I am a wave collector.
I have been searching for years for the limited edition gold plated wave sold by Cabelas.
The problem is a lack of data since I have never found anyone who owns one - at least one that I am 100% sure is legit.
I suspect some entity out there created very believable imitation/fakes that are owned by several people (me included).
However, since I cannot find a 100% real one that we know came directly from Cabelas, I am not sure if they are fakes or if Cabelas just sold some really crappy product. The whole project where just 60 pieces were offered is suspicious in itself. Some official Leatherman statement would be helpful here.
The actual product that I have found does not appear to be a real gold plating and the Tim Leatherman signature is a sticker or decal and NOT etched into the metal. The wooden box appears to be absolutely identical to that found on the Cabelas website.
If anyone can share pics or information about a truly legitimate 30th Anniversary Gold Wave, please do so and I would be so grateful.
Questions for anyone who owns or has access to the real deal:
1. Is the Tim Leatherman signature etched into the metal - as specified in the Cabelas ad
2. Is the wooden box laminated with a coating or protective layer of epoxy? Or is the wood pretty much exposed where you can actually touch the woodgrain?
Close-up pics I guess would answer most all questions in this investigation.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/LEATHERMAN-TOOL-GRP-TH-ANNIVERSARY-GOLD-WAVE/1782455.uts