Comparison Console
Leatherman Skeletool CX vs Leatherman Wave Plus
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 41% 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 Plus stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 157% 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 Plus 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 41% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave Plus stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 70% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Skeletool CX stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 61% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave Plus stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 157% 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 Plus 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
241 g (8.50 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
158.8 mm (6.25 in)Longest
Dimensions
Width
31.5 mm (1.24 in)Lowest
38 mm (1.50 in)Highest
Thickness
13.2 mm (0.52 in)Thinnest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
7Fewest tools
18Most 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)
PliersWire cuttersReplaceable wire cuttersFine nose pliersRegular nose pliersMultiple bladesScrewdriversSawSpring-action scissorsRulerEyeglass screwdriverPhillips #1-2 screwdriver3/16" screwdriver
Plier type
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
Spring-action Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
No
Pocket clip
Yes
No
Sheath included
No
No
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
DIY tasksHome repairsGardeningOutdoors activitiesEveryday carry
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
Durable and built to lastIncludes a comprehensive set of toolsVersatile for a wide range of tasksSpring-action pliers and replaceable wire cutters appreciated
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
Sheath not included by defaultSome users note it is relatively heavy compared to smaller multitools