Leatherman ARC vs Wave Alpha: I Carried Both for Six Months and There’s a Clear Winner
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If you’re looking for the best Leatherman for EDC, you’re likely going to be left deciding between the ARC and the Wave Alpha. I own both and carry them often, and have some practical advice on how to make the right choice for you.
| Tool | Number of Tools | Weight | Length | Price |
| ARC | 20 | 8.6 oz | 4.25 in | $250 |
| WAVE Alpha | 18 | 8.26 oz | 4.04 in | $200 |
If you want the most capability, easy access to all the tools, and one-handed plier opening, buy the ARC. To me, it’s worth the extra $50 over the Wave Alpha and still the multi-tool I’d recommend for EDC.
If you have a Leatherman and find the metal too slippery, the WAVE Alpha’s G10 grips are a step up in traction. I typically carry the WAVE Alpha during the hot, humid summer months for that reason. There are aftermarket grips for the ARC worth looking at.
The Wave Alpha and the ARC have the tools you’ll need most often: knife, saw, pliers, wire cutters, bottle opener, scissors, and bit driver. But they have different versions of those tools. The Wave Alpha’s pliers are slimmer and not stamped Made in USA. The Wave Alpha has the new, larger scissors. The ARC’s awl doesn’t have a sewing hole, but the Wave Alpha’s does. Both knives have Magnacut knife blades, but have slightly different blade shapes. Both knives are perfectly functional for EDC, and the choice between them comes down to personal preference.
Primary Tools Compared
| ARC | Wave Alpha |
| *Pliers | *Pliers |
| *Replaceable Wire Cutters | *Replaceable Wire Cutters |
| Bit Driver | *Bit Driver |
| Bottle Opener | *Bottle Opener/Can Opener |
| Micro Driver | *Micro Driver |
| Slotted screw driver/Pry Tool | *Slotted screw driver |
| Scissors | Scissors |
| Wood Saw | Wood Saw |
| Diamond File | Diamond File |
| Magnacut Knife Blade | Magnacut Knife Blade |
| Awl | Awl (with sewing hole) |
| Pocket Clip | Lanyard Loop |
| Can Opener |
Carry and Deployment
One of the biggest differences between the ARC and Wave Alpha is that you can access all the ARC’s tools without opening it, minus the pliers. The ARC also features Free Technology for one-handed deployment of the pliers and other tools. The ARC comes with a pocket clip; the Wave Alpha does not, but you can purchase one separately for $15. The Wave Alpha features a lanyard loop, though.
Recommended Accessories
Final Thoughts
The Wave Alpha and ARC are both great additions to your daily carry, and deciding between the two comes down to priorities. Overall, I’d choose the ARC, and it’s what I carry most often. But I’m glad we have options.
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