Buzz
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, DIY-er, PC builder, or simply someone who likes to stay ready for anything, a solid multitool is a must-have. The Leatherman Wave and SOG PowerLock are both trusted, tough, and popular options. But, if you had to pick just one, let's find out which one truly deserves a spot in your gear bag.
The Contenders
Leatherman and SOG are industry leaders in crafting specialty knives and tools, each with decades of experience. Leatherman’s founder, Timothy S. Leatherman, created the original multitool after being inspired to make a “Boy Scout knife with pliers.” Meanwhile, SOG was founded by Spencer Frazer, whose vision was influenced by a unique combat knife used by US Special Ops during the Vietnam War. SOG remains a preferred choice for Navy SEALs. Both the Leatherman Wave and SOG PowerLock represent the mid-range multitools of their respective brands, so let’s break down how they compare.
Leatherman Wave: The Leatherman Wave packs 17 tools, including (1) needlenose pliers, (2) regular pliers, (3) hard-wire cutters, (4) wire cutters, (5) wire strippers, (6) 2.9-inch 420HC (high carbon) stainless steel knife, (7) 420HC stainless steel serrated knife, (8) saw, (9) spring-action scissors, (10) eight-inch ruler, (11) can opener, (12) bottle opener, (13) wood/metal file, (14) diamond-coated file, (15) ¼” bit driver, (16) ⅛” bit driver, and (17) medium screwdriver. It’s crafted from stainless steel, weighs 8.5 oz, and measures 4” long when closed. It costs about $100, depending on the retailer.
SOG PowerLock: The SOG PowerLock offers 18 tools, including a (1) 420 stainless steel half-serrated combo knife, (2) ¼” bit driver, (3) three-sided file, (4) awl, (5) blasting cap crimper, (6) bolt grip channel, (7) bottle opener, (8) can opener, (9) hard wire cutter, (10) large flat screwdriver, (11) medium flat screwdriver, (12) needle nose pliers, (13) Philips screwdriver, (14) 9 ¼” ruler, (15) scissors, (16) small flat screwdriver, (17) wire crimper, and a (18) 420 stainless steel wood saw. Made of stainless steel, it weighs 9.6 oz, and measures 4.6” long when closed. It ranges from $70 to $100, depending on where you shop. Generally, SOG PowerLock tools tend to cost less than the Leatherman Wave in most stores.
At a basic level, both of these multitools are designed to handle many of the same tasks. However, there are a few distinctions. The SOG PowerLock includes wire and blasting cap crimpers, as well as an awl, features that the Leatherman Wave does not offer. Meanwhile, the Leatherman Wave has a smaller bit driver, a wire stripper (which we’ll discuss later), and an extra blade that the PowerLock lacks. The PowerLock combines both the regular blade and the serrated blade into a single combo blade.
Tool Functionality and Access
While both the Wave and PowerLock share many of the same tools, they differ in how you access those tools. The Wave allows you to easily access the standard blade, serrated blade, file, and wood saw without needing to open the multitool completely. You can simply pull out your Wave and get to those tools quickly, much like using a pocket knife. The PowerLock, however, requires you to first open it into 'plier mode,' then lift a metal wing grip to access the tools. These extra steps aren’t a huge dealbreaker, but they do prevent the PowerLock from being as effective a pocket knife replacement—one of the usual benefits of having a multitool.
Thankfully, the PowerLock compensates for this with its unique gear-driven, Compound Leverage system, which allows you to open the tool with a quick flick of your wrist. While the Wave’s blades can be accessed with one hand, getting to the pliers or other tools requires both hands. I found the Wave to be a bit stubborn to open, particularly when I wanted to use the pliers. Of course, my Wave is brand new, while my PowerLock is slightly older and more used. The Wave might need a 'breaking in' period that I haven’t experienced yet.
Both the Wave and PowerLock feature locking mechanisms at the base of their handles that secure the tools in place during use. To close a tool, you simply press the locking mechanism and fold it back into its compartment. Honestly, the locking mechanisms on both tools are so similar that it’s surprising there hasn't been any legal dispute over the patent.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Just because both multitools come packed with similar features doesn’t necessarily mean they excel in the same way. Below is a breakdown of how some of the most commonly used tools from each stack up against one another:
Knives: As noted earlier, the Wave features a dedicated standard blade, while the PowerLock integrates a two-in-one knife with a half-serrated edge. After testing both blades on various materials like paper, cardboard, and food, the Wave performed better with sharper, cleaner cuts. However, when it came to the serrated edge, the PowerLock outshone the Wave in efficiency. In fact, using the full length of the PowerLock's combo blade resulted in impressive cuts. While the Wave's separate, longer, and more accessible blades are an advantage, the PowerLock's combo blade delivers superior efficiency.
Wood Saw: Neither multitool's saw is particularly effective, but the Wave's saw shows fewer shortcomings. Both tools feature alternating teeth, yet the PowerLock's teeth appear too wide, requiring more effort to get started, and sawdust collects quickly. A demonstration on CutleryNovice's YouTube channel mirrors this experience.
Pliers: When it comes to pliers, the PowerLock’s needlenose combo takes the crown. Its grips are more comfortable, aided by the slightly unwieldy metal wings, the pliers' pivot points are smooth, and the Compound Leverage system allows for quick access and enhanced grip strength. The Wave also has a similar combo plier system, but it feels less responsive and its more compact design hinders both grip and strength.
Wire Cutters: Again, the PowerLock's wire cutters outperform those on the Wave. During tests with an old iPod cable, the PowerLock sliced through it effortlessly, while the Wave struggled to cut through the internal wiring and insulation, though it did manage the rubber casing.
Scissors: Accessing the Wave's scissors is not particularly easy. Every time I unfolded the spring-loaded blade, I'd accidentally catch one of its sharp ends. While this can be avoided, the small handle designed for the scissors lacks sufficient leverage, often leading to poking my finger. That said, the Wave's scissors work surprisingly well, even on thick cardboard. The SOG PowerLock version I tested instead includes a V-Cut tool, which serves the same purpose as scissors but requires you to pull the V-shaped blade along material, making it safer and less prone to injury, though less effective than traditional scissors.
Wire Strippers: While the PowerLock doesn't feature a dedicated wire stripper, the Wave's “wire stripper” is merely a sharp notch at the bottom of the combo can/bottle opener. It doesn't work like a typical wire stripper. To use it, you make a small cut around the wire using your knife blade, then rotate it in the wire stripper notch until the rubber insulation is sufficiently cut. You can achieve similar results with the PowerLock’s V-Cutter or scissors. Additionally, SOG offers a dedicated wire stripper add-on for the PowerLock that handles wire gauges from 12 to 24.
For the remaining tools—such as files, screwdrivers, bottle openers, and can openers—both multitools perform as expected. There's nothing groundbreaking about these features, but they function reliably as they always have.
Warranties and Perks
The Leatherman Wave is backed by a 25-year limited warranty that requires no questions to be asked. If something breaks and it’s not due to misuse or abuse, Leatherman will either repair or replace it at no cost. The SOG PowerLock, in contrast, offers a lifetime warranty with similar restrictions on misuse, though it seems slightly more rigid than Leatherman’s. Manufacturer defects are covered, but SOG’s warranty excludes rusted or stained blades, broken or bent knife tips, chipped blades, and worn-out tool components. However, SOG does provide a blade sharpening service, though this comes with a fee unless your multitool arrived with dull blades.
Both the Wave and PowerLock include leather belt holsters. The PowerLock’s holster is a full leather design, crafted in the USA, and has a more robust, ‘rugged’ aesthetic. On the other hand, the Wave’s holster combines leather and nylon, made in China, and carries a more ‘tactical’ vibe.
The Verdict: The Wave is Ideal for Those Who Want a Pocket Knife Plus Tools, the PowerLock Suits Professionals, Electricians, and Handymen
Ultimately, there’s no clear ‘wrong’ choice—both tools essentially offer you a portable Inspector Gadget—but the Leatherman Wave is the all-around choice for the everyday user (and already a favorite for many). The decision hinges on functionality: being able to access the knife blades without opening the multitool is a game-changer, and it makes the Wave feel like an upgraded version of the traditional Swiss Army Knife. This recommendation comes from someone who personally favors SOG, so for most of you, I’d suggest going with the Wave.
That being said, the PowerLock excels in several areas far beyond the Wave. If you’re working in electrical fields, the pliers, wire cutters, and clamps make the PowerLock the clear choice, especially if you grab the wire stripper add-on. Oh, and did I mention the pliers are significantly better? I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth reiterating—the PowerLock’s pliers are exceptional. For those of you who need a multitool for real, hands-on work, I’d highly recommend the PowerLock. Plus, the PowerLock usually comes at a lower price point than the Wave. Depending on what you're after, you might get more tools for less money.
