Leatherman: NEW for 2005, a sneak peek!!

[Gryffin]

Just saw new photos on the LM site!!

http://www.leatherman.com/dealer-extranet/image-library/product-photography/new2005.asp

Two new models, the Surge and the Core. Here's what I can see so far:

Surge:

Built much like the new Wave, folded stainless sheet, with four outside blades; the hinge screws look different, but still use that dang SuperSecureTorx+++. Some lightening milling in the jaws.

Has the new, bigger knife blades.

Instead of the file, has what look like MUCH sturdier scissors (YEAH!)

Inside, has the same bit-holders, one large, one small (and useless).

Interesting detail: the saw blade looks to be removable; I presume you can replace it with the file. (Wouldn't it be cool if the holder could also handle jigsaw blades? )

One new implement: an awl, looks sharp, and has an eye.

Also has the usual large flat screwdriver, and the combo can-opener/cap-lifter/wire-stripper.

ALL tools lock, natch.

Core:

Built like the Fuse/Blast line, sans the zytel edges.

Looks like a mix of implements from the original Wave and Blast, stuffed into Blast-like handles:

Straight Blade
Serrated Blade
Saw
File
Long Phillips
Three flat screwdrivers
Combo can-opener/cap-lifter/wire-stripper
new Awl from the Surge
Lanyard loop

All locking, again.

NO bit-holders, but should be able to use the same tool adapter as the Blast.

Further reports as events (and SHOT) warrant...

 

[turnsouth]

Looks like the Core may be replacing the Super Tool 200...

 

[Gryffin]

Ya know, I hadn't thought of that, but I think you may be right. Those handles are definitely bigger than the Blast/Kick/Fuse line.

Thing is, the pliers aren't any bigger than standard, unlike the SuperTools.

Still, it looks like it shares enough parts with the other lines to make it significantly cheaper to manufacture than the SuperTool, with all it's unique parts and tooling.

 

[enkidu]

The large screwdriver looks kinda chisel-like although it might be a properly ground screwdriver blade.

The Surge looks to be very close to my ideal multi-tool... I want them to drop the mini-screwdriver and add an awl to the Charge Ti/new Wave. So what do they do? Add the awl but drop the file+metal saw! Although if you could swap the saw for a metal file+saw that might make it a little closer to my ideal. Hopefully answers will be forthcoming in the next few days....

 

[ckl]

thx for the news,guy!

oh i think the surge will be better for me becos i like the avaibility of scissor in a multi-tool.but too bad they still install the useless bit-holders is stupid IMHO......the ideas of tool adapter or swisstool style wrench are much better....

just wonder when will they release the new tools!

 

[Sonny Burnett]

Looks like the Core may be replacing the Super Tool 200...

That was my first thought too when I saw the Core...(?). Thanks for posting the info Gryffin.

 

[NakedFarmer]

I talked to Leatherman today, the cores comeing in august and surge in september, a while to wait.

 

[Bodieism]

I wonder if a pocket clip is going to be compatible with the Surge?

 

[Tsquare]

I noticed on these two new tools there appears to be a crimper on the back side of the plier heads. Does it seem that way to anyone else? Just thought I would ask.

 

[OwenM]

Looks like it to me Tsquare. My ST200 has that feature, too. I've never used it, so can't comment on how well it works.

 

[LaBella]

might just need a Core too!

 

[choubbi]

wow! the replaceable saw blade on the Surge looks cool! if there is a metal saw/file (diamond coated) with it that fits in the holder, that will be my new preferred leatherman!

I really don't like the bit holders on this one, particularly the small one :barf: but at least the other tools look great.

I love the look of the Surge!

 

[underaged!]

Looks like I'm going to be sticking with my Charge!

If there was a Surge like, just bigger than the Juice, I might be interested.

 

[mwelch8404]

wow! the replaceable saw blade on the Surge looks cool! if there is a metal saw/file (diamond coated) with it that fits in the holder, that will be my new preferred leatherman!

I really don't like the bit holders on this one, particularly the small one :barf: but at least the other tools look great.

I love the look of the Surge!

I agree - totally. I regularly and heavily use the diamond side of the file.

 

[bakmr]

You guys seem pretty interested in this new models, so I thought I'd pop in and confirm a lot of your conclusions.

The saw blade you see in the picture is indeed removable. The tool will also come with a file for that location. Except for the standard T-shank attachment, the saw and file are normal designs for Leatherman. (Yes, Gryffin, your jigsaw blades will fit. And yes, Choubbi, the file does include diamond coating.)

Turnsouth, you are exactly right. The plan is for Core to replace the ST 200 by this time next year.

Pliers actually are about 10% larger than last year's introductions, probably hard to tell in the photo because the entire tool is larger (4.5" closed).

Enkidu, that's actually a hollow grind you're seeing on those screwdrivers, the first time we've ever offered that.

Bodieism, there is a slot for the pocket clip on the Surge just like Wave, Charge. Probably not included with the tool, though (same as Wave).

Tsquare, there is an electrical crimper on the back side of the plier jaws (the ST 200 has it, too). But there's also a cutter for stranded wire there as well.

Thanks for the interest and enthusiasm, guys. I'll try to check back later in the week to see if you have any more questions.

Mark Baker (the PR guy)
Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.

 

[Aux]

Thanks for the interest and enthusiasm, guys. I'll try to check back later in the week to see if you have any more questions.

Is the main blade on the Surge going to be 154CM like the Charge (but I assume not the new Wave)?

 

[Bodieism]

Does anyone know what kind of tool it takes to take apart the Core? I'd like to take the scissors off the Surge and put them where the plain edge knife blade is on the Core (would that be possible?) or would it be better to use the ones on the new Wave since they were designed to be used with a lock? I think that would suit my needs better than the Surge because I don't like the bit drivers plus I always carry a plain edge Spyderco with me so it would make a great combo. The only thing I think I'd miss was the one handed opening of the serrated blade but I'm sure I could deal without it.

 

[choubbi]

I think it'll be my next multitool!
the removable file will surely be useful! and with diamond!
If at least it had not the small bit driver, it would be almost perfect! I don't really like the big bit driver, but the small one is absolutely a waste of space. a long philips screwdriver would be much more useful, in my opinion. the bits won't reach a lot of screws, they're too sturdy for deep narrow holes where screws are often put.

 

[enkidu]

Thanks bakmr, that's great information! With the hollow ground screwdriver blades+removeable file+awl; it sounds like my next multi-tool (to replace my very well used/loved original LM Wave). choubbi has it completely correct, the tiny screwdriver is a complete waste of space, and if it were replaced with a chisel/prytool, it would make the Surge very close to perfect in my book.

 

[Mr.Moose]

The Surge is a sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet looking tool, I already have a Charge but may need to pick one up anyway. I actually like the idea of scissors on the outside, it seems to be the tool I use the most these days, go figure...

I agree with others that say the small bit driver should go in favor of another large bit driver (like the XTi). I'm guessing that if this is a 2005 summer release leatherman has already re-tooled and spinning these out like mad (with the small bit driver).

Mr. Moose.