How to Open a Leatherman Wave, Blades and All
To open a Leatherman Wave, hold the folded tool by its handles and swing an outside-accessible blade outward until it locks. For the pliers, unfold both handles; keep fingers clear of the hinge and confirm each tool is secure before use.
On this page (7 sections)
To open a Leatherman Wave, swing an outside-accessible blade out by its thumb hole, or unfold both handles to use the pliers. Keep your fingers out of the blade path and confirm the selected tool is secure before working.
The Wave is designed so its blades can be reached while the handles are folded. For pliers and tools stored inside the handles, open the handles first.
How do you open a Leatherman Wave blade?
Hold the folded handles securely and swing one outside blade open with your thumb. Keep the edge pointed away from your body and other people as it moves.
- Hold the folded tool by the handles, clear of the blade's path.
- Find the thumb hole on the blade you want to use.
- Push the blade outward in a controlled motion until it opens fully.
- Check that the blade is locked before using it.
Open one blade at a time. Don't place a finger on the edge or try to catch a blade if it slips.
The Wave Plus has outside-accessible blades and locking tools. Its Leatherman Wave Plus is a natural fit if you want a Wave with those features and replaceable wire cutters.
Can you open a Leatherman Wave one-handed?
Yes, you can open an outside blade with one hand if you can hold the tool securely and reach the thumb hole. The Leatherman Wave Plus is built with outside-accessible blades.
Keep your grip on the handles, not near the blade joint. If you can't hold the tool steady while opening it, set it on a stable surface or use both hands.
The Wave Alpha has a thumb stud for one-hand blade opening, and its tools deploy together. That opening method differs from the Wave Plus thumb hole, so use the feature made for the model you have.
How do you unfold the handles to use the pliers?
Swing both handles apart to bring the plier head into working position. Keep fingers away from the hinge area as the handles move.
Open the handles until they reach their working position, then check the pliers before gripping anything. Don't squeeze an object if the handles feel loose or the hinge is obstructed.
To reach a tool stored inside a handle, unfold the handles and find the tool you need. Open that tool deliberately, keeping fingers clear of its edge or working end.
If the pivot feels tight, pause instead of forcing it. The guide to loosening up a stiff Leatherman tool covers practical next steps.
What should you check before using an opened blade?
Make sure the blade is fully open and locked before cutting. Keep the edge pointed away from your hand and use a stable grip on the handles.
Cut away from your body when the task allows. Keep your free hand out of the blade's path, and don't use the blade if the lock doesn't engage or the joint looks damaged.
Close the blade carefully when you're done. Follow how to close a Leatherman safely for the return steps.
What if the blade or hinge feels stuck?
Stop if a blade or handle binds, and don't force it open. Check for visible debris around the joint, keeping the edge pointed away from you.
Leatherman's care and maintenance guidance explains how to care for its tools. Follow the guidance for your model, and contact Leatherman if the joint remains stuck or appears damaged.
A stiff joint may need cleaning or care, but don't assume that extra force will fix it. Keep fingers clear while checking movement, and don't use a tool that won't open or lock normally.
Which multitool fits your opening needs?
For a Wave that opens from the outside, the Wave Plus is the straightforward choice here. The Wave Alpha is an option if you want a thumb stud and tools that deploy together.
The Signal is designed for camping, hiking, and fishing, and includes a fire starter and safety whistle. Compare it with the Wave Plus in Leatherman Signal vs Wave Plus if you're deciding between their uses.
Choose based on the opening style and tools you need. For blade access, look at the Wave Plus; for one-hand opening with a thumb stud, consider the Wave Alpha; for outdoor features, compare the Signal.
How to open a Leatherman Wave safely
To open a Leatherman Wave, use the thumb hole to swing out an outside blade, or unfold both handles for the pliers and handle tools. Keep fingers clear, avoid forcing stiff joints, and check that the tool is secure before use.
If your question is how to open a Leatherman Wave one-handed, start with a steady grip and use the blade's opening feature. When you're finished, follow the steps in how to close a Leatherman safely.
Frequently asked questions
How do you open a Leatherman Wave with one hand?
Hold the folded tool securely by its handles, keep your fingers away from the blade path, and use the thumb hole on an outside blade to swing it open. Stop if the blade binds, and check that it locks before using it.
Keep the edge pointed away from yourself and anyone nearby.
Do Leatherman Wave blades open from the outside?
Yes, the Wave Plus has outside-accessible blades, so you can deploy a blade without first unfolding the pliers. Hold the handles firmly, open one blade at a time, and make sure it locks in place.
Use the handle tools only after unfolding the handles.
What should I do if my Leatherman Wave is stiff?
Don't force a stiff blade or handle. Check for dirt around the pivot and follow Leatherman's care guidance for cleaning and lubrication; keep fingers clear as the joint moves.
If it remains stuck or damaged, contact Leatherman for service advice.
How do you open the pliers on a Leatherman Wave?
Grip the folded handles and swing them apart until the plier head comes together. Keep fingers clear of the moving joints, then check that the pliers move as expected before gripping an object.
Fold the handles back in when finished, following the tool's instructions.
