Leatherman Wave+ vs Charge+ — Which Should You Choose?
The Wave+ and Charge+ are Leatherman's two flagship multi-tools — the most popular models at Dwights and the ones most buyers are choosing between. They share a lot in common, but the differences are meaningful enough to make a real practical difference depending on how you use your tool.
What They Share
Both the Wave+ and Charge+ are full-size Leatherman plier-based multi-tools with 18 tools, outside-opening blades (so you can access the knife and other blades without opening the handles), and the same signature Leatherman build quality. Both come with a 25-year warranty. Both accept Leatherman's Bit Kit for extended driver compatibility.
The Key Differences
Blade steel: This is the main reason to choose the Charge+ over the Wave+. The Charge+ features a 154CM stainless steel main blade — a premium knife steel that holds an edge significantly better than the 420HC steel in the Wave+. If you use your Leatherman's blade frequently and want to sharpen it less often, this matters.
Saw: The Charge+ has a diamond-coated file alongside the standard file. The Wave+ has a standard file only.
Price: The Wave+ (RRP $319.99) is more accessible than the Charge+ (RRP $439.99). The $120 difference is the premium you pay for the superior blade steel.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose the Wave+ if: You want the best Leatherman at a practical price. The Wave+ is excellent across all use cases — outdoor, EDC, tramping, hunting — and most users will be satisfied with the blade steel for everyday cutting tasks.
Choose the Charge+ if: You use your blade a lot and want it to stay sharp longer without sharpening. The 154CM steel is a meaningful upgrade for anyone who relies on their blade frequently — hunters, serious trampers, and everyday users who cut consistently throughout the day.
For most NZ buyers, the Wave+ is the right call. For users who use the blade daily and value edge retention, the Charge+ is worth the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools are included in both the Wave+ and Charge+?
Both include: regular pliers, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper, wire stripper, 420HC clip-point knife, 420HC serrated knife, saw, scissors, spring-action scissors, diamond-coated file, standard file, ruler, can opener, bottle opener, three Phillips screwdrivers, and a Torx screwdriver. The Charge+ substitutes 154CM steel for the main blade and adds a diamond file.
Can I use the Leatherman Bit Kit with both?
Yes — the Wave+ and Charge+ both accept the Leatherman Bit Kit (42-piece, RRP $74.99), which adds 21 double-ended driver bits for expanded screwdriver compatibility. A practical addition for anyone using their Leatherman for detailed work.
Is the Charge+ worth the extra cost?
For users who rely heavily on the blade: yes. 154CM steel holds an edge meaningfully better than 420HC and is worth the $120 premium. For occasional users and those who primarily use the pliers, drivers, and scissors rather than the blade: the Wave+ is the better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Leatherman Wave+ and Charge+?
The Wave+ (RRP $319.99) and Charge+ (RRP $439.99) share the same 18-tool layout. The key difference is steel quality: the Charge+ uses premium S30V steel on the main blades — it holds an edge significantly longer than the Wave+'s 420HC steel. The Charge+ also adds a titanium handle insert for reduced weight.
Is the Charge+ worth the extra cost over the Wave+?
If you use the blades frequently and want to sharpen less often, yes — S30V steel holds an edge significantly longer. For occasional users, the Wave+ performs well and the price difference is hard to justify. For everyday carry or heavy use, the Charge+ is worth the investment.
Which is lighter — Wave+ or Charge+?
The Charge+ is marginally lighter (240g) than the Wave+ (247g) due to the titanium handle insert. The difference is minimal in practice.
Do Wave+ and Charge+ use the same tools?
Yes — both have the same 18-tool configuration including needlenose pliers, wire cutters, multiple blades, scissors, screwdrivers, and can/bottle opener. The tool layout and overall size are identical. The differences are purely in materials and blade steel quality.
Which should I buy — Wave+ or Charge+?
For most NZ trampers and outdoor users: Wave+ at RRP $319.99 covers everything you need. For frequent users who rely on the blade for precision work: Charge+ at RRP $439.99 is worth it for the S30V steel edge retention.
Where can I buy Leatherman Wave+ and Charge+ in NZ?
Dwights stocks both the Wave+ and Charge+. Browse at /collections/nextool-multi-tools.