GearBuyer
Product Videos Product Reviews Buying Guides

Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool

Hunting > Knives & ToolsRated: ***** by 33 reviews.

REI

A work-site juggernaut, Surge features easy-to-unlock blades, two bit-drivers with bits, plus a unique blade exchanger for added versatility.

  • Made from 100% stainless steel to provide years of dependable service; each implement is heat-treated to optimal hardness for its function
  • Secure, ultra-sharp blades are easy to open and close using lock-release on the outside of the handles
  • Tools rotate individually, letting you easily grab one at a time
  • New jaw design creates the strongest needlenose and regular pliers in the Leatherman® line
  • 154 CM clip-point knife, serrated knife and a saw are easily accessible and efficiently handle cutting tasks
  • Cross-cut file is designed to work effectively on wood or metal; ruler measures up to nine inches
  • Unique blade exchanger lets you choose between a saw blade and a file
  • Includes two bit-drivers with two double-end steel bits with 3/16-inch screwdriver, plus #1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers
  • 5/16-inch screwdriver, crimper, scissors, can/bottle opener, lanyard ring, awl with thread loop, and Phillips/flat tip eyeglasses screwdriver
  • Wire strippers and newly designed wire cutters, hard-wire, and stranded-wire cutters offer 58% more cutting area
  • Comes with Leatherman® leather carrying sheath

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

Tough new pliers, longer blades, and easy-to-use locks are just some of the features of the new Surge. It features a unique blade exchanger that comes with saw and diamond/wood file blades, plus Leatherman's strongest scissors yet.

Features:

  • Bottle/can opener; lanyard ring
  • Diamond file blade; wood file blade; blade exchangerU/16-inch screwdriver; 9-inch ruler
  • Hard wire cutters; standard wire cutters; wire stripper
  • Length: 4.5 inches; weight: 12.5 ounces
  • Needle-nose pliers; regular pliers; electrical crimper
  • Stainless-steel construction; all-locking blades; clip-point knife; serrated knife; saw blade
  • Two double-ended bits: Phillips #1-2 and 3/16 inch screwdriver; Phillips and flat-tip eyeglasses screwdriver

Paragon Sports

Surge is a multi-tool powerhouse-built with tough new pliers, longer blades and easy-to-use locks.

Features:

  • A unique blade exchanger comes with a saw and diamond/wood file blades and the large and small bit drivers include double-ended bits
  • Dimensions: 4.5" Length
  • Tools: Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Hard-Wire Cutters, Stranded-Wire Cutters, Electrical Crimper, Clip-Point Knife, Serrated Knife, Scissors, Blade Exchanger, Diamond File Blade, Wood File Blade, Saw Blade, Large Bit Driver, Small Bit Driver, 5/16" Screwdriver, Awl w/Thread Loop, Ruler (9 inches/22 cm), Bottle/Can Opener, Wire Stripper, Lanyard Ring, Two Double-Ended Bits
  • Weight: 12.52 oz

Dick's Sporting Goods

The Leatherman(r) Surge(r) multi-tool feature tough pliers, sharp blades and handy tools with easy-to-use locks. A unique blade exchanger comes with a saw and diamond/wood file blades and the large and small bit drivers include double-ended bits. The 4 outside-opening blades give you quick access to the tools you use most.

This description was also provided by: FogDog Sports, Sports Authority


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Awl:Yes
Blade material:154 CM stainless steel
Blade type:Serrated/drop point
Blades:2
Bottle opener:Yes
Can opener:Yes
Can/Bottle Opener:Yes
Closed length:4.5 inches
Eyeglass screwdriver:Yes
File:Yes
Flat Screwdriver(S):Yes
Handle material:Stainless steel
Hard-wire cutters:Yes
Has Sheath:Nylon
Knife Blade(S):2
Lanyard ring:Yes
Length of blade(s):3 inches
Number Of Tools:18
Open length:7 inches
Phillips Screwdriver(S):Yes
Pliers:Yes
Ruler:Yes
Scissors:Yes
Screwdrivers:2 Bit Drivers and 2 Double-Ended Bits
Standard screwdriver(s):2
Style of Knive:Clip-Point and Serrated
Weight:12 ounces
Weight of Unit:12.5 oz
Wire cutter:Yes
Wire stripper:Yes
Wood saw:Yes

View other products from Leatherman classified in Hunting > Knives & Tools.

View all products from Leatherman.
View other products classified in Hunting > Knives & Tools.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool with Nylon CaseLeatherman Surge Multi-Tool with Nylon Case$128.74

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Leatherman CS4Leatherman CS4
Hiking & Camping > Knives
$69.95 - $86.50
Leatherman New WaveLeatherman New Wave
Hiking & Camping > Knives
$79.85 - $89.95
Leatherman Super Tool 300Leatherman Super Tool 300
Hunting > Knives & Tools
$69.99 - $84.00
Leatherman Universal Tool AdapterLeatherman Universal Tool Adapter
Hiking & Camping > Knives
$28.00 - $31.30
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
BoxN/A
Leather
Leather
89.95 
Nylon
Nylon
89.9574.85
Leather Sheath 79.9979.9989.99
Nylon Sheath 79.9979.9989.99
Stainless 94.95

Legend

  •     - FogDog Sports
  •     - REI
  •     - Sports Authority
  •     - Dick's Sporting Goods
  •     - Paragon Sports
  •     - Moosejaw

Notes:

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) offers this product at $89.85, but does not provide any color/size information.

Leatherman Surge Multi-Tool Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****20
****7
***0
**0
*0
To see how this product compares to others view Hunting Knife Reviews.

Reviews:

Excellent Multi-Tool

Rating:*****
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.
Manny521 at REI on 03/01/2008

An entire tool-box in one tool

Rating:*****
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.
Utility_Player at REI on 01/16/2008

Bordering on Overkill, But Who Cares

Rating:*****
I purchased the Surge a few days ago, and have not put it down. I have large hands so the larger sized handles prevent the dreaded pinch point near the jaws, all around excellence. The bit kit turns an already great tool into something MacGuyver would be envious of...the only down side is the stiching on the nylon sheath, mine started to unravel as soon as i opened the package. The outside access locking blades eliminate the need for carying an additional lock blade knife, since the blade beats pretty much every entry level knife, and you get a full sized serrated as well. Big plus is the eyeglasses screw driver, it has come in handy from everything to cell phone repairs to all around tinkering.
Section 16 Hiker at REI on 01/22/2008

The best multi tool ?

Rating:*****
First up this tool is huge ! not a bad thing though .i work as a service engineer and use this daily in work from opening boxes to stripping armoured cable and crimping wires (the electrical crimpers are the best ive ever used )the Scissors are even man enough to cut shimming steel!During time off i love to climb and camp and the surge is as capable in the outdoors as it is in the worksite , the size and weight of this tool can make it awkward to carry but i would be with out it
RogerD at REI on 07/27/2009

Excellent Multi-tool

Rating:*****
Excellent multi-tool for use in the field. I have traveled and backpacked to many countries including france, italy, holland, canada, costa rica, belize, and soon honduras. I would not go anywhere without it. I lost it at customs when I packed it in the wrong bag, and I'm already buying a new one for my next trip. Its versatility makes it one of the best tools around, and it has helped me on one particular occasion to remove cactus spines from my hand. Surge did it with ease, any other tool would have been trouble.
Teacher at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 07/20/2009

"way cool pocket tool"

Rating:*****
This thing is versatile. There may be things it can't do, but I haven't found them yet. It has a good size knife. The saw was useful for clearing out small branches/twigs when I had to find somewhere pronto to set up the tent due to a flash hailstorm. There were sharp tent-killing pieces of wood everywhere, but this helped prune them back. I know, not quite Leave-no-trace camping, but I wanted to stay dry. For backpacking, it is a bit heavy, so consider a lighter weight product, maybe their new skeletool.
Charles at Moosejaw on 07/02/2008

Good-value all-round multi-tool

Rating:****
I've taken my Surge on a number of camping and mountain biking trips since buying it earlier in the summer. It's proved to be a useful bit of kit, around the camp, for making repairs and generally when you need a blade. Some of the blades are a bit stiff to get out with the small finger catches and the inter-changeable saw/file it hard to switch until you get the knack, but generally it's a quality piece of kit which I expect to give me years of good service
FlashThomas at REI on 09/12/2007

"Has everything one needs, yet can be heavey for walking-backpack."

Rating:****
This multi-tool is great, it comes with good sharp knifes. It also comes with a detached knife sharper. The only problem you need some levereg-help when it comes to can opener. It's kinda hard for the finger to get out. I used nearly all the options it has to offer. Truely recomened thought- no need to take advice for tool fans bike recreation. As for backpacker, it's HEAVEY..!! Yes it comes with a sleath holder.
M at Moosejaw on 11/14/2007

"Everyone Needs This Tool"

Rating:*****
I have been using Leathermen for years, and they are by far the perfect tools. I used to only take them camping and fishing, but now take them with me all the time. The extra bit kit can be ordered to help with the screw driver as well. This tool provides me with all that I need in without carrying around lots of extras. Well worth the price tag!
Andrew at Moosejaw on 06/27/2009

Excellent tool

Rating:*****
This product is an excellent tool campared to many other multi tools I have seen. It is slightly bulky and one time i bent a screwdriver slightly, but that took all the strength I had. Overall though everything on here has superb strength and durability needed for everyday use or for someone who is going to give it a beating.
Jim the Fat at FogDog Sports on 11/22/2007