• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

OutdoorProductGuide

  • Outdoor Gear
    • Knives and Blades
    • Survival Gear
    • Outdoor Gear
    • Multitools
  • Travel & Camping
    • Travel
    • Camping
  • Hunting & Fishing
    • Hunting
    • Fishing
  • Blog

Leatherman Skeletool vs Leatherman Wave

July 10, 2018

In this review, we’re pitting the Skeletool vs Wave in an all-out battle for multitool supremacy. If you’ve considered either of these multitools, then you already know they are some of the best multitools you can find. Let’s compare the two and see which comes out ahead.

leatherman-skeletool-vs-wave


Title
Leatherman Skeletool
LEATHERMAN 830950 Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife, and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
Leatherman Wave
LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Black
Preview
LEATHERMAN 830950 Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife, and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Black
Prime
-
Price
$79.95
$99.95
Details
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Leatherman Skeletool
Title
LEATHERMAN 830950 Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife, and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
Preview
LEATHERMAN 830950 Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool with Pliers, Knife, and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
Prime
Price
$79.95
Details
Buy on Amazon
Leatherman Wave
Title
LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Black
Preview
LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Black
Prime
-
Price
$99.95
Details
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2021-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Leatherman Skeletool

The Leatherman Skeletool comes in a regular all stainless steel version and a carbon version dubbed the CX. It’s one of the most futuristic multitools that are currently available.

Leatherman Skeletool

Click to check the price at Amazon.

Many of the tools on the Skeletool, most importantly the stainless steel blade, can be used without opening the whole tool. This is extremely handy for day to day tasks where the knife gets used the most.

Our cost per tool analysis indicates the Skeletool has a cost ratio of $8.56 for every tool it’s equipped with. This is on the high end compared to other Leatherman Multitools.

The Skeletool comes with the following 7 tools:

    • Needlenose Pliers
    • Regular Pliers
    • Hard-wire Cutters
    • Wire Cutters
    • 420HC Combo Knife
    • Carabiner/Bottle Opener
    • Large Bit Driver

 

Leatherman-Skeletool-Tools

The Skeletool weighs in at 5.1ounces which is considerably lighter than other multitools in its class. Its form fit makes it easy to carry in your pocket and also as an EDC multitool.




Leatherman Wave Multitool

Leatherman is the leader in multitools and their updated Leatherman Wave is set to deliver an even better tool that can accomplish almost any task. The Wave is Leatherman’s best-selling tool, and with good reason.

Leatherman Wave Multitool

Click to check the price at Amazon.

The wave was built to mimic a pocket knife in that many of the tools can be used without fully opening it. Every tool feature on the Leatherman Wave can be operated with one hand.

Our cost per tool analysis indicates the Wave Plus has a cost ratio of $5.55 for every tool it’s equipped with. This is middle of the pack compared to other Leatherman Multitools.

The Leatherman Wave features the following 17 tools:

    • Needlenose Pliers
    • Regular Pliers
    • Hard-wire Cutters
    • Wire Cutters
    • Wire Stripper
    • 420HC Knife
    • 420 HC Serrated Knife
    • Saw
    • Spring-action Scissors
    • Ruler (8 in | 19 cm)
    • Can Opener
    • Bottle Opener
    • Wood/Metal File
    • Diamond-coated File
    • Large Bit Driver
    • Small Bit Driver
    • Medium Screwdriver

 

Leatherman-Wave-Tools

It comes in two models, stainless steel and black oxide coated for added corrosion resistance. The Leatherman Wave is an extremely versatile tool designed for one handed operation.The Leatherman Wave weighs 8.5 ounces and comes with a sheath for compact carrying.


Leatherman Wave vs Leatherman Skeletool – Which is Better?

Both of these multitools are constructed with high quality materials and the ergonomics of the user in mind. They are very similar which makes it hard to pick a winner between the two. When comparing the Skeletool vs Wave, we must look at the differences.

Leatherman Skeletool vs Wave Comparison List

 Leatherman WaveSkeletoolWinner
Number of Tools177Wave
Assisted Opening?NoNoDraw
Warranty25-year Limited25-year LimitedDraw
Weight (ounces)8.55.1Skeletool
SheathYesNoWave
Price$$$$Draw
Overall WinnerWave

As you can see, the key differences between the Leatherman Wave vs Skeletool are few, but important to note. The Wave has 10 more tools, which is a considerable difference in the amount of tasks you can complete.

Neither utilizes assisted opening, yet they can both be used for one handed tasks. The Skeletool is more aesthetic with its futuristic look and ergonomic curves, although both are constructed out of corrosion resistant stainless steel. The Skeletool CX features a carbon fiber handle.

The Leatherman Wave has more tools, an included sheath, and is relatively the same price as the Skeletool. When all of these factors are combined, the winner between the two is the Leatherman Wave.


Bottom Line

In this multitool comparison, we’ve pitted the Skeletool vs Wave in an all-out battle. Both are extremely popular and durable multi tools that would serve you well. While they have many of the same features, it’s hard to overlook that the Wave has 10 more tool options. The Wave Plus is almost $3 cheaper per tool as seen in our cost per tool analysis.

The Skeletool is still a capable multitool, but it was not designed to go head to head with a do it all multitool like the Wave. However, the Skeletool is lighter and makes for a great EDC multitool that fits in your pocket.

When factors such as warranty, extra options, and price are factored in, both tools are almost exactly the same.  Even so, the Leatherman Wave edges out the Skeletool when compared side by side.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE MULTITOOL REVIEWS

 


Check out more Outdoor Product Guides and Reviews on our Blog!

Check It Out


OutdoorProductGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 2020 Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Canceled
  • Top 6 Best Waterfowl Choke Tubes
  • Best Flashlight 2021 – Buyer’s Guide
  • Why Do Knives Have Holes in the Blade?

Hi! I'm John Michael and this is the place where I write about my interests in the outdoors and the gear I use. As an avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, I love getting out in the mountains and the marshes to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. On this blog I share all the things I learn about my experiences in the outdoors and the gear I've had the most success with. Read More…




Footer

Outdoor Gear

14 Items You Need for Waterfowl Hunting 2021

22 Camping Gifts That Make Great Outdoor Gift Ideas

3 Best Chokes for Turkey Hunting 2020

3 Best Single Pin Bow Sights for Hunting 2020

Survival Gear

Best Flashlight 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Best 4 Person Tent 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Multitool 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Pocket Knife 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

Knives and Blades

Why Do Knives Have Holes in the Blade?

Top 5 Best Pocket Knife Display Cases

Best Pocket Knife 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

Best Multitool 2020- Buyer’s Guide

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

© Copyright 2017 OutdoorProductGuide · All Rights Reserved ·