Leatherman Wave+ : Common modifications

[@Prepping2endure]

Would be awesome if leatherman offered a custom tool option on their site.. build your own tool. Thanks for sharing, always love the videos

[@txtoolcrib]

Maybe one day!

[@scuba5k]

🤯

[@fwheels7776]

They put a customize button by the tools on the leatherman site and im like finally! But its to put logos on your tool! damn them got my hopes up!

[@ItsBoyRed]

Check out GOAT multitools, fully customizable! Even in the field, it takes 5seconds to switch from a serrated blade to a smooth blade without tools

[@pmedic523]

I've been wanting a few companies to do this for YEARS, specifically leatherman.

[@M1CAustin]

At this point Latherman should just add the option for custom tool sets from the factory for a couple of models. Maybe for a bit of a price premium. They could easily set up the infrastructure to do it since they already have experience from the custom print tools and the repair department. It wouldn't be much of a stretch to have a department assembling multitools with made to order tool sets.

[@txtoolcrib]

I think it could be feasible as well. Will they ever do it though?

[@gearsNtools]

I think they will eventually, surprised they haven’t done it already

[@davidroberts1816]

Your not wrong . I think they want you to by more products

[@nateb4543]

I've always wanted leatherman to have a "build your own" online thing. Start with a base model and a list of options for each slot. If a combination couldn't work, it turns red.

[@HayenMill]

check out roxon flex, it has that exactly as you describe it

[@kenmiura2706]

I love it. I actually like the little scissors for when I am cutting fishing line. I look at my Wingman and my Sidekick, and I think, I want to combine them to make the perfect tool for my needs.

[@top_r8866]

Awesome insight. I have to say that I agree with the thoughts on swapping the placement and size of scissors and serrated blade.

[@txtoolcrib]

I really think a lot of people would like that.

[@KroniklyStoned]

A free "mod" I did is by highly polishing one side of the handle to near mirror finish. It can be used as a reflective face for survival signalling with the sun pretty darn well. Sure, it won't stay like this forever, but it does make a difference.

[@peterkim3485]

Best mod and only mod I did to my leatherman wave plus was putting a 154cm straight blade on it from another leatherman multitool and now it's perfect to me.

[@scottkain7474]

154cm?! How do you fit that EDC machete in your pocket???

[@peterkim3485]

@@scottkain7474 haha not sure how to respond to that so i'll go with the bland answer. 154cm refers to the premium blade steel such as found on the knife blade on the Leatherman charge and not 154 centimeters. If that is sarcasm or a joke then I thoroughly appreciate it.

[@josegallegos126]

I'd most really like to see the t shank on the wave just to be able to sharpen its own knife blade in a pinch, plus the awl and outboard scissors... and to be a bit more "picky" the Mut EOD wire cutters..thanks for your videos. i'm on the fence modding my surge or replacing my stolen wave and mod that out.

[@michaelcariello6233]

Love the serrated blade on the wave. Only mod I want to see is replacing the micro driver with a an awl.

[@AdAce21]

agreed. The awl has much more use than an eyeglass screwdriver. I wish the charge had an awl. :( Of course if they added the blade exchanger from the surge, the charge would be perfect!!!

[@baileyhatfield4273]

@@AdAce21 As another guy said somewheres, they should make the eyeglasses bit go into the standard leatherman bit driver. It's not a SUPER needed tool, surely not enough for a full slot.

[@AdAce21]

@@baileyhatfield4273 totally agree dude

[@edwardfletcher7790]

They could easily make a tiny slot and have both ! I love the awl tool on my SAK and SOG tools ! I've used tiny magnets to hide tweezers, pen & toothpick in my Wave 👍

[@michaelcariello6233]

@@baileyhatfield4273 it boggles the mind that the wave has a dedicated slot for an eyeglass driver.

[@joshualambert4239]

I modified the large flathead screwdriver on the wave into an awl using a hobby tool and drill. I think this is a much better option than any of the others, which require several other donor tools and involve many compromises as pointed out in this video.

[@thejoshpope]

After a lot of filing I was able to replace the flathead screwdriver with an awl. The awl came from the surge.

[@survivalofthefittest409]

I really like the idea about moving the serrated blade. Hadn't thought about that one before. What I would really like to see, is for them to do away with the tiny eyeglass screwdriver, and just make that bit fit the regular size flatbits, which is completely doable, I've seen people mod it that way a lot, and then stick in all right there in its place. As far as the package opener goes, they could put a little notch right there in the top side of the big Flathead driver, thus keeping the driver and making another use of it kind of like the can opener does. Then give us a 154cm blade, a black oxide / coyote finish, and that thing would be absolutely banging!!! I would definitely pay a few extra bucks for that. I'm one of those people that thought I would never use those tiny scissors, or any scissors, really, on a multi-tool, but I was very pleasantly surprised how much I actually do use them, and if I'm being honest, I use them most of the time on my beard lol, so some bigger outside ones, like the free series, would be absolutely fantastic, and keeping the saw, file, signage blade on the outside, and a smaller serrated on the inside, cuz the serrated I also was pleasantly surprised how much I use, especially that flat end portion, that works well on making incision cuts on whatever. I'm one of those few people that really does not care for the charge series, I like the aesthetics of the wave better, and would like to see it upgraded before anything else, and I think doing variants of the wave is wiser, like you said, then just making a bunch of changes to it and keeping it the only way. Great video though, it's got me thinking!

[@txtoolcrib]

So, I'm working on some things in my head for the Wave+. I'm trying to figure out how I can add 91mm SAK scissors to the outside and make it look professional. Then I want to add in either the Sidekick serrated blade of the Rebar awl in place of the scissors. Haven't decided which would be best. Finally, I want to remove the eyeglass driver for a Rebar medium driver that I will shorten a bit and grind into a Wingman style package opener. Trying to work in out in my head to see if I can do it where it will both function and look nice.

[@4Thug2Life0]

The wave and charge are basically the same tool what are u talking about aesthetics?

[@survivalofthefittest409]

@@4Thug2Life0 i like the aesthetics of the Wave better than the Charge series...don't know how else to put it

[@chealy3030]

I think and have thought for years. A custom section for leatherman multitools, where you pay more to be able to choose your tools straight from leatherman would be a great move. Charge a premium for it and people will buy it because always having the right set of tools to suit your needs is priceless. If only leatherman or victorinox would start to do something like this.

[@txtoolcrib]

I think more and more people are thinking exactly the same thing.

[@pruthvirajbhople]

@@txtoolcrib I think it will never happen. One of the main reasons people buy multiple tools is because of different toolsets. If you could have everything you need in one tool, you wouldn't buy anything other after that which is harmful for business

[@edwardhance3894]

Wrong. I would come up with a multi tool designed for around home, and a second multi tool designed for my outdoor use. I then would get multiples of each. Also it would be a very thoughtful gift to give some one their perfect set up.

[@FreedomFox1]

If this ever happens, it won’t be leatherman that does it. They already dominate the premium multitool market in the US, so they would only be competing with themselves. Their effort should go into refining the P4, which expands the market by appealing to people who aren’t really handymen, but just like cool gadgets. Victorinox is even more conservative (just give me a Cadet X, dammit!).

[@Walkingman.45]

You are correct. Also LM would rather lose market share to China clones. They have to be one of the most stubborn companies in the knife world.

[@theomnipresent1]

I would be very interested in videos about Wave+ mods.

[@txtoolcrib]

I'm looking into it. Been trying to come up with a way to add 91mm SAK scissors to the Wave+.

[@maxlvledc]

Crunch is a completely different locking geometry

[@txtoolcrib]

Now that I look at it a bit closer, the crunch does use a much wider kitchen mechanism. Good catch.

[@badger-6377]

I would take the straight knife out of my Wave before I took out the serrated knife, given that carry my Wave along with a dedicated knife (usually an Ontario Knife Company Rat Model 2, sometimes a Spyderco Delica. or sometimes a boxcutter). I also think that the dedicated flat driver on the Wave could be ground into a workable awl. I think its a bit redundant with the bit exchanger anyway.

[@txtoolcrib]

I hear what you’re saying on the blade. The beauty of it is, the way I want to do this mod, you can keep whatever blade would better suit your needs.

[@emort6]

I've found that carrying a folding knife plus the wave was redundant. I use the straight blade numerous times a day, with the serrated a close second and the pliers third. I even use my wave in the kitchen and at the the job site for cutting meat. I replaced the extra knife with an edc 1000 lumen flashlight which is more useful than I ever would have thought.

[@MLoges86]

100 agree with your suggestions. I'd by 10 of these - Locking Scissors on the outside instead of the serrated blade - Serrated blade inside instead of the crap scissors they currently have inside - Awl instead of the eyeglass driver

[@valentinlopez6189]

I agree with your opinion regarding modifying the Leatherman Wave. I hope you forward this video to Leatherman. If they incorporated all your suggestions and be first in line to purchase the fourth generation Wave.

[@adamlee581]

Best mod I did to my wave is fitting rebar plier head. Just that little bit more capable I ground the rebar plier head down slightly and left it so the wave doesn't quite close fully. Better than cutting the scissors down imo

[@TheDrunkLibertarian]

What's the difference?

[@adamlee581]

@@TheDrunkLibertarian it's just that bit more strong and capable, slightly heavier duty

[@danielmaine8164]

took out the can opener in my xti charge and replaced with rebar awl. fit good. for real, want a premium grade charge sized surge. ti or g10. my free p4 added the zap wizard flat bit driver, moved the serrated blade to right handed opening, and put the awl file and flat driver/package opener in the other side, plus added the thumb tabs. using the holdmygear 3d sheaths for tool, ratchet, bits and Olight. 5" Knipex in leather sheath. the frees small file worried me but has been able get the job done so far. don't work with a lot of metal shavings do the free has been fun. overall the modded charge holds the lead, keep extra parts for it to change as needed.

[@WickdPerfekT]

Man, you're all over the place. I couldn't bear to follow. Thank you for the time though.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Nice background, Ben. You were right, the flag adds a nice touch.

[@txtoolcrib]

Thank you my friend. I thought if I had a mat that didn’t have a glare, then it would look pretty good. But I’ll let you guys be the judge.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

@@txtoolcrib Well +1 from me. Less "sterile" than the other one, without drawing your eye away from the presentation.

[@joelcastellow4983]

Just got a pair of SAK 91mm scissors to replace the file on my Wave+, better quality than the Wingman scissors but seems like they’ll require a bit more work. It’s another option though.

[@txtoolcrib]

Have you started working on it yet? I would love to see your progress and your process for adding 91 mm scissors into the Wave.

[@chealy3030]

Literally just finished watching your last video now you put up a new one 😂. Its like you were waiting for me to watch the last one.

[@txtoolcrib]

Well I appreciate you watching them. Thank you.

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

Definitely so cool ideas to change up the wave. I still say Leatherman needs to do a custom shop even if it's just for the wave and surge. Great video 👍

[@bcwrangler]

I agree 100% having Wave variants but I see Leatherman keeping with their marketing style to continue the trend of people buying more than one Leatherman than actually having the perfect tool in one's pocket

[@paigeproffitt4488]

💚💚💚 i wish leatherman would make a self customizable multi tool, sold set up full of tools and then offer a separate package of all their available tools all made to fit on the customizable version that has a double wide belt sheath to fit the multi tool and all the other tools. I would like it alot though my leatherman ps4 squirt and super tool 300 are awesome!

[@naturallyadapted2096]

I'm just about done modifying my wave+ , just need to do an awl swap in and it'll be golden- I'll shoot you a few pictures of it when that's done, I know I shot a few your way a while back with my wirecutter grind down mod

[@txtoolcrib]

Send them over when you're done, would love to see them.

[@MustaffaCuppa]

The Wave would benefit from the bigger scissors. The scissors on the Juice Pro are considerably bigger. I think a hacksaw blade would be preferable to the file, which for me is not something I am gong to use much. The small screwdriver could be swapped with something like the curved serrated can cutter found behind the corkscrew on the Juice Pro.

[@titanite77]

I'd eliminate the flat blade and replace it with better scissors, get rid of the teeny eyeglass tool and standard wave scissors and replace it with a T-shank adapter and an awl. Then modify T-shank bits for any purpose - a file, a package cutter, a longer saw blade and make an eyeglass bit for those rare occasions when one is needed - it would be acceptible because eyeglass bits don't need a lot of torque. This would be the ultimate in flexibility IMO.

[@txtoolcrib]

That actually sounds pretty good. Good thinking.

[@bunyipdan]

Two inovative guys on KZbin who are doing some great work to fill this gap are Eric Au and ZapWizard......it would be great if you could review some of their products and show us how you might use them to make your "perfect" multitool tool combination.....Help take this conversation out of the hyperthetical and into reality.

[@txtoolcrib]

I'll try to look them up. I have heard of Eric, not familiar with ZapWizard.

[@heyspookyboogie644]

I want a Wave+ ultra that’s a Free P4 style locks/releases, but with the wave tools, and a modified mini bit holder that holds those little 6mm standard bits instead of just the +/- proprietary leatherman one. I like the scissors, knives, pliers and best of all the two size interchangeable bit holders, but just wish everything was easier to access.

[@lewis2360]

Welcome your suggestions for techniques and tools to open pivot screws on crunch, rebar etc

[@antonyn4425]

I appreciate your videos TX! Regarding the Rev package cutter, is there any physical modification needed on it for it to fit into the Surge t-shank adapter?

[@urjnlegend]

Exactly what I'm wanting to do

[@urjnlegend]

On a wave plus , wave or charge or charge plus

[@outdoor044]

I've seen a video one time of someone using an awl on a multi tool to stitch leather. Is that the only use for that? Sounds like you really like the awl in your tools. What do you use it for? For me it drives me nuts to see that in pocket knives cause I feel like it's a wasted spot for something more useful. Am I missing some awesome practical use for an awl?

[@davidroberts1816]

I swapped the waves main and serrated blade outf or the S30V and serrated blade that’s in the charge then replaced the pri / large flat head with an awl from a rebar Both the rebar and charge I picked up up from car boot sales I’m currently trying to the T shank holder from the surge into the saw slot to give on the wave more cutting options What do you think

[@Sparky02Stang]

Could you swap out the mini bit driver for an awl? Is the size close?

[@johnsanford3596]

The OHT has a great package opener that doubles as a flat head screwdriver. heck, one could probably mod that chunky flat head in the Wave into a package opener.

[@Chris-gt3rs]

If the wave+ had everything it still does but also a big pair of scissors, a pair of tweezers and a chisel it would be perfect.

[@scottkain7474]

You can buy the tweezers from leatherman that hide in end of the frame, they just dont come with it. I mean youre only spending $110ish, you want the 1 cent piece of stamped/bent sheetmetal too?!?! Ru crazy?!??

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Are you talking about using the serrated blade on plaster board and nylon rope ?

[@matrixist]

My Wave scissors were broken out of the box. Can the scissor be replaced with something else?

[@Skippy-id9yt]

I have had the Rev,the Wingman and now wave plus , and the Wingman is my favourite with the large scissors on outside BUT those pliers are no good for me , any way to remove outer file on wave and replace with wingman scissors ?

[@chason935]

Great video!

[@BitSmythe]

Video begins at 3:08. But then, wait I’ll take apart a bunch of other expensive tools so they become less effective. I don’t see mods here, I see good ideas. Maybe you can get on a Leatherman design team.

[@earlofrednecks9533]

So to put an awl into the Wave+ I have to swap out the scissors? Can it not be a different one of it's less desirable tools?

[@txtoolcrib]

It's possible, but the length of the awl is where the problem is. It has to bypass the plier stops on the inside of the tool, this is why the most common mod is to remove the scissors.

[@TheStoyanbahchevanov]

Hi, I just have got a Wave+, switching from Victorinox Swisstool Spirit X. Immediately I missed my small flat screw driver, I needed it a couple of times and had to go back to my Spirit. I have moded a flat bit driver to fit the bit exchanger, but it's not with me all the time. I wanted to ask you if you have a spear flat driver from other Leatherman that you don't need/use, if I can buy it from you. I have seen all of your videos with mods and thought you may have one? Cheers my friend.

[@oliverbarnes8306]

Hey just maybe could you do a video on the rebar?

[@oliverbarnes8306]

Possibly something like this showcasing some mods if you end up doing this

[@MaracujaEater]

know if you can apply the disassembly of the mut onto the charge, wave or signal?

[@JamesStephen710]

How do you sharpen the serrated blades?

[@heyspookyboogie644]

I’d love to replace the saw blade with bigger/ better outside scissors. I never use the saw blade.

[@Jim_the_Hermit]

I think Leatherman should recreate the wood or metal saw with a package opener on the tip.

[@txtoolcrib]

Would be nice if they could find a way to integrate it.

[@Jonoman777]

funny how past couple weeks I've been trying to research exactly what tools I can replace and there wasn't any good videos out there on the topic

[@txtoolcrib]

I think here pretty soon I will be doing some Wave+ mods. Trying to figure out how I'm going to do them right now.

[@kctyphoon]

My least used outside tool on the wave is the file. I’d MUCH rather have scissors on the outside in place of the file. Gut hook on the serrated blade like the Charge, and I’d have no issue with replacing the little scissors with an awl. I have no real use for a file in everyday life - especially when it cant be removed to sharpen anything on the tool it came on. I actually just bought the Free P4 10 minutes ago (why it does come in black or slate is beyond me) to get scissors on the outside of the tool since i use them literally everyday.

[@badger-6377]

side note: I wish they offered the Free K2 in 154CM or S30V. Such a beautiful design, but 80 bucks is way too much for a knife in 420HC. I don't mind my Wave blade being in a low-end steel (its mostly a backup for me anyway, as far as cutting goes), but for a product that's mainly a knife its just not a sufficient material at that price point. Every random knife-selling fool on kickstarter uses D2 now, there's no reason for Leatherman to be sticking to 420HC for that area of their product lineup.

[@txtoolcrib]

I agree. I would love to see the K series in a better blade steel.

[@rockmunkey1981]

Has anyone replaced the eye glass screwdriver on the wave with a t shank adapter from the surge or an awl from another model

[@badger5689]

Leatherman really need to just make a mini surge

[@ianlumactud2221]

but can you swap leatherman wave pliers to wingman pliers?

[@heyspookyboogie644]

Idk what they were thinking with the free series tools. Ease of access is really cool, BUT the microscopic ruler and file make no sense, and just making flat tips to tools does NOT make them a screwdriver.

[@danielmaine8164]

you see the goat tools modular multi tool? it's in start up, but looking promising.

[@txtoolcrib]

I have. I’m curious about them, but the modular tooling looks a bit bulky to me.

[@mikeespineli5288]

Where can I get a custom cutting mat like that!?

[@Thestripper1]

A good blade makes a serrated blade superfluous.

[@prh8068]

The new backdrop mat looks good!

[@dylan-gh5ll]

Can I swap the blade to the other side? Lefty here

[@txtoolcrib]

I’ve seen it done, but you have to reprofile the bases for the reversed liner lock. I don’t know how well they lock after that, having never performed this mod myself.

[@dylan-gh5ll]

@@txtoolcrib gotcha, went with a p4, super easy lefty swap

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

I agree with what everyone is saying about a custom toolset builder for Leatherman, but, it's never gonna happen. They would never be able to keep up with orders, and they know that, which is why they haven't done it.

[@txtoolcrib]

You're right, doesn't make a lot of sense from a business perspective either.

[@jayn8392]

Ehhh I never use multitool scissors on anything but my nails. Ever try to break down a box that construction material came in with scissors? Yeah... No. You use a blade. I can't imagine getting rid of the very decent serrated blade on the wave for a chincy pair of scissors. The blade is sharp as hell, you can draw cut with itand it has some stability to it. And I like the saw on the wave because I can use the diamond side to sharpen other knives, drill bits all sorts of stuff. The thing I wish they would do is stop with the stupid proprietary bits. So 100 on the tool, another 30 for the bit kit and another 25-30 for one of the extentions. I have a Dewalt set of bits with several extentions and like 30 bits I got for something like 25$ on sale. All I need to do is get an RAE gear sheath, some rubber strip bit holders and then epoxy some 5$ neodymium magnets to said strips. Stick the strips on slither side of the sheath and blamo. Done. I am going to try and grind one of my standard extension into one that will fit my wave.

[@TheBroot0999]

So how much do you charge to mid my wave + lol

[@txtoolcrib]

I might sell the Wave I’m going to mod if it turns out well.

[@TheBroot0999]

@@txtoolcrib well if you do or decide to mod another or open to I like the idea of an awl and the interchangeable saw on it...ditching the dedicated flat tip lol.... How to get in touch with you?

[@txtoolcrib]

@@TheBroot0999 you can email me at [e-mail]

[@DefMunkyYT]

I think they would have been well served to make customization easier at the factory at least so customers could build their own on the website. I know to some extent this type of thing exists for some knife companies and it just seems like a no-brainer for multitools. Maybe it's a manufacturing nightmare, I don't know, but it seems like something very profitable to figure out. If I could effectively build my own tool on the website with things I chose to put in it even if from a list of things specific for that tool, take my money! lol And for Heaven's sake let me build it without a can or bottle opener or lanyard loop!

[@txtoolcrib]

I wish I had some answers for you, I don't. The only thing I can think of is that if a customer has their perfect multi tool, then they have no reason to buy the latest and greatest. That hurt their bottom line.

[@starlessgolightly]

We've already designed a Leathman "Psycho-tool" for a Hit-Man... Its too bad y'all will Never see it...

[@pitts3219]

You should go to work for Leatherman!

[@juntaz4]

I don't get why he keeps harping on the fabulosity of the package opener... It is wasted space on a unitasker. I mean seriously, there are big fat knives on these multitools that open packages fantastically... But even if you wanted a safer option for idk... reasons... the can opener does it just as well as the package opener.

[@Sugardaddy501]

I lean to bladeless since my cobalt utility knife has a notch already for stuff like twine. and I use a regular knife for packageing anyway.

[@txtoolcrib]

I could be on board with a bladeless version. In fact I made a video around that very topic. A lot of people carry a main blade and just do not have a need for the extra blades, they would benefit more from extra tool options.