Leatherman ARC vs Wave Alpha
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 18 of 27 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 Wave Alpha weighs 234 g (8.3 oz) and the ARC 244 g (8.6 oz), so the Wave Alpha is 10 g lighter, 4% less. By the manufacturers' own counts, the ARC carries 20 tools and the Wave Alpha 18. Blade length is 70.1 mm (2.76 in) against 73.2 mm (2.88 in).
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Wave Alpha weighs 234 g (8.3 oz) and the ARC 244 g (8.6 oz), so the Wave Alpha is 10 g lighter, 4% less. Folded, the ARC is 107.9 mm (4.25 in) long and the Wave Alpha 102.6 mm (4.04 in). The ARC is the slimmer in the pocket: 17.3 mm thick against 21.3 mm for the Wave Alpha.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts, the ARC carries 20 tools and the Wave Alpha 18. Only the ARC has pry bar and impact surface.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
Blade length is 70.1 mm (2.76 in) against 73.2 mm (2.88 in).
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Wave Alpha is $50 cheaper: $199.95 against $249.95 for the ARC. Per counted tool that is $12.50 for the ARC and $11.11 for the Wave Alpha.
Sources: ARC: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Wave Alpha: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry plain-edge knife, needlenose pliers, regular pliers, bit driver, diamond-coated file, wood/metal file, replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, flathead screwdriver, bottle opener, can opener, awl, scissors, saw, wire stripper, electrical crimper, phillips screwdriver.
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.
Leatherman ARC
10 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Blade uses high-quality MagnaCut steel 7
- ✓ One-handed opening and closing is easy 6
- ✓ Blade is competent for daily use 5
- − Price is high 4
- − Wire cutters are prone to breaking 3
- − Wire cutters have a functional gap 2
Leatherman Wave Alpha
No point was repeated by independent reviewers yet.
Questions
Which is better, the ARC or the Wave Alpha?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the ARC if you need a tool only it carries (pry bar and impact surface). Choose the Wave Alpha if price matters (it is $50 cheaper at list price).
Which is lighter, the ARC or the Wave Alpha?
The Wave Alpha, at 234 g against 244 g for the ARC, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the ARC worth it?
The ARC lists at $249.95, $12.50 per counted tool. Among 10 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Blade uses high-quality MagnaCut steel" (7 of 10), and the most repeated criticism is "Price is high" (4 of 10).