I remember when the sidekick/wingman were $30 back when they actually were their budget option. Should probably be discontinued, definitely not worth the money anymore.
don't get me wrong, i love the surge, it's just so damn big and heavy. good to have around at your home or vehicle, but awful as an everyday carry. i find the Wave+ and the Free P4 much better for everyday carry as they have pocket clips and arent heavy.
i agree, the surge is the best i tested so far. i tested/handled about 20 multitools of all sizes since 1999. huge downside of the surge: its weight. im not a weak or small guy, working in gardening and construction often. its just too heavy, forget about wearing it on you the whole day at trousers. it will pull your trousers down. its also overkill for very most uses. only recommend it in a backpack, car or at home. wave and wave + : annoying to pull out tools, not recommended. magnetic leathermans: incredible flimsy and unstable feeling, its shaking like wild, avoid those hardly and send leatherman a line for this crap. gerber: had some around 2000, it broke after cutting some wire. id say avoid. victorinox spirit: the by far best quality made tool from all. its a pity that us-americans are so often too patriotic/stubborn to confess this quality compared to leatherman and others. the spirit is for easy to medium work in gardening, construction, edc, bushcraft the best to carry and use with all tools you will need. no doubt at all. if you need more one-hand action, yes, most likely the wave + then. just dont forget: for pulling out the inner tools, you will need two hands and very tough fingernails and pain resistance. all in all a good video with an unrealistic/patriotic view.
I’ve heard everyone say this and I have been carrying it on a pocket clip for a week now and can’t even tell the difference between the Surge and the Wave plus. On the belt sheath it came on it’s extremely cumbersome to wear. But in the pocket I have my phone in the same pocket no problem and they are just regular pants
I got the Roxon for 40 EUR. I felt it was a really good deal compared to the big brand names like Leatherman - the Surge being at least 100 EUR more. I was looking for a pliers-based multitool which has outboard tools, and has a metal file, a wood saw, and scissors. The metal file is indeed a bit useless, but at least it's there, and the flathead driver on it is also good. The wood saw works pretty well, and I love the design of the big, meaty scissors - this was one of the main features that attracted me; and I saw it having good potential to cut materials like tin, and it indeed does that quite well. It's great that there are locking mechanisms for the blade, wood saw, and screwdriver (which also has a square base shape and that allows for the provided adapter and bits to bed used; nice to be able to have hex bits or a longer screwdriver available). The glass breaker is also a really nice bonus. The whole multitool, despite being Chinese, also feels very sturdy and everything snaps nicely and feels really good. Overall really good value for money IMO, despite the small flaws here and there.
China has a LONG history of ignoring patents and companies found applying for them in China actually speeds up their copying as they have detailed schematics. Patents just mean they don't even buy 30 - 50 of your tools to break down and reverse engineer.
The surge is awesome but it really is a chonker. If I know I've got a lot on it comes with me. I'll carry the swisstool if I've got no plans because it's so comfortable but will do just about anything. The surprise model for me is the supertool 300. It's hard to say why but gravitate back to it. I think maybe because there is nothing quirky about and it's rock solid. I don't mind that all the tools are internal because for the same reason they're all in the same place.
None of them. The only one multitool you really need is Victorinox 3.0339.L SwissTool X Plus (with ratchet & ¼bits) in leater sheath. Add a 4" adjustable wrench in the sheath and you get a full functional compact toolbox. Its main opponent is the Leatherman Surge. And Swisstool wins hands down in multiple fields IMO. It is pricy, It is a little bit old, a little bit overdone in years, but nonetheless the real best multitool investment available around.
Skipped to hear why the Swisstool disappointed you, glad to hear it didn't 😄Got one from my dad as a gift before joining the army, didn't take it fearing if would be stolen, but used it ever since daily. Never let me down, holds up great, and needs very low maintenance.
You should try the Large Swisstool. For me is a direct competitor to the Surge and better tool quality. I bend the small flat screwdriver and the big one snaps in half of my Surge in the first year. I have the large Swisstool for 20 years and never had an issue with it.
i am from switzerland and even if i like the leatherman more, i can fully agree with you. its the same with the standard pocket knifes - the quality is just awesome. if the swisstool would have small bits and a integrated screwdriver, i would switch right away.
Surge is a good tool no doubt, but I don't think it's the best EDC choice for MOST people. It's weight and size are good if you need heavy duty tools but most people wouldn't benefit enough
Black Wave + is my all time favorite. Not to heavy and easy to work with one hand if needed. When carrying a lot of equipment over long, technical terrain for a long time, weight becomes a focus. The black surge has been on my mind. Also like the OHT, but it needed modifications with a dremel to really shine. Nice review 👍
I’ve carried a Wave for almost 20 years. The old style had more limitations, but the current iteration I’ve found to be so versatile. If I were in the market right now for a new multitool and couldn’t get another Wave, I would consider the Surge and maybe the Ozark.
While the description says "tool only" it does come with one each of a bi-metal ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx0vyBwjtx9GGOuiqUVT2sRoYqmDoNT_RI and HCS blade plus an adaptor plate for non-DeWalt blades. Wish I had known that before I bought the blade kit, but oh well. Since I already have a DeWalt drill, charger and batteries there was no need to buy more of those so this was a great deal.There is one other consideration. DeWalt does't sell the depth guide separately so you need to buy the three parts which make it up -- the N275350 block assy, the N275341 metal rod and the N278801 knob. Amazon does sell all three.
Surge is King, I own many Leatherman's. My Charge Tti gets carried more cause of the weight. But if I had to only pick one of my tools to keep, it would be the Surge hands down.
I’ve had a few multi tools over the years since the more simple victorinox army knives from the 80s. The Surge is a perfected concept in my eyes. I don’t care about the weight so much. It’s the pure capability that makes it my clear favorite.
The Surge is as good as it gets from Leatherman rn. Some Victorinox offerings are quite refined as well. The SwissChamp is very handy, though I didn’t show that in this video
I got a Shrade Though when i was 8yo 30 years ago still have it and it do what you expect of it, when my uncle turned 60 we bought him the same tool the two mayor differences is mine came with a really nice leather sheath and his came with a cheap made sheath and i swear his tool has to be made in China the blade steel is softer the jaws are softer the whole tool seem to be made out of softer steel.
My multitool journey has been very different (obviously). My main use is outdoors so compact, light and reliable though the highly restrictive laws in the UK limit said outdoor use. The Bond might not be ideal to most but it's perfect for my uses here. Everything works, is reliable, compact, comparatively light, tough and it doesn't cost much more than your Ozark Trail multitool. If I need a knife based multitool Victorinox or Boker.
Great review, I agree, I edc the Surge almost everyday at work carrying the bit kit, bit extension and ratchet driver and pairing it up with my Crunch. I also have a pretty good collection of Leathermans and Gerbers. So I have my choice. I usually carry my Charge TTI using the pocket clip on my days off but may switch it out depending upon what’s happening that day. I have a lot of Victorinox pocket knives but yet to acquire a Swiss tool multi tool. I’ve been tempted though ‘just cause’ I’m a multi tool knife junkie 😁 but I still think it would take something substantial to replace my Surge for work. I’m an aircraft mechanic and it’s just got me out of a pinch so many times, sometimes many times a day. When your up 40 feet on the tail or in some cavity of the aircraft and you just need to do a little something but you don’t want to climb out to grab your tool bag it’s nice to have. Anyway thanks for your review.
Have you tried the Leatherman Super Tool 300? I love mine and have EDC for the past 3 years. My buddy has been trying to get me to team Surge, but I prefer the simplicity and tool set.
I’ve reviewed an older Super Tool but I can’t get past all the tools being in the handles. I’m spoiled by the outboard tool designs. It’s a solid tool set though
I sold my leatherman surge to get another Swisstool, this time in black, an oh boy is it nice. No need to fiddle around to get the plier smooth, no sharp edges, just a very well refined tool right out of the box.
Sounds like a pretty fair trade. I’ve been eyeing the bigger SwissTool… I’d like to have it on the channel to compare with a Surge. The Victorinox tools have the most quality feel of all the brands IMO
Great video! I, like you have many many pocket tools. I agree fully that hands down, the Surge is the champion! Unfortunately, due to its size I can’t always carry it. I also have several generations of Wave tools. I have a strong preference for the original Wave, but they’re all great tools. That said, I like my Sidekick! It’s my most carried tool because of its size and the pocket clip. I can’t always carry a larger tool so my default is the Sidekick. I’ve never had a problem with the pliers and it’s one handed operation is great. After I retire, the Wave will be my most carried companion. I’ve been looking at the Free P4. Watching reviews like yours, it’s easy to see that the P4 doesn’t compare with the better offerings from Leatherman. That said, I still might try it out. Can’t hurt… Lastly, I have several “like new” Flairs. Pulling it out at a party and using the pate knife and the cocktail weenie fork draws a lot of attention! Love it!!
Yeah the OG wave is a favorite of mine as well. I was given a busted one and sent it in to Leatherman and they sent back the newer version. and the only 2 things I like better are the scissors and removable pocket clip.
I like the vid but disagree on Imperial Units. I work in Civil engineering and in several fields, it is much easier to use than imperial units. The most obvious to me is in hydrology where the measure of cfs, feet of head, and even the units which you must memorize are on a more understandable basis. It’s hard to imagine what one kilogram weighs and then try imagine the mass of water being 1000 kg per cubic meter. It only seems to make sense because it’s an easy number to remember. But it’s it still a lot harder to imagine to me than 62.4 lbs per cubic foot. A cubic meter in itself is larger and more difficult to imagine than a foot. For most people, 1 foot is the length of your forearm or if you have large feet, it could be about the size of your foot. My shoe size is almost exactly 1 foot. It’s easier to imagine how many pounds of material could fit in a smaller volume like a cubic foot than how many kilograms in a cubic meter. I would guess most Americans could accurately guess how long a foot is but would probably be closer to 30 or 42 inches when guessing how long a meter is. And you might say why does it matter if you can accurately imagine it if you can work the math. Because that’s the difference between theory and applied sciences. When it comes to application, if you are familiarized with the units and can imagine what 1 cfs is, if you ever make a mathematical error, you can use your own judgement to recognize that something is not in the right magnitude and double check your work. If you can’t imagine what kind result you should expect before arriving at an answer, then your blindly being lead. In the same way that the units are easier to imagine in hydrology, I would say the same is true for building and construction. The foot is a superior unit to a meter since it can much more accurately be judged. And I’m gonna double down even harder and say the 12 inches is freaking boss unit to compared to 100cm. It’s a more user friendly unit and it probably started from the trades. Unless we are looking at things from an only purely theoretical standpoint does metric start to have some advantages over the imperial system. IMO however, the entire use of science is for bettering application. It reminds me of Steve Jobs explaining that there may have been more advanced more programmer friendly softwares than what they used but they used what they did because it was more user friendly to the people who know nothing about programming. That’s the approach I take with Imperial units. I think it’s easier for people in trades to use and if it means people have to think a little harder at times because everything doesn’t round up to 10, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Soon enough, we will have AI which can do all our thinking for us. It’s not healthy for the mind; you use it or lose it. And the last reason for why US imperial units is simple; Merica! We do not need to bow the knee for Europe and abandon a system we have quite successfully used for a very long time. I find that where there is confusion about the US system, it’s partly because no one actually teaches it very well. I wasn’t even aware that a slug was a unit of Mass in the Imperial system until college which is depressing. I know for a fact that my high school tried to shove metric right down my throat and my fully American system just couldn’t handle it. Had to barf it right up. Then I got to college and realized there is a great way to teach imperial. It just isn’t done well in public schools. In any case, loved the video otherwise. Very good insight on all the different multitools!
Being uncomfortable learning a new system is not a reason to avoid implementing it. Like you said, they don’t teach measurement well in schools, but I guarantee most kids can imagine that one meter is the width of a twin bed and then start from that lived experience of the measurement for better estimation. You can take walking strides and divide those strides into cm or in to get a grasp of the units in relation to your own body. I learned metric in my 20s and I’m pretty good at estimating in both imperial and metric. You don’t have an “American system” inside you that can’t handle metric, just an excuse to be uncomfortable with change and acknowledging that other systems are just as valid as the ones you use. Neither measure my system is ingrained, numbers are completely made up; they’re a tool. But humans learn to use tools so well that anything can become like second nature. I’m glad you appreciate the multitool rant and I appreciate you watching.
@@inkiron3907 I mean with what I had to learn, I am fully familiar with metric. You don’t get through engineering without having to learn it but I must admit (mostly joking about my American blood) that while metric was always kinda dull and difficult to imagine for me personally (and I was probably a bit better at estimating metric than many of the people I went to school with). I was actually a little shocked at how naturally certain sciences are more easy to approach IMO (and that was before I had a bias toward an imperial) with the imperial system. Maybe it is just that I was already very familiar with imperial but I still have a huge preference toward it. I think your argument also works in my favor as well. I think the public school system is much more inclined to teach metric these days over imperial and it just sort of bugs me that I feel I didn’t really get the workload in public school growing up which would have made imperial more natural because they didn’t teach it well. It wasn’t until college that I felt I was being taught by people who actually had a good grasp on how to make the imperial system work for you. The numbers are not rounded to some perfect 10 but in a way, that became confusing for me since every variable I should memorize was almost the same number instead of being a distinct number which I associate with one particular variable. Still a great video though. I am thinking about picking up a surge and potentially getting a multi force. I haven’t heard as many people heap praise on the surge like you have but seeing the tools, I think I must agree about how the Surge seems better.
I believe Charge+ tti is the best if you can look over the cost. Its compact, tough, not heavy, has titanium handles and a super steel blade. It's really expensive though.
Charge TTI definitely feels the most premium of mid-duty tools. Personally, I prefer the tool set on the SwissTool. Though S30V is one of my favorite steels… basically, I’m keeping both of them in my collection lol
Appreciate the discussion. The only pliers based multitool I have is a Leatherman Juice S2 v1. I've been considering adding a larger Leatherman and have been going back and forth between the Surge and the Charge. I rarely need pliers and when I do the Juice is fine for me. Basically, I really need to figure out why I want a larger Leatherman. The biggest hurdle for me to get over is the size and weight. I don't see myself carrying something as big as the Surge daily and it feels like a waste to leave it in my glove compartment to use once a month.
If you rarely need pliers a Victorinox style tool might suit. My SwissChamp is almost as good as my Leatherman Surge but I can’t detach its file. It even has small pliers that come in handy without the same bulk as a plier-based tool
I also went on a similar journey, started and love my Surge, tried a few others. Still edc my surge, use it for automotive work and home improvement the most and it never lets me down. Even used the saw to remove dying/sick branches off trees and did it quick and fast. I did the micro screwdriver mod, but other than that perfect from the get go
Excellent, thank you! Yes, Surge has been my number one for 7 years as well. Although I must admit, I like the Leatherman Free P2 as well, because of access to the tools on outside (as opposed to having to open a multi tool to get at the inside tools). Plus the Free P2 magnetic architecture is pretty cool as well.
Undeniably cool magnetic architecture on the Free series, but I just want a better tool set. It’s almost a Wingman inside and almost twice the price… so the Surge is still top of my most-used tools
Good overview of these multi-tools, useful for experienced folks as well as "newbies"...The Surge comes with a plain sheath. I believe there are optional offerings which include a second inner pocket & pockets on the outside for an optional bit driver & flashlight...the bit kit is also optional, you can buy one set of bits or both...The Surge also includes a sleeve that contains the file...the wood saw is in the tool...you can add two Bosch metal jig saw - type blades in the included sleeve to give you additional capability...a great thing about the Surge is the opportunity to set up your tool & accessories to fit your needs...the Wave is a nice alternative to those who do not want the weight & size of the Surge...My best wishes that you will be back in the saddle soon...
Truly excellent review. I have a slight disagreement with your Surge vs. Wave comparison. The Surge is indeed the better tool overall, but it's like carrying a brick around. The Wave is a better urban carry option. I'm glad to see somebody beside Ben from TX Tool Crib give the Multiforce its props. It's a pretty amazing tool for $40. Yeah,, the file is pretty lame, but the scissors are as good as anybody's, including Victorinox.
I have the surge, charge TTI ( I love the gut-hook), wave, the OHT and the Signal. You’re right. Surge is absolute boss. But it’s huge. I have a few gerbers that are just in my fishing kits. And that’s about it. I’d like to try some victorinox.
You say no others are better than the surge, but none even approach the price of a surge. Would have been a great review if you had taken into account the price difference.. the Roxon is an absolute beast for 40$, absolutely beating any leatherman even at the 70-80$ price point, same for something like the Gerber Truss, that has as much utility as a wave+ for half the cost. So, what's the point of doing a "review" if every time you take another multitool, you compare it to something 2 or 3 times the price ? Yeah, that 180 000$ is better than that 40 000$ ford, don't buy it guys.. kinda useless
I have five leatherman tools including a signal, super tool and skeletool however I have just bought myself a Swiss tool and it is so much better quality and by far my favourite
Some of leathermans tools should be retired. Like the side kick. Im not paying 60+ for a tool orignally designed to be entry level at 29.99. I can't use the P series. I can't use magnets in my field of work it picks up all iron dust. The regualr tools are already magnets for this stuff but they are eaier to clean off. Leathermans warranty is top notch. I've many models and broke maybe 5-6 of them and have been warrantied without issue. My orignal charge TTI has been sent back twice. My surge a few times, i snaped that little indent on the crunch ive broken blade tips off. I've put them through the ringer covered in mud for days on end they hold up. With that said, if they change their warranty, i no longer need to buy leathermans.
You didn't mention, that the SOG PA has a bitdriver in the front when it's closed. And the piece you put the bitdriver adapter on, us actually a 1/4 driver, so you can use it with small nuts.
Multiforce is much better than nxt. I really don't like nxt. It is so weak and out of alignment. Gerber mp is super durable. My favorites are skeletool rebar and wave. Multiforce is close to a wave but much less expensive, and it's regular bit holder is better imho. You talked me into getting a surge soon😁
I can't believe people like Leatherman tools for their price. If they'd be at least 50% cheaper then they'd be ok, otherwise .. jesus they're abysmal compared to victorinox
I wish Leatherman would put the surge tool set. on a wave\charge frame. If the surge weren't such a lead brick. I still want one , but it would only live in the glove box or drawer.
The Surge is more than I need. I tried the Multiforce and had to return due to a faulty plier. I really like the Bibury(Wave clone)…very good. I will probably end up with Victorinox Spirit X. Thanks for your expertise.
Totally understandable. When I got the Surge I needed the biggest tool I could get and it was almost ideal. I’ve heard good things about the Bibury, but I have sooo many tools it’s tough to justify right now 😅 if you go with a Spirit X I’m sure you’ll like it
Nice review. I used an old American Camper for over 20 yrs and finally upgraded. Wave+ for every day carry, SuperTool 300M in the range bag, and the OHT in the truck.
The Surge is a good tool, but i find the regular Swisstool X to be superior. Think buildquality of the spirit, but way tankier. Still lighter than the surge and with the new clip or plastic holder unbeatable imho.
The tools with highest build quality IMO are the SwissTool Spirit and Charge+ TTI so I can see why the other SwissTool fits the bill for you. I love the Surge but it’s tolerances have always been a bit off/ in need of DIY adjustment
@@inkiron3907 my first multitool was a charge tti, sold that to get a swisstool. the charge hade space between the handles and inner workings, the saw snagged on the handle, the closing was rough. it had s30v blade, but rough edges everywhere. vic just is more precise and more value i think.
I don't have yall of those tools but I can 100 percent agree with you on the ones I have..for me the thin flathead on the surge is very useful and since it strong enough to had most 3/16 fasteners..I too out the factory Phillips no 1 /no2 combo woth the 3/16 flat on the other side..ans replaced it with the double Phillips flat bit woth the no 1 on once side and no 2 on the other so me and anyone who doesn't keep the factory bit it's useful... but I can see your point for a chisel ..lile the curl I like the tool set since I use a fill and never a saw..but I think leather show make ans option woth saw for the curl..and an option for a chisel instead of the small flat head for the surge.. I don't think they every will.. I think 20 percent of people are left handed or something like that and they never made a left handed wave. I don't need it but I thought with all the new stuff leathermans been doing I'd think as popular as the wave is they would do a left handed run
I considered the surge for a while, but for my needs I really just love the wave+ more and keep it in my bag in a charge-style nylon sheath so I can keep the extra bits, the extender and small streamlight flashlight in there. I also modded the sheath to include a belt clip instead of a loop. My everyday knife/tool though in the Leatherman Free K4 which gives me 70% of what I need in most situations and I always have the Wave+ kit nearby. Great video!
I bought my surge 2 years ago. LOVE IT! Before i bought it, i was really on the fence. I was about to get the gerber center drive. I still think about the center drive as a back up. But im super happy with the surge.
I don’t think the Surge and Center Drive compare. The CD’s main advantage is the driver. Other than that the Surge dominates IMO. I will admit the CD is more fun to fidget
What about Victorinox bigger brother to the spirit, the Swisstool X Plus? It’s more comparable to the surge than the spirit and overall better quality than Leatherman.
Oh Joe, you have sold me on the Surge (again). I have owned the first gen before, and I sold it, being too whiny about it's weight, yet every time I see a video about it I think "it really does have a great tool set, better than the P4". I know your hate towards the black finish, but I really like the look of it. Please your thoughts?
How I fixed the Oxide issues: ua-cam.com/video/ix5Wi_JU62g/v-deo.html. So basically my issues now are the two flathead drivers I never use. But I use every other tool on the Surge 😅 if pocket carry is too much, maybe belt/sheath carry? There are good aftermarket plastic sheaths on Shapeways or leather on Etsy… if weight really bugs you the Wave+ is pretty close in its tool set.
But my perfect tool isn’t perfect for everyone! Needs vary, and the community will always need different tools. If I find my perfect fit I’ll let everyone know
I have a Swisstool Spirit L and like it. I do keep looking at the Surge though, the t-shank holder makes it quite tempting. However, since I don't *need* to switch to a different multitool right now, the Spirit is working well enough for me, I'm stuck wondering whether it makes sense for me to buy the Surge now or to wait for what the next generation of Leatherman tools will look like first.
Since you have and like the SwissTool, I’d probably wait. Because if Leatherman goes magnetic build with a Surge tool set it would be awesome! Otherwise, you’ve got the next best thing already
It’s a damn good tool for being just a bit less capable than the Surge. Also, it looks stunning compared to basically all other tools in this video IMO. High price, but high quality
Recently I purchased the Surge based on your video and I have zero buyer’s remorse. I used coconut oil to loosen it up but I will try the diamond paste. I learned more about the file in your other video about the Surge you made back in 2022. You do an amazing job explaining every detail, incredibly pragmatic. The only thing that blows my mind is the cost of the Leatherman bit tool ratchet driver attachment is more expensive than the Surge itself, $199 while the non-ratchet bit driver is $25. Yeah the weight is far heavier than all other multi tools. I bought the Surge as my SHTF tool and if my life depended upon it. I might get our son the Ozark Trail Multi-force for $40, yeah that’s a great price and I know he would prefer a lighter weight tool as an EDC, especially after he graduates high school and goes off to college or trade school.
The internal tools aren’t what I need, and never were. It was better than no tool, but I’ve moved on. Also hunks of steel don’t have feelings, so who cares?
question yall i got a multi tool brand new and when i open one of the tools on it its scratchy like its rusted or something makes my skin crawl lol. so my question is what is causing this?
In my experience, it maybe the pivot. Too tight or too loose will let the blade rub the liner as it opens. Can be tricky to fix without the right driver bits. If your tool has a warranty, might be worth exchanging. Nobody should be selling you a tool that makes your skin crawl IMO
You have a collection. My wife would no go for it. I carry the P4 and works great. I have an office job and opening an Amazon box is about all I use it for
Surge is my edc now.... After using wave, wingman, suspension, suspension nxt, and swisschamp. The weight and the pocket clip problem are the only minor weakness for me...but i can always pouch carry it.
Great overview of multitools. I've had a few over the years (starting with the original PST) and my Charge is my go to carry with the Surge getting the call for those heavy duty days. I hope your work situation gets better soon.
Got my Suspension NXT for a month now. My first serious multitool. Using it for a month in outdoors I only have one nitpick: the saw. More specifically the lack of it. The rest of the tool is perfect for my needs and enjoyed it a lot this last month. I'll have it from now on for my urban edc, since in spain big knifes are not a thing you use in the city and this one is perfect, and will get the Swiss+Tech 17in1 for my outdoors activities since it has a reasonable good saw, bigger knife and bigger serrated blade. Since I don't abuse the tools I don't think I need a super expensive monster of a multitool, just a pair of good enough ones. PS: man, what a nice collection...
Thanks! I’m actually selling some of my tools because I want more space in my collection. You’re right, you don’t need a bunch of tools because even with my collection I have a trusted few that come with me regularly. And yeah, the lack of saw means the Suspension is urban carry oriented
I remember when the sidekick/wingman were $30 back when they actually were their budget option. Should probably be discontinued, definitely not worth the money anymore.
don't get me wrong, i love the surge, it's just so damn big and heavy. good to have around at your home or vehicle, but awful as an everyday carry. i find the Wave+ and the Free P4 much better for everyday carry as they have pocket clips and arent heavy.
The P4 was expensive, but is absolutely one the best investments I've ever made. I use it every single day for something.
i agree, the surge is the best i tested so far. i tested/handled about 20 multitools of all sizes since 1999. huge downside of the surge: its weight. im not a weak or small guy, working in gardening and construction often. its just too heavy, forget about wearing it on you the whole day at trousers. it will pull your trousers down. its also overkill for very most uses. only recommend it in a backpack, car or at home.
wave and wave + : annoying to pull out tools, not recommended. magnetic leathermans: incredible flimsy and unstable feeling, its shaking like wild, avoid those hardly and send leatherman a line for this crap.
gerber: had some around 2000, it broke after cutting some wire. id say avoid.
victorinox spirit: the by far best quality made tool from all. its a pity that us-americans are so often too patriotic/stubborn to confess this quality compared to leatherman and others. the spirit is for easy to medium work in gardening, construction, edc, bushcraft the best to carry and use with all tools you will need. no doubt at all. if you need more one-hand action, yes, most likely the wave + then. just dont forget: for pulling out the inner tools, you will need two hands and very tough fingernails and pain resistance.
all in all a good video with an unrealistic/patriotic view.
I’ve heard everyone say this and I have been carrying it on a pocket clip for a week now and can’t even tell the difference between the Surge and the Wave plus. On the belt sheath it came on it’s extremely cumbersome to wear. But in the pocket I have my phone in the same pocket no problem and they are just regular pants
I got the Roxon for 40 EUR. I felt it was a really good deal compared to the big brand names like Leatherman - the Surge being at least 100 EUR more. I was looking for a pliers-based multitool which has outboard tools, and has a metal file, a wood saw, and scissors. The metal file is indeed a bit useless, but at least it's there, and the flathead driver on it is also good. The wood saw works pretty well, and I love the design of the big, meaty scissors - this was one of the main features that attracted me; and I saw it having good potential to cut materials like tin, and it indeed does that quite well.
It's great that there are locking mechanisms for the blade, wood saw, and screwdriver (which also has a square base shape and that allows for the provided adapter and bits to bed used; nice to be able to have hex bits or a longer screwdriver available). The glass breaker is also a really nice bonus. The whole multitool, despite being Chinese, also feels very sturdy and everything snaps nicely and feels really good. Overall really good value for money IMO, despite the small flaws here and there.
China has a LONG history of ignoring patents and companies found applying for them in China actually speeds up their copying as they have detailed schematics.
Patents just mean they don't even buy 30 - 50 of your tools to break down and reverse engineer.
been using the swisstool original. the heavy duty version of the spirit line up. love it. got two surges in the past month. love them !
The surge is awesome but it really is a chonker. If I know I've got a lot on it comes with me. I'll carry the swisstool if I've got no plans because it's so comfortable but will do just about anything. The surprise model for me is the supertool 300. It's hard to say why but gravitate back to it. I think maybe because there is nothing quirky about and it's rock solid. I don't mind that all the tools are internal because for the same reason they're all in the same place.
None of them.
The only one multitool you really need is Victorinox 3.0339.L SwissTool X Plus (with ratchet & ¼bits) in leater sheath.
Add a 4" adjustable wrench in the sheath and you get a full functional compact toolbox.
Its main opponent is the Leatherman Surge. And Swisstool wins hands down in multiple fields IMO.
It is pricy, It is a little bit old, a little bit overdone in years, but nonetheless the real best multitool investment available around.
Skipped to hear why the Swisstool disappointed you, glad to hear it didn't 😄Got one from my dad as a gift before joining the army, didn't take it fearing if would be stolen, but used it ever since daily. Never let me down, holds up great, and needs very low maintenance.
Agreed! Love the SwissTool, it just wasn’t a direct competitor to the Surge. It’s an elegant and super useful tool in its own right
You should try the Large Swisstool. For me is a direct competitor to the Surge and better tool quality. I bend the small flat screwdriver and the big one snaps in half of my Surge in the first year. I have the large Swisstool for 20 years and never had an issue with it.
i am from switzerland and even if i like the leatherman more, i can fully agree with you. its the same with the standard pocket knifes - the quality is just awesome. if the swisstool would have small bits and a integrated screwdriver, i would switch right away.
Surge is a good tool no doubt, but I don't think it's the best EDC choice for MOST people. It's weight and size are good if you need heavy duty tools but most people wouldn't benefit enough
Spirit X all the way. I find the individual tools to just have the best design. Fit & Finish is unmatched + the lifetime warranty.
Black Wave + is my all time favorite. Not to heavy and easy to work with one hand if needed. When carrying a lot of equipment over long, technical terrain for a long time, weight becomes a focus. The black surge has been on my mind. Also like the OHT, but it needed modifications with a dremel to really shine. Nice review 👍
I’ve carried a Wave for almost 20 years. The old style had more limitations, but the current iteration I’ve found to be so versatile. If I were in the market right now for a new multitool and couldn’t get another Wave, I would consider the Surge and maybe the Ozark.
While the description says "tool only" it does come with one each of a bi-metal ua-cam.com/users/postUgkx0vyBwjtx9GGOuiqUVT2sRoYqmDoNT_RI and HCS blade plus an adaptor plate for non-DeWalt blades. Wish I had known that before I bought the blade kit, but oh well. Since I already have a DeWalt drill, charger and batteries there was no need to buy more of those so this was a great deal.There is one other consideration. DeWalt does't sell the depth guide separately so you need to buy the three parts which make it up -- the N275350 block assy, the N275341 metal rod and the N278801 knob. Amazon does sell all three.
Surge is King, I own many Leatherman's. My Charge Tti gets carried more cause of the weight. But if I had to only pick one of my tools to keep, it would be the Surge hands down.
I’ve had a few multi tools over the years since the more simple victorinox army knives from the 80s. The Surge is a perfected concept in my eyes. I don’t care about the weight so much. It’s the pure capability that makes it my clear favorite.
The Surge is as good as it gets from Leatherman rn. Some Victorinox offerings are quite refined as well. The SwissChamp is very handy, though I didn’t show that in this video
I got a Shrade Though when i was 8yo 30 years ago still have it and it do what you expect of it, when my uncle turned 60 we bought him the same tool the two mayor differences is mine came with a really nice leather sheath and his came with a cheap made sheath and i swear his tool has to be made in China the blade steel is softer the jaws are softer the whole tool seem to be made out of softer steel.
My multitool journey has been very different (obviously). My main use is outdoors so compact, light and reliable though the highly restrictive laws in the UK limit said outdoor use. The Bond might not be ideal to most but it's perfect for my uses here. Everything works, is reliable, compact, comparatively light, tough and it doesn't cost much more than your Ozark Trail multitool. If I need a knife based multitool Victorinox or Boker.
Great review, I agree, I edc the Surge almost everyday at work carrying the bit kit, bit extension and ratchet driver and pairing it up with my Crunch. I also have a pretty good collection of Leathermans and Gerbers. So I have my choice. I usually carry my Charge TTI using the pocket clip on my days off but may switch it out depending upon what’s happening that day. I have a lot of Victorinox pocket knives but yet to acquire a Swiss tool multi tool. I’ve been tempted though ‘just cause’ I’m a multi tool knife junkie 😁 but I still think it would take something substantial to replace my Surge for work. I’m an aircraft mechanic and it’s just got me out of a pinch so many times, sometimes many times a day. When your up 40 feet on the tail or in some cavity of the aircraft and you just need to do a little something but you don’t want to climb out to grab your tool bag it’s nice to have. Anyway thanks for your review.
I've never had a problem with my Centerdrive wire cutters... because I use them as intended, for wires... not stupid nails like idiot YT fanbois.
Have you tried the Leatherman Super Tool 300? I love mine and have EDC for the past 3 years. My buddy has been trying to get me to team Surge, but I prefer the simplicity and tool set.
I’ve reviewed an older Super Tool but I can’t get past all the tools being in the handles. I’m spoiled by the outboard tool designs. It’s a solid tool set though
I sold my leatherman surge to get another Swisstool, this time in black, an oh boy is it nice. No need to fiddle around to get the plier smooth, no sharp edges, just a very well refined tool right out of the box.
Sounds like a pretty fair trade. I’ve been eyeing the bigger SwissTool… I’d like to have it on the channel to compare with a Surge. The Victorinox tools have the most quality feel of all the brands IMO
I’d like the surge to have an s30v main blade
Great video! I, like you have many many pocket tools. I agree fully that hands down, the Surge is the champion! Unfortunately, due to its size I can’t always carry it. I also have several generations of Wave tools. I have a strong preference for the original Wave, but they’re all great tools. That said, I like my Sidekick! It’s my most carried tool because of its size and the pocket clip. I can’t always carry a larger tool so my default is the Sidekick. I’ve never had a problem with the pliers and it’s one handed operation is great. After I retire, the Wave will be my most carried companion. I’ve been looking at the Free P4. Watching reviews like yours, it’s easy to see that the P4 doesn’t compare with the better offerings from Leatherman. That said, I still might try it out. Can’t hurt… Lastly, I have several “like new” Flairs. Pulling it out at a party and using the pate knife and the cocktail weenie fork draws a lot of attention! Love it!!
Yeah the OG wave is a favorite of mine as well. I was given a busted one and sent it in to Leatherman and they sent back the newer version. and the only 2 things I like better are the scissors and removable pocket clip.
Certainly the best pliers-based multi-tool review 'I've ever seen and that includes TX Tool Crib. Well done, sir.
Thanks! TX Tool Crib is a great channel, I’m proud to have my videos be compared to Ben’s! 😁
I like the vid but disagree on Imperial Units. I work in Civil engineering and in several fields, it is much easier to use than imperial units. The most obvious to me is in hydrology where the measure of cfs, feet of head, and even the units which you must memorize are on a more understandable basis. It’s hard to imagine what one kilogram weighs and then try imagine the mass of water being 1000 kg per cubic meter. It only seems to make sense because it’s an easy number to remember. But it’s it still a lot harder to imagine to me than 62.4 lbs per cubic foot. A cubic meter in itself is larger and more difficult to imagine than a foot. For most people, 1 foot is the length of your forearm or if you have large feet, it could be about the size of your foot. My shoe size is almost exactly 1 foot. It’s easier to imagine how many pounds of material could fit in a smaller volume like a cubic foot than how many kilograms in a cubic meter. I would guess most Americans could accurately guess how long a foot is but would probably be closer to 30 or 42 inches when guessing how long a meter is. And you might say why does it matter if you can accurately imagine it if you can work the math. Because that’s the difference between theory and applied sciences. When it comes to application, if you are familiarized with the units and can imagine what 1 cfs is, if you ever make a mathematical error, you can use your own judgement to recognize that something is not in the right magnitude and double check your work. If you can’t imagine what kind result you should expect before arriving at an answer, then your blindly being lead. In the same way that the units are easier to imagine in hydrology, I would say the same is true for building and construction. The foot is a superior unit to a meter since it can much more accurately be judged. And I’m gonna double down even harder and say the 12 inches is freaking boss unit to compared to 100cm. It’s a more user friendly unit and it probably started from the trades. Unless we are looking at things from an only purely theoretical standpoint does metric start to have some advantages over the imperial system. IMO however, the entire use of science is for bettering application. It reminds me of Steve Jobs explaining that there may have been more advanced more programmer friendly softwares than what they used but they used what they did because it was more user friendly to the people who know nothing about programming. That’s the approach I take with Imperial units. I think it’s easier for people in trades to use and if it means people have to think a little harder at times because everything doesn’t round up to 10, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Soon enough, we will have AI which can do all our thinking for us. It’s not healthy for the mind; you use it or lose it. And the last reason for why US imperial units is simple; Merica! We do not need to bow the knee for Europe and abandon a system we have quite successfully used for a very long time. I find that where there is confusion about the US system, it’s partly because no one actually teaches it very well. I wasn’t even aware that a slug was a unit of Mass in the Imperial system until college which is depressing. I know for a fact that my high school tried to shove metric right down my throat and my fully American system just couldn’t handle it. Had to barf it right up. Then I got to college and realized there is a great way to teach imperial. It just isn’t done well in public schools. In any case, loved the video otherwise. Very good insight on all the different multitools!
Being uncomfortable learning a new system is not a reason to avoid implementing it. Like you said, they don’t teach measurement well in schools, but I guarantee most kids can imagine that one meter is the width of a twin bed and then start from that lived experience of the measurement for better estimation. You can take walking strides and divide those strides into cm or in to get a grasp of the units in relation to your own body. I learned metric in my 20s and I’m pretty good at estimating in both imperial and metric. You don’t have an “American system” inside you that can’t handle metric, just an excuse to be uncomfortable with change and acknowledging that other systems are just as valid as the ones you use. Neither measure my system is ingrained, numbers are completely made up; they’re a tool. But humans learn to use tools so well that anything can become like second nature.
I’m glad you appreciate the multitool rant and I appreciate you watching.
@@inkiron3907 I mean with what I had to learn, I am fully familiar with metric. You don’t get through engineering without having to learn it but I must admit (mostly joking about my American blood) that while metric was always kinda dull and difficult to imagine for me personally (and I was probably a bit better at estimating metric than many of the people I went to school with). I was actually a little shocked at how naturally certain sciences are more easy to approach IMO (and that was before I had a bias toward an imperial) with the imperial system. Maybe it is just that I was already very familiar with imperial but I still have a huge preference toward it. I think your argument also works in my favor as well. I think the public school system is much more inclined to teach metric these days over imperial and it just sort of bugs me that I feel I didn’t really get the workload in public school growing up which would have made imperial more natural because they didn’t teach it well. It wasn’t until college that I felt I was being taught by people who actually had a good grasp on how to make the imperial system work for you. The numbers are not rounded to some perfect 10 but in a way, that became confusing for me since every variable I should memorize was almost the same number instead of being a distinct number which I associate with one particular variable. Still a great video though. I am thinking about picking up a surge and potentially getting a multi force. I haven’t heard as many people heap praise on the surge like you have but seeing the tools, I think I must agree about how the Surge seems better.
I believe Charge+ tti is the best if you can look over the cost. Its compact, tough, not heavy, has titanium handles and a super steel blade. It's really expensive though.
Charge TTI definitely feels the most premium of mid-duty tools. Personally, I prefer the tool set on the SwissTool. Though S30V is one of my favorite steels… basically, I’m keeping both of them in my collection lol
Your can't beat the replacable wire cutters Leatherman Tools come with as well.
Appreciate the discussion. The only pliers based multitool I have is a Leatherman Juice S2 v1. I've been considering adding a larger Leatherman and have been going back and forth between the Surge and the Charge. I rarely need pliers and when I do the Juice is fine for me. Basically, I really need to figure out why I want a larger Leatherman. The biggest hurdle for me to get over is the size and weight. I don't see myself carrying something as big as the Surge daily and it feels like a waste to leave it in my glove compartment to use once a month.
If you rarely need pliers a Victorinox style tool might suit. My SwissChamp is almost as good as my Leatherman Surge but I can’t detach its file. It even has small pliers that come in handy without the same bulk as a plier-based tool
I daily carry my original leatherman wave, owned for about 12 years, my other favorite is my leatherman super tool 300
Nice choices. I’ve considered the Super Tool but I’m a huge fan of the external tools on the Surge. Thanks for watching!
I also went on a similar journey, started and love my Surge, tried a few others. Still edc my surge, use it for automotive work and home improvement the most and it never lets me down. Even used the saw to remove dying/sick branches off trees and did it quick and fast. I did the micro screwdriver mod, but other than that perfect from the get go
Excellent, thank you! Yes, Surge has been my number one for 7 years as well. Although I must admit, I like the Leatherman Free P2 as well, because of access to the tools on outside (as opposed to having to open a multi tool to get at the inside tools). Plus the Free P2 magnetic architecture is pretty cool as well.
Undeniably cool magnetic architecture on the Free series, but I just want a better tool set. It’s almost a Wingman inside and almost twice the price… so the Surge is still top of my most-used tools
Good overview of these multi-tools, useful for experienced folks as well as "newbies"...The Surge comes with a plain sheath. I believe there are optional offerings which include a second inner pocket & pockets on the outside for an optional bit driver & flashlight...the bit kit is also optional, you can buy one set of bits or both...The Surge also includes a sleeve that contains the file...the wood saw is in the tool...you can add two Bosch metal jig saw - type blades in the included sleeve to give you additional capability...a great thing about the Surge is the opportunity to set up your tool & accessories to fit your needs...the Wave is a nice alternative to those who do not want the weight & size of the Surge...My best wishes that you will be back in the saddle soon...
Thanks for watching! I appreciate the concern, I’m actively interviewing 👍
@@inkiron3907 Good luck!
Truly excellent review. I have a slight disagreement with your Surge vs. Wave comparison. The Surge is indeed the better tool overall, but it's like carrying a brick around. The Wave is a better urban carry option. I'm glad to see somebody beside Ben from TX Tool Crib give the Multiforce its props. It's a pretty amazing tool for $40. Yeah,, the file is pretty lame, but the scissors are as good as anybody's, including Victorinox.
I have the surge, charge TTI ( I love the gut-hook), wave, the OHT and the Signal. You’re right. Surge is absolute boss. But it’s huge. I have a few gerbers that are just in my fishing kits. And that’s about it. I’d like to try some victorinox.
Same thing in EU we pay 35%more Leatherman but I like Leatherman and I must buy Swiss tool but not black like Stainley steal.
The Surge was my 3rd Leatherman I bought. I really wish it was my first. It’s really is the best multitool
I think so too. I’ll be excited if anything manages to best it!
You say no others are better than the surge, but none even approach the price of a surge. Would have been a great review if you had taken into account the price difference.. the Roxon is an absolute beast for 40$, absolutely beating any leatherman even at the 70-80$ price point, same for something like the Gerber Truss, that has as much utility as a wave+ for half the cost.
So, what's the point of doing a "review" if every time you take another multitool, you compare it to something 2 or 3 times the price ?
Yeah, that 180 000$ is better than that 40 000$ ford, don't buy it guys.. kinda useless
I have five leatherman tools including a signal, super tool and skeletool however I have just bought myself a Swiss tool and it is so much better quality and by far my favourite
The surge and the 300 supertool were my favorites until I got a skeletool CX for $20. It’s been my daily now.
Some of leathermans tools should be retired. Like the side kick. Im not paying 60+ for a tool orignally designed to be entry level at 29.99. I can't use the P series. I can't use magnets in my field of work it picks up all iron dust. The regualr tools are already magnets for this stuff but they are eaier to clean off. Leathermans warranty is top notch. I've many models and broke maybe 5-6 of them and have been warrantied without issue. My orignal charge TTI has been sent back twice. My surge a few times, i snaped that little indent on the crunch ive broken blade tips off. I've put them through the ringer covered in mud for days on end they hold up. With that said, if they change their warranty, i no longer need to buy leathermans.
I would say the closest competitor to the surge is the charge plus and they hit you for 180
Thank you for the great review! What about leatherman signal? Does anyone have experience with it?
Bibury 19 in 1 ($25 wave plus)
Bibury 32 in 1 ($40 surge)
Swiss tech 18 in ($35 wave plus, aliexpress)
You didn't mention, that the SOG PA has a bitdriver in the front when it's closed.
And the piece you put the bitdriver adapter on, us actually a 1/4 driver, so you can use it with small nuts.
Anybody who puts evil Fiskars in the same category as Leatherman, I can’t take seriously.
The goat is my favourite multi tool, plus I like the Roxon S801S Strom
Multiforce is much better than nxt. I really don't like nxt. It is so weak and out of alignment. Gerber mp is super durable. My favorites are skeletool rebar and wave. Multiforce is close to a wave but much less expensive, and it's regular bit holder is better imho. You talked me into getting a surge soon😁
I can't believe people like Leatherman tools for their price. If they'd be at least 50% cheaper then they'd be ok, otherwise .. jesus they're abysmal compared to victorinox
I wish Leatherman would put the surge tool set. on a wave\charge frame. If the surge weren't such a lead brick. I still want one , but it would only live in the glove box or drawer.
Got the sp 300 and the only problem is the proprietary bits are garbage so you need to carry a bit extender and actual bits
The Surge is more than I need. I tried the Multiforce and had to return due to a faulty plier. I really like the Bibury(Wave clone)…very good. I will probably end up with Victorinox Spirit X. Thanks for your expertise.
Totally understandable. When I got the Surge I needed the biggest tool I could get and it was almost ideal. I’ve heard good things about the Bibury, but I have sooo many tools it’s tough to justify right now 😅 if you go with a Spirit X I’m sure you’ll like it
The wave would be nice with an s30 v blade, I think I prefer the wave to the charge
A great collection! I am jealous! The best breakdown/summary of each! Thank you!
Thanks! It was way too much money but I’m glad I can share videos of all these crazy things 😂 hopefully my fans need only buy the best
Im 100% with you on this one the leatherman surge is the best multi tool
I am about to make a multitool site were you can pick your version with a change in basic options nobody cares about all stupid shit.
@ink&iron what do you think of the Leatherman pulse?
Nice review. I used an old American Camper for over 20 yrs and finally upgraded. Wave+ for every day carry, SuperTool 300M in the range bag, and the OHT in the truck.
I like the 3 flatheads on PST and Super Tool. I use them all, according to the application.
The Surge is a good tool, but i find the regular Swisstool X to be superior. Think buildquality of the spirit, but way tankier. Still lighter than the surge and with the new clip or plastic holder unbeatable imho.
The tools with highest build quality IMO are the SwissTool Spirit and Charge+ TTI so I can see why the other SwissTool fits the bill for you. I love the Surge but it’s tolerances have always been a bit off/ in need of DIY adjustment
@@inkiron3907 my first multitool was a charge tti, sold that to get a swisstool. the charge hade space between the handles and inner workings, the saw snagged on the handle, the closing was rough. it had s30v blade, but rough edges everywhere. vic just is more precise and more value i think.
The pst impressed the crap out of me. I wish Leatherman quality stayed that good.
I don't have yall of those tools but I can 100 percent agree with you on the ones I have..for me the thin flathead on the surge is very useful and since it strong enough to had most 3/16 fasteners..I too out the factory Phillips no 1 /no2 combo woth the 3/16 flat on the other side..ans replaced it with the double Phillips flat bit woth the no 1 on once side and no 2 on the other so me and anyone who doesn't keep the factory bit it's useful... but I can see your point for a chisel ..lile the curl I like the tool set since I use a fill and never a saw..but I think leather show make ans option woth saw for the curl..and an option for a chisel instead of the small flat head for the surge.. I don't think they every will.. I think 20 percent of people are left handed or something like that and they never made a left handed wave. I don't need it but I thought with all the new stuff leathermans been doing I'd think as popular as the wave is they would do a left handed run
Rebar?
Never tried it
I considered the surge for a while, but for my needs I really just love the wave+ more and keep it in my bag in a charge-style nylon sheath so I can keep the extra bits, the extender and small streamlight flashlight in there. I also modded the sheath to include a belt clip instead of a loop. My everyday knife/tool though in the Leatherman Free K4 which gives me 70% of what I need in most situations and I always have the Wave+ kit nearby.
Great video!
I bought my surge 2 years ago. LOVE IT! Before i bought it, i was really on the fence. I was about to get the gerber center drive. I still think about the center drive as a back up. But im super happy with the surge.
I don’t think the Surge and Center Drive compare. The CD’s main advantage is the driver. Other than that the Surge dominates IMO. I will admit the CD is more fun to fidget
@@inkiron3907 you right they dont compare, i see that now. Not that its a huge difference but i preferred the center drive plus over the regular cd
Gerber Suspension (Gen1) serves my purpose just fine.
Garbage 🗑
What about Victorinox bigger brother to the spirit, the Swisstool X Plus? It’s more comparable to the surge than the spirit and overall better quality than Leatherman.
If I had one I’d have definitely mentioned it. Looks like a great tool but I have no personal experience
C00l😀😀😀😀
Oh Joe, you have sold me on the Surge (again). I have owned the first gen before, and I sold it, being too whiny about it's weight, yet every time I see a video about it I think "it really does have a great tool set, better than the P4". I know your hate towards the black finish, but I really like the look of it. Please your thoughts?
How I fixed the Oxide issues:
ua-cam.com/video/ix5Wi_JU62g/v-deo.html. So basically my issues now are the two flathead drivers I never use. But I use every other tool on the Surge 😅 if pocket carry is too much, maybe belt/sheath carry? There are good aftermarket plastic sheaths on Shapeways or leather on Etsy… if weight really bugs you the Wave+ is pretty close in its tool set.
The surge is amazing, the only problem is the weight and bulk... for now i'll stick to the wave+
Walmart 15 in one. $15.96 you are welcome
They will never make the perfect multi tool because you would quit buying multi tools.
But my perfect tool isn’t perfect for everyone! Needs vary, and the community will always need different tools. If I find my perfect fit I’ll let everyone know
Great info just got a bibury 31 and 1
Mini sog lp1002 is better than the big sog
Thanks, I'm looking for a multitool and was thinking about a P4, but you've sold me on the Surge.
If you’re going to have one good tool I’ll always recommend the Surge 😎 thanks for watching
My Surge is stiff as a board. I've tried everything to get it to loosen up and I've had mine for about 3yrs.
I had the same issue but then I tried this: Black Oxide Surge Broken In With Diamond Paste! It Actually Works!
ua-cam.com/video/ix5Wi_JU62g/v-deo.html
I have a Swisstool Spirit L and like it. I do keep looking at the Surge though, the t-shank holder makes it quite tempting. However, since I don't *need* to switch to a different multitool right now, the Spirit is working well enough for me, I'm stuck wondering whether it makes sense for me to buy the Surge now or to wait for what the next generation of Leatherman tools will look like first.
Since you have and like the SwissTool, I’d probably wait. Because if Leatherman goes magnetic build with a Surge tool set it would be awesome! Otherwise, you’ve got the next best thing already
Well done…agree with you…Surge all the way. (Pros and cons) I might be interested in the Swiss spirit.
It’s a damn good tool for being just a bit less capable than the Surge. Also, it looks stunning compared to basically all other tools in this video IMO. High price, but high quality
Recently I purchased the Surge based on your video and I have zero buyer’s remorse. I used coconut oil to loosen it up but I will try the diamond paste. I learned more about the file in your other video about the Surge you made back in 2022. You do an amazing job explaining every detail, incredibly pragmatic. The only thing that blows my mind is the cost of the Leatherman bit tool ratchet driver attachment is more expensive than the Surge itself, $199 while the non-ratchet bit driver is $25. Yeah the weight is far heavier than all other multi tools. I bought the Surge as my SHTF tool and if my life depended upon it. I might get our son the Ozark Trail Multi-force for $40, yeah that’s a great price and I know he would prefer a lighter weight tool as an EDC, especially after he graduates high school and goes off to college or trade school.
abuses the heat treatment on a gerber suspension and then doesn't recommend it. It's an absolute killer tool for the money.
The internal tools aren’t what I need, and never were. It was better than no tool, but I’ve moved on. Also hunks of steel don’t have feelings, so who cares?
Love your content, Joe. Cheers!
question yall i got a multi tool brand new and when i open one of the tools on it its scratchy like its rusted or something makes my skin crawl lol. so my question is what is causing this?
In my experience, it maybe the pivot. Too tight or too loose will let the blade rub the liner as it opens. Can be tricky to fix without the right driver bits. If your tool has a warranty, might be worth exchanging. Nobody should be selling you a tool that makes your skin crawl IMO
@@inkiron3907 would you say the swiss or leatherman is the better brand durability or functionality wise?
You have a collection. My wife would no go for it.
I carry the P4 and works great. I have an office job and opening an Amazon box is about all I use it for
GO SURGE OR GO HOME.
Get a MP800 Gerber Legion probably one of best out of my 60 plus multitool’s better then my Surge
I got the freep4, and I love it. I do think it is probably the weakest leatherman you can get for the price tho
Hi from Israel. Just got my Surge and wow, it's one fine piece of kit!
Your review was "not amazing."
Thanks
hi ! betwin surge and charge tti plus what do you suggest?
Cowabunga.!
The dual force won't close if it's in the widest position.
My problem with my surge is that the blade dulls so fast.
👍
Surge is my edc now.... After using wave, wingman, suspension, suspension nxt, and swisschamp. The weight and the pocket clip problem are the only minor weakness for me...but i can always pouch carry it.
I hear that! If I’m going out the door not knowing what I’m running into that day, the Surge is with me
What you got left? How much?
Great overview of multitools. I've had a few over the years (starting with the original PST) and my Charge is my go to carry with the Surge getting the call for those heavy duty days. I hope your work situation gets better soon.
Surge still the best
Got my Suspension NXT for a month now. My first serious multitool. Using it for a month in outdoors I only have one nitpick: the saw. More specifically the lack of it. The rest of the tool is perfect for my needs and enjoyed it a lot this last month. I'll have it from now on for my urban edc, since in spain big knifes are not a thing you use in the city and this one is perfect, and will get the Swiss+Tech 17in1 for my outdoors activities since it has a reasonable good saw, bigger knife and bigger serrated blade.
Since I don't abuse the tools I don't think I need a super expensive monster of a multitool, just a pair of good enough ones.
PS: man, what a nice collection...
Thanks! I’m actually selling some of my tools because I want more space in my collection. You’re right, you don’t need a bunch of tools because even with my collection I have a trusted few that come with me regularly. And yeah, the lack of saw means the Suspension is urban carry oriented
The scissors are a let down too :/ original suspension is way better except its lacking a file.... Yet to find something that's a keeper myself.
The Surge master of all👍
great review by the way
Agree with you with the need of a Surge gen.2.
Gen.3
Can't go wrong with a Surge 👍
Absolutely the GOAT !
You prefer very feature heavy tools, just like I do 😆
Thanks for the metric shout out !
If I’m gonna carry it I need it to be heavy duty!
Metric is the future