Leatherman Surge Multitool

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

I left a review on this in 2008 and I wanted to leave this update now. In the January 2013 Shot Show, Leatherman announced some upgrades they will be making to the Surge. 1) They will be replacing the standard plier heads with the same type of plier heads currently on the SuperTool 300 - they have replaceable wire cutters. 2) They will be adding a tension spring to the blade exchanger for those of us who use regular t-shank jigsaw blades from the hardware store. The tension spring is intended to hold regular t-shank blades tighter, without wobble. 3) They will be removing the small bit exchanger for the small eye-glass screwdriver and replacing it with a small screwdriver instead. Personally, I don't consider that change to be an upgrade because I like my eyeglass screwdriver but they said they were getting too many of them returned for repairs because people were using them to pry with. Go figure! I've had my surge 6 or 7 years now and still depend on it as a heavy-duty multi-tool. It's one of the best, although a bit heavy for every-day carry.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

Overall, the Leatherman Surge is a very good multitool. It has excellent pliers and blades, a well-designed file attachment, good scissors, and a great array of screwdrivers. The Surge does, however, have several drawbacks.

First, when the pliers are closed, the handles have very noticeable lateral wobble. The handles wobble by several millimeters, giving the user a rather uncomfortable grip when operating the knife, saw/file and scissor attachments. While this may be a defect unique to the particular item I purchased, I suspect that this wobble is inherent in the design. Even though the joint screws on the tool I purchased are tightly fastened, the wobble is very noticeable.

Second, the pliers are rather difficult to open and the handles tend to pinch hands when they are closed. Unlike other Leatherman models I've handled, the pliers on the Surge do not open crisply.

Third, the bottle opener is awkward in operation and requires the user to open the pliers half-way in order to open a bottle. The bottle opener design of the smaller Leatherman multitools, like the Juice series, is markedly better.

Fourth, as with most multitools of this size, the saw has minimal function. Although it is a high quality blade with strong teeth, its use seems to be purely for emergency situations because of its length. In a pinch, one can use the saw on the Surge to cut off a small branch or saw apart a dowel. Of course, any serious sawing requires a real saw, and few users would expect a multitool saw blade to meet their wood processing needs.

Otherwise, however, the tool is very good. The sheath is durable and fits well. The double-sided file (which replaces the relatively useless saw) is excellent and can be removed to sharpen the blades on the tool, if necessary. The scissors are strong. The screwdrivers are extremely well-designed, and the precision watch/eyeglass screwdriver attachment is a must-have for anyone who wears glasses or works with tiny screws.

Last, despite the wobble issue described above, the tool is built like a tank and would stand up to the most strenuous use. It is a heavy tool and not designed for minimalist backpackers, but what it lacks in portability it more than makes up in durability and leverage.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

This is on my belt every day. It is a bit bigger in size than the Wave, which is good for me because I have large hands.

At first brand new it was a bit tough to get the inner tools to onfold, and the pliers are tough to close back up. As I use it more and more it is getting better.

I have been buying Leatherman's since the late 90s. I have also bought Gerber multitools, and swiss army knives... Leatherman in my opinion just seems more user friendly with the pliers.

I love that I have the ability to swap out the file for the saw... which frees up one exterior slot for scissors. Something the Wave does not have.

All in all it is a great tool to keep hand.

The only ding I have is the price. It is an expensive purchase, but one you will have for life... as long as it isn't stolen... like my last 3 have been...

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

This tool is tough. It is everything you will need in a tool, don't believe it? Carry it for a day or two.....and you'll know it. Whatever the situation calls for, the Surge will allow you to improvise, adapt, and overcome. It's heavy, not a lightweight tool, and that's exactly why it's strong and reliable. Leatherman is an excellent company with a very high focus on building quality tools.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

This is the best multitool I've ever used - and I've used a lot. It's essentially like a scaled-up Leatherman Wave, except instead of having a separate saw and file, it has a blade exchanger with both. To fill the extra spot, it has big, chunky, awesome scissors that are outside accessible. Then, to fill the inside butterfly-access spot where the smaller scissors would have been, you get an awl. This is awesome - for starting screw holes, or just for poking things without ruining your blade's point.

Note that it IS large. It's huge. If you have small hands or don't like your multitools to be big, this might not be the one for you. My ladyfriend is rather petite, and I got her one of the new Skeletools - basic, but it has everything she needs and fits much better in her hands. So if you're looking for something light and compact, but still "full size" check that out.

That said, I carry this on my belt, everywhere, every day. I use it all the time. I also have the extra bit kit, and I carry that as well. I have yet to meet a technical problem I couldn't solve with it.

If you're doing serious survivalist type camping, you might want something like this as a backup blade/toolkit - but I'd still want a big full-tang fixed blade for general use.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

The tool itself is second to none. The sheath is pure junk. Much to large for an already large tool. This is the 8th multi-tool that I have owned, and by far has the worse sheath. I had a Surge that i bought a few years ago that was stolen last year, this new one is a replacement, and I am very disapointed in the sheath. My other one had a very nice leather sheath, this sheath is junk. I have had it 5 days, and it is already showing wear. It hangs to high on my belt and is hard to pull the replace the tool. Very disappointed in the sheath, but the tool itself is perfect.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

i like the leatherman surge even more than the wave because it has all the tools one would need in a day to day fight with life. the only thing i can say thats not necessarily bad on its part is that the file and/or saw is a little easy for me to lose if i forget to put it away but thats more my fault than the tool's.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

I've always considered Leatherman tools to be the classic multitool, and I appreciate that they're a local company (at least for me). The Surge is one of Leatherman's extra-large tools, meaning that it has 4.5" handles and longer knives. This is truly a toolbox on your hip, and has the largest selection of tools that Leatherman offers (21). I've carried the Surge for 2+ years after receiving it as a Christmas gift, and I've used it on camping trips, on the work site doing environmental restoration, and also frequently in the theater doing set construction. The tool has held up admirably over the years, without too much wear and tear that would reduce its usability.

There's a lot to like about the surge. The serrated blade and plain-edged blade are both extremely large, meaning that you could get by without a secondary folding knife if you needed to. The lockups for all the tools are quite strong and easy to use. The pliers are a full 1/4" thick, but still useful for fine tasks. The wire cutters are spectacular, and typically cut better than dedicated wire-cutting tools. The scissors are razor sharp and large enough to be useful. The gigantic flat-head screw driver works well as a pry-bar, which saves you from abusing the tip of your knife and excels at opening paint buckets. The carbon content on the tools is high enough to throw major sparks from a firesteel, which makes the tool handy for survival uses. The large size of the tool has its drawbacks (more on that later), but it also has advantages. The 4.5" handles offer tremendous leverage without a lot of flex. Other reviewers have done a good job of discussing its good point, so I don't feel like I need to elaborate too much further on what they've said.

Now that we've covered the tool's strengths, it's worth noting that the Surge has number of key drawbacks as well. When you first heft the tool, you'll notice the weight immediately. At 12.5oz, the Surge is also leatherman's heaviest tool by far. The Wave is noticeably lighter at 8.5oz, and even the new Super Tool 300 is lighter. This means that carrying the surge in you pocket is uncomfortably at best, so the belt sheath is your best option. Obviously ultra-light hikers will find the tool prohibitively heavy, but even I find too heavy to carry unless I'm car camping or simply toting it to the worksite.

In addition to its weight, the surge suffers from several unfortunate design flaws. When the exterior blades are open, the thin, angular sheet metal on the handle digs into your hand painfully. It's not problem if you're wearing gloves, but on bare hands the ergonomics are honestly awful. This means that if you plan on using a knife a lot, you should carry a secondary folder. The blade shape of the knife is also quite narrow and fragile; it does offer good penetrating power for stabbing holes in things, opening packing, etc. The pliers are perfectly comfortable though, which is nice.

I'm not a fan of the blade exchanger feature on the saw/file. The receiver takes up an inch of otherwise usable blade length, meaning that saw and file are quite short in light of the tool's large size. In fact, the saw is the same size of the one on my Juice CS4 pocket tool (shameful!). Its also significantly smaller than the saw found on the average Swiss Army knife. The saw rattles around, and other t-shank blades rattle even worse. I continually lose whatever tool isn't currently attached, and I often wish I had both at the same time. The blade exchanger simply adds weight while reducing functionality. I would rather have smaller, interior-mounted scissors and a full-size file and saw. If you feel like a heavy-duty pair of scissors will be the tool you use most, perhaps the surge is for you.

Finally, the knife has some fit and finish issues. The handles have always rattled when in the folded position, but this isn't a huge problem. My pliers have become loose enough to have noticeable side-to-side play, and a may send the tool back to Leatherman for tightening. Admittedly I've used the tool for a lot of hard jobs and pushed its limits, but... isn't that why you buy the Surge in the first place? To get the most indestructible tool on the market, right? The grinds on the both knives are also significantly uneven, but I guess this is mostly a cosmetic issue. Living in the northwest I expose my tools to a lot of moisture. While the blades are stainless, areas of the handle will definitely rust if left wet. Because you can't disassemble the tool, cleaning this rust off can be troublesome.

As for the nylon sheath that comes with the knife, it too has both strengths and weaknesses. The exterior is tough and you can mount it both vertically and horizontally on your belt. Military folks will also appreciate that it readily accepts MALICE clips for attaching to web gear. A hole in the bottom of the sheath also allows you to store the tool in the open position. On the downside, the Velcro has almost entirely given out after two years of use. It's gotten to the point that I don't really trust the sheath to retain the knife any longer. I feel like the snap on the leather sheath would be a better option.

If you're looking for a tool to carry in your pocket every day, or you frequently use your saw, file, or knife, or if weight is a concern at all, then the Surge is probably not the ideal tool for you. If would recommend the Charge, Blast, or possibly the Wave. If scissors are your favorite tool, or you always use your tools will gloves on, and you also use your multi-tool as a paperweight, the surge is ideal! Because of its amazing array of tools, it would also be perfect for storing in your glove compartment, tackle box, or toolbox.

If you simply want a large, utilitarian, tough multitool with long blades and powerful pliers, go with the new Supertool 300 from Leatherman. It still has all the most important tools, and you get a stronger package for less weight. Believe me, you won't miss the one-hand opening tools when you feel how uncomfortable they are to use on the surge. Plus, its $20 cheaper.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

I've always considered Leatherman tools to be the classic multitool, and I appreciate that they're a local company (at least for me). The Surge is one of Leatherman's extra-large tools, meaning that it has 4.5" handles and longer knives. This is truly a toolbox on your hip, and has the largest selection of tools that Leatherman offers (21). I've carried the Surge for 2+ years after receiving it as a Christmas gift, and I've used it on camping trips, on the work site doing environmental restoration, and also frequently in the theater doing set construction. The tool has held up admirably over the years, without too much wear and tear that would reduce its usability.There's a lot to like about the surge. The serrated blade and plain-edged blade are both extremely large, meaning that you could get by without a secondary folding knife if you needed to. The lockups for all the tools are quite strong and easy to use. The pliers are a full 1/4" thick, but still useful for fine tasks. The wire cutters are spectacular, and typically cut better than dedicated wire-cutting tools. The scissors are razor sharp and large enough to be useful. The gigantic flat-head screw driver works well as a pry-bar, which saves you from abusing the tip of your knife and excels at opening paint buckets. The carbon content on the tools is high enough to throw major sparks from a firesteel, which makes the tool handy for survival uses. The large size of the tool has its drawbacks (more on that later), but it also has advantages. The 4.5" handles offer tremendous leverage without a lot of flex. Other reviewers have done a good job of discussing its good point, so I don't feel like I need to elaborate too much further on what they've said.Now that we've covered the tool's strengths, it's worth noting that the Surge has number of key drawbacks as well. When you first heft the tool, you'll notice the weight immediately. At 12.5oz, the Surge is also leatherman's heaviest tool by far. The Wave is noticeably lighter at 8.5oz, and even the new Super Tool 300 is lighter. This means that carrying the surge in you pocket is uncomfortably at best, so the belt sheath is your best option. Obviously ultra-light hikers will find the tool prohibitively heavy, but even I find too heavy to carry unless I'm car camping or simply toting it to the worksite.In addition to its weight, the surge suffers from several unfortunate design flaws. When the exterior blades are open, the thin, angular sheet metal on the handle digs into your hand painfully. It's not problem if you're wearing gloves, but on bare hands the ergonomics are honestly awful. This means that if you plan on using a knife a lot, you should carry a secondary folder. The blade shape of the knife is also quite narrow and fragile; it does offer good penetrating power for stabbing holes in things, opening packing, etc. The pliers are perfectly comfortable though, which is nice.I'm not a fan of the blade exchanger feature on the saw/file. The receiver takes up an inch of otherwise usable blade length, meaning that saw and file are quite short in light of the tool's large size. In fact, the saw is the same size of the one on my Juice CS4 pocket tool (shameful!). Its also significantly smaller than the saw found on the average Swiss Army knife. The saw rattles around, and other t-shank blades rattle even worse. I continually lose whatever tool isn't currently attached, and I often wish I had both at the same time. The blade exchanger simply adds weight while reducing functionality. I would rather have smaller, interior-mounted scissors and a full-size file and saw. If you feel like a heavy-duty pair of scissors will be the tool you use most, perhaps the surge is for you.Finally, the knife has some fit and finish issues. The handles have always rattled when in the folded position, but this isn't a huge problem. My pliers have become loose enough to have noticeable side-to-side play, and a may send the tool back to Leatherman for tightening. Admittedly I've used the tool for a lot of hard jobs and pushed its limits, but... isn't that why you buy the Surge in the first place? To get the most indestructible tool on the market, right? The grinds on the both knives are also significantly uneven, but I guess this is mostly a cosmetic issue. Living in the northwest I expose my tools to a lot of moisture. While the blades are stainless, areas of the handle will definitely rust if left wet. Because you can't disassemble the tool, cleaning this rust off can be troublesome. As for the nylon sheath that comes with the knife, it too has both strengths and weaknesses. The exterior is tough and you can mount it both vertically and horizontally on your belt. Military folks will also appreciate that it readily accepts MALICE clips for attaching to web gear. A hole in the bottom of the sheath also allows you to store the tool in the open position. On the downside, the Velcro has almost entirely given out after two years of use. It's gotten to the point that I don't really trust the sheath to retain the knife any longer. I feel like the snap on the leather sheath would be a better option.If you're looking for a tool to carry in your pocket every day, or you frequently use your saw, file, or knife, or if weight is a concern at all, then the Surge is probably not the ideal tool for you. If would recommend the Charge, Blast, or possibly the Wave. If scissors are your favorite tool, or you always use your tools will gloves on, and you also use your multi-tool as a paperweight, the surge is ideal! Because of its amazing array of tools, it would also be perfect for storing in your glove compartment, tackle box, or toolbox.If you simply want a large, utilitarian, tough multitool with long blades and powerful pliers, go with the new Supertool 300 from Leatherman. It still has all the most important tools, and you get a stronger package for less weight. Believe me, you won't miss the one-hand opening tools when you feel how uncomfortable they are to use on the surge. Plus, its $20 cheaper.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multitool:

This is a great tool, I have used all the accessories on it and I am very pleased. Blades are very and it is easy to keep clean. My only issue is that when I close the tool the points of the pliers set in the grooves in such a way that it has a tendency to rub/catch along the inside.