Gerber Truss vs Leatherman Wave Plus
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 17 of 29 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Gerber Truss weighs 238 g (8.4 oz) and the Leatherman Wave Plus 241 g (8.5 oz), so the Gerber Truss is 3 g lighter, 1% less. By the manufacturers' own counts, the Gerber Truss carries 17 tools and the Leatherman Wave Plus 18. The blade steel is Stainless steel on the Gerber Truss and 420HC stainless steel on the Leatherman Wave Plus.
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Gerber Truss weighs 238 g (8.4 oz) and the Leatherman Wave Plus 241 g (8.5 oz), so the Gerber Truss is 3 g lighter, 1% less. Folded, the Gerber Truss is 111.8 mm (4.40 in) long and the Leatherman Wave Plus 101.6 mm (4.00 in).
Sources: Truss: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts, the Gerber Truss carries 17 tools and the Leatherman Wave Plus 18. Only the Gerber Truss has awl. Only the Leatherman Wave Plus has replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, electrical crimper, wood/metal file, diamond-coated file and bit driver.
Sources: Truss: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
The blade steel is Stainless steel on the Gerber Truss and 420HC stainless steel on the Leatherman Wave Plus. Blade length is 57.2 mm (2.25 in) against 74.2 mm (2.92 in).
Sources: Truss: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Carry
The Gerber Truss comes with a sheath; the Leatherman Wave Plus does not.
Sources: Truss: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Gerber Truss is $64.96 cheaper: $64.99 against $129.95 for the Leatherman Wave Plus. Per counted tool that is $3.82 for the Gerber Truss and $7.22 for the Leatherman Wave Plus.
Sources: Truss: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Wave Plus: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, plain-edge knife, serrated knife, scissors, saw, phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, can opener, bottle opener, file, ruler, wire stripper.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Gerber Truss
4 independent reviewers, fewer than our target of five. All quotes
- ✓ Product performs its intended function adequately 2
Leatherman Wave Plus
6 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Blade is sharp out of the box 3
- ✓ Scissors are sharp and cut well 3
- ✓ Tool is durable and sturdy 3
- − Blade does not hold an edge well 2
- − Blade steel is not premium quality 2
- − Scissors are less effective than full-size 2
Questions
Which is better, the Gerber Truss or the Leatherman Wave Plus?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Gerber Truss if price matters (it is $64.96 cheaper at list price), you need a tool only it carries (awl) or you want a sheath in the box. Choose the Leatherman Wave Plus if you need a tool only it carries (replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, electrical crimper, wood/metal file and 2 more) or you want the longer blade (17 mm longer).
Which is lighter, the Gerber Truss or the Leatherman Wave Plus?
The Gerber Truss, at 238 g against 241 g for the Leatherman Wave Plus, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Gerber Truss worth it?
The Gerber Truss lists at $64.99, $3.82 per counted tool. Among 4 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Product performs its intended function adequately" (2 of 4). That is fewer reviewers than our target of five, so treat it as preliminary.
Is the Leatherman Wave Plus worth it?
The Leatherman Wave Plus lists at $129.95, $7.22 per counted tool. Among 6 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Blade is sharp out of the box" (3 of 6), and the most repeated criticism is "Blade does not hold an edge well" (2 of 6).