The multitool behind the “best multitool ever” phrase is Leatherman’s BATCH #005: 40th Anniversary Tool, a limited-edition-style commemorative design built on the company’s FREE platform. Its bold look comes from Cerakote surfaces; its headline specifications include a MagnaCut primary blade, spring-action pliers and 20 manufacturer-listed tools. “Best ever,” however, is a customer’s praise on Leatherman’s product page—not an independent test result or an objective ranking.
What is the Leatherman BATCH #005?
BATCH #005 is Leatherman’s 40th Anniversary Tool. The company describes it as a commemorative model built on its FREE technology platform, which it says allows one-handed opening to all tools and features. That is the manufacturer’s description; no independent access test is established here.
Leatherman lists 20 tools and highlights a premium MagnaCut primary blade, Cerakote surfaces and spring-action pliers. Those specifications make it a distinctive anniversary release, but the product information alone does not show how it performs against other multitools in use.
Why is it being called the “best multitool ever”?
The phrase comes from a customer review displayed on Leatherman’s product page: “This Leatherman tool is the best multi tool ever made.” The page attributes the five-star review to Craig G. It is one customer’s opinion, not a Leatherman verdict, expert assessment or comparative test.
#1 Best Overall
- AN ICON UPDATED: Inspired by Tim Leatherman's original PST, the Rebar features all-locking tools, 100% stainless steel construction and removable wire/hard-wire cutters
- 17 TOOLS IN 1: The Rebar’s bounty of tools include knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl and a ruler
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- STRONGER DESIGN: The Rebar pliers have been optimized for strength and feature replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters—a first for a 4-inch tool from Leatherman
- ALWAYS ON HAND: Compact, lightweight and made for just about any job around the house or job site, your Rebar is always within reach and ready to go
For construction, maintenance and everyday carry, “best” depends on the work: blade shape and steel, access to tools, weight, cutting-tool design, and the features you actually use. The anniversary finish may also matter to a collector or someone who wants a standout piece of kit, but it does not establish a practical advantage on a jobsite.
How does it compare with the Wave Plus and Wave Alpha?
Leatherman’s Wave Plus and Wave Alpha are useful reference points. The manufacturer’s pages provide specifications, not independent performance comparisons. The table below does not rank the models; it highlights the published differences most likely to matter when choosing one.
Rank #2
- GET WORK DONE: Built with the strongest pliers we've ever produced, a handle made to be gripped with gloves and 19 hand tools, the Super Tool 300 is a workhorse
- 19 TOOLS IN 1 HAND: The Super Tool 300 features knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl and a ruler
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- WORK WITH CONFIDENCE: All-locking features mean that every tool and knife (with the exception of the pliers head) will lock when fully opened, keeping you safe and the tools securely in place
- ALWAYS ON HAND: With its heavy-duty yet portable size and lanyard ring, your Super Tool 300 is always within reach and ready to work
| Model | Tools and weight | Blade and notable features | Price and availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| BATCH #005: 40th Anniversary Tool | 20 tools; weight not stated on the cited product page | MagnaCut primary blade, Cerakote surfaces, spring-action pliers; built on Leatherman’s FREE platform | The UK listing showed £349.00 GBP including VAT and marked the tool unavailable when checked; this is regional and time-sensitive. |
| Wave Plus | 18 tools; 8.5 oz | 420HC primary blade, replaceable wire cutters; Leatherman describes it as its best-selling multitool | Check Leatherman’s current regional listing; price is not stated here. |
| Wave Alpha | 18 tools; 8.26 oz | MagnaCut reverse-tanto blade, full-size one-handed scissors, G10 scales | Check Leatherman’s current regional listing; price is not stated here. |
Choose BATCH #005 for the anniversary design
Its Cerakote surfaces and commemorative identity set it apart. The manufacturer lists two more tools than on either Wave reference model, but tool count alone does not tell you whether those tools match your tasks. Check which implements are included and whether you will use them before paying a premium for the design.
Choose the Wave Plus for replaceable wire cutters
Leatherman lists replaceable wire cutters and a 420HC primary blade on the Wave Plus. It is the lighter choice than the Wave Alpha by the published figures, and the company calls it a best seller. That label is a manufacturer claim, not evidence that it suits every user.
Rank #3
- An icon updated: Inspired by Tim Leatherman's original PST, the Knifeless Rebar is perfect for environments and job sites that need a handy set of tools, yet don’t allow for knife blades
- 16 tools in 1: The Knifeless Rebar’s bounty of tools include pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl and a ruler
- Our guarantee: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- Stronger design: The Knifeless Rebar pliers have been optimized for strength and feature replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters—a first for a 4-inch tool from Leatherman
- Always on hand: Compact, lightweight and made for just about any job around the house or job site, your Rebar is always within reach and ready to go
Choose the Wave Alpha for its listed blade and scissors
The Wave Alpha combines a MagnaCut reverse-tanto blade with full-size one-handed scissors and G10 scales. Its listed weight is slightly below the Wave Plus’s, while both Wave models have 18 tools. If scissors or that blade profile are central to your kit, those details are more useful than a headline tool count.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is BATCH #005 available?
Availability depends on region and date. The UK Leatherman listing reviewed showed the tool as unavailable at £349.00 GBP including VAT. That snapshot does not establish current stock elsewhere or whether the UK listing has changed; check Leatherman’s regional product page before making a purchase decision. Prices and stock can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- An Icon Updated: Inspired by Tim Leatherman's original PST, the Rebar features all-locking tools, 100% stainless steel construction and removable wire/hard-wire cutters
- 17 Tools in 1: The Rebar’s bounty of tools include knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl and a ruler
- Our Promise: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- Stronger Design: The Rebar pliers have been optimized for strength and feature replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters—a first for a 4-inch tool from Leatherman
- Always on Hand: Compact, lightweight and made for just about any job around the house or job site, your Rebar is always within reach and ready to go
Rank #4
- A TOOL BOX IN YOUR POCKET: A small but versatile and high-functional multitool with the essentials and more; Put it to the test under the hood, at the campground or around the house
- 14 TOOLS IN 1: Needlenose and regular pliers, hard and regular wire cutters, wire stripper, knife, package opener, wood/metal file, can and bottle openers, ruler, Phillips screwdrivers and more
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- ONE-HAND ACCESS: With the Rev's outside-accessible tools, you can get the job done quickly and effortlessly; With all-locking blades, you can cut with confidence
- ALWAYS ready: With its compact size, lightweight design and removable pocket clip, your Rev is within reach and ready to work
What should a construction buyer weigh up?
- Match tools to the job: Think through the fasteners, cutting tasks and small repairs you actually encounter. A higher count is not automatically more useful.
- Consider carry weight: The Wave Plus and Wave Alpha have published weights of 8.5 oz and 8.26 oz respectively. A weight for BATCH #005 is not stated on the cited product page, so there is no supported three-way weight comparison.
- Separate material from performance: MagnaCut is specified for BATCH #005 and Wave Alpha, while Wave Plus lists 420HC. The product pages do not provide comparative testing that would establish which blade performs better for a particular task.
- Account for finish and price: Cerakote and the anniversary styling may appeal to collectors or buyers who value the special design. Compare the current local price with the standard models before deciding whether that premium is worthwhile.
- Check suitability and care: A multitool is not a substitute for a purpose-built tool where the job requires one. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and workplace rules for tool use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
