The Leatherman Wave+ is the tool everyone knows, the one people default to when someone says “just get a Leatherman.” But the Leatherman Rebar? That one’s a sleeper hit — compact, beefy where it counts, and sitting at a price point that makes a lot of sense. So which one actually deserves a spot in your pocket? I put them head-to-head to find out.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Both tools come in a black oxide finish, and both feel exactly like what they are — high-quality, serious gear. The Wave+ carries its signature curvy, wave-like profile with externally accessible tools and a liner lock on those outside blades. The Rebar, on the other hand, takes design cues from the original Leatherman PST — smooth, clean lines interrupted only by the locking mechanisms. It’s a more understated look, and honestly, it has its own kind of charm.
Side by side, they’re roughly the same height, but the Wave+ is noticeably thicker and slightly wider at the top. Stack them on top of each other and the size difference becomes pretty clear. On the scale, the Wave+ comes in at 8.48 oz (240.6 g) and the Rebar at 6.59 oz (187 g). That’s a 50 to 60 gram difference — and trust me, after a long day, that’s something you’re going to feel in your pocket.
Tool-by-Tool Breakdown
Pliers — Rebar Wins
The pliers are the whole reason these things exist, so this is where it really matters. Both tools have long-nose pliers, a bolt gripper, and replaceable wire cutters — the classic Leatherman setup. But look at the heads side by side and the difference is obvious. The Rebar’s head is beefier and chunkier. Essentially, Leatherman didn’t grind it down to the more refined shape of the Wave+, which means more material, more strength. If raw plier performance is your priority, the Rebar takes this one.
As for the handles, both have a comfortable curled edge. The Wave+’s curve is more pronounced, making it slightly more comfortable to grip — but it comes with the infamous “Leatherman Wave pinch,” a tight spot where tools can catch your hand if you’re not paying attention. The Rebar’s handles are a bit less refined in feel but offer more clearance, reducing the pinch risk. Handles are honestly a toss-up between the two.
Knives — Wave+ Wins
In a survival or emergency situation, I’d argue the knife is the single most important tool on a multi-tool. And here, the Wave+ dominates. Its plain-edge blade is longer, wider, and thicker than the Rebar’s — and critically, it’s externally accessible and one-hand operable. Open it, use it, close it — all without ever unfolding the handles.
The Rebar’s knife does have a solid locking mechanism and a smart safety feature that prevents you from accidentally closing it while the handles are folded — but you need two hands to open and close it.
Same story with the serrated blade: Wave+ is bigger and one-hand accessible, Rebar requires two hands. Wave+ takes both knife categories, no contest.
Saw — Wave+ Wins
The saws on both tools are comparable in length, thickness, and sharpness — they’re actually pretty similar performers. But the Wave+’s saw is externally accessible, while the Rebar’s requires you to unfold the handles. That outside accessibility is a meaningful convenience advantage, so the Wave+ edges this one out.
File — Wave+ Wins
Both tools feature a crosscut file with a metal file on one side — but flip them over and the difference shows up. The Wave+ has a diamond-coated file; the Rebar has a single-cut file. I’m a fan of the diamond coating — it’s more aggressive and handles harder materials better. Wave+ gets the nod here.
Bit Driver — Rebar Wins (Slightly)
The Wave+ comes with a double-sided bit giving you both Phillips and flathead in one. The Rebar has a beefy 3D Phillips and a separate flathead — both with solid reach. The Rebar’s bit driver actually has a slightly longer reach, which can matter when you’re working in tight spaces. It’s close, but I give this one to the Rebar.
Flathead / Pry Bar, Can Opener, Bottle Opener, Wire Stripper — Tie
These tools are essentially identical across both multi-tools. Same function, same quality, same performance. Call it a tie across the board.
Lanyard Loop — Rebar Wins
Both tools technically have a lanyard loop, but on the Wave+, accessing it is a whole production — you have to open the wood saw just to get to it. It feels like an afterthought. On the Rebar, the lanyard loop is right there, easy to use. Clear win for the Rebar on this one.
Wave+-Exclusive Tools: Scissors and Micro Driver
The Wave+ has two tools the Rebar simply doesn’t offer: a pair of scissors and a two-headed micro driver (Phillips on one end, flathead on the other). These aren’t glamorous, but scissors are surprisingly handy, and the micro driver covers small fasteners that a standard bit driver would destroy.
The Rebar’s answer to this is an awl — and it’s a good one. It’s got a solid point and even includes a hole for threading string through, which opens up some practical utility in certain situations. But one awl doesn’t quite replace two dedicated tools.
Price Comparison
The Wave+ typically runs around $130, while the Rebar comes in at about $100. Is $30 a big deal? Subjectively, that depends on your budget. But objectively, a 30% price difference is significant — especially when the Rebar holds its own in several key categories and outright wins on plier strength and weight.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that the Wave+ is the more capable multi-tool overall — that’s why it’s Leatherman’s number one bestseller. The externally accessible blades, the bigger knives, the scissors, the micro driver — it all adds up to a more versatile package. If you want the best all-around performer and you’re willing to carry the extra weight and pay the extra cost, the Wave+ is the right call.
But the Rebar makes a compelling case for itself. It has the strongest pliers in its size class, it’s lighter, more compact, and it sits quietly in your pocket without constantly reminding you it’s there. The Wave+ you feel. The Rebar you forget about — until you actually need it.
So which one has better value? That’s the real question, and I’d love to hear where you land on it. Drop your take in the comments below.
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