Comparison Console
Leatherman Skeletool CX vs Leatherman Wave (2004)
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 37% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 23% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 143% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 23% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 30% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 37% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 58% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 59% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 143% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 24% 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$99.95Cheapest
US$130Most expensive
Weight
141.75 g (5.00 oz)Lightest
224 g (7.90 oz)Heaviest
Closed length
82.55 mm (3.25 in)Shortest
102 mm (4.02 in)Longest
Open length
152.4 mm (6.00 in)Shortest
158 mm (6.22 in)Longest
Dimensions
Width
31.5 mm (1.24 in)Lowest
36 mm (1.42 in)Highest
Thickness
13.2 mm (0.52 in)Thinnest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
7Fewest tools
17Most tools
Tools
Needlenose pliersRegular pliersWire cutters including hard-wire capability154CM stainless steel knife bladeLarge bit driver compatible with standard 1/4" bitsIntegrated bottle opener on the carabinerExtra bit stored in handle (Phillips and flat-head)
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 and Regular Pliers
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
Yes
Yes
Sheath included
No
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
Minimalist EDC enthusiasts who want premium blade steel and essential tools without the weightEveryday carry enthusiasts wanting practical tools without bulkOutdoor adventurers needing essential tools for camping, hiking, or fishingIT professionals and makers needing pliers and screwdriver for quick fixesGift shoppers looking for a practical premium gift
TradespersonsEveryday carry with strong tool versatilityOutdoor and farm use
Common praise
Premium 154CM blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistanceVery lightweight and pocket-friendly designOne-handed opening for both blade and pliersStrong 25-year warrantyRemovable pocket clip and integrated carabinerMade in USA with good quality control
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 full-size multi-toolsNo scissors, saw, or file includedBit driver uses Leatherman's flat bits rather than standard hex bitsPremium price compared to basic alternativesSheath sold separately
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