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Best Leatherman Tools

Updated September 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Leatherman
Surge
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Bottom Line

A solid, powerful tool that stands out for its impressive number of tools and rugged design. The best Leatherman has to offer.

Pros

An extremely versatile model w/21 tools, including the brand's largest pliers and longest blades. Solid, reliable tools for a wide range of tasks.

Cons

The black finish is a bit oily at first, but this fades with use. It's costly, but you get a lot for the money.

Leatherman
Wave
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Bottom Line

A sound option if you prefer a stainless steel finish, but the Surge has a bit more to offer.

Pros

A popular model w/17 versatile tools and a sleek stainless steel finish. The blades are very sharp and the pliers have a reliable grip.

Cons

It's on the higher end of the price spectrum but has fewer tools than some cheaper choices.

Best Bang for the Buck
Leatherman
Sidekick
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Bottom Line

About half the cost of similar models. A large number of tools for the price. Your best choice if you want a Leatherman on a budget.

Pros

Leatherman's original mulitool w/14 tools in a mid-sized, stainless steel unit. Comes at a mid-range price.

Cons

Feels a bit less durable than costlier models, and some of the tools (short file, flat head screwdriver) aren't very effective.

Leatherman
Raptor Shears
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Bottom Line

The best choice if you're looking for top-notch shears and cutting tools. Otherwise, the other models on our list are more versatile.

Pros

Incredibly sharp cutting power with Leatherman's heavy-duty construction. Features 6 professional-level tools, including 3 cutting tools.

Cons

A bit bulky and difficult to remove from the holster. It's pricey, and it lacks the various tools of other Leathermans.

Leatherman
Skeletool
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Bottom Line

If you need a streamlined Leatherman w/a range of basic tools and few bells and whistles, it has some nice features.

Pros

A basic Leatherman w/7 tools that feature multiple pliers and wire cutters. The curved handle is easy to control w/a comfortable grip.

Cons

Lacks the versatility of some competitors. Occasional complaints that blade's serrated edge isn't very effective.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 12 Models Considered
  • 68 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 156 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    The team that worked on this review
    • Devangana
      Devangana
      Web Producer
    • Jennifer
      Jennifer
      Writer
    • Melissa
      Melissa
      Senior Editor
    ×

    Leatherman

    Surge

    Leatherman

    Surge

    A solid, powerful tool that stands out for its impressive number of tools and rugged design. The best Leatherman has to offer.

    $109
    ×

    Leatherman

    Wave

    Leatherman

    Wave

    A sound option if you prefer a stainless steel finish, but the Surge has a bit more to offer.
    $89
    ×

    Leatherman

    Sidekick

    Leatherman

    Sidekick

    About half the cost of similar models. A large number of tools for the price. Your best choice if you want a Leatherman on a budget.

    $49
    ×

    Leatherman

    Raptor Shears

    Leatherman

    Raptor Shears

    The best choice if you're looking for top-notch shears and cutting tools. Otherwise, the other models on our list are more versatile.

    $70
    ×

    Leatherman

    Skeletool

    Leatherman

    Skeletool

    If you need a streamlined Leatherman w/a range of basic tools and few bells and whistles, it has some nice features.

    $54

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