Answer four questions and the Leatherman picks itself. This guide is those four questions, in order, with the tool each answer points to, and the sheath for it. It is short on purpose.
1. Where will you carry it?
- Pocket: Skeletool CX (5 oz). Stop here unless you need scissors.
- Belt, every day: Wave+, Free P2, or Arc, in a kydex sheath.
- Toolbox, truck, pack: Surge, Super Tool 300, or Signal.
- Keychain: Squirt PS4 or Micra.
2. What do you do with it most?
- Pliers and cutting: Wave+ or Rebar.
- The knife: Arc or Wave Alpha (MagnaCut), or Charge+ (154CM).
- Heavy work: Surge.
- Outdoors and emergencies: Signal.
- Medical: Raptor Response or Raptor Rescue.
- Guns: MUT.
- Nothing specific, just want one: Wave+.
3. Do you want every tool one-handed?
Yes: Arc, Free P4 or Free P2 (magnetic FREE architecture). No, or do not care: Wave+, Charge+, Surge.
4. What is the budget?
- Under $80: Rebar, Wingman, Sidekick.
- $100 to $130: Wave+, Skeletool CX, Signal, Free P2.
- $150 to $200: Charge+, Surge, Free P4, Wave Alpha.
- Over $200: Arc.
The answers most people land on
| You | Buy | Sheath |
|---|---|---|
| Want one good multitool | Wave+ | Wave sheath |
| Want the lightest real one | Skeletool CX | Skeletool sheath |
| Work with your hands all day | Surge | Surge sheath |
| Camp, hike, keep a kit | Signal | Signal sheath |
| Want the best, price aside | Arc | Arc sheath |
Frequently asked questions
Which Leatherman is best for beginners?
The Wave+. It is the tool everything else is compared to.
Which Leatherman is best value?
The Rebar for pliers, the Wave+ for the full set.
Wave+ or Surge?
Wave+ unless you need the big pliers and saw, and then Surge.
Wave+ or Arc?
Wave+ for value. Arc for the blade and one-hand everything.
Do I need the sheath?
For any belt-carried Leatherman, a kydex sheath is what keeps it on the belt.
The bottom line
Pocket, Skeletool. Belt, Wave+. Best, Arc. Work, Surge. Outdoors, Signal. Then get the sheath molded to it.
Related reading
Best Leatherman multitools, ranked
Leatherman Wave vs Surge vs Charge
What is a Leatherman?
