Comparison Console
Leatherman ARC vs Leatherman Wave (2004)
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 48% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman ARC stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 48% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 92% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 9% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 15% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 6% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 6% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$249.95Most expensive
US$130Cheapest
Weight
244 g (8.61 oz)Heaviest
224 g (7.90 oz)Lightest
Closed length
108 mm (4.25 in)Longest
102 mm (4.02 in)Shortest
Open length
164 mm (6.46 in)Longest
158 mm (6.22 in)Shortest
Dimensions
Width
33 mm (1.30 in)Lowest
36 mm (1.42 in)Highest
Thickness
17 mm (0.67 in)Thinnest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
20Most tools
17Fewest tools
Tools
MagnaCut Knife BladeNeedlenose PliersRegular PliersLarge Bit DriverDiamond-coated FileSmall Bit DriverWood/Metal FilePry ToolPremium Replaceable Wire CuttersPremium Replaceable Hard-wire CuttersImpact SurfaceLarge ScrewdriverBottle OpenerCan OpenerAwlSpring-action ScissorsSawWire StripperElectrical CrimperEdge File
Pliers with Wire Cutters (needlenose & regular)Wire CuttersLarge Locking BladeSerrated BladeWood SawMetal SawFile with Diamond FileCan OpenerBottle OpenerScissorsBit DriverSmall Bit DriverMedium ScrewdriverPhillips ScrewdriverHard Wire CutterWire StripperSpring Action Scissors
Plier type
Needle-nose Plier
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
Yes
Yes
Sheath included
No
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
CampingOutdoor workEveryday carryRepair tasksHard outdoor jobs
TradespersonsEveryday carry with strong tool versatilityOutdoor and farm use
Common praise
High blade quality and edge retention due to MagnaCut steelVersatile toolset with 20 locking toolsSmooth one-handed opening and operationDurable PVD/DLC coatingComfortable and secure handling
Versatile set of 17 integrated tools covering many needsComfortable handles and outside accessible toolsStrong and precise pliers and wire cuttersLocking mechanisms on outside tools for safety
Common complaints
No sheath includedPremium price point might be high for some users
Blade steel is basic 420HC with average edge retentionScissors on 2004 model changed to smaller design that some users find less safeHeavier than some other EDC options
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