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 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 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.
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.
Hey man just wanted to say thanks. I've been using Gerber MTs for years (and have broken SO many), i never bought a Leatherman because i thought I'll just break it eventually. Finally i had two Gerber truss fail in the same way on me cutting TIE WIRE, that's when i decided to get a Leatherman for work. I bought the wingman, but it's just too damn small to get out of the pouch wearing gloves, and those wire cutters are just awful. You helped me pull the trigger on the Surge, and i gotta say i absolutely love this MT. I'm not scared of breaking it at all, and performs every task i do daily with ease. So thank you! SURGE IS KING 👑
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!!
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'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.
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. 👍
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 :-)
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.
Spot on video. I just bought my second surge after losing my army issued one due to it being lost in a move. I work on industrial machinery and the surge always goes to the field with me for work. I trust all leatherman products for field work but the surge is my number one. I have another leatherman that i took with me to job sites that i broke the needle nose portion of the pliers on. It broke while i was outside bending a small bracket in the arctic at 60 degrees below zero. It took that much to break it. The warranty process was the best i have ever had. I sent it back after talking to them and got the same one back with new pliers and they even sharpened all my cutters for and completely went through it to bring it back to new quality. I never asked them to do that, they just did it. Leatherman will always have me as a customer without doubt. If anyone is looking to buy the surge, buy it with the bit kits and the extension. It is hands down the best you will get in a multitool.
Thank you sir. My apologies for the late response. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and miss some of the comments. I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
Thanks for showing me how it works. I bought a new one from a garage sale. It was rusted frozen. Never ever opened. So I've been working on it. She's really a project.
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 RUclips. You’re doing a great job, much appreciated 😃 You’ve earned a loyal subscriber 😉
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.
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.
One of the best videos on Leatherman Surge on RUclips for sure. And this guy "TX Tool Crib" should be anyone's go-to guy for all things multitool. Thank you for the video, I just bought a Leatherman Surge after watching your videos. I was torn between Surge, Wave+, and a MUT EOD and ended up getting Surge. I loved the design of MUT EOD, but Surge is more practical and versatile for my everyday use. Thank you again
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.
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"
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".
Been using my surge for almost 6 months now. It's an incredibly solid tool. I do think I prefer the wave+ for my specific daily use case. The smaller size and lighter weight just work better for my work EDC. Unfortunately it went missing inside a machine one day and never showed back up. I just hope it found a good home with someone that gives it the use it deserves. Can't go wrong with a Leatherman, no matter which model you pick.
A friend of mine bought it for me as a present when I left the Marine Corps. I love it! I edc the wave, but the Surge is in my truck for when I need or want it.
I am 64 years young and still have the 1st, original Leatherman that Tim came out with. It has a much thinner blade because of being sharpened so many times but is still in excellent condition because of being taken care of so well. My original sheath is held together by electrical tape, though. (I have always been in the trades, also) I, now, have many Leathermans - Rebar, Wingman, original Wave, Supertool, Free P4, and MY favorite, also, the Surge. I agree with EVERYTHING that you have said and would like to say that you can modify your Surge to have everything that you want, (I did) with a bit of ingenuity and thought. It takes a steady hand and patience. It is too bad, though, that Leatherman does not sell individual parts because if they did, it would be much cheaper to do. But you can easily chisel grind the serrated blade, in the fashion that you described, (like I did) for nothing. Thank you for the video and I am also looking forward to the premium or "+" model that you described! 😊
@@txtoolcrib All the modifications that you described. All can be done, granted through large investments, with different Teflon or bronze washers, much experimentation, and alot of patience. Don't give up and you can end up with the ULTIMATE Surge! Good luck! 😊
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.
Just ordered my second letherman this month first was the super tool 300m and now the surge I think I see a new addition in my future your videos are the best as far a mts go
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.
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.
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.
This is definitely quality content your video is what made me order a Surge. My Sidekick feels like a toy compared to the Surge, now I know why they call it the King
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.
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
I had a wave for many years as a plumber. I lost it at bought a charge tti, I think my brother has my charge, but he says he doesn’t because he’s an asshole who takes my tools. I bought a surge now and I work for a natural gas company and I really miss not having a multi tool attached to me - saves me trips back to the truck. I watched your whole review. It was good, didn’t even feel like almost 30mins went by.
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... 👌👍
I like your idea on the scraper for the surge. gonna go to town with my sharpener and grind that to a chisel. Cant tell you how many times I've needed a scraper and just had to try with the blades. Can't believe I never thought of that.
I work at heights a lot for work and I have dropped it a few times. Broke a part on the scissors so they had no spring broke the lock for the inner tools and broke the tip off the small slotted screw driver. Now I carry the lanyard ring with paracord so when I need to use it I can attach it to myself.
@@adamargue68 comes a bit late, but the nitecore tactical lanyard might be good for you. I use it on my swisstool x (and soon surge) and it is quite useful.
Got mine for a year now. I carry in or my backpack for work and it has no failed me yet. If you add another hex bit extender with a ratchet handle and drill heads, you can do tougher jobs like drilling into wood and plaster, like I did. I even incorporated it into my camping backpack. Sure you exert more effort and it takes more time, but it can be done with this tool too. Great video! You have expressed everything I thought about it.
i had bought this as owning a leatherman is a long standing thing in my family about being a "man" and having something that will keep you good for a long time. i hope this tool will fulfill all the tasks that i usually find myself into like fishing and outdoors stuff. i really want it to be my edc on my belt as i go out fishing. the whole heavy duty and weight thing doesn't bother me as much since i would know that the tool is gonna last long if i treat it well. id have opted for the wave but i didn't like the lack of an awl, and the lack of an outside access to the scissors to quickly cut the line and any other things i would need to use it for. i spent ~$115 for it but at the same time, i really am looking forward to just paying for one, and having it for (hopefully) the rest of my life. thank you for the video! :D
Late to watch your review, just bought 1 on the way as an upgrade second multi tool to my 2nd gen wave, glad I bought this and didn’t stretched my very tight budget 😂 to the more expensive Charge TTI. Best informative review in my humble opinion. Thanks sir, be safe always👍🏼😊👍🏼
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.
Great review on the best of the best......if you need a tool of this size.A good big one will always beat a good small one and this tool is a very good big one.I'm a maintenance operative on a holiday lodge park and i use a multi tool daily for different tasks,the surge copes with everything that is thrown at it without fear of it breaking. I'm currently in the process of designing and making a variety of different tools out of old jigsaw blades.....the options are endless.Chisels,scrapers,mini blades,needle type tools,ultra fine screwdrivers etc can all be manufactured from jigsaw bldes if you have access to a tool like a dremel with its multitude of mini cutting discs and grinding tools.......even the hooked blade types that people like.The types of tool you can make out of old jigsaw blades is only reall limited by the ingenuity of the owners of this tool and as said above access to a mini cutting/grinding tool. I must agree that leatherman needs to make a driver that takes standard hex bits.......although i expect that the extension could be modified quite easily.
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
This is what I carry as well. Pull it out at least twice a day. But gives me piece of mind. If I ever get stuck anywhere or go. Camping I can make it. Mine is the 2nd revision.
To carry my surge I put a key loop on the lanyard mount on the surge and threw a carabiner clip on it and hang it from a belt loop. usually held in place by my back pocket.
Yea , I use it at work constantly and it was just too awkward pocket carrying . The carabiner keeps it sitting in the pocket yet vertical and just flick of the thumb and its in service. That surge is the most important tool I never knew I needed.
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.
Back in the day I loved the old Gerber multitool that used the Black and Decker style jig saw blades. I remember that not all the u shanked saw blades fit and it lacked the file. With the new Surge the blade exchanger has become a much better alternative.
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.
I carry a swisstool with the serrated blade and plain blade in a skinth shield xl on the side of my vero tech mct. As a plumber I sometimes have to go up on the roof and then I can just take the MT of and throw a channelock in my pocket and do what needs doing without dragging my entire tool bag up with me. I would love a surge AL though 154cm blade and a serrated blade with “guthook”. The guthook on the charge is an excellent blisterpackage opener!
When my old PST did not prove to be strong enough to handle a hardened wire, I bought Surge and tried the wire with it. I somewhat misunderstood the term “wire” cutter and thought it was meant for thick iron wires and the Surge wire cutter suffered a slight dent, thought it doesn’t have problem on electric wires. I examined the wire and while it was very strong it didn’t stick to a magnet. A google search and I believe the wire contained rich austenite phase. I made similar mistake with my PST in the early phase of use. PST wire cutters got a serious dent but over time it wore out and it moves smooth and cuts well. Foolish me learning little lesson from experience, and expected too much from far more robust looking Surge
I also really like the removable file because you can use it so sharpen your knife in a pinch, the seraded blade is also really good at cutting the steel straps on pallets of monokote
While I know it's subjective, I couldn't agree more. Theres something simple, pure, and sturdy about the Surge that other multitools seem to lack. And the modularity with the t-shank and bit carriers puts it over the top. No gimmicks here. Just a good, solid tool
I own two Surges with their won seperate bit kits and spare saws and files, yet after watching your wonderful video, I just ordered another set :D Well, you never know...
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?
You are spot on with its weight being the biggest detractor. I love this tool-it *always* does the job, but it’s just to bulky for EDC. I consistently revert back to my Charge or Wave.
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!!
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.
I've been praising the Surge for a long time and the suggestions that you are making are spot on. Aside of the blade (which can be part of a Premium version), I'd like to see them integrated in their common version. Keep up your excellent work!
Thank you very much. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and hope you will find some of my other multi tool videos as useful as this one.
@@txtoolcrib I do not have the time nor the means to fully review multi-tools but I'm definitively a multi-tools (and EDC) enthousiast. Do not hesitate to contact me using my YT contact info to discuss, ask questions or simply to ask how things are going or how hot/cold my part of the planet is. I'll definitively try to keep a closer look at your work. Thanks!
@@txtoolcrib Thinking about this later today, I'd like to add something to be improved on the Surge (and frankly, on all Leatherman multi-tools). I'd like to have pliers with diamond-shaped (criss-cross) rather than straight, perpendicular serrations. Just like Klein, Channel Locks and other "professional" plier manufacturers. It would improve the grip and be more gentle when need be.
I love my surge use it for work daily, I do carry a leatherman rebar with it. This gives me a file and a wood saw as I have a metal saw in the tshank holder on the surge and I don’t want to switch those out all the time. I always have those two tools on me at all times.
Very informative reviews indeed! Thank you very much for that. I did brake the large screwdriver in half once trying too hard to unscrew one stubborn bolt ( I carry SERGE all the time on my duty belt ) Mates at Leatherman sent me replacement tool with no questions. The reason I’m telling this story to explain why the Leatherman doesn’t claim the large screwdriver to be used as a pry tool. Because of the blokes like me 🙁
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
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Style CS - amzn.to/2YQWhsv
OHT - amzn.to/2PmkML7
Micra - amzn.to/2Prn0cm
MUT - amzn.to/2PmKyyW
MUT EOD - amzn.to/38Hd4mE
Freestyle - amzn.to/2Mdw0jl
Bit Kit - amzn.to/34UZ0CL
Extension - amzn.to/35XZcCC
Bit Kit with adapter - amzn.to/2ZnvRz3
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
man you surely can express your thoughts clearly and lengthy without boring your audience , with an audiobook quality voice.
That is the most informative review of a multi-tool that I have ever watched. Ever!!
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 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 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
Thank you Ben, I appreciate the clear , no bs overview of this tool from a tradesman's perspective .
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.
Hey man just wanted to say thanks. I've been using Gerber MTs for years (and have broken SO many), i never bought a Leatherman because i thought I'll just break it eventually. Finally i had two Gerber truss fail in the same way on me cutting TIE WIRE, that's when i decided to get a Leatherman for work. I bought the wingman, but it's just too damn small to get out of the pouch wearing gloves, and those wire cutters are just awful. You helped me pull the trigger on the Surge, and i gotta say i absolutely love this MT. I'm not scared of breaking it at all, and performs every task i do daily with ease. So thank you!
SURGE IS KING 👑
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.
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'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.
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.
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....
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.
Leatherman should be paying you for your reviews! Information from you is superb.
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. 👍
The very best overview/review I watched out of literally 25 other ones on here! Good job!
Thank you very much sir.
Best review of the surge hands down
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 :-)
I love how you also reference metric terms for the rest of the world.
they are the rest of the world.
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.
Spot on video. I just bought my second surge after losing my army issued one due to it being lost in a move. I work on industrial machinery and the surge always goes to the field with me for work. I trust all leatherman products for field work but the surge is my number one. I have another leatherman that i took with me to job sites that i broke the needle nose portion of the pliers on. It broke while i was outside bending a small bracket in the arctic at 60 degrees below zero. It took that much to break it. The warranty process was the best i have ever had. I sent it back after talking to them and got the same one back with new pliers and they even sharpened all my cutters for and completely went through it to bring it back to new quality. I never asked them to do that, they just did it. Leatherman will always have me as a customer without doubt. If anyone is looking to buy the surge, buy it with the bit kits and the extension. It is hands down the best you will get in a multitool.
Thank you sir. My apologies for the late response. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and miss some of the comments. I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
This was *extremely* informative, thank you so much for making this.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for showing me how it works.
I bought a new one from a garage sale. It was rusted frozen. Never ever opened.
So I've been working on it.
She's really a project.
Bio it in vinegar, doing this saved my wave!
*boil
Evaporust is an excellent solution...
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 RUclips. You’re doing a great job, much appreciated 😃
You’ve earned a loyal subscriber 😉
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.
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.
glad to see somebody else just as excited over the Surge, it's my goto since it was released.
For a multi tool, it is an amazing tool, this is one that all construction workers should have!
One of the best videos on Leatherman Surge on RUclips for sure. And this guy "TX Tool Crib" should be anyone's go-to guy for all things multitool. Thank you for the video, I just bought a Leatherman Surge after watching your videos. I was torn between Surge, Wave+, and a MUT EOD and ended up getting Surge. I loved the design of MUT EOD, but Surge is more practical and versatile for my everyday use. Thank you again
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.
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.
Just found this. I am loving how in depth you went into this tool and your input since you've used the tool in your daily rotation. Well done.
Thank you, I appreciate that. I have a wide selection of multi tools, but the Surge is the king for sure. Though it’s not for everyone.
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".
Been using my surge for almost 6 months now. It's an incredibly solid tool. I do think I prefer the wave+ for my specific daily use case. The smaller size and lighter weight just work better for my work EDC. Unfortunately it went missing inside a machine one day and never showed back up. I just hope it found a good home with someone that gives it the use it deserves. Can't go wrong with a Leatherman, no matter which model you pick.
A friend of mine bought it for me as a present when I left the Marine Corps. I love it! I edc the wave, but the Surge is in my truck for when I need or want it.
I am 64 years young and still have the 1st, original Leatherman that Tim came out with. It has a much thinner blade because of being sharpened so many times but is still in excellent condition because of being taken care of so well. My original sheath is held together by electrical tape, though. (I have always been in the trades, also) I, now, have many Leathermans - Rebar, Wingman, original Wave, Supertool, Free P4, and MY favorite, also, the Surge.
I agree with EVERYTHING that you have said and would like to say that you can modify your Surge to have everything that you want, (I did) with a bit of ingenuity and thought. It takes a steady hand and patience. It is too bad, though, that Leatherman does not sell individual parts because if they did, it would be much cheaper to do. But you can easily chisel grind the serrated blade, in the fashion that you described, (like I did) for nothing.
Thank you for the video and I am also looking forward to the premium or "+" model that you described! 😊
May I ask, what modifications have you done?
@@txtoolcrib All the modifications that you described. All can be done, granted through large investments, with different Teflon or bronze washers, much experimentation, and alot of patience. Don't give up and you can end up with the ULTIMATE Surge!
Good luck! 😊
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.
Just ordered my second letherman this month first was the super tool 300m and now the surge I think I see a new addition in my future your videos are the best as far a mts go
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.
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!
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.
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
This video is the reason I bought a surge! Thank you!
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 just bought the Surge! Thanks for getting me into multitools!
I hope it serves you well.
This is definitely quality content your video is what made me order a Surge. My Sidekick feels like a toy compared to the Surge, now I know why they call it the King
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.
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 !
I love my blackened Leatherman Surge, with leather sheath. I EDC it and it's a great universal on the go tool.
I had a wave for many years as a plumber. I lost it at bought a charge tti, I think my brother has my charge, but he says he doesn’t because he’s an asshole who takes my tools. I bought a surge now and I work for a natural gas company and I really miss not having a multi tool attached to me - saves me trips back to the truck. I watched your whole review. It was good, didn’t even feel like almost 30mins went by.
Excellent video. I’m in the trades and this definitely sold me on the surge. Thanks man
You’re welcome.
Wow that wire stripping tip though. Just picked up my Surge that is brilliant. Thank you.
You're welcome sir.
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.
You're never lie the I love the Surge!
I like your idea on the scraper for the surge. gonna go to town with my sharpener and grind that to a chisel. Cant tell you how many times I've needed a scraper and just had to try with the blades. Can't believe I never thought of that.
My surge was my first multi tool 4 years ago and is still my favorite. I’ve broken it 3 times but I still love it and I love Leatherman’s warrantee.
Goodness, how did you break them three times?
I work at heights a lot for work and I have dropped it a few times. Broke a part on the scissors so they had no spring broke the lock for the inner tools and broke the tip off the small slotted screw driver. Now I carry the lanyard ring with paracord so when I need to use it I can attach it to myself.
@@adamargue68 comes a bit late, but the nitecore tactical lanyard might be good for you. I use it on my swisstool x (and soon surge) and it is quite useful.
Got mine for a year now.
I carry in or my backpack for work and it has no failed me yet.
If you add another hex bit extender with a ratchet handle and drill heads, you can do tougher jobs like drilling into wood and plaster, like I did.
I even incorporated it into my camping backpack.
Sure you exert more effort and it takes more time, but it can be done with this tool too.
Great video!
You have expressed everything I thought about it.
Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to watch my video.
i had bought this as owning a leatherman is a long standing thing in my family about being a "man" and having something that will keep you good for a long time. i hope this tool will fulfill all the tasks that i usually find myself into like fishing and outdoors stuff. i really want it to be my edc on my belt as i go out fishing. the whole heavy duty and weight thing doesn't bother me as much since i would know that the tool is gonna last long if i treat it well. id have opted for the wave but i didn't like the lack of an awl, and the lack of an outside access to the scissors to quickly cut the line and any other things i would need to use it for. i spent ~$115 for it but at the same time, i really am looking forward to just paying for one, and having it for (hopefully) the rest of my life. thank you for the video! :D
The Surge has never let me down.
Your videos are incredibly high quality. Please keep it up. You have a lot of potential.
I appreciate that!
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
I bought my brother one for his birthday and he loves it .
Late to watch your review, just bought 1 on the way as an upgrade second multi tool to my 2nd gen wave, glad I bought this and didn’t stretched my very tight budget 😂 to the more expensive Charge TTI. Best informative review in my humble opinion. Thanks sir, be safe always👍🏼😊👍🏼
Thank you, I appreciate it. I love the Surge. In my personal opinion it is the best out there.
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 :)
Great review on the best of the best......if you need a tool of this size.A good big one will always beat a good small one and this tool is a very good big one.I'm a maintenance operative on a holiday lodge park and i use a multi tool daily for different tasks,the surge copes with everything that is thrown at it without fear of it breaking.
I'm currently in the process of designing and making a variety of different tools out of old jigsaw blades.....the options are endless.Chisels,scrapers,mini blades,needle type tools,ultra fine screwdrivers etc can all be manufactured from jigsaw bldes if you have access to a tool like a dremel with its multitude of mini cutting discs and grinding tools.......even the hooked blade types that people like.The types of tool you can make out of old jigsaw blades is only reall limited by the ingenuity of the owners of this tool and as said above access to a mini cutting/grinding tool.
I must agree that leatherman needs to make a driver that takes standard hex bits.......although i expect that the extension could be modified quite easily.
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.
Another really great review! Thanks for all the work you put in to your videos, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Thank you sir.
This is what I carry as well. Pull it out at least twice a day. But gives me piece of mind. If I ever get stuck anywhere or go. Camping I can make it. Mine is the 2nd revision.
The can opener works for clam shell packaging like the cutter you were wishing for on this tool.
It does, it’s just not quite as effective.
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful to me. I am at a garage sale and I will pick this up for 50 bucks.
Great video! Outstanding presentation, common sense and extras...! God Bless!!
Great review, best I've seen on this tool .
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.
Again the 4 improvements you mentioned would be great
To carry my surge I put a key loop on the lanyard mount on the surge and threw a carabiner clip on it and hang it from a belt loop. usually held in place by my back pocket.
I think you might be the first person that I know of to utilize the lanyard ring on the Surge. Well done sir.
Yea , I use it at work constantly and it was just too awkward pocket carrying . The carabiner keeps it sitting in the pocket yet vertical and just flick of the thumb and its in service. That surge is the most important tool I never knew I needed.
Some dude I can relate. I feel helpless without my Surge.
Solid review. It was great to hear your thoughts considering that you have used the tool so extensively. Thanks.
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.
I just ordered one today ,this morning.
Eddie Santiago if the weight doesn’t bother you, you are going to be extremely happy with it. I think it is the best multi tool made.
My goodness, what a great review. This leeds me to believe that he works or has worked for Leatherman Tools.
No, just a working man that relies on the Surge on a daily basis. I appreciate the compliment though.
Back in the day I loved the old Gerber multitool that used the Black and Decker style jig saw blades. I remember that not all the u shanked saw blades fit and it lacked the file. With the new Surge the blade exchanger has become a much better alternative.
I agree.
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.
I carry a swisstool with the serrated blade and plain blade in a skinth shield xl on the side of my vero tech mct.
As a plumber I sometimes have to go up on the roof and then I can just take the MT of and throw a channelock in my pocket and do what needs doing without dragging my entire tool bag up with me.
I would love a surge AL though 154cm blade and a serrated blade with “guthook”. The guthook on the charge is an excellent blisterpackage opener!
Lost the wave, was looking at others but like you said no bits, that's crazy. Going to get surge, thanks.
Good choice in my opinion. Let us know how it works for you, whether or not it was the right choice for you.
When my old PST did not prove to be strong enough to handle a hardened wire, I bought Surge and tried the wire with it. I somewhat misunderstood the term “wire” cutter and thought it was meant for thick iron wires and the Surge wire cutter suffered a slight dent, thought it doesn’t have problem on electric wires. I examined the wire and while it was very strong it didn’t stick to a magnet. A google search and I believe the wire contained rich austenite phase.
I made similar mistake with my PST in the early phase of use. PST wire cutters got a serious dent but over time it wore out and it moves smooth and cuts well. Foolish me learning little lesson from experience, and expected too much from far more robust looking Surge
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 also really like the removable file because you can use it so sharpen your knife in a pinch, the seraded blade is also really good at cutting the steel straps on pallets of monokote
While I know it's subjective, I couldn't agree more. Theres something simple, pure, and sturdy about the Surge that other multitools seem to lack. And the modularity with the t-shank and bit carriers puts it over the top. No gimmicks here. Just a good, solid tool
We are in total agreement.
I own two Surges with their won seperate bit kits and spare saws and files, yet after watching your wonderful video, I just ordered another set :D
Well, you never know...
Lol. Sounds good, you can never have enough backups.
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?
You are spot on with its weight being the biggest detractor. I love this tool-it *always* does the job, but it’s just to bulky for EDC. I consistently revert back to my Charge or Wave.
I have tried in the past to go back to a Charge+. It is just a bit too small, I guess I’m just accustomed to the larger Surge.
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!!
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.
I've been praising the Surge for a long time and the suggestions that you are making are spot on. Aside of the blade (which can be part of a Premium version), I'd like to see them integrated in their common version. Keep up your excellent work!
Thank you very much. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and hope you will find some of my other multi tool videos as useful as this one.
@@txtoolcrib I do not have the time nor the means to fully review multi-tools but I'm definitively a multi-tools (and EDC) enthousiast. Do not hesitate to contact me using my YT contact info to discuss, ask questions or simply to ask how things are going or how hot/cold my part of the planet is. I'll definitively try to keep a closer look at your work. Thanks!
Simon Forget well thank you, I really appreciate that. I may very well take you up on that offer.
@@txtoolcrib Thinking about this later today, I'd like to add something to be improved on the Surge (and frankly, on all Leatherman multi-tools). I'd like to have pliers with diamond-shaped (criss-cross) rather than straight, perpendicular serrations. Just like Klein, Channel Locks and other "professional" plier manufacturers. It would improve the grip and be more gentle when need be.
Great review on the surge!!👍
Thank you very much, and thank you for taking the time to watch my video.
I love my surge use it for work daily, I do carry a leatherman rebar with it. This gives me a file and a wood saw as I have a metal saw in the tshank holder on the surge and I don’t want to switch those out all the time. I always have those two tools on me at all times.
I understand what you mean. I don't really have the same issue, as I rarely use the saw in metal work.
Very informative reviews indeed! Thank you very much for that. I did brake the large screwdriver in half once trying too hard to unscrew one stubborn bolt ( I carry SERGE all the time on my duty belt ) Mates at Leatherman sent me replacement tool with no questions. The reason I’m telling this story to explain why the Leatherman doesn’t claim the large screwdriver to be used as a pry tool. Because of the blokes like me 🙁
Yeah, you can’t be too rough on that one.
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