A Leatherman is one of those rare purchases that can genuinely last a lifetime. These are precision tools built from high grade materials and backed by a generous warranty, and with a little regular attention yours will keep opening smoothly, cutting cleanly and looking the part for decades. The good news is that looking after a Leatherman is straightforward. It does not demand specialist equipment or hours of your time. It simply rewards a few sensible habits.
Here at TacTree we have been kitting out professionals and enthusiasts for years, and Leatherman is one of the brands we know best. We stock the range, our in-house experts use these tools day in and day out, and we are always happy to talk you through choosing, using and maintaining the right one. This guide pulls together everything you need to know to keep your multi-tool or knife in top condition, from quick clean ups after a muddy day out to sharpening blades, preventing rust, protecting the finish and storing your tool properly. Whether you carry a full size multi-tool every day, keep one in the glovebox, or have just treated yourself to one of our new Skeletool colours, the principles are the same.
The Leatherman Range at TacTree
Before we get into the care routine, it is worth knowing your tool, because the way you look after it depends a little on what it is and how it is built. Here is a quick run through the Leatherman models we stock, including the new colour options that have just landed.
Leatherman Wave Alpha Multi-Tool with MagnaCut Blade
The Wave Alpha is the latest evolution of the world's bestselling multi-tool. Leatherman has redesigned the classic Wave with a premium CPM MagnaCut blade, G10 handle scales and improved ergonomics, so it feels better in the hand and performs harder in the field. The MagnaCut steel is the headline here. It is a modern, high performance stainless that holds a superb edge and resists corrosion impressively well, which makes the Wave Alpha a brilliant choice for anyone who wants the best. There is a particularly nice bonus from a maintenance point of view too, which we will come to in the sharpening section.
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
The Wave+ is the tool that built the Leatherman reputation, and it remains the benchmark full size multi-tool. It packs a generous set of tools into a pocketable package, including pliers, wire cutters, two outboard knife blades that you can open one handed, saws, files, screwdrivers and more. The two outboard blades are worth noting for maintenance, because one is a plain edge and the other is serrated, and as you will see those two are sharpened in completely different ways. If you want one tool that does almost everything, the Wave+ is hard to beat.
Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
The Skeletool CX is the minimalist's multi-tool. It strips the concept back to only the most necessary features and wraps them in a light, low volume frame. You get needlenose and regular pliers, wire and hard-wire cutters, a 154CM combo blade, a bit driver with in-handle bit storage and a combined carabiner and bottle opener, all on a 6061-T6 aluminium handle. The CX adds carbon fibre inserts and a tungsten DLC scratch resistant coating, which gives it that purposeful matte look and a bit of extra protection for the finish. It is the everyday carry choice for people who like to travel light. The new colours land on the CX too.
Leatherman Skeletool KBx Combo Knife
The Skeletool KBx is a lightweight folding pocket knife built for everyday carry, utility tasks and compact loadouts. It is built around a versatile combo blade with both straight and serrated cutting edges, which makes it equally happy with general daily jobs and tougher work such as cutting rope, cordage and packaging. At an accessible price it is an easy tool to recommend as a first knife or a no-fuss daily companion, and it now comes in the widest spread of the new colours.
Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife
The Skeletool KB is the plain bladed sibling of the KBx. It keeps the same light, slim, pocket friendly format but runs a straight edge blade, which is the simplest of all to sharpen and maintain. If you prefer a clean plain edge for slicing and everyday cutting, the KB is the one to reach for.
The New Colours
Our latest Skeletool arrivals come in a fresh line up of colours: Aurora, Nocturnal, OD Green, Onyx, Paradise and Sandstorm. They range from understated and tactical through to bright and distinctive, so there is something whether you want your tool to disappear into a kit bag or stand out on the bench. The Skeletool KBx leads the way with the fullest choice, while the KB and CX each come in their own selection. Whichever you choose, the care advice below will keep that finish looking as fresh as the day it arrived.
Why Maintenance Matters
It is tempting to think of a multi-tool as something you can simply abuse and forget. It is built tough, after all. The truth is a little more nuanced. A Leatherman is engineered to take hard use, but the pivots, blades and locking mechanisms are precision parts, and like any precision tool they perform best when they are clean, lubricated and dry. Grit in the pivots makes the tools stiff to open. Trapped moisture invites corrosion. A neglected edge tears rather than cuts. None of these problems are dramatic on their own, but left unchecked they slowly turn a brilliant tool into a frustrating one.
Regular maintenance keeps the pivot points moving freely, keeps the blades sharp and keeps the whole tool working reliably after years in the field. It also protects your investment. Leatherman tools carry a 25 year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, which tells you a great deal about how long they are designed to serve. A well cared for tool will comfortably outlast that, and in many cases it becomes the sort of thing you eventually hand on to someone else.
Understanding What Your Leatherman Is Made Of
Before getting into the how, it helps to understand the what. Leatherman multi-tools and knives are manufactured almost entirely from high grade stainless steel. The main exception is the screw bits used with bit drivers and adapters, which are made from tool steel because they need extra hardness to drive fasteners without wearing down.
Here is the single most important thing to understand about stainless steel: it is corrosion resistant, not rust proof. The clue is in splitting the word into its parts. Stainless means it stains less, not that it never stains at all. Every stainless steel still contains iron, and under the right conditions iron will oxidise. Steel makers blend different alloys to suit different jobs, and there is always a trade off. Some alloys are highly corrosion resistant but relatively soft, like the steel in kitchen cutlery. Others are harder and hold an edge far better, but they are only moderately corrosion resistant. Leatherman uses the harder type so that your tool components stay strong and the knife blades keep a keen cutting edge. The compromise is that they will corrode if you let moisture and salt sit on them.
That is the whole reason maintenance exists. You are not fighting a design flaw. You are simply giving a hard, edge holding steel the small amount of help it needs to resist rust over a long life. Premium steels such as the MagnaCut blade on the Wave Alpha and the 154CM blade on the Skeletool CX are particularly good at resisting corrosion, but the same good habits still apply.
The Golden Rules of Leatherman Care
If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember these four principles. Everything that follows is really just detail on top of them.
Keep it dry. Moisture is the main cause of rust on multi-tool steel, so drying your tool thoroughly is the single most valuable habit you can build.
Keep it clean. Grit, mud, salt and sticky residues all cause problems, whether by jamming the pivots or by trapping moisture against the metal.
Keep it lubricated. A light film of the right oil keeps the moving parts smooth and adds a protective barrier against corrosion.
Store it sensibly. A clean, dry, lightly oiled tool kept somewhere dry will look after itself for a very long time.
Build those four habits and your Leatherman will give you very little trouble. Now let us look at how to put each into practice.
Cleaning Your Leatherman
How often and how thoroughly you clean your tool depends entirely on what it has been exposed to. A tool that lives in a kitchen drawer needs very little. A tool that has been out in the mud, the rain or the sea needs more attention, and it needs it promptly.
After wet or muddy use
When your tool has been used in wet or muddy conditions, open it up fully and rinse it under fresh running water to flush dirt and debris out of the pivot points and away from the individual tools. Work each tool back and forth as you rinse, because this helps shift the grit that likes to hide deep in the joints where you cannot see it. Once the water runs clear, shake out the excess and dry the tool thoroughly. You can use a cloth, and it is worth leaving the tool open afterwards in a warm, well ventilated spot so any moisture in the pivots can evaporate.
One thing to avoid: never leave a wet Leatherman closed up for an extended period. Trapped water sitting in a shut tool is exactly the situation in which corrosion takes hold, so always dry it open.
Regular cleaning
For routine cleaning, open all the tools and wipe everything down with a dry cloth. That alone deals with most light soiling. When you hit stubborn grime in the pivot points, a soft brush works wonders, and an old toothbrush is perfect for the job. A little warm soapy water on the brush will lift dirt and sticky residue from between the layers and around the pivots. If debris or sticky substances have built up between the blades, a mild solution of washing up detergent and warm water is a safe and effective choice. Rinse, dry thoroughly, and then re-oil, because washing strips away the protective lubricant along with the dirt.
Dealing with sticky residues and tar
Multi-tools pick up all sorts of substances. Adhesive residue, sap and tar are common offenders. For tar and similar sticky deposits, you can clean the tool with turpentine or another mineral spirit, which dissolves them without much fuss.
This is also where a clear warning is needed. Do not reach for acetone or brake cleaner. These aggressive solvents can damage the plastic components on your tool, and on coated or coloured finishes, such as the tungsten DLC coating on the Skeletool CX or the colour finishes on the new range, they are best avoided entirely. Stick to the gentler options above and escalate only as far as you need to.
Buffing stained surfaces
If the metal has picked up surface staining rather than dirt, you can buff it back. Use a polishing cloth or a non metallic abrasive such as a Scotchbrite pad or a soft bristle brush. The reason for choosing a non metallic abrasive is that it cleans the surface without scratching it the way wire wool or a metal brush would. Work gently and check your progress as you go, and take extra care on coated and coloured surfaces.
After saltwater or marine use
Salt deserves a section of its own because it is so aggressive. Salt accelerates corrosion even on stainless steel, and a coastal or marine environment is one of the toughest places to keep a tool in good order. The rule is simple and the timing matters: rinse the tool thoroughly in fresh water immediately after any saltwater exposure, dry it completely, and then lubricate it with a light oil before you put it away. Do not wait until you get home a day later. The sooner you flush the salt off, the less chance it has to start working on the steel. If you regularly use your Leatherman around salt water, treat this rinse, dry and oil routine as non negotiable after every outing.
Lubricating Your Leatherman
Lubrication does two jobs at once. It keeps the pivot points and other moving parts gliding smoothly, and it lays down a thin protective film that helps fend off corrosion. A tool that opens with light finger pressure and snaps shut cleanly is a tool that has been kept properly lubricated.
How to oil your tool
Open all the tools so the pivots are exposed, then apply a small drop of oil to each pivot point. You do not need much. A light machine oil such as a 3 in 1 oil or sewing machine oil works well, as does a dedicated tool oil. Once the oil is on, work each tool back and forth several times to draw the lubricant into the joint and distribute it evenly. Finish by wiping off any excess with a cloth, because oil left sitting on the surface simply attracts dust and grit.
For the pivoting and wear areas specifically, a PTFE or Teflon based lubricant is an excellent choice. PTFE based products leave a slick, dry film that keeps the action smooth without staying tacky, which means they are less prone to collecting dirt than heavier oils.
The truth about WD-40
There is some understandable confusion about WD-40, so it is worth being precise. A low viscosity product like WD-40, Liquid Wrench or CRC 3-36 is genuinely useful for cleaning, because it penetrates the joints and helps force out moisture trapped inside them. As a moisture displacer and cleaner it does a good job.
What it is not is a long term lubricant. WD-40 is designed to displace water rather than to stay put and lubricate, so over time it dries out and can leave a residue that attracts dirt. The sensible approach is to use it for what it is good at and then follow up properly. Flush and clean with the low viscosity product, dry the tool, and then apply a proper lubricant, whether that is a light machine oil or a PTFE based product, to do the actual lubricating. Used that way, both products earn their place in your kit.
How often to lubricate
For a tool in regular general use, lubricating once a season is usually plenty. The exception is wet weather use. After any extended outing in the wet, clean, dry and re-oil the tool promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled service. A good rule of thumb is to let the tool tell you. If the pivots start to feel stiff or gritty, that is your cue to clean and oil. A well maintained Leatherman should always open with light finger pressure, so any reluctance is a sign that some attention is due.
Preventing Rust and Corrosion
Prevention is far easier than cure, and almost everything above is, in effect, rust prevention. Keep the tool clean, keep it dry and keep a light film of oil on it, and corrosion struggles to get a foothold. Because corrosion tends to occur in the absence of maintenance, the single best defence is a periodic clean, dry and re-lubricate, carried out a little more often if your tool sees salt water or harsh conditions.
Dealing with light surface rust
If rust does appear, do not panic, and certainly do not assume the tool is ruined. Light surface rust on stainless steel can usually be removed at home. Use a very fine grade of steel wool, the 0000 grade, with a drop of oil, and work gently in the direction of the grain of the steel rather than scrubbing in circles. Take your time, keep checking, and re-oil the area once the rust has lifted. For anything more significant, where rust has pitted the steel or affected the function of the tool, it is worth getting in touch, because the warranty may cover the issue and our team can point you in the right direction.
Sharpening the Blades
A sharp blade is a safe blade. It cuts cleanly with less force, which means you are less likely to slip. Sharpening is the part of maintenance that intimidates people most, but with a little understanding it is very manageable.
Straight edged blades
Most plain Leatherman blades, including the straight edge on the Skeletool KB, can be sharpened with any standard sharpening equipment. Whetstones, sharpening rods and guided sharpening kits all work well. The key to a good result is consistency of angle. Leatherman grinds its plain edge blades to a total angle of 32 degrees, which is 16 degrees on each side. Matching that original bevel as closely as you can will give you the cleanest, most durable edge. A small ceramic or diamond rod is ideal for quick touch ups in the field, while at home a whetstone or a guided sharpening system will produce a noticeably better edge than a pocket rod.
Serrated and combo blades
Serrated sections need a different approach, and getting this wrong is a common and avoidable mistake. This matters for the combo blades on the Skeletool KBx and the Skeletool CX, and for the serrated outboard blade on the Wave+, all of which carry serrations alongside or instead of a plain edge. Serrated edges are sharpened to 20 degrees and only on one side. You should use a sharpening system specifically designed for serrations, because it follows the curve of each serration and preserves their shape. Sharpen only the edged side. If you sharpen the flat back of a serrated blade, you will gradually wear the serrations away and ruin their effectiveness. When in doubt, do less rather than more, and treat the plain and serrated portions of a combo blade as two separate jobs.
MagnaCut and free sharpening
Higher end steels hold their edge for longer, with the trade off that they take a little more effort to bring back when they do dull. The Wave Alpha's CPM MagnaCut blade is a great example, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. There is good news here too. Leatherman offers a free sharpening service on its tools and knives that feature MagnaCut steel blades, which is a fuss free way to keep that premium edge in perfect condition. It is well worth taking advantage of if your tool qualifies.
Saws and scissors
Not every cutting tool is sharpened the same way. The saw on a full size tool such as the Wave+ can be touched up with a triangular file clamped at a workbench, although in practice many people choose to have a worn saw replaced rather than sharpen it themselves. Scissors can be sharpened by running a fine stone along the inside flat face of each blade, never the outside. If your scissors are badly damaged rather than simply dull, Leatherman's service programme can replace them under warranty, so it is worth checking before you spend time trying to rescue them.
Caring for the Finish and Your New Colours
A coloured or coated Leatherman is a lovely thing, and a little care keeps that finish looking as good as the day you bought it. The same gentle habits that protect the steel also protect the finish, whether that is the tungsten DLC coating on the Skeletool CX or one of the new colour options across the Skeletool range.
The golden rule is to be kind to coated and coloured surfaces. Avoid harsh solvents such as acetone and brake cleaner, which can attack finishes and plastic components, and reach instead for mild soapy water for everyday cleaning. When you do need to lift staining or marks, use a soft cloth or a non metallic pad and work gently, since aggressive abrasives will dull or scratch a finish just as they would bare metal. Keep oils to the moving parts and wipe away any excess, because a film of oil left on a coloured handle simply collects dust and dulls the look.
Beyond that, the everyday basics do most of the work. Drying the tool after it gets wet, rinsing salt off promptly and storing it somewhere dry all help the finish stay bright and even. A coloured finish is not delicate, but it does respond to being treated with a little respect, and a tool that has been looked after looks the part for years. If you have picked one of the new Aurora, Nocturnal, OD Green, Onyx, Paradise or Sandstorm options, this is exactly the sort of care that keeps it looking fresh long after the novelty has worn off.
Personalise It: In-House Engraving at TacTree
One of the things that sets us apart at TacTree is our in-house customisation. We offer laser engraving and embroidery services, which means we can personalise a Leatherman multi-tool for you before it even reaches your door. A few words, a name, a set of initials, a date or a small logo turn a great tool into a personal one, and that makes a Leatherman an outstanding gift for a milestone, a retirement, a qualification or a team.
Engraving is also a practical touch. A clearly marked tool is far less likely to wander off on a shared job site, and it makes ownership unmistakable. From a care point of view, an engraved tool is looked after in exactly the same way as any other. The maintenance advice in this guide applies just the same, and keeping the finish clean and protected simply keeps your engraving looking crisp and clear for the life of the tool. If you would like to personalise your Leatherman, our team can talk you through the options and what works best on each model.
Storage and Everyday Carry
Where and how you keep your Leatherman between uses matters more than people realise. The aim is always the same: clean, dry and protected.
When the tool is not in active use, store it in its sheath or clip it securely using its pocket clip, as fitted to tools like the Skeletool range. The sheath protects the tool from scratches and from general environmental exposure, and it keeps the tool to hand without rattling around loose. Just as importantly, think about the environment you store it in. Avoid damp conditions for extended periods. A toolbox drawer that suffers from condensation, or a damp pocket in a pack that has been left wet, is exactly the kind of place where corrosion gets going quietly while the tool is out of sight.
For longer term storage, when you know a tool is not going to be used for a while, give the exposed metal surfaces a light coat of oil before you put it away. That thin protective film will see off oxidation while the tool sits idle. And to repeat the most important storage habit of all, never store a wet tool closed up. Dry it open first, every time.
What Not To Do
Sometimes the fastest way to look after a tool is to know what to avoid. A few common mistakes do far more harm than ordinary use ever will.
Do not put your Leatherman in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergent will degrade the lubrication in the pivots and can damage handle components, and a dishwasher is a corrosive environment for steel. Always wash by hand with mild soap and warm water.
Do not use acetone or brake cleaner. As covered above, these can damage plastic parts and finishes. Stick to mineral spirits or turpentine for tar, and milder cleaners for everything else.
Do not use your knife or tools as a pry bar, and avoid side loading the blade. This is the classic way to damage a tool, and importantly it is the sort of misuse that warranties exclude. Use the right tool for the job.
Do not over oil. More oil is not better oil. A small drop per pivot, worked in and then wiped clean, is exactly right. Excess oil just attracts grit.
Do not sharpen the back of a serrated blade. It is worth repeating because it is such an easy and permanent mistake. Serrations are sharpened only on the edged side.
A Simple Maintenance Routine
You do not need a complicated schedule. A light, consistent routine beats an occasional deep clean every time. Here is a sensible rhythm to follow.
After each demanding use, particularly anything involving water, mud, sand or salt, rinse and dry the tool promptly and re-oil the pivots if it got properly wet. This takes a couple of minutes and prevents the vast majority of problems.
Every month or so for an everyday carry tool, open everything up, wipe it down, give the pivots a quick clean with a brush and check that the action is still smooth. Touch up the edge if it has started to drag.
Once a season, do a fuller service. Clean thoroughly, dry completely, lubricate every pivot and wear point, and sharpen the blades back to their proper angle.
Once a year, or before long term storage, give the whole tool a careful look over, deal with any spots of surface rust, coat the exposed metal with a light film of oil and make sure everything is functioning as it should.
Follow a rhythm like that and maintenance never becomes a chore, because the tool never gets the chance to fall into bad condition in the first place.
Warranty and Servicing
Part of what makes a Leatherman such a sound buy is the backing behind it. Leatherman tools come with a 25 year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Most pivot wear and genuine blade issues fall within that cover. What is not covered is damage from misuse, such as using the knife as a pry bar or side loading the blade, which is another good reason to use the tool as intended.
It is well worth registering your product after you buy it. Registration keeps your details on file, makes any future warranty claim simpler and is also how you stay informed about any product notices. If you ever do need a repair, a replacement part, or want to claim the free sharpening service on a MagnaCut blade, our team at TacTree is happy to help point you in the right direction.
Why Buy Your Leatherman from TacTree
We are proud to be one of the UK's leading suppliers of tactical and outdoor gear, with thousands of five star reviews from customers who trust us to deliver the right kit and the right advice. When it comes to Leatherman, we do more than simply put tools on a shelf. Our in-house experts know the range inside out and can help you choose the model that genuinely suits how you work and what you carry. We offer fast despatch, free UK delivery on orders over £30, and that in-house engraving service if you want to make your tool truly your own.
Most of all, we are passionate about the brands we stock and we use this gear ourselves. If you have a question about which Leatherman is right for you, how to look after it, or how to personalise it, get in touch and we will be glad to help.
Final Thoughts
A Leatherman asks very little of you in return for years of dependable service. Keep it clean, keep it dry, give the pivots a drop of the right oil now and then, sharpen the blades to their proper angle and store it sensibly, and it will keep performing long after many other tools have been thrown away. Treat the finish with the same gentle care and your tool will look as good as it works, which matters all the more if you have chosen one of our new colours or had yours engraved.
None of this is difficult, and most of it takes only a few minutes here and there. That small, regular effort is exactly what turns a great tool into a lifelong companion. Look after your Leatherman, and it will look after you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I oil my Leatherman?
After any extended use in the wet, and otherwise once or twice a year for regular use. If the pivots start to feel stiff or gritty, treat that as your cue to clean and oil regardless of the calendar. A well maintained tool should open with light finger pressure.
Can I put my Leatherman in the dishwasher?
No. The heat and detergent will damage components and strip the lubrication from the pivots, and the environment encourages corrosion. Always wash it by hand with mild soap and warm water, then dry and oil it.
My Leatherman blades have gone rusty. What should I do?
Light surface rust on stainless steel can usually be removed at home with a very fine 0000 grade steel wool and a drop of oil, working gently in the direction of the steel's grain. Re-oil the area afterwards. For heavier rust or pitting, get in touch, as the warranty may cover it.
What oil should I use on my Leatherman?
A light machine oil such as a 3 in 1 oil or sewing machine oil is ideal, and a PTFE or Teflon based lubricant is excellent for the pivots and wear areas. Use a low viscosity product like WD-40 for cleaning and displacing moisture, but follow up with a proper lubricant rather than relying on it long term.
How do I sharpen my Leatherman knife?
For a plain edge, such as the blade on the Skeletool KB, use a whetstone, rod or guided kit and match the factory angle of 32 degrees in total, which is 16 degrees per side. For serrated or combo blades, like those on the Skeletool KBx, the Skeletool CX and the Wave+, use a system made for serrations, sharpen to 20 degrees and only ever work the edged side, never the flat back. If your tool has a MagnaCut blade, such as the Wave Alpha, you can use Leatherman's free sharpening service instead.
Can I get my Leatherman engraved?
Yes. We offer in-house laser engraving and embroidery at TacTree, so we can personalise your multi-tool with a name, initials, a date or a logo before it ships. It makes a great gift and a clear mark of ownership, and an engraved tool is cared for in exactly the same way as any other.
How do I stop my Leatherman rusting?
Keep it dry, because moisture is the main cause of rust. Dry it thoroughly after any wet use, rinse off salt promptly, apply a light film of oil and store it in its sheath or clipped securely somewhere dry. If a little surface rust appears, clean it off with a fine abrasive and re-oil straight away.
Is my Leatherman covered by a warranty?
Yes. Leatherman tools come with a 25 year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Damage caused by misuse, such as prying or side loading the blade, is not covered. It is worth registering your tool so any future claim is straightforward.