Which should you choose? The new Leatherman Free P4 vs Wave Comparison Review. 

Jokes on you, that Velcro is me opening my wallet.

“The upside is it’s easy to stay celibate when carrying this way.” A huge upside often overlooked by multitool bois.

This guy’s sense of humor is a mix of Disney’s Jungle Cruise and Mystery Science Theatre 3000. I love it

I love your dry sense of humor. I’m pretty sure you’re a dad, because I feel like this is me in a year after my boy can talk and I have to get my daily frustrations out in a calm manner. Great videos and thanks for providing a realistic review, even though you’re a knife and flashlight enthusiast you don’t bust your nut regarding new/highly marketed gear like the salesmen at blade hq. many thanks and keep on Truckin.

You nailed it in the first minute - Wingman tools. Finally, someone who didn't fall for the hype.

I'm personally waiting for the Leatherman Auto, but thank you for doing me this solid. 😂

Measured with and without the sheath, yes. But how many ounces is it with the weight of viewer expectations factored in?

I have a heavybeastSurge, Wave, 300 and now a P4... almost comically the one tool thats missing from the P4 everyone is crabbing about is the bit driver that I dont think I've ever used once on the Surge or Wave across however many years. In short.. the P4 is a fanfreakintastic bush/camp/trekking tool. I highly recommend thinking through the multiple flat tips and modifying them to your liking. I made one into a legit chisel w/ zero micro bevel, another into a very small (eyeglasses) flat-tip and worked over the awl a bit. Honestly, I'd like to keep the rounded/toothy pliars part, but move it back and toss out the hard wire cutters entirely, and replace the needlenose with flushcut side cutters. Needle nose pliars aren't really needed in the bush, but squeezing/twisting and picking up hot stuff is.. so I guess the damn pliars get to ride despite adding 5oz to my already fatass and load.

This was the best review I've ever seen! Just the right amount of snark with your honesty. I like it! Subbed.

I have the Swiss Tool (my favorite) and the Wave. A coworker, who fell for the hype, bought the Free P4. I think your review is spot on. Welcome back! I missed your videos/sense of humor!

I'm so glad I found this channel. I appreciate the humor and people who are upset over a difference of opinion about something as inconsequential as preferences in pocket knives or multitools are just miserable asshats who have nothing better to do in their lives. Thanks for being willing to have fun with these videos!

One of the best reviewers on RU-vid. Love his cleverly executed dry humor. Brilliant as always.

I appreciate the honesty and am glad to hear I’m not missing much!

I bought Both the P models. My main problem is deciding which one to carry in the left front pocket and which in the right. Gets a little Heavy at times but, I feel like I am Prepared for Life. My Wave got delegated to the back pocket, right next to my Surge. Almost 30 ozs of Multitool Perfection...Yea Baby!

I just opened with one hand every tool on my Leatherman P4 wearing a glove. Now that is an amazing tool.

Thanks KnifeBro! This is the first honest review, I am myself wave fan for more than 15 years. My other leatherman favorite - hard working blast is loose enough to be open with one hand

What a thrill to see my name up there! I can't believe you AKB doesn't have more patrons. Come on guys, how many chuckles has AKB given you in his entertaining but informative reviews. Throw some funds his way. Think of how awesome his videos could be with a little more money. Think of all the blue lines he could afford. He could specify the dimensions (tallness especially) of everything that appears in frame.

Every multitool will fit someone's needs. And this fits mine. I bought it even after watching this video. I work in the Nuclear power industry and we have walls with many valve handles on them that all look the same. So once we identify the correct valve by floc numbers. We don't take our eyes or hands off of it. Because if you use 2 hand and look at your tool you could operate a different valve when you look back up. And believe me no one wants that in this industry. Many valves are locked into position with zip ties and wire locks that I need wire cutters and the knife for. I can identify the correct valve with the procedure in my left hand touching the correct valve while I open my P4 with my right hand without my eyes leaving the correct valve and I can cut off the locking device. Procedure in hand is a policy for us and it why this tool fits my needs. And if I need anything else along the way I have the tools in my pocket. Looking to swap out the saw for a something I will use at work. I'm dreaming of the switchblade version now.

Nice comparison video. You are a funny guy and had me chuckling out loud. After looking carefully at the new P4 and thinking about how I actually use my Wave+, I can honestly say, I'm not buying the new model for several reasons: 1) I don't care about 1-hand operation. I was born with 2 hands and I've come to rely on the coordinated way they work together. When would I ever need to use only one hand? 2) I'm a hiker/camper guy and I need the little, tiny screw driver to adjust the declination on my compass. No other tool will do that. 3) I use the metal file frequently to do quick and easy sharpening of knives and axes. What changes would I make to the Wave+: I would gladly give up the serrated-edge knife for an awl (like the SAK has) The "awl" on the P4 is not a real awl anyway; too big and clunky and doesn't meet my needs for repairing things like 1000 denier packs and tents. It just doesn't. But, the Wave+ doesn't have an awl either, so this is a push. So, the bottom line for me is the new Leatherman is not a competitor with the Wave+ because it doesn't do as many important functions. Also, I couldn't care less about one-handed flipping of my multi-tool and I don't care whether the auxiliary tools are on the outside, or the inside. But, thanks for your thoughtful and humorous review/comparison. You made my day.

The other day I was using my Victorinox Weekender to open a can, and I found going the "wrong way" was a lot easier than the "right way". I'm one of the people that gave AKB a hard time about it. So I have to say, you were right AKB, YOU WERE RIGHT!!!

The one handed open does really impress me. The bit options for the wave are the reason I’m not switching

Your initial thoughts matched mine almost to a tee! $140 for a magnetic wingman? Geez Leatherman !

love the sarcastic reviews... i have zero intention of replacing my wave any time soon but watch your videos just for the entertainment value

I was really wanting the new leatherman but I think I’m going with the surge because of the bit kit, my daily carry for the last year is the Victornox spirit and it’s amazing

What's honestly interesting to me is everyone's conception that you can't open the surge or wave with one hand. I personally use these tools everyday on-the-job doing electrical work with one hand holding up the light in the other flipping open my multi-tool. And trust me I am not overly coordinated lol. Great video keep it comin

"Torque-ing your nuts".... amazing! And thanks for saving 140 of my dollars

I love my bits and tiny screwdriver. Wave still my favorite. Thanks for the honest review.

It's not going to take long for the "Free" magnet to get covered in itty bitty metal fragments that won't clean off. The Wave is clearly still the champ.

My wife and I loved your video brother! Love your humor! And thanks I’m not wasting 130 bucks.

Just discovered this channel, love the sense of humor. *subbed*

Im a big fan of this thing mainly because accessing the pliers with one hand is important for what I do. But I can imagine the wave is better for more people. I love your videos btw!

WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOW THE REBAR?? Kidding - love your reviews. And that 100% includes your beer reviews. Beers and blades. Love it.

I just cant live without that diamond file. As a blacksmith and and outdoorsmen I use the diamond file as much if not more than the pliers. Everytime I think about carrying a different multi tool I end up missing my diamond file Haha. Great video!

I have the P2, it doesn’t get used...my Wave+ does a great job.👍🏼

It's not free. I feel cheated. I think leatherman and my ex are working together. 4 people clearly are missing the sarcasm gene.

Why have I wasted so much time on other knife reviewers when I coulda been listening to this guy! Love your style, and content, bro!

Actually, life was rolling along pretty much as usual, Mr. AdvancedKnifeBro. Hope that doesn't wilt your Wheaties. But it is good to have you back. The humor quotient here is quite high.

Sweet bro i mean mr bro cant wait till u finally get settled in ur new place and get some of that sweet batoning action vids in iv been re wachin ur old videos

Leatherman Rebar fans are not mad... We just know that the "Rebar+Micra" combo offers the best selection of tools for the money. Everybody that doesn't get it is thick.

So objective, I appreciate this in a review. You don't get all brand loyal crazy like many other channels.

I already have a surge with bit kit and extender and a wave plus. Leave me alone Leatherman!

Heh, full disclosure, I only really come here for the beer reviews but the knife stuff is utterly compelling. It's opened my eyes to a whole new level of desperation that I had no idea existed in the world. The dark humour in the commentary tracks has me gripped. Splendid work, Sir.

Thanks for comparing all the tools. Sometimes it's difficult getting a good idea of how things work from Leatherman's website. Either way I think I'll stick with my wave. I can open the pliers with one hand extremely easily. I can also access the saw and file with one hand with a slight amount of fidgeting. Additionally I can access most of the internal tools as well with one hand. Although that requires a level of fidgeting that could result an accidentally dropping the tool. However I've never really needed to access those tools one-handed. But the slight ergonomic issues you pointed out would probably end up annoying me. All in all I'll probably stick with my Leatherman Wave. Although more than likely I'll end up having to buy one so I can make sheets for it. Just like the stupid Gerber Center Drive. Due to this I've had the opportunity to try a bunch of other multi-tools over the years and still go back to my Leatherman Wave. I even own two of them. Mainly because I make gun holsters and knife sheaths, an the wave is fairly popular. So I usually need a spare to mold off of. But also because I have broken tools on my way before and like to have a backup while the other one is out for warranty repair. In my opinion it's still the most versatile multi-tool on the market.

Damn even I felt that burn 😂😂“My humor isn’t as nuanced as a 15 year old meme, what’re the odd the meme is older than the troll”

I said it before and I say it again: your videos always set my head back up straight. Because you see and valuate the tools and knifes as they are, in real life and show us how we really will use them. You are so right. The only interesting thing on the free is the "free", the tools and ergos are not that good. Thank you bro, for beeing such a bro. Btw congratulation to your recent success with your video! Keep it up, because I will need your opinion for future gear!!

I’ve had my super tool 300 for long enough that I can open it one handed. Also thank you for the very honest review 👍

Wave+ comes with the new button sheath, but umm in black not grey. Still sans velcro, i like it alot...

awesome content, Advanced Knive Bro is the "Regular Car Reviews" of the EDC world, and that is a good thing.

Thank you, I'm going to buy the surge

Nothing better than a piece of crap scissors. Never know what emergency is gonna call for that. Glad to see a video

Think I'll buy it for the upgraded sheath. Belated congrats on the 40K subs!

Good dry humor. Earned my sub. I just got the p2. Im kinda wishing they just made the wave pliers easier to open. Thinking of cheating on the p2 and buying a surge

I love how half of the video is just trying to avoid annoying comments. I'll be looking forward to how you will try to avoid this type of annoying comment as well. Then I will complain about that too. It never ends.

I love my Buck 110 and my Wave. No interest in switching to a P4 or other silliness. Thanks. Good review

I have a 90's Wave, before the bits. And that's good enough for me.

I like that you do all the dimensions with the blue line. That is helpful.

I just picked up a custom Surge this week and I'm fidgeting with it all the time to work it is, since I was coming from a SOG PowerLock which has one of the best one handed openings of all the multi-tools. I was really considering the Free P4, but the higher price tag (and the lackluster tool load out) made me hesitant. After watching this review I'm definitely glad that I went with the Surge, because handle comfort is a huge thing for me -- one of the reasons I was tired of the SOG -- so seeing those stupid little nubs on the Free really surprises me.

As a balisong flipper by hobby, I want this multi-tool.

The Leatherman salesman interviewed by BladeHQ at whatever-show-it-was, had me convinced I should buy one. Having seen your review and one by Cedric & Ada, I'm glad I didn't rush into it. I'll stick with my old Wave. Is the staying celibate method by way of wearing the tool in a nerdy orientation, or by the serrated blade breaking free of the magnetic field and whipping the nuts off ? Pee For Free !

I don't have any nails so this is the only muti tool I can use without having to use another tool to take out the tool I need. It fits me perfectly

Got a P4 on the way. I wasn't a huge fan of the Wave because it was too small for my hands. We'll see how the P4 goes though

I bought into the hype, bought a Free a few days after it came out, carried it daily (as I used to do with my Wave) for about 15 days, then sold it. Several of the tools bent on me with hard use, and I found I just couldn't live without my bit driver function, plus I got tired of bruising the back of my thumb/hand flipping the damn thing open. It just isn't worth the extra cost, it's not an IMPROVEMENT on the Wave, it's just DIFFERENT. As a side note, I can open my Wave one-handed, it broke in very nicely after a couple years use.

Still carrying the first Leatherman with locking tools from 30 years ago . Get a decent small fixed blade , a pair of channel locks and a SAK . It beats the shit out of any multitool and costs far less .

Welcome back, THANKS for filming ~ keepem coming

Super entertaining review!!! The best thing about the new FREE is the snap up sheath. Gonna get one for my WAVE!

I carry the super tool 2000 in my tool set for work every day. The saw is great for cutting drywall.

I have both of them, and I have to say the Free P4 is much better. Why ? Onehand opening tools (pliers, knifes, saw, scissor), a little ruler, a better scissor, a smaller tip pliers, 154CM steel exchangeable cutters, a longer cutting edge on the pliers, Torx screws which you can tighten if they become loose, way of better looking, a pocket clip. These are all things you can't find at Victorinox. Leatherman is the more innovative company, compared the Victorinox. Victorinox designs a tool and produces it for the next 20 years, without changing anything. Leatherman invented more new things and brings them to the market.

I remember the butterfly comb from the 80s, was just a wee lad then.

Day: 1. “Nice video but I have no use for this item” 2. *thinking about P4 constantly* 3. *watching other RU-vid videos about P4* 4. *Checking prices of P4 on favorite knife sites* 5. *orders P4* “arghh I’m such an idiot I’ll never be out of debt!!!” 6. *also orders Swisstool* 7. *watches new knifebro video*

I flip open all my waves, Charges, ST300s, Rebars. The Free P4 is addictive to flip. The shape of the long tools also locks them closed when the pliers are open, except the scissors. Some tweeks could be made yes. Have the clip mountable on the flip side, then the main blade use is more comfortable. Make the serrated blade and saw have a true point for pierce cuts, ditch the package opener on the prybar (the awl works well for that). Have the removable bit driver fit in the Phillips. A fine MT over all, second gen improved though.

Just so you know Mr. Knife Bro. I would like your video no matter how shitty! I'm just that kind of guy. But seriously, you crack me up and I love it!

I have had the Wave for nearly seven years now, and I love it! Been thinking about doing a one-handed opening video for a while now, as I have managed to do each tool that way.

Yep. We’re Awwl good dawg. Edit: watching your entire back catalogue btw. Life is just an existential crisis. Better be prepared with my new multi tool

Great review, I'll stick to my original Wave tool and save the money for something else.🐱

Damn it man, I came *specifically* for the confirmation bias and subsequent justification to drop $140 because, well - magnets. Now I have to go check out the Victorinox and consider if I need bit drivers or not. I was ready to be biased, not objectively persuaded into careful consideration. Here's your freaking Like and subscribe. [Mashes button grumpily]

Keep doing what you're doing bro. Good video.

Your reviews are great and the commentary is hilarious. I couldn't agree more about the P4. I use mine for work. I need the one handed deployment. I almost didn't buy it because of the lack of the exchangeable bit holder. And after using it I can say that the size of the phillips head sucks. It seems to be the wrong size for most screws. Still useable but not ideal. I think it will take a couple of generations for this tool to be awesome. I do have to say imho the pliers work a bit better for bending metal than my charge tti or wave.

I’m awl in on this video. Welcome back bro.

Nice video. I have had the P4 Free for a few weeks and have switched over to it from my Charge Ti. I also have two waves somewhere. And a SOG (My mom once told me I have more dollars than cents). The P4 Free has a number of deficiencies but overall, I like it. I like the main blade shape over that of the charge/wave. 440 isn't the greatest but it is easy to turn into a razor blade. The cut of the blade's locking mechanism requires way too much force to open - not sure why they did that but I am going to modify mine. The scissors are better than the wave's. The file is worse - that is a straight up downgrade. I miss the bit changer, another downgrade. The order of the tools are weird. Why would I want the saw over the serrated knife (right handed)? It appears I can swap those two blades since the spring seems to float.

Well my swiss tool pliers arent that smooth guess it needs some use

Arrived looking for that confirmation bias. Stayed for the humor and thorough reality check. Left with a bell ring and a sub. Definitely staying tuned bro.

Yay! You’re alive!

I have had my Wave for 7 or 8 years now. I can open it like a butterfly knife, 1 hand. However you choose to describe it. All it takes is use and working the tool to get it to that sweet spot. Work the tool, don't let it work you. I think it's cool that Leatherman has designed a tool, a line of tools which can let newbies do these things which the old timers and Wave, Surge, Charge owners for 6+years already do. I have a slight apprehension towards these newly designed tools because mine and so many other's do it. I knew a guy who redesigned his Schrade tool to open like a butterfly knife. Badass and thst was more than 10 years ago

I want one with an inverted shoulder holster for concealed, handy-man carry. But I am left handed, and will no doubt pay a premium for it.

Love your comedic take on everything lol

I agree with most everything you said. I still bought the p4 though, gotta catch em all!

HAHAHA "nerdy enough to help keep you celibate'! (snicker)

Still not pocket pecker fidget fingering factor friendly enough for my impulse liking but getting a lot closer. A lot closer.

Yeeeeeeeeewwwwww!! Good to see ya there bro!!

Hey thanks for the realistic and down to earth review. I’m a big fan of the wave/surge/charge leatherman and used my wave a lot before I got into aviation, but I can’t use it anymore due to the bits being a potential source of fod on the plane. (inb4 personal tools on aircraft defeat the point of tool control, we allow it at my unit so suck it) I’ve been using a sidekick for a while now and do like it but was wondering if leatherman had come out with something a bit more robust that looked interesting to me. I’m glad I got to watch your video and see what this tool was all about, and honestly I think I’m just gonna stick to my sidekick. It’s a nice and simple tool (although I had to grind the flathead a little bit smaller to be able to use it on cam locks) and I don’t see how this new tool can justify the rather expensive price tag. I look forward to seeing more of your videos!

I never had a wave and the one handed opening thing helps me a shitload. I got the P2 instead though as I don't need the extra 2 blades. My go to was the wingman and i have like 4 after home Depot had them for $20 each with the style cs for two of them and the flashlight with another set. Ended up giving one to my brother and one to my girlfriend and one in the house, one in the car. Lol. Biggest Leatherman disappointment was the Blast.

I really just want pliers, phillips, and flathead and one hand open. IS THIS SO HARD, MR LEATHERMAN? Also, good video, glad to see ya back

I love my surge!!

I carry a Free P4 every day, and it's awesome. I recently flew to the SF Bay area, bought a truck, and drove it back home to WV. Obviously, I couldn't bring a knife or Leatherman, so I bought a Wave+ in Nevada so I'd have something to cut and so on with on my cross-country drive. It sucks. I do wish the Free had a real file, and I fervently hope they'll offer one in an updated one soon. The Leatherman bit drivers look great on paper, but the bits break easily and often. I don't use multi bit drivers in real tools, let alone ones made flimsier for pocket carry. If I wore eyeglasses or had an old watch that may need work on the go, I might miss the micro screwdrivers, but I don't so I don't. If you wear out the screwdrivers on a normal Leatherman, send it back and have it fixed under warranty. The Wave's pliers are too stiff to be able to open except with extreme delicacy without folding the handles. Most of all, I don't know how anyone enjoys using Wave tools because of the AWFUL nail nick opening. The Wave is by FAR the worst of any Leatherman I've ever handled (though all are less than great with that opening system), I'm a professional construction worker (IBEW 317), with strong hands and tough nails, but I have to pull the tiny screwdriver bit out and pry most of the tools out, or it'll fold my fingernail backwards and hurt like hell. The Free, by contrast, is effortless to operate in every way. Just wish it had a real file... Anyway, the Wave is going to be added to my truck glovebox for when (for some reason) I happen not to be carrying my Free. I sorta agree about those little nubs on the handle, I simply put a little sharpening wheel on my Dremel and smoothed them over and problem solved, but it was never really a problem to start with.

The voiceover is the comic relief I needed today.

I'm worried about using the free in a metal shop and attracting all the metal filings into the thing

Has anyone made a "magnets, how do they work?" Joke yet? No? Ok I just skimmed the current comments and that's a no. I don't know whether to be disappointed or happy. Either way awesome review my advanced knife bro!

If one handed opening was of most importance to you, wouldn't the OHT be the way to go anyway?

Absolutely the most entertaining review of anything that I have seen on YT. Congrats + sub

Glad to have you back, and thanks for your initial thoughts on this on Instagram a few weeks ago. Saved me money for sure. Are you working on some pen videos now too?