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Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?

Poll

Will you buy the Leatherman Wave Alpha?

Yes.  Of course I'll buy one - gotta have it!
19 (29.7%)
No. Its just a Wave+ with G10 and faux brass accents.  Not worth the $80 upcharge.
35 (54.7%)
Undecided pending more intel.
10 (15.6%)

Total Members Voted: 64

us Offline powernoodle

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Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
on: September 22, 2025, 10:44:51 PM
Hey peoples.   :cheers:

Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?


Pros:  its a new Leatherman!  Come on, now.

Cons:  its a Wave+ blinged up with G10 and faux brass accents.  Pocket jewelry.



As for me, as I type this I am saying no thanks.  They are just rehashing the same ingredients with blingy bling and a nice, phat MSRP.

Now, I said the same thing about the ARC.  No way I was going to buy it.  But I ended up buying a used one, then a new one.  Who am I kidding.

But the Wave Alpha is not a new genre of MT like the ARC.  Its a Wave+ with perfume and lipstick.  And they won't even call it black, green and orange.

Will you be seduced by perfume and lipstick, or will you stick with the tried and true lassie who you brought to the dance?

Not a fair question, really, because polygamy in not only accepted but encouraged in the MT world.  But maybe you get the point of the question.


While you ponder, here is Fonzie jumping the shark:





us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #1 on: September 22, 2025, 10:59:24 PM
I vote NO!

I am retired, I have several LM tools including 2nd gen Waves, (not the +),  a couple Charges, a Surge and the entry units; Rev, Sidekick, Wingman and a Bolster.

Yet, my true loyalty remains with the ST300, REBAR, BOND and even the PST.  Actually have a few of each.

The fREE models, the ARC or the Wave + just never tempted me.

And, I should mention the OHT is another tool I use and like as a work tool.   Just as I find the SIGNAL the exotic tool for my outdoor adventures.  The variety of finishes are just stunning, and I do have a few.

What was the question?  I got sidetracked.

Oh yea, no the WAVE ALPHA is a NO!
If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline MTSAK

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #2 on: September 22, 2025, 11:09:02 PM
If I hadn't just been gotten a Charge TTi for my birthday from my wife and kids, I'd be saving for a green one for sure. Still might later on down the road but I won't be waiting in line on release day. 


us Offline LoopCutter

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #3 on: September 22, 2025, 11:12:55 PM
Oooh, a TTi!!!! 

Been on my watch list for like forever.

Just for the TITANIUM! 
 
Gambling I will find a used one down the road.

If I start and end the day above ground, it is a good day!

Hope yours is as good!

A SMART man always knows what to say!
   A WISE man knows whether or not to say it!!!


us Offline genevabuck

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #4 on: September 22, 2025, 11:21:15 PM
The Alpha seems okay, so I’ll probably only get two of each color and every variation of the new pocket clips.


gb Offline fullbreakfast

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #5 on: September 22, 2025, 11:24:24 PM

But the Wave Alpha is not a new genre of MT like the ARC.  Its a Wave+ with perfume and lipstick.  And they won't even call it black, green and orange.

Will you be seduced by perfume and lipstick, or will you stick with the tried and true lassie who you brought to the dance?

Leatherman Lot Lizard.


gb Offline gra_farmer

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #6 on: September 22, 2025, 11:32:15 PM
Always seduced by perfume and lipstick....but as for the Alpha, no thanks.

I like my Charge Ti too much, and it is not an upgrade on that....which ultimately is what it will be replacing.

The Alpha would be an upgrade on the Wave +, but that's not what the target is.

I am a fan of Leatherman tool, I got my first one, the PST 30 years ago from my dad as a present...I still have it and love it. It has soul and although mass produced is still unique.

The Wave has been reproduced countless times, it's good...but for me, there is something missing (mostly hand comfort), the Charge was comfortable in hand and good plain blade steel upgrade.

Personally the Wave is a beater tool, the Charge I wore with pride...just need to get it fixed!!!
« Last Edit: September 22, 2025, 11:51:45 PM by gra_farmer »


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #7 on: September 22, 2025, 11:39:43 PM
The Alpha seems okay, so I’ll probably only get two of each color and every variation of the new pocket clips.

 :cheers:   :rofl:

Since the Wave Alpha is replacing the Charge, I expect it to be just an upscale Wave, and I think they hit that target perfectly.  I think its biggest crime is that it’s essentially an Arc without the Free technology.  I have no need for that, so I’ll likely just get one and a couple backups.


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #8 on: September 23, 2025, 01:01:13 AM
I have no need for that, so I’ll likely just get one and a couple backups.

That is seriously funny.  And true.

I pulled up pics of the Wave+ and Wave Alpha, side by side.  I seriously prefer the Wave+.  But I am part of the old skool Leatherman generation, when the Core, Blast, etc. were all the rage.  Everything about them was utilitarian, with no bling.

I feel like Mr. Carson on Downton Abbey in Season 6,  when he sees decades - even centuries - of tradition slowly disappearing into the past with no means of stopping it.  What we once knew as Leatherman is slipping away, and the New Age is upon us. 

And it is blingy and spendy. 


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #9 on: September 23, 2025, 02:10:32 AM
I pulled up pics of the Wave+ and Wave Alpha, side by side.  I seriously prefer the Wave+. 

I never liked the mini handle-scissors on the Wave/Charge.  Moving them to an outside tool slot so they could be larger is a huge improvement to me, although I would have preferred to lose the saw instead of the serrated blade.  The addition of an awl is a big improvement too.  I think the G10 handles are a big improvement on usability, but I’m afraid they might add too much bulk in exchange.


us Offline Steelej1976

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #10 on: September 23, 2025, 03:03:00 AM
I voted yes.  The upgrades are worth it too me.  The outside accessible scissors, awl, and Magnacut blade basically fix everything I didn't like about the Wave and if it comes a pocket clip I am sold.


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #11 on: September 23, 2025, 03:26:12 AM
The Wave Alpha is a pass from me...but not for the reasons listed in the poll and powernoodle's first post. I'd pass because I feel the Rebar and ST300 are the currently produced Leatherman products that come closest to ideal. That said, I'm not overly fond of the brass accents, but G-10 on a Rebar or an ST300 might prompt me to dig deep and/or sell off some stuff.
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


00 Offline Dutch_Tooler

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #12 on: September 23, 2025, 03:28:05 AM
I voted Yes, if only because, well, it's the first LM new product that may become available for a less than a quite extortionate price over here in a number of years  :D
Cheers!
Dutch_Tooler

Location: Southern Germany, most of the time


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #13 on: September 23, 2025, 03:30:14 AM
Sadly, "extortionate" is an accurate way to phrase it. Y'awl in the EU and the UK too often get the short end of that stick.
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline Alan K.

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #14 on: September 23, 2025, 03:30:41 AM
Sure I will.  In about 5 years when someone forgets to take theirs off on their way to the airport it will end up on Ebay and I'll be able to buy it for about $40 which is much more reasonable than Leatherman will be charging for them.  :cheers:


us Offline powernoodle

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #15 on: September 23, 2025, 03:35:56 AM
and if it comes a pocket clip I am sold.

Gear Junkie says it does not come with a clip or a sheath.

What the bleep, Leatherman!

So that runs you up to $250 if you buy the clip and sheath.

For a multitool.

With 1 bit for the exchanger.

Yeah, the Wave Alpha will last you 10 years of hard, daily abuse or a lifetime for most of us.  Cry once, use it forever kind of thing.  That's a solid argument.  But I think most workin' men will (like Brother X said) still be buying the Rebar for $79, ST300 for $99 or the Wave+ for $119.

 :salute:


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #16 on: September 23, 2025, 03:38:33 AM
I voted yes. But, I am in absolutely no hurry to rush out and get one. I will most likely wait to REI has their sale and apply my dividend towards it.

JonesE


au Offline Huntsman

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #17 on: September 23, 2025, 04:48:44 AM
The new Wave does look great - And for me it's great it has an awl and the outside large scissors.

But no I wont buy a new Wave,  I have a Wave awlready, I can't afford a new one, and I have a SAK for an awl and decent scissors
 :climber:    :D    ;)

BTW - In a Wave Alpha YT video from Grim Granite, he seemed to be surprised that anyone would use an awl.
Yep, maybe not for leather stitching - But for drilling and pilot holes etc - All the time for me - One of my most used tools!
« Last Edit: September 23, 2025, 04:53:54 AM by Huntsman »


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #18 on: September 23, 2025, 07:47:56 AM
But for drilling and pilot holes etc - All the time for me - One of my most used tools!

 :iagree:


us Offline ThisAlarm7

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #19 on: September 23, 2025, 04:25:03 PM
I'm on the fence. So possibly. We'll see how it feels in the hand, etc.


gb Offline gra_farmer

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #20 on: September 23, 2025, 06:04:50 PM
Gear Junkie says it does not come with a clip or a sheath.

What the bleep, Leatherman!

So that runs you up to $250 if you buy the clip and sheath.

For a multitool.

With 1 bit for the exchanger.

Yeah, the Wave Alpha will last you 10 years of hard, daily abuse or a lifetime for most of us.  Cry once, use it forever kind of thing.  That's a solid argument.  But I think most workin' men will (like Brother X said) still be buying the Rebar for $79, ST300 for $99 or the Wave+ for $119.

 :salute:

It will be over $350 here in the UK


00 Offline Grand_Banana

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #21 on: September 24, 2025, 12:17:26 AM
The new Wave does look great - And for me it's great it has an awl and the outside large scissors.

But no I wont buy a new Wave,  I have a Wave awlready, I can't afford a new one, and I have a SAK for an awl and decent scissors
 :climber:    :D    ;)

BTW - In a Wave Alpha YT video from Grim Granite, he seemed to be surprised that anyone would use an awl.
Yep, maybe not for leather stitching - But for drilling and pilot holes etc - All the time for me - One of my most used tools!

 :iagree: I’ve never used the eye to thread, but I’ve made countless pilot holes and scraped. Awlso one of my most used tools.


fi Offline Antti Lammi

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #22 on: September 24, 2025, 08:55:18 AM
My interest about this tool is have they fixed hotspot between blades (when using pliers and squueze, you can accidentally get bitten)
Also one of reason to get this is that i just want it, most likely i wont buy it yet, dont even when those come for sale here and what kinda price.
I may need to sell few of my tools to cover expenses of Alpha.


us Offline David Bowen

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #23 on: September 24, 2025, 07:02:46 PM
The pinch issue still exists unfortunately. Yes the whole tool has be redesigned and doesn't use the old Wave frame but I feel it's an inherent part of the design.


gb Offline Crunchie64

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #24 on: September 24, 2025, 07:51:43 PM
Yes the whole tool has be redesigned and doesn't use the old Wave frame but I feel it's an inherent part of the design.

It feels like the big question, although you’re probably not allowed to answer, is if Leatherman have given you any more new models to play with…


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #25 on: September 24, 2025, 09:34:07 PM
The pinch issue still exists unfortunately. Yes the whole tool has be redesigned and doesn't use the old Wave frame but I feel it's an inherent part of the design.

Is the pliers pivot the same size as the Wave/Charge?  I would love to swap out the saw with a Wave serrated blade. 


gb Offline John Worledge

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #26 on: September 24, 2025, 11:25:24 PM
For me the scissors are a big plus but the blade is better than I will ever need. So what to do, wait for the Wave Sport and see if that is a cheaper tool but with scissors or wait untill AliExpress stock the scissors buy them a fit them to my Charge. Failing that give into weakness and just buy the Wave Alpha I fancy the orange one.
🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and proud.


Offline MrToolJunkie

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #27 on: September 24, 2025, 11:51:19 PM
Still undecided. I like the green color, but I miss the serrated blade. Only a few dollars more for the ARC with a pocket clip and all outside accessible tools. Time will tell ans once people start to have them in hand, tomorrow will undoubtedly set in.


us Offline David Bowen

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #28 on: September 25, 2025, 12:28:07 AM
Is the pliers pivot the same size as the Wave/Charge?  I would love to swap out the saw with a Wave serrated blade.

I would say it's the same as the Wave Plus, there doesn't appear to be any change there.


us Offline Rich_SD

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Re: Will you buy a Leatherman Wave Alpha?
Reply #29 on: September 25, 2025, 01:58:11 AM
I would say it's the same as the Wave Plus, there doesn't appear to be any change there.

Thank you  :cheers:


 

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