Can't speak for the Wave (don't have one) but FWIW, my experience with several of the Super Tools is that they are a bit stiff initially and become a bit easier to manipulate after some use and a dab of oil. I had one that needed to be returned to Leatherman (my fault, I broke the saw blade) and when it came back, it had apparently been brought up to specs. by Leatherman, not only did they replace the damaged blade, but they resharpened all the other blades and resecured both sides back to the new product stiffness. Needless to say, I was impressed.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Tim Leatherman at a trade show and was happy to relate my experience with their customer services and how impressed I was. It was nice to be able to speak with the headman himself. After meeting him, it becomes obvious where they get their great customer service from.

As far as he rusting, yes almost all varieties of stainless steel will rust to some extent if exposed to water, salt water and various acids etc. that they get exposed to. The amount of exposure will obviously vary from owner to owner. In my case my Supertools were exposed to salt water and some chemicals, if not cleaned immediately like any good tool, they would develop spots that were in proportion to the exposure. In virtually every case, a wire brush was able to restore the finish. Any remaining stains are regarded as "character" marks. <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

My gut feeling is that you should not worry about the stiffness, it will diminish some over time and use. One day you'll handle a new Wave and suddenly realize how nicely yours has been "broken in" <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />