Is the Surge the new King?

T

toe_cutter

Joined
Nov 16, 2005
Messages
4
I've owned and used the majority of the main multi-tools from the main quality producers - specifically Leatherman, Gerber and Victorinox. Up until now, there were advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Although I favoured the old Wave, it didn't have locking tools, integral bit holder, or exchangeable saw blades. It is also true to say that whilst the pliers on the Wave were excellent in most cases (and better than most of the opposition), they lacked the level of grip needed to loosen stubborn nuts on my old 900 Kawasaki (I couldn't afford a Harley). In other respects I thought it was a more versatile tool than the Swisstool and far more rugged than the Gerber, which I also own.

It appears that the Surge has everything needed, for just about all the circumstances where a multi-tool could usefully be engaged. OK, I'm not going to be able to strip engines with it, but it looks like it can handle any of the tasks of any other multi-tool - and more.

On another thread an owner thought it might represent 'too much gun' (in John Wayne terms). But, to my mind, in a pinch 'too much is never enough' (and anyway, in True Grit, John Wayne used a Winchester rifle like a handgun)! I noticed a few of the military types, who also use this website, thought it was excellent. Frankly, I'm not interested in the politics behind Leatherman - but I can tell you that stuff made in the USA is almost always seen as the best quality available in the UK.

So, is the new Surge the KING of multi-tools?
 
If you liked the old wave, keep in mind that the surge is bigger. I have relatively small hands so the wave works better for me. I tried the surge out at the store and didn't like It.

Edited: sorry didn't pay too much attention to the second part of your post. suffice to say the size was an issue for me.
 
Thanks for your advice. In my case, I think the additional size will be a benefit, purely because of the increased leverage on the pliers. The size of the knife may be a legal issue here in the UK, but I'm not planning to take it out with me unless I've got a practical use for it - i.e. for amateur mechanics, building work or professional use.
 
I have many Leathermans, for me the Surge is my EDC since I got mine last month. I am in the U.S Army and I use the heck out of mine. For me it is the new KING of multi tools but I like the 4.5 inch tools better because I am 6FT 220 pounds with Large hands. I can see a small person not liking the Surge because it is heavy but for me I like heavy and I really love the Surge's Long Blades.
 
Personally, I think we're right back where we were when we discussed Supertools and the Wave. I just got the Core, which doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Surge, but is a heavy duty, can't destroy tool. I was removing the screwdriver bit on my Surge last week-end and the bit retaining spring came out.
At work, I am tough on a multi and need the durability of the Core. I may retire my Surge to use on my days off. I guess it all depends on what you're looking for in the tool:)
 
I bought a Surge off the 'Bay last week, and it will hopefully be here on Monday, so I look forward to seeing if it is THE ONE! :D

And, I ordered a pocketclip to see how it carries that way! :thumbup:
 
I compared and the Fuse had the right tools for me and the weight is much better than my SOG.
 
I've been carrying my Surge more often than not since I got it a couple of months ago. I don't mind the size and weight too much, and I really like the selection of implements, but I do have two gripes:

1. The screwdriver bits are too stubby to reach recessed screws. Imagine my chagrin when, on the day I bought the Surge, I had to lay it aside and fetch my old style Wave when fixing a kitchen cabinet. "It's a good thing you bought that new tool," said my wife with just the right amount of sarcasm.

2. That ridiculous mini screwdriver is taking up some valuable space that could be put to better use with another implement. It could be stached on the sheath somewhere.
 
I agree... The miniscrew driver does not need the "lock" and the strong "torque force" to operate like the other implements do. So it can be safely stored/attached without taking up a valuable "lockable" space. The engagement lever for the scissors on my Surge broke and I sent it back to leatherman and had it fixed. Now I found that the retaining spring for the miniscrewdriver bit become loose and cannot be tightened up. I am hesitant to part my tool again just for this so I will live with it for time being.

I bought some T-shank saw blades for metal cutting. I found that these 3rd-party saw blades are thinner than the ones came with the tool. So there is considerable play when use them. The original blades are not without play either, so imagine the looseness you may find for the 3rd -party ones. I wonder why no one has complain about it yet… Leatherman may address this issue if there is enough noise being made…

Overall, I am happy with the tool except some minor quality and design related issues mentioned above…
 
I haven't experienced any of the quality problems of other members with any Leatherman products (apart from a broken sheath I got with a Wave) - but I must admit that they do give pause for thought...

On the issue of the mini-screwdriver, I'm afraid I have to disagree with those who would like to 'do away' with it. I was using the Leatherman to fit a set of security lights outside the house today and discovered that I needed to use the mini-screwdriver to undo and re-tighten the small screws in the tiny electrical connector blocks (supplied with the lighting). None of the other screwdrivers would fit.

On another occasion, I had to use the mini-screwdriver to adjust the pilot jet settings on a set of carbs on my bike.

I say: "Let's give the mini-screwdriver a chance."
 
Well the surge is not to big or heavy fer me. I have big hands and it feels good. The size actually feels just right. Its great. My friend at work is older and thinks its to big and heavy, he has a lm didnt say what one but its half the size. this is a great tool.
 
For me, it's almost a tie between the Core and the Surge.:cool: I carry the Core with me at work on my belt (and I wear black dress pants every day), and I wear the Surge outside of work with the pocket clip for my jeans, since I don't wear a belt with jeans. It works well, and I don't find either of them to be too big or bulky. I'm a 5'10" 230 pound weight lifter so I guess it depends on your point of view. I absolutely LOVE both of these new monsters from Leatherman. If I had to rate them on a scale, I would rate the Core higher because the tools are more solid over all.:thumbup:
JK
 
I think I will be getting the "blast" in black as a gift for the hollidays. I am not sure I will need much more in the way of tools. I have a SAK Mechanic from several years ago (maybe 7 years ago). I also have a small SAK that is really a two blade "pocket knife" without any other tools...very simple, very elegant (>15 years ago).

In any case, I think I should have the tools I will need between the three of these. Should I have any concerns about the Blast?
 
I got the Blast in black...early gift. I really like it. Definately all I need from the tools perspective. Now I just need a good sheath/holster that will also accomodate my motorola Razr:D
 
I used my Surge's Wire Cutter to cut through a small travel lock the other day to get into the bag the lock was on. I thought the tool would be damaged but it was'nt at all. I do think the new big tools from Leatherman are the best they have ever made. I carry the Surge with me at work and I have the Core at the house and usually carry it on weekends.
 
Fool4Blades said:
I bought a Surge off the 'Bay last week, and it will hopefully be here on Monday, so I look forward to seeing if it is THE ONE! :D

And, I ordered a pocketclip to see how it carries that way! :thumbup:
Click to expand...
I just bought a core and would love a clip to put on it. I was on the leatherman website and only saw the clips that fit the charge,new wave and the other clip was for the kick. Is this clip an aftermarket?? PLMN cause I would love to get one if it fits. I wish there were more choices of multitools with clips. Thanks J
 
dogrobber said:
The top end leathermans are nice knives.
Click to expand...
Leatherman said:
...The warranty does not cover abuse, alteration, unauthorized, or unreasonable use...
Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so above exclusions may not apply to you...
Click to expand...
I like the 25 year warranty! I hear their customer service (CS) is really good. I hope I never need it, but am comforted by what I have heard.
 
MANIX J,
The clip for the Charge Ti works on the Surge as well:cool: . I use it all the time when I don't wear a belt.
JK
 
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