Is a Leatherman worth the extra money over a budget multi-tool?

For most reviewers, yes, if you'll use it regularly. Specialist subreddit threads repeatedly cite Leatherman's 25-year warranty, tighter pivot tolerances, and replaceable wire cutters as the main reasons to pay more. Budget tools like the WETOLS and PERWIN draw genuine praise for value, but community threads also flag softer knife steel and looser tolerances over time. If a multi-tool will live in a drawer, a budget pick is fine; if it'll live on your belt, the consensus favors Leatherman.