Leatherman wave or surge

G

GodslayerPainkiller

Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
4
Hi there

First of all I am a newbie and I have a question for you all

When i was reading the forum i noticed that most of you choose leatherman wave to carry and you advise other guys to bought but when i look to the official site of the leatherman i saw that wave is a retired tool! I continued looking and i found that Surge is kind of takes place but nearly none of you all mentioned surge in your posts and i can not understand it

I told i am a newbie and do not well understand the steel types or other features but i am thinking of a wave or a surge( or something like that to EDC and i will very glad to any other recommendations) so main question is Are there anything wrong with surge so that you all recommend a retired tool?

Thanks for your time

PS: My native language is not English and if you find some errors and tell me i would be very happy
 
First of all, Welcome:D:thumbup:

Actually, the Wave as it is sold now is not a retired tool. What Leatherman is considering a "retired tool" is the pre-2004 version. In 2004, LM made some modifications to their tool line up. The Super Tool 200 was basically replaced by the Core, the "old" Wave was replaced by the newer version, the Charge series was introduced (basically a Wave with upgraded blade steel and titanium grips), the original PST and its variations were replaced by the Kick, Fuse, and Blast. Finally, LM also came out with the Surge. It was basically the new Wave beefed up and given a removable/replaceable/switchable file and saw.

Personally, I really like the Surge. However, I hate its size and weight. The thing is pretty big to pack around in your pocket. Even in its sheath it looks like you have a cell phone strapped to your belt:eek: The Wave, for most people, is much more pocket/belt friendly unless they just really need a heavy duty tool.

For me, I have pretty much given up on ultra heavy duty tools. If I pack one, I usually go with the SOG Powerlock. It gives me some VERY strong pliers and ALL of the tools and replaceable should I bend or break them. However, most days I can get along just fine with my Skeletool CX. Pliers, blade, couple of screw driver bits, and a very handy bottle opener:thumbup:

Hope this helps:)
 
The Wave is very much still available. There is a newer version of it today. It's simply called Wave. The surge is quite a bit larger from what I understand although many some people like it more than the wave.
 
The Surge and Wave are similar in some ways; one-hand opening blades, bit exchangers (including that stupid mini driver), general fit and feel, but they are in totally different categories. At 12+ oz., the Surge is some heavy metal, lessened to an extent by an excellent pocket clip. With it, felt weight is greatly reduced so that sometimes I forget that it's in my pocket until I reach for keys. Still, when packed in its sheath with bit extender, bit kit and saw/file blade, there's a pound of gear to deal with. That goes on the belt without too much fuss, but when work is done, I swap it out with something smaller and lighter for out and about. Very often that is a Charge, which is really a fancy Wave.

Maybe you should get both. For increased versatility and tough jobs, IMHO nothing is better than the Surge (SOG and Swisstool are okay, but ;) ). However, its presence is, shall we say, noticeable in an EDC. OTOH, the Wave provides most of its capabilities in a more manageable format. I'm very pleased with each of them.
 
I've carried a Surge for a little over a year everyday of the year. I also carry the bit set and a couple extra saw blades. I dont understand people complaining of the weight: Yes, it is 3/4 of a pound on your belt, but unless your running in the boston marathon its not really a big deal, IMO. Everything on it gets used, except for the built-in flathead screwdriver. have no idea why its on there as there is a reversible bit included on the Surge. The wire cutter works great for what it can handle. The scissors are top notch as well. Whats cool about the saw is that the blades are jigsaw blades, so you can get whatever type you want anywhere. There is no need to order saw blades because you cant find Leatherman brand blades at your local brick and mortar knife shop. The eyeglass reversible screwdriver is also quite handy. The only tool I rarely use is the serrated blade, but I suppose if anyone breaks down a lot of boxes it would be quite handy. The Surge costs about $20.00 more than the swisstool and is around the same price as the sog powerlock eod (either of which I would get if the Surge wasnt on the market), but is more solid and and backed by Leatherman's great warranty. Also, get the pocket clip at your own risk, as the way its desined its quite easy to come off in the pocket. Mine came off twice: the first time I found it in about 10 minutes but the second time I have no idead where it ended up. Anyway, in case you cant tell, I definitely recommend the Surge over any multi-tool on the market.
 
I EDC the new Wave with a pocket clip and love it. The surge is nice, and it is a bit beefed up, but a little too big for me. This could be part of the reason the clip came off. mine is on there like a take, and hard to try to pull off, but when I want to ake it off and puch the tool release, its no problem too do.

Another thing I like about the slot for the pocket clip and lanyard is that I have seen people modify sawzall blades and they clip right into place in the opening, and stays there. I also saw a man make a gut hook to put in there, and they were perfect size to carry behind the tool in the sheath.
 
screwthe49ers said:
I've carried a Surge for a little over a year everyday of the year. I also carry the bit set and a couple extra saw blades. I dont understand people complaining of the weight: Yes, it is 3/4 of a pound on your belt, but unless your running in the boston marathon its not really a big deal, IMO. Everything on it gets used, except for the built-in flathead screwdriver. have no idea why its on there as there is a reversible bit included on the Surge.
Click to expand...

Obviously, it is there to use as a pry bar, and I have used it as such many times. It is a bit wider than the supplied bit, and its one piece connection to the tool array inspires a little more confidence than bit holders for that purpose.

screwthe49ers said:
The eyeglass reversible screwdriver is also quite handy.
Click to expand...

In two years since my first encounter with it, I have yet to find anything at all, including eyeglass screws, that it fits. It is too small for the wife's or my specs, and once in a while I grab the glasses off an acquaintance (don't do this with strangers :D ) and try to tighten (or loosen :D ) the attaching screws. There may be a category of stuff unknown to me that this thing can be of some purpose. I wish it could be swapped out for something useful, like possibly another regular sized bit holder. Maybe where you live, things are different.

screwthe49ers said:
Also, get the pocket clip at your own risk, as the way its desined its quite easy to come off in the pocket. Mine came off twice: the first time I found it in about 10 minutes but the second time I have no idead where it ended up. Anyway, in case you cant tell, I definitely recommend the Surge over any multi-tool on the market.
Click to expand...

Never had problems with my clip, but experiences differ. Agreed, though, the Surge is, I think, the best multitool in its class.
 
As everyone said, the Wave was slightly modified (was it 2004?) and the old one was discontinued. The new one is still current, and is a fine tool.

I have the old one, the 'discontinued' model and I'd like to reassure you that it is also a very fine tool. If someone offered me an 'old' Wave at a good price, I'd buy another. :)
 
Well, I carry a mini prybar with me in my bag, so the flathed bit is extra for me. :)Wish they had left it off and swapped it for a better bottle opener, though.
 
I prefer the Wave.
I have a new one and like it a lot, except for the tiny screwdriver. I would prefer an awl in its place.
Jim
 
James Y said:
I prefer the Wave.
I have a new one and like it a lot, except for the tiny screwdriver. I would prefer an awl in its place.
Jim
Click to expand...

If Leatherman could figure out a cost-effective swap-out replacement for the small bit holder, or at least come up with something useful that would fit the existing one, I would go for it. An awl would be my choice, but maybe there are other possibilities.
 
znapschatz said:
If Leatherman could figure out a cost-effective swap-out replacement for the small bit holder, or at least come up with something useful that would fit the existing one, I would go for it. An awl would be my choice, but maybe there are other possibilities.
Click to expand...

Just make one.. 2 secs with a grinder on a 1/4" nut driver attachment and youre golden..
 
bodydamage said:
Just make one.. 2 secs with a grinder on a 1/4" nut driver attachment and youre golden..
Click to expand...

That's a good idea for something to fit the regular bit holder (and a project I have been meaning to do; where does all the time go? :confused::o), but I was bitching and moaning about the smaller one. I don't think it would stand up to awl use, besides being worthless as an eyeglass screwdriver.
Actually, I would forgo the awl if someone could come up with any good idea of how to give the mini bit holder some utility. It is not the biggest irritation, but I dislike having appendages on a multitool that serve no useful purpose.
 
Why wont it work as an eyeglass screwdriver?? I used the uber micro small standard bit to turn the little set screw underneath the towel racks when I just replaced them all.. Worked ok, I guess.. One of the titanium guys could make a toothpick to friction fit in there..
 
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