Necessity has always been the driving force behind Leatherman. What began over 40 years ago as an idea to equip a pair of pliers with an array of tools you’d actually need has grown to be one of the most revered multi-tool manufacturers in the world.
While the Oregon-based brand’s lineup consists of an array of models for specific use cases, from the outdoors to crafting, the Wave has been its de facto versatility king. A legend since it debuted in 1998, it now gets a welcomed evolution in the way of the Wave Alpha.
The Upgrades We’ve Been Asking For
Leatherman listened. After nearly three decades of the Wave establishing itself as the go-to multi-tool for just about everyone, the Alpha brings material improvements that push it into premium territory without abandoning what made the original so dependable. The most notable change is the blade steel — swapping the reliable but maintenance-heavy 420HC for CPM MagnaCut. MagnaCut offers superior edge retention, better corrosion resistance, and respectable toughness, all while remaining easy to sharpen when the time comes.
The 2.89-inch reverse tanto blade also gets a thumb stud, addressing one of the most frustrating aspects of traditional multi-tools: deployment. Anyone who’s fumbled with a fingernail slot while wearing gloves or working with cold hands knows this addition is a functional relief.
Enhanced Function with Scissors
Beyond the blade, Leatherman reworked the Wave Alpha’s ergonomics with topo-textured G10 handle scales in three colorways — Obsidian, Cascadia, and Canyonland. The texture provides legitimate grip improvement, especially during extended use. The handles taper front-to-back and side-to-side, creating natural contours that reduce hand fatigue when you’re really torquing on something stubborn.
The tool selection remains practical with 16 implements, but there’s a swap worth noting: the serrated blade is gone, replaced by full-size spring-action scissors — the largest Leatherman has put on a plier-based multi-tool. For many, scissors get used more frequently than serrated edges, and having a proper set that can handle fabric, packaging, or cable ties cleanly is a welcome shift.
Built To Last Longer Than You
Leatherman’s commitment to longevity comes through in the details here. Stainless steel components throughout feature either Cerakote or black oxide coatings for added protection. The fasteners sit flush and the replaceable wire cutters borrowed from the Super Tool line mean this tool can handle serious abuse. And as always, it’s made right here in the USA.
The Alpha designation possibly signals a new tier within Leatherman’s product architecture. Whether we see a Skeletool Alpha or Rebar Alpha down the line remains to be seen, but the effort put into this launch suggests it’s more than a one-off.
Spec Sheet
Model: Wave Alpha
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
Blade Type: Reverse tanto, plain edge
Handle Material: G10 with topo-textured grip
Blade Length: 2.89″
Closed Length: 4.04″
Weight: 8.26 oz
Number of Tools: 16
Tools: Needlenose pliers, regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, replaceable hard-wire cutters, awl with eyelet, wire stripper, knife blade, pry tool/medium flat screwdriver, saw, full-size spring-action scissors, small bit driver, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, diamond-coated file, large bit driver
Colorways: Obsidian, Cascadia, Canyonland
Pricing & Availability
Available now from Leatherman’s website, the Wave Alpha is priced at $200 — an $80 jump over the standard Wave.
Recap
Leatherman Wave Alpha Multi-Tool
The Wave Alpha is Leatherman’s upgraded take on its best-selling multi-tool, now featuring premium MagnaCut steel, a much-needed thumb stud for easier blade deployment, and the largest scissors they’ve ever put on a plier-based tool.
