I bought the original Leatherman wave in 1999 and it finally gave up the ghost last month. I had sharpen the blades down to where there was really nothing left and I had worn all the screwdrivers down to knobs. I just bought a Leatherman surge and this is an Enormous upgrade. This is definitely worth every penny.
I bought a Surge as an impulse buy off Amazon. Regretted spending $130 on a tool I probably won't use. But figured its already being shipped, I'll use for a couple of days, won't like it and ship it back for a refund. That was back in January. Now it's always on my belt and I use it almost everyday at work
@@txtoolcrib mine got shipped out with a #2 Robertson bit. When I found that out that almost sealed the deal. But the saw came in handy, the pliers and cutters were super useful and the large flat head is perfect fit for a component on site
@@txtoolcrib To my taste it is a perfect review of the multitool. I like your detailed coverage of each tool from the real usage perspective. The more details the better for me, as it is also educational. Some tools I am not using in my every-day life at home, so listening to how you use them in your heavy- duty applications gives me ideas about how to use my tools more, therefore I am listening to your review even for the multitool I already have ! And of course it is very clear and detailed explanation about Surge specifically, so finally I understood what is it good for . I enjoyed to watch a number of your reviews already and I wish you the best from Ukraine! Thank you a lot !
I very much appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to watch my videos. I hope that you will find the rest of my content as informative. I strive to be informative and honest as I can in every product that I review while incorporating my perspective as a blue collar worker. I have made some modifications to my personal Leatherman Surge that you might enjoy, you can find them titled under "Leatherman Super Surge" in my playlist. Warmest wishes from the United States of America.
Thanks for the review! I learned some new things about my favourite tool 😃 New Surge in black oxide was both my first (and as of today) my last multitool. I’m more of a white collar guy, but I’ve always loved tinkering with stuff and even today I prefer to repair both stuff in my flat and my car myself (also, I’m known among my friends as “the guy to ask for help with fixing pretty much anything”), so the Surge was my most obvious choice. It’s not the lightest or most compact multitool, but that’s a price I’m willing to pay for having a toolbox on my belt. That’s my first comment on your channel, so I just want to say that I absolutely love your content. Keep it up! Greetings from Poland!
I think I am pretty much of the same mindset that you are sir. I think the trade off of the weight of the surge is counteracted by the usefulness. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and for watching my channel. Thank you.
TX Tool Crib And thank *you*, sir! Your channel was one of my greatest recent discoveries on UA-cam. You’re doing a great job, much appreciated 😃 You’ve earned a loyal subscriber 😉
Great review; much respect for guys in the trades doing reviews of tools they use everyday. There is a wisdom and a sobriety here that shows genuine mastery of the tool system. Couple thoughts on some of the carry options for the new guys in the room: 1. The lanyard loop. I see a lot of people disparaging the carrying of a huge MT on a lanyard, and I agree - lanyards are for arborists and maybe people who work on boats. However, adding a 1.5in lanyard with a button or a nut on the end can really help you get the Surge out of its pouch while wearing gloves. If you make the lanyard bright it helps you identify it when you said it down. I'm sure that's why Leatherman keeps putting the lanyard loop on their tools. 2. Being able to attach the pocket clip to the Surge is an absolute *game-changer* for folks who need a heavy duty MT but also wear coveralls with no belt. For real. 100%. When I got into the pipe trades a few years ago and started wearing high viz traffic bibs every day, MT carry became a huge issue. I ended up giving up on my ST300 (which I carried and LOVED as a landscaper) simply for lack of a comfortable way to carry it in coverall pockets. I switched to my Wave because of the clip; and plan to upsize that to a Surge one day when the funds align. The Surge is the only MT of this size with a reliable clip, and that is a huge deal for some of us out there.
No kidding! I wear overalls every day and carry my multitools in my bib pocket. It's indeed heavy, but I can't stand having a big ole tool swinging around in my pocket while I'm walking.
I got my surge 2 days and I've already used it a lot! Such a handy thing to carry. I teach gas engineers in the UK at a private training center and it's so handy to have what is essentially a tool kit on my belt at all times. Thanks for the videos, you've been the reason I went down the surge route. 👍
I've been using my surge daily for years. Still works as good as its first day. One issue that I've had personally is when using the pliers. Sometimes it bites the skin in my hand as I clamp down on something and it slips off. As you can see when it's in pliers formation, the handles do touch and that can cause pinching.
Great video. 100% agree with everything in this video. I've been using my 1st generation Surge since I received it as a gift in 2008 and it's still going. The best tool I've ever owned.
12:00 is mind blowing!! I haven't had thought of an idea how to strip wire so easily with Surge, until you shows how to pinch the wire with thumb in unlocked position. That is juat really inspirational!!
Isn’t 420 steel softer than more premium steel, making less brittle therefore less likely to snap , this is what I’m given to understand. Please tell me your opinion on this
Another good review Ben. It's amazing to me that bona fide blue collar professionals are using these high end multi tools even on the job and for service calls. It's making me rethink the whole multi tool philosophy of use. Also amazed how far manufacturers of them have come in the usability and functionality of them. To echo the comments of some others "the surge is a beast"
thx for the review, I´ve got a original "Leatherman tool" for about 28 years, still with the original leather holster and this thing has been around the world, accompaning me every single vacation almost over the last 28 years (asia, europe, hiking, africa, mauritius, usa, seychelles, indonesia, aso.). I´ve build two houses with it and used it for several jobs inside the house or working on my guitars / amps. It still works flawlessly, but now, it´s time for something completely different.... ;-) and you´ve made my decision so much easier. thx again!!
@@koga8100 I´m kinda pedantic with my stuff. I cut a hot wire with it once and the marks are still on the blade....just to remind me, to never do that again :-)
The awl section was loose on mine and I was tempted to send it back cause of that, but instead I bought two torx screwdrivers and tightened it myself. 100% satisfied with this thing. I love it. They should not bother with the tamper proof torxes tho. That's me speaking from a perspective that considers most people 'honest and with good intent', aka, "I just want to tighten or loosen this up a bit".
The way you review tools is just awesome, Ben. I followed you since your Free review which you pointed out the cons when others were just excited about them and couldn't find the disadvantages in them ✌🏼✌🏼 By the way, I'm gonna buy a surge soon and I chose the complete black version that comes with bit kit and extender and molle sheath... Just wanted to ask you about the colors, which one do you prefer and why?! Thanks so much, and keep it up man! 👊🏻
Thank you, I really appreciate you following my videos. Really does mean a lot. I prefer the regular stainless version for work. When I'm away from work though, I actually like the black/silver version of tools. I tried to do an all black Surge once, it just wasn't me. Vehicles today are being sold in blacked out editions more and more. While I love the look of them, I wouldn't own one for myself. Everyone has their own style. I honestly don't have a good reason as to why I don't carry black oxide multi tools, except that it just doesn't suit my personality I guess. I do think they look sharp though. There is one exception. I think the blacked out version of the Charge+ is one awesome looking multi tool.
I have just purchased a Surge and your review proved very useful in helping me find my way around it and access its features, especially the ones Leatherman does not acknowledge/promote. Thanks a lot.
I've used the 300 and "new" Surge simultaneously through the years. The Surge beats out the 300 in my warehouse work; the 300 tends to go with me outdoors (camping, hiking, honey-do work, etc.). The most used tools are the plier/wire cutters and the file. (The tools I never use, on all my Leathermans, are the can/bottle openers.) I prefer the Rebar over the Wave. (My favorite Leatherman, edc, is the Blast.) Great review, very thought provoking, Ty.
When looking at getting a good large multi tool, I briefly thought about purchasing a Surge. The Surge is a great tool. I love the outside accessible scissors and replaceable t-shank blades. It is just too heavy for me to carry. The Wave+ does everything I need and is a good size and weight. I would love to get the Surge, but I probably would leave it at home because of the weight. Maybe one day I will purchase one for the collection.
Good review. You're missing a couple things though. The large screwdriver is a scraper. Take the file off and file down the leading edge square as a scraper should be filed. Also the way the screwdriver bit is angled slightly is perfect when the tool is half open and used like a conventional screwdriver without slipping. Use the diamond side of the file to sharpen the knife. I've had mine for ten years in a steel mill and use it daily. So much so I can manipulate the entire tool with one hand. Mine doesn't have the replaceable cutters but I've cut many 1/8 inch 7018 welding rods no problem. I have to disagree with the scissors though..the spring is not strong enough and it slips where it's attached to the frame losing spring tension. Mines beat but nothing is wiggly. I'm gonna buy a new one but this time I'm getting the stainless one so when I drop it in a dark, dingy hole in a dark, dingy steel mill I'll see it easier when i shine my flash light on it. I agree though S30V for the blade steel would be nice.
Well, this is my first multitool, and I've been using it quite a lot since I got it earlier this year. I sometimes ask myself how could I have ever lived without it! Weight hasn't been an issue for me as I didn't have anything else to compare it to, but gosh the rest feels so cheap now because of their lighter weight 🙈🤣 In all honesty, the Surge definitely has a lot to offer as part of my EDC, and the bit kit and ratchet extender does complete the Surge even more. Money well spent for sure
Great Video. The Leatherman Surge is my favorite multitool. It is made for work. It just feels solid and you have confidence that it’s built like a tank.
Ben, I've watched alot of your comparison videos and I used to hear you talking about the Surge, many times using it in comparison and I would think man he really likes that tool. I've carried and used different types of Leatherman products since their beginning in the early 80s lately the Wave+ and it was awesome, served me well but I still felt there was a bit missing in my work EDC. So after many videos (yours included) and reading on the web I bit the bullet and purchased a Surge and I compliment it with the bit kit, bit extension and ratchet driver and I have to say...wow!! You and everyone else were right. I think I'd be hard pressed to find a multitool that even comes close. I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade so I want tools that are gonna work and Leatherman tools work and my Surge really works 😄 thanks for the great videos and great info you provide.
If the Surge is king, then the ST300 is the queen, Rebar is the Prince, Crunch the Court Jester, and the Wave the King’s favorite son, and heir to the throne. I could go all GOT, but please don’t make me.
I worked in construction and switched careers to trucking. But I still carry a multitool, it’s just now I use the tool set in mine differently. Now I use the wire cutters in my wave to cut the seals on trailers. I’ve used the pliers to replace the rubber seals in my air hoses. Plus being out on the road all day, it’s good to have a few tools at the ready just in case. I’ve even been thinking about picking up a leatherman crunch, to leave in the truck so I can pinch off small air hoses in an emergency. What’s nice about multitools is there is one for anyone. Just gotta find the one that fits your daily life best. For me I started off on the rebar but I wanted the bit kit and scissors so I just switched and retired my rebar.
I love the Surge. What a beast it is. That t-shank holder is truly exclusive. There are almost no dedicated ones to buy. The Surge is the best option for that. I also love the reamer, the pliers/cutters, can opener, and blades. I could live without the fixed flatheads. And the scissors are good, although the cutting edge is a little short for such a large tool, and the thumb rest is a little too far away from the body of the tool for my liking. Still, this is the best heavy duty multi-tool around hands down. Great review Ben. I just watched it again and realized I had not commented or liked, so I rectified that now. :D
Thanks for making this thorough video. I currently use a wave and I’ve really been wanted something bigger, I find myself looking at this all the time.
I think another that EVERYONE forgets, is the safety the surge has. Try opening a blade with the pliers open. You can't. There's a pin that comes out and sticks through the well of the knives, preventing them from opening
I enjoyed the review. I've been carrying my Surge for a few years now and it's a real work horse. The t-shank is my favorite feature. I use a Bosch metal blade because it's real handy to have a little hacksaw on me. I don't notice the weight but it sags any belt not 3 inches wide. Of all the changes I'd like to see, I think I'd appreciate a better case the most.
Thank you sir. That t-shank feature is really nice, I agree. Can’t argue about belt sag either, very valid point. Much like yourself though, the weight is a non factor for me. Thanks for watching.
The other beauty of this is that you can store the saw tucked away beside (and slightly pinched against) the serated blade so you are carrying around a file and saw at the same time without taking up any more room in your pocket! Totally agree with all your opinions on mods and the ultility and importance of the bit driver.
@@txtoolcrib I find it easiest to open the blade slightly, tuck the saw blade in with the teeth face down and the "T" end at the hinge end then close the blade carefully onto it. It fits tight and I've never had it slip out. Makes access to the serated blade a little more painful, but worth it to have both a saw and the files always with you. I also prefer the file to be part of the "interchange" system, because you can use the diamond file to sharpen the blades of the tool without carrying around a separate sharpener.
I have to say this is the best review of the surge I have seen. You covered the tool well and even put your extensive experience with it and gave some great ideas for additional uses and several improvements that Leatherman could do to improve. I would love to see a pry bar on the large screw driver and agree that the small screwdriver can be replaced ed with something else. Again awsome review thank you.
I really think you can’t go wrong with the Surge so long as weight is not an issue. It is, in my opinion, the most capable multi tool that has ever been produced. It is why i have carried it for 13 years now.
@Hendrik Garnkäufer , try getting a gun belt; the leather is much thicker, and provides excellent support for items that would normally weigh you down. Amazon has a wide variety of gun belts, in different colors----AND in price ranges. A decent belt can be had for $35-$45 USD...
@Hendrik Garnkäufer I wear an additional belt for just carrying a Surge, so I can get the trouser 'secured' and not fall down when I have to pee (sorry) in standing position. Is it too much of my behavior?
I wish they brought back the eyeglass thing, I actually use that and man that smaller driver is just plain redundant and useless. Whoever made that decision needs to get fired. Please bring it back Leatherman 😫
Great review on a classic! I own the original Surge along with the updated version in silver and black. I took the eyeglass bit holder from the original and replaced the slim screwdriver on the updated silver one when I first got it. The only other tool I have that's heavily moded is my PS4 "Frankentool". That goes with me everywhere on my keychain. I own a Free P2 and for some reason can't pull the lever on a P4 yet...probably because it can't compare to the Surge. I've seen a guy with 3D printed upgrades for the P2 and P4 on Shapeways that incorporates the bit driver and he is still prototyping a t-shank mod. He has sheaths for them as well. Interesting stuff. Ideally I would have the Surge in my bag, the PS4 on my keys and pocket/sheath carry the P4 with his mods. I might try to purchase a used wingman and see if I can get the package opener on my Surge. Anyway, great video. I've been enjoying all your reviews!
I gave my surge to my son when he was deployed in the Middle East, he absolutely loves it. So i started carrying my swisstool. Although the machining is excellent on the swisstool, i much prefer the surge. I'm going to have to pick another one up.
Great video, thanks. I'm probably going to end up buying a Surge. I honestly, after 20 years, wore out a Victorinox Swiss Tool X. It breaks my heart that Victorinox does not offer repair parts for it. I could just buy a new one but ran across the Surge in my shopping process and there are many things on it that I wish I had on the Victorinox.
Thank you very much for your detailed review. I found it very useful indeed as I am considering buying a Surge myself. Just one question; how tough is the main blade? I don't mean the metal used but I noticed that the main blade is held in place by a single pivot. When its deployed, does it feel solid when cutting etc or does it tend to bend or flex a bit?
Ben; your EXCELLENT, THOROUGH, AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING SURGE UPGRADE( especially the BLISTER PACK CUTTER) reccommendations make for a NEW SURGE LIMITED EDITION! The addition of the best of all LEATHERMAN accessories has to offer is well OVERDUE. Have you noticed there are too many after-market clone multitools creeping up with the features you mentioned in this video?? I hope LEATHERMAN SERIOUSLY takes your SURGE UPGRADE suggestions seriously. This newly redesigned SERGE would be a true Multitool winner!!
I wonder about the heat treat... snapped my flat driver on my rebar yesterday morning with my thumb checking the lock.(the lock wasn't working properly)
Thx very for the video. I’ve been agonizing over which multi tool I’m gonna ask for for Christmas, and your video has validated my choice. To be fair I have vacillated between this, the Wave+, and the MUT, my main application being camping/recreational firearms. The Wave is lighter and slimmer (and cheaper) but doesn’t have the robust pair of scissors or the blade exchanger. The MUT has some cool firearm specific tools, but no scissors or files. The Gerber Center Drive has the best bit driver design, but their overall quality is just not up to Leatherman standards. I could do without can openers, and if there is already a bit driver then I have no need whatsoever for extra flatheads. If I could design my own perfect MT it would be a Surge/MUT/Gerber Center Drive hybrid, with a premium steel blade like the Charge or the brand new Arc, and with the magnetic technology of the Free Series. Multi-tools can be quite frustrating, none of them having quite everything you want and all having something you don’t. You just have to pick the one that comes closest, and for me that one appears to be the Surge. Now my dilemma is, Christmas is still a month away. Can I really wait that long?
Ive been using the skeletool since it came out. I use it for work, now im looking for another leatherman for a EDC. Would you choose the wave or surge? It would be in my pocket because my buck 916 takes all of the room on my hip.
Good Video TexI own a Wave +, Rbar, Mil Issue Gerber 600, and the Ozark Tr Multiforce but the Surge has so much capability, you know what would be cool? a Marlin Spike attachment Tool to be fitted like the Saw/File, is that connection strong as far as twist motion puss pull? That would be a cool capabilty to have in the Salvage/Towing/ Maritime industry
I'm thinking it may possible to replace the second (friggen SECOND??? ) knife blade with a second saw / file / metal saw / etc blade holder! // I am going to try tihs .. even if I have to buy an entire second surge for parts
For the life of me ... why on earth would a Multi-Tool have TWO Friggen knife blades??? .. what a waste of space ..literally insane as far as I am concerned ...
I have the Surge and it is built like a tank. The Surge however looks like it was built by out of work loggers from the pacific northwest. The Victorinox Swiss Tool and Swiss X look like they were built by a precision Swiss watchmaker. No comparison in quality.
Ben : Both knife blades should not flip open that far open. In my opinion. Not Yours? Letherman should SIMPLY cut out the blades such as to not go that far (about 1mm at the axis). I have two (black) Surges. I envisage ask a capable person to consider weld/carve the proposed modification. But if Leatherman could change the stamp-out of futur models and sell as loose replacement blades that would be awesome. Yes improovement is always possible but I'm disappointed they don't adopt that/an ongoing modification attitude for customers to customize... ( Not meant in a fashion attitude, of course)
I JUST bought a Surge for myself (gifted one to my son-in-law last October for his birthday...he is in food service, and can use a hefty mulitool, but does complain about the weight----so I got him a kewl pancake sheath for Christmas, to redistribute that drag on his belt! 😉)...I was impressed by its beefiness, compared to my Wave, but I was intrigued by the Free P4, and decided to get one of those (I gave my Wave to my mechanic-buddy, who wuz thrilled to get it!)... Anyway, after watching a number of your video's, and your reviews on both the P4 and Surge, I decided to go all-out, and get the bit kit and extension, as well as a Clip 'N Carry sheath (got one for my P4 already, and wuz waiting for a Surge model to be marketed) in black carbon fiber. I also ordered an extremely kewl carrier from an Italian leathersmith, which houses the Surge/saw blades ("Bosch T-Shank"----is that what you called the fitting?)/both bit kits/and even a small flashlight... I'm a locksmith by trade, and even though I DO like my P4, it isn't heavy/sturdy enuff for the intensive work that I get into sometimes...not to mention that it has no bit exchanger----which is a MUST for a locksmith ("you can't have enough screwdrivers or lights", is a lockie's credo...!). And I agree with your statements about the potential improvements for the Surge; it definitely needs a package-cutter (my P4 has that, on the large flat head screwdriver/pry bar combo), chisel-point on the serated blade----which is a nice feature on my P4. A better quality steel for the the blades would be great----it would hold an edge better and longer before needing to be sharpened... I read reviews on the bit kit; a few remarked that the bit metal quality is suspect/breaks easily...I would bet that some of the aftermarket companies are selling inferior overseas bits, versus Leatherman-manufactured bits (or do they subcontract that part of their business out to other companies?)...therefore, I agree that an optional standard 1/4" bit extender would be a wise improvement, if a Surge upgrade is ever implemented... 👌👍
My first Surge's pliars snapped off -- broke -- right next to the hinge of the needle nose pliers. The thinnest part right there, where each half has to clear the other ...just snapped off one day. Turns out the steel isn't even 3mm there and if there's any "weak link in the chain", it's right there. Since it was SO delicate the first time in this regard, I tend to 'baby' my replacement Surge. Which you of course should never have to do with a multi tool.
Well let me know how you like it. It takes a bit of getting used to if you are not accustomed to carrying larger multi tools, but the Surge is an absolute tank.
Just a note on 16:34. You are talking not about 'tools' or 'functions' but 'use cases' when you mention what each tool can do (pipe reaming, prying, etc). By that logic, the pliers alone could have 100s of 'functions', when in reality they constitute 1 function and hundreds of use cases. Leatherman is not wrong in their tool count of 21.
I was called for a demolition job Can’t really call it demo, just had to rip up glued down carpet tiles. Dumbass builder didn’t even bring me a jimmy bar, I was just a labourer. Pulled out my surge and used the big flat head to rip up all that carpet. Got the job done.
PLEASE leatherman.... Make the driver body longer and allow it to take standard dang bits instead of those goofy flat ones that are impossible to find from Leatherman. The extension is great, but just make the standard one longer, round and able to accept standard bits and I won't have to fiddle with the extension on top of paying the insane 30$ price tag. I would but one in an instant if they did that.
If you need a chisel - just take a side saw and make a small mod: grind it on a grinder as a chisel. I'd used such small chisel decade years ago before I'd become a Charge owner, also it's changed shape don't brake it's saw function.
Do you find the tolerances in your surge being off. The tools are floppy and the bit gets lost on mine often. Everything on the wave is machined perfectly. I've had 2 surges and it just seems like the machining is slightly off
Blade steel simply isnt that important. 420 hc. 8crs. Aus 8. ,VG 10, s30 v 154 cm all function and last about the same amount of time before they need to be sharpened. The only real difference is that the ( premium blades ) are harder to sharpen. Technically, the so called higher end blades should last longer because of their metal content but it doesnt translate in actual use. I'm certain there will be many who disagree ,all I can tell you is there are real world test to prove it. I agree with you about the surge however. My two favorite leatherman are the surge and the sidekick. I don't understand why leatherman didn't spring load the pliers like in the sidekick . I really like that feature
Any Bosch T Shang Saw Will fit where the file goes, inside my sheath I keep four or five different metal blades four or five different wood blades and two extra files from Leatherman and they were a lot longer, just food for thought my brother I’m sure you already knew that
I prefer Lenox saw blades for the T-shank adapter. I tested several in a video and the Lenox really was the best among the several that I put head to head.
I'm coming back to Leatherman. but i wish they made the Surge bigger. I'm so used to the Powerassist but it needs more tools. I will see this week once i receive my Surge.? I wrote to Leatherman about a lager multitool they haven't responded yet
Being able to put jigsaw blades on it? I never imagined that might be possible. Pretty damn cool. But let's say you're just using the base file and saw blade, where do you store the one you're not using?
Love the Surge. I wish it would delete one of the folding screwdrivers that would be covered by their bit kit and replace it with a dedicated eye glass screwdriver holder. It should have a corkscrew as well. But ibloventhe fit, finish, and the engineering that went in to make this multitool.
See I wish they'd use a bit exchanger that u could fit a standard bit right in the tool not a accessory. Could go right to the hardware store and pick up a new bit get a new saw blade of needed. I will say I like the flathead screwdrivers for adjusting carburerators on lawn and outdoor equipment 4wheelers etc.
The package opener is a good idea, I would rather use the Swiss tool version that also has the wire stripper and scrapper. Of course as a personal custom 😅
Surge for harder use, the P4 is more of a tinkering tool in my opinion. It really is not very robust for harder tasks, and I really dislike that it doesn’t have a full length saw.
hey i have a question When you open de pliers, only one arm open first? or both arms do? its just i bought two Surges and one unit open both arms, but the other only open one arm first and i want to know if the model is already made that way or it is a factory defect
The "1 Tool ever" of My live.👍👍👍🤮👌👌😎 I have many of this 1 in My car 1 on My tool Belt on the Job as an Electricians 1 in My home in the kitchen 1 in the bag of My wife
Where a multi tool goes from toy to an actual tool. Pliers should be spring loaded and no multi tool should ever need a bottle opener. If you have a hunk of metal like this, you do not need a bottle opener!!
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The 420HC is REALLY good 420HC :) Special Heat treat
I could negative rant about my Surges for an hour )...I should make a vid
Semper Fi
Gunny
I did find real bits that fit perfectly
I have the surge, charge tti, and crunch. Which one would you recommend I get next? Thank
Sir, you've sold so many Leatherman Surge around the world, I think Leatherman should give you a gift
Lol. I doubt they even know I exist.
I have bought 3 more bc of him.
@@txtoolcrib I think you may be mistaken. I have seen your videos linked on their product reviews on the LM website on multiple of their products.
Perhaps a Christmas turkey would be nice~
@@txtoolcrib 🇺🇸Don’t be surprised if Leatherman is not watching you to possibly get design ideas~Or if they need to phone their Attorneys~
After many days and hours researching different multi tools, this video help me make my decision on the surge. My first multi tool. Thank you Ben.
You’re very welcome
Mine just arrived yesterday! lol
This was *extremely* informative, thank you so much for making this.
Glad it was helpful!
I bought the original Leatherman wave in 1999 and it finally gave up the ghost last month. I had sharpen the blades down to where there was really nothing left and I had worn all the screwdrivers down to knobs. I just bought a Leatherman surge and this is an Enormous upgrade. This is definitely worth every penny.
You should warranty your wave since the 25 year warranty is still in effect.
Why didn’t you warranty it
I bought a Surge as an impulse buy off Amazon. Regretted spending $130 on a tool I probably won't use. But figured its already being shipped, I'll use for a couple of days, won't like it and ship it back for a refund. That was back in January. Now it's always on my belt and I use it almost everyday at work
That is a true testament to the usefulness of the Surge.
@@txtoolcrib mine got shipped out with a #2 Robertson bit. When I found that out that almost sealed the deal. But the saw came in handy, the pliers and cutters were super useful and the large flat head is perfect fit for a component on site
@@txtoolcrib To my taste it is a perfect review of the multitool. I like your detailed coverage of each tool from the real usage perspective. The more details the better for me, as it is also educational. Some tools I am not using in my every-day life at home, so listening to how you use them in your heavy- duty applications gives me ideas about how to use my tools more, therefore I am listening to your review even for the multitool I already have ! And of course it is very clear and detailed explanation about Surge specifically, so finally I understood what is it good for . I enjoyed to watch a number of your reviews already and I wish you the best from Ukraine! Thank you a lot !
I very much appreciate you taking the time to comment. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to watch my videos. I hope that you will find the rest of my content as informative. I strive to be informative and honest as I can in every product that I review while incorporating my perspective as a blue collar worker. I have made some modifications to my personal Leatherman Surge that you might enjoy, you can find them titled under "Leatherman Super Surge" in my playlist. Warmest wishes from the United States of America.
I've had mine for 12 years and never once failed me. I love your review. Love my Surge so much, I may just buy the black oxide version.
Thank you very much. The Surge has served me so well, it is my most highly recommended multi tool.
The black oxide is well worth it. Doesn't look as pretty after about a year or two of use, but it's still just as durable
@@warsman22 Very true, but the scratches give it character.
LEATHERMAN 🇺🇸SURGE🇺🇸 IS THE BEST MUILT-TOOL👍👍 Who gives a damn about the weight....
That’s how I feel
I'll buy it now!!! Haha
I had a Wingman for many years... until it fell into a toilet with an auto-flush. Got a Surge mainly for the full-size scissors and they're great!
lol where I work there are auto-flush toilets, this almost happen to me!
What a shitty situation
Lol my wingman fell into the toilet after I took a shit haha!
@@deliciousness8183 wingmans are thin garbage .. I gave mine away but kept the big surge
😂 no way was the toilet flush powerful enough to suck that wingman away....
The very best overview/review I watched out of literally 25 other ones on here! Good job!
Thank you very much sir.
Thanks for the review! I learned some new things about my favourite tool 😃
New Surge in black oxide was both my first (and as of today) my last multitool. I’m more of a white collar guy, but I’ve always loved tinkering with stuff and even today I prefer to repair both stuff in my flat and my car myself (also, I’m known among my friends as “the guy to ask for help with fixing pretty much anything”), so the Surge was my most obvious choice. It’s not the lightest or most compact multitool, but that’s a price I’m willing to pay for having a toolbox on my belt.
That’s my first comment on your channel, so I just want to say that I absolutely love your content. Keep it up!
Greetings from Poland!
I think I am pretty much of the same mindset that you are sir. I think the trade off of the weight of the surge is counteracted by the usefulness. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and for watching my channel. Thank you.
TX Tool Crib
And thank *you*, sir! Your channel was one of my greatest recent discoveries on UA-cam. You’re doing a great job, much appreciated 😃
You’ve earned a loyal subscriber 😉
Great review; much respect for guys in the trades doing reviews of tools they use everyday. There is a wisdom and a sobriety here that shows genuine mastery of the tool system.
Couple thoughts on some of the carry options for the new guys in the room:
1. The lanyard loop. I see a lot of people disparaging the carrying of a huge MT on a lanyard, and I agree - lanyards are for arborists and maybe people who work on boats. However, adding a 1.5in lanyard with a button or a nut on the end can really help you get the Surge out of its pouch while wearing gloves. If you make the lanyard bright it helps you identify it when you said it down. I'm sure that's why Leatherman keeps putting the lanyard loop on their tools.
2. Being able to attach the pocket clip to the Surge is an absolute *game-changer* for folks who need a heavy duty MT but also wear coveralls with no belt. For real. 100%. When I got into the pipe trades a few years ago and started wearing high viz traffic bibs every day, MT carry became a huge issue. I ended up giving up on my ST300 (which I carried and LOVED as a landscaper) simply for lack of a comfortable way to carry it in coverall pockets. I switched to my Wave because of the clip; and plan to upsize that to a Surge one day when the funds align. The Surge is the only MT of this size with a reliable clip, and that is a huge deal for some of us out there.
No kidding! I wear overalls every day and carry my multitools in my bib pocket. It's indeed heavy, but I can't stand having a big ole tool swinging around in my pocket while I'm walking.
I got my surge 2 days and I've already used it a lot! Such a handy thing to carry. I teach gas engineers in the UK at a private training center and it's so handy to have what is essentially a tool kit on my belt at all times. Thanks for the videos, you've been the reason I went down the surge route. 👍
I've been using my surge daily for years. Still works as good as its first day. One issue that I've had personally is when using the pliers. Sometimes it bites the skin in my hand as I clamp down on something and it slips off. As you can see when it's in pliers formation, the handles do touch and that can cause pinching.
man you surely can express your thoughts clearly and lengthy without boring your audience , with an audiobook quality voice.
Great video. 100% agree with everything in this video. I've been using my 1st generation Surge since I received it as a gift in 2008 and it's still going. The best tool I've ever owned.
12:00 is mind blowing!! I haven't had thought of an idea how to strip wire so easily with Surge, until you shows how to pinch the wire with thumb in unlocked position. That is juat really inspirational!!
Glad I could help. It really works well for me.
let me just say i like how you whipped out that first blade ._.
I’m pretty experienced using this particular one. Thanks for watching
Okay, you've got me now, after going through many reviews on youtube - I come to yours and now I'm convinced I'm gonna buy this. Thank you!
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed, it’s a workhorse.
Isn’t 420 steel softer than more premium steel, making less brittle therefore less likely to snap , this is what I’m given to understand. Please tell me your opinion on this
I love how you also reference metric terms for the rest of the world.
they are the rest of the world.
Another good review Ben. It's amazing to me that bona fide blue collar professionals are using these high end multi tools even on the job and for service calls. It's making me rethink the whole multi tool philosophy of use. Also amazed how far manufacturers of them have come in the usability and functionality of them. To echo the comments of some others "the surge is a beast"
They are not the end all be all, but my Surge has saved me incalculable amount of time over the years. It is a must have for me.
thx for the review, I´ve got a original "Leatherman tool" for about 28 years, still with the original leather holster and this thing has been around the world, accompaning me every single vacation almost over the last 28 years (asia, europe, hiking, africa, mauritius, usa, seychelles, indonesia, aso.). I´ve build two houses with it and used it for several jobs inside the house or working on my guitars / amps. It still works flawlessly, but now, it´s time for something completely different.... ;-) and you´ve made my decision so much easier. thx again!!
How did you not loose it
@@koga8100 I´m kinda pedantic with my stuff. I cut a hot wire with it once and the marks are still on the blade....just to remind me, to never do that again :-)
IVE SEEN ALOT OF LEATHERMAN VIDEOS BEING THAT IM BUYING MY FIRST AND YOU SIR HAVE THE BEST INFO VID PLUS YOU ADDED LINKS
Thank you sir, I appreciate the compliment.
The awl section was loose on mine and I was tempted to send it back cause of that, but instead I bought two torx screwdrivers and tightened it myself.
100% satisfied with this thing. I love it.
They should not bother with the tamper proof torxes tho. That's me speaking from a perspective that considers most people 'honest and with good intent', aka, "I just want to tighten or loosen this up a bit".
That is the most informative review of a multi-tool that I have ever watched. Ever!!
Another really great review! Thanks for all the work you put in to your videos, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Thank you sir.
The way you review tools is just awesome, Ben.
I followed you since your Free review which you pointed out the cons when others were just excited about them and couldn't find the disadvantages in them ✌🏼✌🏼
By the way, I'm gonna buy a surge soon and I chose the complete black version that comes with bit kit and extender and molle sheath... Just wanted to ask you about the colors, which one do you prefer and why?!
Thanks so much, and keep it up man! 👊🏻
Thank you, I really appreciate you following my videos. Really does mean a lot. I prefer the regular stainless version for work. When I'm away from work though, I actually like the black/silver version of tools. I tried to do an all black Surge once, it just wasn't me. Vehicles today are being sold in blacked out editions more and more. While I love the look of them, I wouldn't own one for myself. Everyone has their own style. I honestly don't have a good reason as to why I don't carry black oxide multi tools, except that it just doesn't suit my personality I guess. I do think they look sharp though. There is one exception. I think the blacked out version of the Charge+ is one awesome looking multi tool.
I like the black version an also their two tone version, either one is awesome looking.
I have just purchased a Surge and your review proved very useful in helping me find my way around it and access its features, especially the ones Leatherman does not acknowledge/promote. Thanks a lot.
I've used the 300 and "new" Surge simultaneously through the years. The Surge beats out the 300 in my warehouse work; the 300 tends to go with me outdoors (camping, hiking, honey-do work, etc.). The most used tools are the plier/wire cutters and the file. (The tools I never use, on all my Leathermans, are the can/bottle openers.) I prefer the Rebar over the Wave. (My favorite Leatherman, edc, is the Blast.) Great review, very thought provoking, Ty.
The Surge really is the epitome of multi tools.
I, too, am hopeful for a version of the Surge with a premium blade steel!
Michael,
Absolutely agree, surge titanium with S30V steel blades would be cool if price wasn't too high.
@@shreksexy6879 I'd buy that
When looking at getting a good large multi tool, I briefly thought about purchasing a Surge. The Surge is a great tool. I love the outside accessible scissors and replaceable t-shank blades. It is just too heavy for me to carry. The Wave+ does everything I need and is a good size and weight. I would love to get the Surge, but I probably would leave it at home because of the weight. Maybe one day I will purchase one for the collection.
Good review. You're missing a couple things though. The large screwdriver is a scraper. Take the file off and file down the leading edge square as a scraper should be filed. Also the way the screwdriver bit is angled slightly is perfect when the tool is half open and used like a conventional screwdriver without slipping. Use the diamond side of the file to sharpen the knife.
I've had mine for ten years in a steel mill and use it daily. So much so I can manipulate the entire tool with one hand. Mine doesn't have the replaceable cutters but I've cut many 1/8 inch 7018 welding rods no problem. I have to disagree with the scissors though..the spring is not strong enough and it slips where it's attached to the frame losing spring tension. Mines beat but nothing is wiggly. I'm gonna buy a new one but this time I'm getting the stainless one so when I drop it in a dark, dingy hole in a dark, dingy steel mill I'll see it easier when i shine my flash light on it. I agree though S30V for the blade steel would be nice.
Well, this is my first multitool, and I've been using it quite a lot since I got it earlier this year. I sometimes ask myself how could I have ever lived without it! Weight hasn't been an issue for me as I didn't have anything else to compare it to, but gosh the rest feels so cheap now because of their lighter weight 🙈🤣 In all honesty, the Surge definitely has a lot to offer as part of my EDC, and the bit kit and ratchet extender does complete the Surge even more. Money well spent for sure
Your first Multitool is the best one ever made !
Thank you Ben, I appreciate the clear , no bs overview of this tool from a tradesman's perspective .
Great Video. The Leatherman Surge is my favorite multitool. It is made for work. It just feels solid and you have confidence that it’s built like a tank.
Ben, I've watched alot of your comparison videos and I used to hear you talking about the Surge, many times using it in comparison and I would think man he really likes that tool. I've carried and used different types of Leatherman products since their beginning in the early 80s lately the Wave+ and it was awesome, served me well but I still felt there was a bit missing in my work EDC. So after many videos (yours included) and reading on the web I bit the bullet and purchased a Surge and I compliment it with the bit kit, bit extension and ratchet driver and I have to say...wow!! You and everyone else were right. I think I'd be hard pressed to find a multitool that even comes close. I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade so I want tools that are gonna work and Leatherman tools work and my Surge really works 😄 thanks for the great videos and great info you provide.
If the Surge is king, then the ST300 is the queen, Rebar is the Prince, Crunch the Court Jester, and the Wave the King’s favorite son, and heir to the throne. I could go all GOT, but please don’t make me.
Hadn’t thought of it that way before.
I love the surge and charge tti can't stand the free series. I'm sticking with the charge and surge.
I worked in construction and switched careers to trucking. But I still carry a multitool, it’s just now I use the tool set in mine differently. Now I use the wire cutters in my wave to cut the seals on trailers. I’ve used the pliers to replace the rubber seals in my air hoses. Plus being out on the road all day, it’s good to have a few tools at the ready just in case. I’ve even been thinking about picking up a leatherman crunch, to leave in the truck so I can pinch off small air hoses in an emergency. What’s nice about multitools is there is one for anyone. Just gotta find the one that fits your daily life best. For me I started off on the rebar but I wanted the bit kit and scissors so I just switched and retired my rebar.
I love the Surge. What a beast it is. That t-shank holder is truly exclusive. There are almost no dedicated ones to buy. The Surge is the best option for that.
I also love the reamer, the pliers/cutters, can opener, and blades.
I could live without the fixed flatheads. And the scissors are good, although the cutting edge is a little short for such a large tool, and the thumb rest is a little too far away from the body of the tool for my liking.
Still, this is the best heavy duty multi-tool around hands down.
Great review Ben. I just watched it again and realized I had not commented or liked, so I rectified that now. :D
Well thank you for taking the time to watch it again I appreciate that.
Wow that wire stripping tip though. Just picked up my Surge that is brilliant. Thank you.
You're welcome sir.
Great review on the surge!!👍
Thank you very much, and thank you for taking the time to watch my video.
Thanks for making this thorough video.
I currently use a wave and I’ve really been wanted something bigger, I find myself looking at this all the time.
I think another that EVERYONE forgets, is the safety the surge has. Try opening a blade with the pliers open. You can't. There's a pin that comes out and sticks through the well of the knives, preventing them from opening
I enjoyed the review. I've been carrying my Surge for a few years now and it's a real work horse. The t-shank is my favorite feature. I use a Bosch metal blade because it's real handy to have a little hacksaw on me. I don't notice the weight but it sags any belt not 3 inches wide. Of all the changes I'd like to see, I think I'd appreciate a better case the most.
Thank you sir. That t-shank feature is really nice, I agree. Can’t argue about belt sag either, very valid point. Much like yourself though, the weight is a non factor for me. Thanks for watching.
I just ordered a surge, and my name is Shawn p as well :)
@@shawnpepin7890 👍 I don't think you'll be disappointed. Take care fam :)
Surge is best in the world! Love to see!
While that is a matter of opinion, it happens to be an opinion I agree with.
@@txtoolcrib oh, we are all a matter of opinion. How many people, so many opinions))
So true!
@@цитрамонП-з3х do you have an affiliation with diezelle57?
@@Kang_Guru. no, no, no! Opposite!
The other beauty of this is that you can store the saw tucked away beside (and slightly pinched against) the serated blade so you are carrying around a file and saw at the same time without taking up any more room in your pocket! Totally agree with all your opinions on mods and the ultility and importance of the bit driver.
I hadn't considered carrying the saw blade like that. I'm going to try that out.
@@txtoolcrib I find it easiest to open the blade slightly, tuck the saw blade in with the teeth face down and the "T" end at the hinge end then close the blade carefully onto it. It fits tight and I've never had it slip out. Makes access to the serated blade a little more painful, but worth it to have both a saw and the files always with you. I also prefer the file to be part of the "interchange" system, because you can use the diamond file to sharpen the blades of the tool without carrying around a separate sharpener.
I do this as well. Never fallen out and fits like a glove.
I have to say this is the best review of the surge I have seen. You covered the tool well and even put your extensive experience with it and gave some great ideas for additional uses and several improvements that Leatherman could do to improve. I would love to see a pry bar on the large screw driver and agree that the small screwdriver can be replaced ed with something else. Again awsome review thank you.
Thank you very much sir, really appreciate the compliment and for your views.
So do I, wanted to see a mini pry bar on Leatherman Surge
Thank you, Ben. I enjoyed your review. I'm even closer to getting one of these.
I really think you can’t go wrong with the Surge so long as weight is not an issue. It is, in my opinion, the most capable multi tool that has ever been produced. It is why i have carried it for 13 years now.
GET ONE!!! I own 4 SURGES, worth every penny.
@Hendrik Garnkäufer , try getting a gun belt; the leather is much thicker, and provides excellent support for items that would normally weigh you down. Amazon has a wide variety of gun belts, in different colors----AND in price ranges. A decent belt can be had for $35-$45 USD...
@Hendrik Garnkäufer Get a "Kore" gun belt bro, they click to adjust. "Survival on Purpose" channel has a %10 promo code🤘
@Hendrik Garnkäufer I wear an additional belt for just carrying a Surge, so I can get the trouser 'secured' and not fall down when I have to pee (sorry) in standing position.
Is it too much of my behavior?
Excellent video. I’m in the trades and this definitely sold me on the surge. Thanks man
You’re welcome.
I wish they brought back the eyeglass thing, I actually use that and man that smaller driver is just plain redundant and useless. Whoever made that decision needs to get fired. Please bring it back Leatherman 😫
Great review on a classic! I own the original Surge along with the updated version in silver and black. I took the eyeglass bit holder from the original and replaced the slim screwdriver on the updated silver one when I first got it. The only other tool I have that's heavily moded is my PS4 "Frankentool". That goes with me everywhere on my keychain. I own a Free P2 and for some reason can't pull the lever on a P4 yet...probably because it can't compare to the Surge. I've seen a guy with 3D printed upgrades for the P2 and P4 on Shapeways that incorporates the bit driver and he is still prototyping a t-shank mod. He has sheaths for them as well. Interesting stuff. Ideally I would have the Surge in my bag, the PS4 on my keys and pocket/sheath carry the P4 with his mods. I might try to purchase a used wingman and see if I can get the package opener on my Surge. Anyway, great video. I've been enjoying all your reviews!
Thank you sir. I think you can’t go wrong with the Surge. It is the king of the multi tools as far as I’m concerned.
Supertool 300 is the budget king. Great review btw and very convincing. I'm tempted.
You'll never go back. It is a wonderfully useful multi tool.
I gave my surge to my son when he was deployed in the Middle East, he absolutely loves it. So i started carrying my swisstool. Although the machining is excellent on the swisstool, i much prefer the surge. I'm going to have to pick another one up.
So you like the surge more because its worse. LMFAO. God people are stupid. This is why the world is in shambles right now.
Best review of the surge hands down
Sir, you have so good info on this Surge multi tool, many thanks! I ordered one yesterday here in Sweden : ) God bless you!
You’re very welcome sir.
When you say you have a collection, how many leatherman multitools do you actually have?
I don’t remember, quite a few.
Great video, thanks. I'm probably going to end up buying a Surge. I honestly, after 20 years, wore out a Victorinox Swiss Tool X. It breaks my heart that Victorinox does not offer repair parts for it. I could just buy a new one but ran across the Surge in my shopping process and there are many things on it that I wish I had on the Victorinox.
Thank you very much for your detailed review. I found it very useful indeed as I am considering buying a Surge myself. Just one question; how tough is the main blade? I don't mean the metal used but I noticed that the main blade is held in place by a single pivot. When its deployed, does it feel solid when cutting etc or does it tend to bend or flex a bit?
The blade itself has a very solid lock up. I don’t notice any noticeable bending or flexing when using either blade.
Ben; your EXCELLENT, THOROUGH, AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING SURGE UPGRADE( especially the BLISTER PACK CUTTER) reccommendations make for a NEW SURGE LIMITED EDITION!
The addition of the best of all LEATHERMAN accessories has to offer is well OVERDUE. Have you noticed there are too many after-market clone multitools creeping up with the features you mentioned in this video?? I hope LEATHERMAN SERIOUSLY takes your SURGE UPGRADE suggestions seriously. This newly redesigned SERGE would be a true Multitool winner!!
I wonder about the heat treat... snapped my flat driver on my rebar yesterday morning with my thumb checking the lock.(the lock wasn't working properly)
Thx very for the video. I’ve been agonizing over which multi tool I’m gonna ask for for Christmas, and your video has validated my choice. To be fair I have vacillated between this, the Wave+, and the MUT, my main application being camping/recreational firearms. The Wave is lighter and slimmer (and cheaper) but doesn’t have the robust pair of scissors or the blade exchanger. The MUT has some cool firearm specific tools, but no scissors or files. The Gerber Center Drive has the best bit driver design, but their overall quality is just not up to Leatherman standards. I could do without can openers, and if there is already a bit driver then I have no need whatsoever for extra flatheads. If I could design my own perfect MT it would be a Surge/MUT/Gerber Center Drive hybrid, with a premium steel blade like the Charge or the brand new Arc, and with the magnetic technology of the Free Series. Multi-tools can be quite frustrating, none of them having quite everything you want and all having something you don’t. You just have to pick the one that comes closest, and for me that one appears to be the Surge.
Now my dilemma is, Christmas is still a month away. Can I really wait that long?
Ive been using the skeletool since it came out. I use it for work, now im looking for another leatherman for a EDC. Would you choose the wave or surge? It would be in my pocket because my buck 916 takes all of the room on my hip.
Good Video TexI own a Wave +, Rbar, Mil Issue Gerber 600, and the Ozark Tr Multiforce but the Surge has so much capability, you know what would be cool? a Marlin Spike attachment Tool to be fitted like the Saw/File, is that connection strong as far as twist motion puss pull? That would be a cool capabilty to have in the Salvage/Towing/ Maritime industry
اين نجد منها في الاردن
I'm thinking it may possible to replace the second (friggen SECOND??? ) knife blade with a second saw / file / metal saw / etc blade holder! // I am going to try tihs .. even if I have to buy an entire second surge for parts
King of multi tools.. whowwwwww....God save the King...But there is a emperor also..hahaha..VIX..
For the life of me ... why on earth would a Multi-Tool have TWO Friggen knife blades??? .. what a waste of space ..literally insane as far as I am concerned ...
I have the Surge and it is built like a tank. The Surge however looks like it was built by out of work loggers from the pacific northwest. The Victorinox Swiss Tool and Swiss X look like they were built by a precision Swiss watchmaker. No comparison in quality.
Ben : Both knife blades should not flip open that far open. In my opinion. Not Yours? Letherman should SIMPLY cut out the blades such as to not go that far (about 1mm at the axis).
I have two (black) Surges. I envisage ask a capable person to consider weld/carve the proposed modification. But if Leatherman could change the stamp-out of futur models and sell as loose replacement blades that would be awesome.
Yes improovement is always possible but I'm disappointed they don't adopt that/an ongoing modification attitude for customers to customize... ( Not meant in a fashion attitude, of course)
I JUST bought a Surge for myself (gifted one to my son-in-law last October for his birthday...he is in food service, and can use a hefty mulitool, but does complain about the weight----so I got him a kewl pancake sheath for Christmas, to redistribute that drag on his belt! 😉)...I was impressed by its beefiness, compared to my Wave, but I was intrigued by the Free P4, and decided to get one of those (I gave my Wave to my mechanic-buddy, who wuz thrilled to get it!)...
Anyway, after watching a number of your video's, and your reviews on both the P4 and Surge, I decided to go all-out, and get the bit kit and extension, as well as a Clip 'N Carry sheath (got one for my P4 already, and wuz waiting for a Surge model to be marketed) in black carbon fiber.
I also ordered an extremely kewl carrier from an Italian leathersmith, which houses the Surge/saw blades ("Bosch T-Shank"----is that what you called the fitting?)/both bit kits/and even a small flashlight...
I'm a locksmith by trade, and even though I DO like my P4, it isn't heavy/sturdy enuff for the intensive work that I get into sometimes...not to mention that it has no bit exchanger----which is a MUST for a locksmith ("you can't have enough screwdrivers or lights", is a lockie's credo...!).
And I agree with your statements about the potential improvements for the Surge; it definitely needs a package-cutter (my P4 has that, on the large flat head screwdriver/pry bar combo), chisel-point on the serated blade----which is a nice feature on my P4.
A better quality steel for the the blades would be great----it would hold an edge better and longer before needing to be sharpened...
I read reviews on the bit kit; a few remarked that the bit metal quality is suspect/breaks easily...I would bet that some of the aftermarket companies are selling inferior overseas bits, versus Leatherman-manufactured bits (or do they subcontract that part of their business out to other companies?)...therefore, I agree that an optional standard 1/4" bit extender would be a wise improvement, if a Surge upgrade is ever implemented... 👌👍
Very well thought our comments, thank you very much for your input.
My first Surge's pliars snapped off -- broke -- right next to the hinge of the needle nose pliers. The thinnest part right there, where each half has to clear the other ...just snapped off one day.
Turns out the steel isn't even 3mm there and if there's any "weak link in the chain", it's right there.
Since it was SO delicate the first time in this regard, I tend to 'baby' my replacement Surge.
Which you of course should never have to do with a multi tool.
great vid, Id say three of those gripes can be fixed with a little ingenuity. but im not saying until I get meself a surge
On your advice , I just bought one !
Well let me know how you like it. It takes a bit of getting used to if you are not accustomed to carrying larger multi tools, but the Surge is an absolute tank.
its a little pricey but you can find a upgrade/ Replacement SV30 blade for the Surge if you search around a little.
Just a note on 16:34. You are talking not about 'tools' or 'functions' but 'use cases' when you mention what each tool can do (pipe reaming, prying, etc). By that logic, the pliers alone could have 100s of 'functions', when in reality they constitute 1 function and hundreds of use cases.
Leatherman is not wrong in their tool count of 21.
I was called for a demolition job
Can’t really call it demo, just had to rip up glued down carpet tiles. Dumbass builder didn’t even bring me a jimmy bar, I was just a labourer. Pulled out my surge and used the big flat head to rip up all that carpet. Got the job done.
PLEASE leatherman.... Make the driver body longer and allow it to take standard dang bits instead of those goofy flat ones that are impossible to find from Leatherman. The extension is great, but just make the standard one longer, round and able to accept standard bits and I won't have to fiddle with the extension on top of paying the insane 30$ price tag. I would but one in an instant if they did that.
If you need a chisel - just take a side saw and make a small mod: grind it on a grinder as a chisel. I'd used such small chisel decade years ago before I'd become a Charge owner, also it's changed shape don't brake it's saw function.
Any thoughts on the Daicamping DL30? Does it stand up to the Surge? I have read it is, at least initially, very good but how long will it stay good?
The chubby woman seasonally mine because snowman superiorly stare during a general gentle attraction. puzzling, grotesque boy
Do you find the tolerances in your surge being off. The tools are floppy and the bit gets lost on mine often. Everything on the wave is machined perfectly. I've had 2 surges and it just seems like the machining is slightly off
Have had my surge since 2019 and the only problem is with the bits being over tempered and breaking when trying to removing a rusted screw.
Blade steel simply isnt that important. 420 hc. 8crs. Aus 8. ,VG 10, s30 v 154 cm all function and last about the same amount of time before they need to be sharpened. The only real difference is that the ( premium blades ) are harder to sharpen. Technically, the so called higher end blades should last longer because of their metal content but it doesnt translate in actual use. I'm certain there will be many who disagree ,all I can tell you is there are real world test to prove it. I agree with you about the surge however. My two favorite leatherman are the surge and the sidekick. I don't understand why leatherman didn't spring load the pliers like in the sidekick . I really like that feature
Rusty Yates thank you for your insight. Always nice to hear from other real world users.
@@txtoolcrib Thank you for the videos. Very helpful. I do think the more premium steels are much better for something like wire cutters etc.
@@txtoolcrib I would also like to know your opinion about a spring for plier, is the Surge better with spring plier or better not? And why?
Any Bosch T Shang Saw Will fit where the file goes, inside my sheath I keep four or five different metal blades four or five different wood blades and two extra files from Leatherman and they were a lot longer, just food for thought my brother I’m sure you already knew that
I prefer Lenox saw blades for the T-shank adapter. I tested several in a video and the Lenox really was the best among the several that I put head to head.
I'm coming back to Leatherman. but i wish they made the Surge bigger. I'm so used to the Powerassist but it needs more tools. I will see this week once i receive my Surge.? I wrote to Leatherman about a lager multitool they haven't responded yet
Being able to put jigsaw blades on it? I never imagined that might be possible. Pretty damn cool. But let's say you're just using the base file and saw blade, where do you store the one you're not using?
Sir if you have Leatherman Crunch please make a video on it..
I do own a Crunch. I think it is a great specialty tool that I have plans on doing a video about in the near future.
@@txtoolcrib okay👍 I'll be waiting for it
Crunch is my lovely tool too!
Love the Surge. I wish it would delete one of the folding screwdrivers that would be covered by their bit kit and replace it with a dedicated eye glass screwdriver holder. It should have a corkscrew as well. But ibloventhe fit, finish, and the engineering that went in to make this multitool.
See I wish they'd use a bit exchanger that u could fit a standard bit right in the tool not a accessory. Could go right to the hardware store and pick up a new bit get a new saw blade of needed.
I will say I like the flathead screwdrivers for adjusting carburerators on lawn and outdoor equipment 4wheelers etc.
I wish the driver had a standard 1/4 drive.......then I could use all the bits I already have instead of the the dumb proprietary thin ones.
The package opener is a good idea, I would rather use the Swiss tool version that also has the wire stripper and scrapper. Of course as a personal custom 😅
Great video - Thank you! Do you prefer the black oxide or stainless steel version and why?
So now in 2021 the surge or P4?
Surge for harder use, the P4 is more of a tinkering tool in my opinion. It really is not very robust for harder tasks, and I really dislike that it doesn’t have a full length saw.
hey i have a question
When you open de pliers, only one arm open first? or both arms do?
its just i bought two Surges and one unit open both arms, but the other only open one arm first and i want to know if the model is already made that way or it is a factory defect
The "1 Tool ever" of My live.👍👍👍🤮👌👌😎
I have many of this
1 in My car
1 on My tool Belt on the Job as an Electricians
1 in My home in the kitchen
1 in the bag of My wife
Best multi tool out there in my opinion.
Hello Ben,love the channel,is the cutters on the surge 420 hc stainless,an then the replacement cutters 154cm,is that right
I just bought the Surge! Thanks for getting me into multitools!
I hope it serves you well.
Where a multi tool goes from toy to an actual tool.
Pliers should be spring loaded and no multi tool should ever need a bottle opener. If you have a hunk of metal like this, you do not need a bottle opener!!