If you haven't heard of Leatherman you are definitely new to tools or have never aspired to be a Boy Scout. The popular multitool company has made one of the most well-recognized one-tool-does-all inventions in the industry and has only expanded upon its initial offerings. The new Wave tool from Leatherman offers an almost unbelievable assortment of goodies to the handyman:

• 420HC Clip Point Knife
• 420HC Sheepsfoot Serrated Knife
• Needlenose Pliers
• Regular Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hard-wire Cutters
• Wire Stripper
• Large Screwdriver
• Large Bit Driver
• Small Bit Driver
• Scissors
• Wood/Metal File
• Diamond-coated File
• Saw
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• 8 in | 19 cm Ruler
• INCLUDED BITS: Phillips and Flat Tip Eyeglasses Screwdriver Bit, Phillips #1-2 and 3/16" Bit

You may never actually use all of the tools found in the Leatherman Wave Multitool, but you won't regret having something around that is as well equipped for almost any scenario. Let's face it, if I'm lost in the jungle, this is the tool I'm going to want to have with me.

The Leatherman Wave is a hefty, but light tool - weighing in at just over half a pound. That enough to make you take it seriously, but not so much that you can't tolerate having it in your pocket for extended periods of time. The Wave is a tool that you'll want to keep around when you're NOT on a particular jobsite. That is to say, its certainly not a replacement for the real things, but it's absolutely more convenient that bringing along the dozens of tools it encompasses.

We found the needlenose pliers to be easy to use. They also felt durable, likely due to the stainless steel construction of the tool body. The saw blade and serrated and clip point knives were durable and could be locked into position by depressing the locking mechanism and sliding the blades past the lock until they opened. These particular tools, along with the file, can only be used when the tool is fully closed.

Some of the more "detail" tools like the small bit screwdriver and the scissors are certainly dainty, but felt as if you could get needed use out of them when in a pinch. Since the tools originate from the larger body, you actually can get quite a bit of torque as a result, making for easy loosening of stubborn screws. Speaking of screws, the large driver can be outfitted with somewhat standard bits, though the ones supplied are small and double-sided to maximize the space and give you access to #1 and #2 Philips bits. To keep everything fitting correctly you'll want to stay with these bits should you encounter the need to replace them over time.

This is a tool that should probably be in your truck or on your person at all times. It's incredibly convenient and its build quality takes it out of the "gimmick" department and drops it right down into the "darn useful" aisle. It's difficult to evaluate the tool in terms of its value. If you add up all that it replaces it would get a 10, especially since you can plan on picking it up at over 25% off retail at most locations. As for its real-world value, that's a subjective rating and we think it hits home as an all-around good tool to have, or give to that special someone who hasn't already bought it for his or herself.

About Leatherman
Founded in 1983, Leatherman Tool Group is known for producing the world’s most precisely engineered multi-tools. For more information about Serac lighting, other Leatherman products, or about Leatherman Tool Group Inc., please visit www.leatherman.com.