- Which is better for everyday carry?
- The Wave Plus. It is slightly shorter closed (4 in vs 4.25 in) and costs far less, so it is easier to justify carrying daily. Both weigh about the same, around 8.5 to 8.6 oz.
- Is the Arc worth the extra money?
- If you cut often and work outdoors, yes. The MagnaCut blade at 60-63 HRC holds an edge much longer than 420HC at 55-59 HRC, and every tool opens one-handed. If you use a multi-tool occasionally, the Wave Plus covers the same jobs for about $146 less.
- Which blade lasts longer?
- The Arc's MagnaCut blade. Higher hardness and better steel mean longer edge retention and more rust resistance than the Wave Plus's 420HC. The Wave Plus blade is easier to sharpen quickly.
- Which has better pliers and cutters?
- The Wave Plus has replaceable wire cutters and hard-wire cutters, which buyers rate well. Arc buyers report plier play and a pivot that is just a pin, so the Wave Plus is the safer pick for heavy wire work.
- Do either include a sheath?
- No. Both sell the sheath separately, and the Arc also ships without the half bit kit. Budget for a sheath with either tool.
- Which is better for one-handed use?
- The Arc. All 20 tools are outside-accessible and open one-handed with FREE technology. The Wave Plus opens one-handed even with gloves, but only its essential tools are outside-accessible.
