Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool:

I have had the Leatherman Surge for about 2 years now, and it has been my favortie multi to date. I have used all other types from other manufactures, and have various different Leatherman models, but I always return to the Surge.

The Surge is a bit bulky, but IMO, this is not a hinderence to me, in fact, I prefer it. It gives me the impression that it will hold up through anything I can throw at it. I bought three Surges, one for work, one for EDC, and one as a replacement in case one should got lost. My review will consist of my Surges's performance at work, which is where, as a demolitions laborer, I have put it through harsher uses.

Both blades are excellent. The plain blade holds its edge very well, and can accomodate you for all your cutting needs. I sharpen it occasionally with a butchers sharpening steel (best method for sharpening any straight edged instrument if you can learn how to) just because I like my knives razor sharp, but again, this is only on preferance. The serrated blade works equally to its plain counterpart, but works really well when hacking through something. I use mine from cutting cardboard, to cutting through thick, multi-conductor electrical cable, but only if the cable doesn't fit into the wire cutters. Sharpening can be tricky, but can be done. I use a flat sided tungsten-carbide chip and score it along the edge.

The blades exchanger is really a trip. Being able to switch from a saw blade to a file it great. The saw cuts through wood, plexiglass, and pvc like nothing, and diamomd file can hone just about anything. The wood saw works well, and the metal saw cuts through most pliable metals with ease. Just a note, you can use t-shanked jig saw blades with the blade exchanger to expand your capabilities, but all the ones I have used are not thick enough, so they have a lot of play, which can make sawing a little frustrating, but it can be done.

The scissors are great and can cut through a lot of materials. I use them to cut small gauge wire and sometimes tin, but again small gauge.

The removable bit screwdrivers work well, and with the bit kit, your capabilities are greatly enhanced, most screws or fasteners are no match, from recessed, to torx, the bit kit has it all. The 5/16 screwdriver works well also, and takes care of those larger fasteners with no problem.
The awl is a great screw starter, but chews up leather and some soft/thin meatls easily.
The pliers are fantastic, and the wire cutters are a dream. With three cutting ares, most wires are no problem for the Surge.

The can/bottle opener works well, as do the electrical crimpers.

As a side note, I,ve heard some stories about rattling, and this is true. The Surge does rattle a bit, but I don't feel this is a problem, but if you do, this can be remedied. Go out and purchase 2 T-10 tamperproof torx drivers ( they have a gap in the middle to accomodate a pin ) and tighten the four screws on the Surge. This will eliminate any rattling, but again, this is not necessary, and I advise against it as you can void the warranty.

Ever since I purchased my Surge, I no longer carry additional tools on me unless necessary. The Surge is my toolbox, and with it is everything I need for an average day at work. It has fallen from heights of about 15 feet, been submerged under water, and just plain beat up, and still is going strong. Plus, Leathermans 25 year warranty give me the peace of mind to use my Surge to its potential everyday.

Go out and get the Leatheramn Surge, you won't be disappointed.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool:

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 Multi-Tool:

I have been using my Surge for just over a year now. It is incredibly durable, a little large but you get used to that, this tool will do everything. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW IS THAT THE "blade exchanger" IS ACTUALLY A STANDARD T-SHANK JIG SAW BLADE ATTACHMENT. You can run down to your hardware store and get an assortment of T-shank jig saw blades and make this tool even more versatile. Add the Bit Accessory and this thing is an entire tool kit in one tool. I have used it for fishing, camping, electrical work, carpentry, carving Holloween pumpkins, and have even had to saw through the hard hickory handle on a hammer. The tools may be hard to pull out when it is brand new but a little oil and a break-in period and you're all set. I never leave home without it.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool:

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.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool:

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 Multi-Tool:

Variety of tools.
Very useful.
Only problem is it rusted like crazy when it came in contact with a little bit of water.
Otherwise amazing.

Comments about Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool:

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 Multi-Tool:

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 Multi-Tool:

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 Multi-Tool:

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.