Leatherman Wave+ vs Skeletool: Which Multi-Tool Is Better for Emergency Preparedness?

Last updated: February 2026 | By the ISOPREP Team

When it comes to emergency multi-tools, Leatherman dominates the conversation — and for good reason. But choosing between their flagship Wave+ and the minimalist Skeletool is a genuine dilemma for preppers. One offers 18 tools in a battle-ready package; the other strips things down to the essentials at nearly half the weight. We’ve carried both through real-world scenarios to help you decide which belongs in your emergency kit.

Quick Verdict

The Leatherman Wave+ is the better choice for comprehensive emergency preparedness and home/vehicle kits where weight isn’t a primary constraint — it simply does more. The Leatherman Skeletool wins for everyday carry, bug-out bags where every ounce matters, and travelers who need a capable tool without the bulk. If you can only own one multi-tool and want maximum capability, get the Wave+. If you already have a full toolkit at home and need something for your person or a go-bag, the Skeletool is the smarter pick.

At a Glance: Leatherman Wave+ vs Leatherman Skeletool

Feature	Leatherman Wave+	Leatherman Skeletool
Price	~$110	~$65
Weight	8.5 oz (241 g)	5.0 oz (142 g)
Number of Tools	18	7
Blade Steel	420HC stainless	420HC stainless
Pliers	Needle-nose + regular	Needle-nose + regular
Saw	Yes	No
Scissors	Yes	No
Bit Driver	2 (Phillips + flat)	1 (interchangeable)
Closed Length	4.0 in (10.0 cm)	4.0 in (10.0 cm)
Warranty	25-year	25-year
Our Rating	9.2/10	8.5/10
Best For	Home kits, vehicle kits, comprehensive preparedness	EDC, bug-out bags, ultralight kits

Leatherman Wave+ Overview

The Leatherman Wave+ is the best-selling multi-tool in the world, and it has earned that status through decades of proven reliability. First introduced in 1998 and refined multiple times since, the Wave+ packs 18 tools into a package that feels solid without being unwieldy. For emergency preparedness, it’s essentially a compact toolbox that fits on your belt.

The tool lineup is genuinely impressive. You get needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a replaceable wire cutter insert, a 420HC straight blade and a serrated blade (both accessible from the outside without opening the pliers), spring-action scissors, a wood/metal file, a diamond-coated file, a large and small flathead screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a can opener, a bottle opener, a wire stripper, a ruler, and a saw. That saw alone has saved countless campers and preppers in situations where cutting cordage, small branches, or PVC pipe was necessary.

The build quality is outstanding. The stainless steel construction feels indestructible, and the all-locking tools mean nothing folds unexpectedly during use — a genuine safety feature during high-stress emergency situations. The outside-accessible blades are a major ergonomic advantage; you can deploy the main knife with one hand without opening the pliers first.

Where the Wave+ shows its weakness is weight and bulk. At 8.5 ounces, it’s noticeably heavy in a pocket, and most users end up carrying it in the included MOLLE-compatible sheath. For apartment preppers or anyone building a compact go-bag, that weight adds up. The tool also costs roughly $110 at retail, though Leatherman’s 25-year warranty means you’re paying for a lifetime tool.

For a deeper look at the Wave+ and its place in emergency preparedness kits, see our full Leatherman Wave+ review.

Leatherman Skeletool Overview

The Leatherman Skeletool takes the opposite design philosophy: include only what you’ll actually use every day, and make it as light as possible. At just 5 ounces with only 7 tools, it’s a multi-tool for people who find traditional multi-tools too bulky. And in an emergency preparedness context, that minimalism can be a genuine advantage.

The Skeletool gives you needle-nose pliers with regular pliers built in, wire cutters, a 420HC combo blade (partially serrated), an interchangeable bit driver with both Phillips and flathead bits included, a carabiner clip that doubles as a bottle opener, and a removable pocket clip. That’s it. No saw, no scissors, no file, no can opener.

What it does include, it executes beautifully. The pliers are smooth and precise. The knife is large enough for real cutting tasks and accessible from the outside. The bit driver accepts any standard quarter-inch bit, which means you can carry a small set of specialty bits and dramatically expand the Skeletool’s utility. The carabiner/bottle opener lets you clip it to a pack or belt loop without a sheath.

The open-frame skeletonized design is what gives it the dramatic weight savings. At 5 ounces, you genuinely forget you’re carrying it. For bug-out bags where you’re counting grams, for international travel where you want a tool that won’t weigh down your pack, or for everyday pocket carry, the Skeletool hits a sweet spot that heavier tools simply can’t.

The trade-off is real, though. Without scissors, a saw, or a file, there are emergency scenarios where the Skeletool leaves you reaching for tools you don’t have. It’s a “most of the time” tool rather than an “any situation” tool. See our full Leatherman Skeletool review for a complete breakdown.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Build Quality and Durability

Both tools share Leatherman’s legendary build quality and identical 25-year warranty, so you’re getting a lifetime tool either way. The Wave+ uses a fully enclosed stainless steel body that feels like it could survive being run over by a truck — because it can. The Skeletool’s open-frame design is lighter but exposes some internal components. In practice, both are extremely durable, but the Wave+ has a slight edge in harsh environments where dirt, sand, or moisture could get into the Skeletool’s open frame. Both use the same 420HC stainless blade steel, which offers a good balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance for emergency applications.

Features and Functionality

This is where the Wave+ dominates. Eighteen tools versus seven is a significant gap. The scissors alone handle tasks that are awkward with a knife — cutting gauze, trimming moleskin, opening packaging. The saw can cut through small branches for shelter building or clear debris. The file helps with everything from sharpening hooks to smoothing rough-cut materials. In a genuine emergency where you don’t know what challenges you’ll face, the Wave+ gives you dramatically more options.

The Skeletool counters with the interchangeable bit driver. While the Wave+ has fixed screwdrivers, the Skeletool accepts standard bits, meaning you can carry a Leatherman bit set and gain access to Torx, hex, square, and specialty drivers. For technical or mechanical tasks, this flexibility is genuinely valuable.

Portability and Weight

The Skeletool wins this category decisively. At 5.0 ounces versus 8.5 ounces, you save 3.5 ounces — which is significant when you’re building a 72-hour kit or apartment emergency kit where every item competes for limited space. The Skeletool’s integrated carabiner clip means you don’t need a separate sheath, saving even more weight and bulk. It pocket-carries comfortably; the Wave+ really needs a belt sheath.

Value for Money

The Skeletool at roughly $65 is an excellent value for what it delivers. The Wave+ at around $110 costs nearly twice as much but delivers more than twice the tools. On a pure tools-per-dollar basis, the Wave+ is actually the better value. But if you’re paying for tools you won’t use, the Skeletool’s lower price for its focused toolset makes financial sense. Both carry the same 25-year warranty, making either a sound long-term investment.

Who Should Choose the Leatherman Wave+?

• Home emergency kit builders who want one tool that can handle almost anything
• Vehicle kit preppers who need cutting, prying, sawing, and filing capability on the road
• Homeowners and DIYers who want a portable toolbox for quick fixes
• Camp and wilderness preparedness enthusiasts who need the saw and file
• Anyone building a comprehensive “be ready for anything” kit where weight isn’t the primary constraint

Who Should Choose the Leatherman Skeletool?

• Everyday carriers who want a multi-tool they’ll actually have on them when something happens
• Bug-out bag builders counting every ounce in their 72-hour kit
• Travelers and digital nomads who need a capable tool without the weight penalty
• Minimalists who prefer carrying fewer, better tools rather than a Swiss Army approach
• Budget-conscious preppers who want Leatherman quality at a lower price point

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Leatherman Wave+ worth the extra money over the Skeletool?

Yes, if you need the additional tools. The Wave+ adds scissors, a saw, a file, more screwdriver options, and a can opener — tools that are genuinely useful in emergency scenarios. If your multi-tool will live in a home kit, vehicle kit, or workshop, the extra $45 buys meaningful capability. However, if you primarily need pliers, a knife, and a screwdriver for everyday situations, the Skeletool delivers those core functions at a lower price.

Can the Skeletool handle serious emergency situations?

Absolutely, with limitations. The Skeletool’s pliers, knife, and bit driver handle the majority of real-world emergency tasks: cutting cordage, tightening bolts, stripping wire, prying open stuck items. Where it falls short is specialized tasks like sawing through materials, cutting bandages precisely (no scissors), or filing rough edges. For a well-rounded emergency plan, you might pair a Skeletool with a small folding saw and compact scissors.

What are the main differences between the Leatherman Wave+ and Skeletool?

The three main differences are tool count (18 vs 7), weight (8.5 oz vs 5.0 oz), and price (~$110 vs ~$65). The Wave+ includes scissors, a saw, a file, and a can opener that the Skeletool lacks entirely. The Skeletool offers an interchangeable bit driver and integrated carabiner clip that the Wave+ doesn’t have. Both share the same blade steel, plier design philosophy, and 25-year warranty. The Wave+ is a comprehensive toolbox; the Skeletool is a focused essential-tools-only approach.

Our Bottom Line

Both the Leatherman Wave+ and Leatherman Skeletool are outstanding multi-tools backed by one of the best warranties in the industry. For maximum emergency preparedness capability, the Wave+ is the clear winner — its 18-tool arsenal means you’re ready for scenarios you haven’t even considered. For everyday carry, ultralight kits, and situations where “the best tool is the one you have with you,” the Skeletool’s featherweight design and focused toolset make it the smarter choice.

Our recommendation: if your budget allows, own both. Keep the Wave+ in your home or vehicle emergency kit and carry the Skeletool daily. That combination covers virtually every scenario a prepared individual might face. For more multi-tool options, check our Best Survival Multi-Tools for Emergency Preparedness guide.