REASONS TO BUY
Large
Excellent construction
Full-size functions
Customizable
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy and large
Limited portability
Proprietary bit driver
Leatherman Surge Review
A large, heavy tool that does all you might need but is hard to carry around
Credit: Leatherman
RELATED: Best Multi-Tools of 2024
Our Verdict
The Leatherman Surge is heavy and large. With that additional mass and bulk, you get excellent functions and tools that work very well in action. Between uses, though, the Surge is difficult to carry around. Over 3/4 of a pound is a lot in your pocket, backpack, or purse. This is for your basecamp tool kit or the glove box of your car. Elsewhere in the Leatherman line are products that are nearly as serviceable and varied but carry much easier. The Surge is what you choose for maximum functionality in a just-barely-portable package. This is the tool for frequent users and those that can carry the mass and bulk with little penalty. We like all the features and the carefully thought out ergonomics. The main drawback is in portability. Up past about 8 or 9 ounces, routine carry is tough, and the Surge weighs in at over 12 oz.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Leatherman Surge | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Multi-Tool for Everyday Carry |  Best Bang for the Buck |  Notable for Outdoor Survival | Best on a Tighter Budget | |
| Price | $149.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $89.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $95.89 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $139.95 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $55.89 at REI Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This tool pulls no punches: it optimizes for function at the cost of portability | Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry | All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a palatable price point | For outdoor adventures and wilderness survival considerations, we don't know of a better tool than the Leatherman Signal | A compact budget tool with excellent construction and a reasonable set of features for daily use |
| Rating Categories | Leatherman Surge | Leatherman Skeletoo... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Signal | Leatherman Wingman |
| Functions (40%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Leatherman Surge | Leatherman Skeletoo... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Signal | Leatherman Wingman |
| Number of Functions | 19 + bits | 5 + bits | 18 + bits | 17 | 10 |
| Closed Dimensions (Measured) | 4.5"L x 0.8"D | 4.3"L x 0.6"D | 4.0"L x 0.7"D | 4.5"L x 0.6"D | 3.8"L x 0.7"D |
| Weight | 12.2 oz (14.3 oz w/ case) |
5.0 oz | 8.5 oz (9.5 oz w/ case) |
7.6 oz (8.7 oz w/ sheath) |
6.8 oz (7.8 oz w/ sheath) |
| Blades and Type | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 straight drop point | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 hybrid straight/serrated | 1 hybrid serrated/straight drop point |
| Full Length w/ Primary Blade Open (Measured) | 7.6" | 6.8" | 6.9" | 7.1" | 6.4" |
| Primary Blade Effective Edge Length (Measured) | 3.1" | 2.6" | 2.8" | 2.6" | 2.4" |
| Pliers type | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper | Needlenose with 2 wire cutters | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper | Needlenose, regular | Spring-loaded, regular, needlenose |
| Full Length w/ Pliers Open (Measured) | 7.1" | 6.2" | 6.3" | 6.8" | 6.2" |
| Locking Tools? | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | Scissors and blade |
| Scissors? | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Number of screwdrivers | 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 5 included/integrated, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 2 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver and others available aftermarket for limited-function, standard 1/4 inch driver socket | 3 |
| File? | Yes, wood/metal & diamond-coated | No | Yes, wood/metal & diamond-coated | No | Yes |
| Saw? | Yes | No | Yes | Wood | No |
| Openers | Can, bottle | Bottle | Can, bottle | Can, bottle | Can, bottle, a unique box opener |
| Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers? | Blades, saw, file | Blade | Blades, saw, file | Primary blade, saw, sharpener | Blade, scissors |
| Other Important Features | Ruler, awl, wire stripper | None | Ruler | Knife sharpener, ferro spark striking rod, whistle, 1/4" socket | Very small ruler |
| Sheath Included? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other Carry Options | Carabiner style clip, pocket clip | Pocket, pocket clip, carabiner clip | Pocket, pocket clip |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Surge is Leatherman's largest multi-tool. It is indeed giant. It weighs over 3/4 pound and has a main blade that is nearly as long as that on your typical full-size pocket knife. The pliers are super robust and sturdy. The scissors are larger even than those on a full-size swiss army knife. With this large size utility increases but portability decreases. The result is a product that really only works for tool-box, vehicle, or belt carry. One can get an aftermarket pocket clip for this tool, but it will quickly wear out your pants if it doesn't pull them down first.
Performance Comparison
The Surge, with all its component parts. It can be accessorized with a pocket clip and additional proprietary Leatherman bits.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Functions
The variety of functions on the Surge is pretty standard for high-end multi-tools. With all the bulk, you had better hope the Surge would be comprehensive. You won't be disappointed. Of the tools included in multi-tools, the Surge basically has it all. Of course, we have our gripes and wishes.
For heavier work like bending sheet metal, the sturdy construction and large form-factor of the Surge is just the ticket.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
First, and this echos for nearly all Leatherman brand tools, we wish that the bit driver used standard 1/4 inch drive bits without an adapter. Given the layout of nearly every Leatherman tool, we don't see a good reason why they use the thinned-down proprietary bit format they use. Sale of accessories stands out as a possible reason. The Surge could be rearranged to fit a full-size 1/4 inch bit driver in there with minimal “cost” to the bulk or selection of other tools.
To maximize the tool selection on the Surge, these two saws are interchangeable. Doing so requires a little effort, so it isn't a task you will tackle mid-project.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Construction Quality
We expect excellent construction quality in Leatherman brand tools. The Surge is exactly what we would expect. Further, because of its large size and flouting of weight limits, the materials and tools are thick and stiff. Surge pivots and springs are as tight as those on the Editors' Choice but the steel is even thicker and more robust.
For extensive wiring, the replaceable wire cutter jaws of the Surge can be maintained to stay serviceable indefinitely.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Ergonomics
For routine and novel use the large size of the Surge is largely welcome. Larger tools, up to a point, are easier to use. In the case of the Surge, it only tips into the “too large” category in terms of the pliers-closed handle size. For extended whittling or other knife work, especially in small hands, the large profile of the mostly-closed tool is strenuous and slightly insecure. Otherwise, the large pliers and scissors are very nice to use. The scissors aren't as tight and clean to cut with as others, but they are large.
The Surge blade is great, but the handle is super bulky. Here a typical adult male hand (one that wears size L gloves, for reference) is maxed out by the Surge's size.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Portability
The flip side of large, easy to use tools is portability. It is basically too large and too heavy for daily carry. Only those that can and will wear a belt sheath will find the Surge to live handily on their person. Otherwise, it pretty much has to live in a toolbox or glove compartment or luggage for extended use. Of course, for short periods wearing it loose or pocket clipped (with the aftermarket Leatherman pocket clip) will work too.
Belt holster carry is the only reasonable and sustainable way to carry the large Surge with any regularity. If your life and community allow this, it is a handy option.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
Should You Buy the Leatherman Surge?
For the overall quality and function you get from a full-featured Leatherman product, you're generally going to pay. The Surge itself isn't LM's top-of-the-line offering, reflected in its price tag, but it's certainly not cheap. It is, however, respectable in its own right, mainly as a heavier-duty option. If you have some tough jobs to tackle, the Surge is the right tool for you.
For quick screwdriving tasks, the Surge is great. For more work like this, check out the Top Pick SOG Baton Q4.
Credit: Rosie De Lise
What Other Multi-tool Should You Consider?
There are other heavy-duty multi-tool options out there, such as the SOG PowerAccess Deluxe, which will set you back a heck of a lot less than the Surge. But even within Leatherman's lineup, we like the Wave+ for more affordability. On the other hand, if money is less important than a premium tool, you'll get a better feature selection with much better materials in a heavy-duty frame with the Charge+ TTi.
—
Jediah Porter & Kyle Hameister
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