it’s easier than the Swiss knives when it comes to quick drawing. The wood-file and saw can also be used while the tool is folded, although I wouldn’t recommend flipping the saw out one-handed. It’s a good tool, but flesh is softer than steel, don’t risk it.
And every single featue of this knife, from the tiny screwrdver I used to salvage my sunglasses to the serrated hunting knife, lock in place. And can be unlocked with a thumblatch that’s just reachable enough to keep everything one-handed without it slicing closed during use. Truly, these locks should be on even the cheaper knives, rather than as a higher-priced feature.
…and the case that came with it, offered less function and comfort than my girlfriend’s three-dollar thong. Which is probably made from the same cheap leather. The first time I remembered it was in the box and put the tool in, it fought back! The leather is so stiff it bends back like cardboard. After a day of spraying it with a water bottle, it softened up slightly and is now slightly usuable, although I still keep this compact tool in my pocket.
And the holster supposedly has three accesory pockets. All I see are two pinkie-finger sized slots on the sides of the cloth covers, and this little flap strapped against the back of the holster interior. Maybe, just maybe, you could fit two drill bits and half a stick of gum in there with your Leatherman. But actual accesories, or something I’d use? No way. They also make a nylon version, for six bucks, which I’ve never seen up-close and won’t make assumptions about, mine just came with the leather.
Overall, this little guy has a new home in the change pocket of my jeans. A real tool, that is worth the price. And it’s parody of a holster? Well, maybe I could sell it off as a cell-phone case to this blind guy across the hall.
*** NOTE: I am reviewing the Leatherman Wave, not the company selling it. Please consider that when voting. ***
I had a great group of guys in my wedding party and I wanted to get them something they might use every day. Now, some of these guys already own multitools or have their own copies, but nobody owned a top-line model from Leatherman. In fact, I think they all had knockoffs.
The difference between a Leatherman and a cheap imitator is huge. Steel quality is measurably better, and tolerances are smaller, so your pliers really grip and your wire cutters really cut. I liked the screwdriver bit size, really slotted in tight on Phillips and slot screws.
Consider, though, that it’s a massive tool, so it’s reaches the limit (and good arguments are made for exceeding the limit) of usable size and weight, but if you wanted a tool for the work truck or to hang off your work belt “just in case”, this and a flashlight are definitely the best “just in case” tools you can own. It does come with a belt case, and the keyring is large enough to take a decent carabiner for clipping onto a belt or a work area for use.
Worth the cost? I’m not sure it’s worth it to many, but if you have to own the best multitool possible, you have to consider this as a strong choice. The premium makes this a tremendous gift because it is a fine quality tool. It’s usually not something one buys for one’s self (“I can live with a cheaper one”)… once you get one, you can’t ever go back to the knockoffs… you’ve been properly spoiled.
Fred
Although now retired, I spent my adult life in the Army (infantry) and law enforcement. A good multitool is indispensable in either profession. Over the course of my careers, I had numerous multitools. None of them compared to the Leatherman Wave.
I received a Leatherman Wave last year as a gift, just in time for Hurricane Katrina. I spent some months in and around the disaster area doing rescue work, and can’t tell you how many times I used this superb tool.
Both of the knife blades, plain and serrated, were heavily used and I found them to be up to any task. They were razor sharp and kept a keen edge through the toughest jobs. The pliers and wirecutter performed very well, too. I occasionally used the saw blade and found it to be useful, as well. I used the screwdrivers from time to time and, although not as good as a dedicated screwdriver, they performed better than I expected.
All in all, I am pleased with my Leatherman Wave and would not hesitate to highly recommend this superb tool to anyone in need of a tough, durable multitool.
I’m not a professional handyman, but I start every weekend by putting the Leatherman on my belt. I use it for everything from replacing batteries in children’s toys, to slicing apples during a picknick. I am very impressed by the blade itslf, as it seems sharper and easier to maintain, and easier to open than any swiss army knife I’ve had. The screwdrives are helpful in a pinch but I would not rely on them for every task.. they are limited by size and their shape. The plyers are great for everything from holding small nails for hammering to pulling jammed CD’s out of my car stereo. Other than the the mediocre screwdrivers, I think this a greeat tool for weekend warriors.