Comparison Console
Leatherman Freestyle CX vs Leatherman Wave (2004)
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman Freestyle CX stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 43% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Freestyle CX stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 750% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Freestyle CX stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 31% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 45% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Freestyle CX stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 43% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 76% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Freestyle CX stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 88% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 750% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Freestyle CX stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 19% 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$89.95Cheapest
US$130Most expensive
Weight
127 g (4.48 oz)Lightest
224 g (7.90 oz)Heaviest
Closed length
86 mm (3.39 in)Shortest
102 mm (4.02 in)Longest
Open length
Unknown
158 mm (6.22 in)
Dimensions
Width
33 mm (1.30 in)Lowest
36 mm (1.42 in)Highest
Thickness
14 mm (0.55 in)Thinnest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
2Fewest tools
17Most tools
Tools
Pliers with Wire CuttersPartly-Serrated Locking Blade
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
Light to medium duty
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
Yes
Yes
Sheath included
Yes
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
EDC pocket carryLight to medium duty tasksQuick cutting tasks such as opening boxes and packagingWire cutting with integrated wire cutters
TradespersonsEveryday carry with strong tool versatilityOutdoor and farm use
Common praise
Lightweight and compact design with durable constructionConvenient pocket clip makes it easy to carryQuality 154CM blade with liner lock and one-handed openingGood ergonomics for a tool this size
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
Limited tool count compared to other multitoolsSmall pliers not suited for heavy duty tasksNo bit driver or carabiner like on the Skeletool series
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
Dataset Expansion
Missing a brand?
Suggest an EDC brand for CarryCrew to research and add to the comparison database.
Community indexing queue online