2 images from Leatherman.
Leatherman
In production Surge Surge
At 354 g and 114 mm closed this is the heaviest tool in Leatherman's current catalogue, with a 79 mm blade and 21 tools. The Blade Exchanger lets the saw and file positions swap inserts, and both the wire cutters and the hard-wire cutters are replaceable. Four features open from the outside.
354 g
Weight
21
Tools
114.3 mm
Closed
420HC stainless steel
Blade steel
78.7 mm
Blade
$159.95
MSRP
Specs verified 2026-09-30 · 1 source · 3 fields we could not verify, shown as —
Full specification
Dimensions & weight
- Weight
- 354 g
- Weight (imperial)
- 12.5 oz
- Closed length
- 114.3 mm
- Closed length (imperial)
- 4.50 in
- Open length
- 177.8 mm
- Width
- 43.2 mm
- Thickness
- 20.3 mm
General
- Manufacturer
- Leatherman
- Product family
- Surge
- Release year
- —
- Status
- In production
- Country of manufacture
- —
- Tool count (manufacturer)
- 21
- Cost per tool
- $7.62
- Warranty
- 25-year warranty
Knife
- Blade steel
- 420HC56-58 HRCThe workhorse stainless of the multitool world. It does not hold an edge for long, but it takes one back in seconds on almost anything.dulls quicklyvery rust-resistanteasy to sharpenYou will sharpen it more often than a premium steel, and you will find that easier than owning a premium steel that has gone blunt. Editorial guidance, not a measured specification.
- Blade length
- 78.7 mm
- Edge type
- plain
- Blade profile
- Modified Drop Point
- Locking
- Yes
- One-hand opening
- Yes
- Outside accessible
- Yes
Pliers
- Pliers type
- both
- Wire cutters
- Yes
- Replaceable cutters
- Yes
- Hard-wire cutters
- Yes
- Crimper
- Yes
Carry
- Pocket clip
- No
- Lanyard attachment
- Yes
- Sheath included
- No
In the box
- Included bits
- Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver
As listed on leatherman.com for SKU 830278, checked 2026-09-30. Contents vary by SKU and change over time.
Tool inventory · 22 mapped · 21 counted by Leatherman
Needlenose pliers Regular pliers Replaceable wire cutters Hard-wire cutters Wire cutters Electrical crimper Wire stripper Plain-edge knife Serrated knife Saw Scissors Awl Ruler Can opener Bottle opener Wood/metal file Diamond-coated file Bit driver Flathead screwdriver Stranded-wire cutters Blade exchanger Phillips screwdriver
Needlenose Pliers · Regular Pliers · Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters · Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters · Stranded-wire Cutters · Electrical Crimper · Wire Stripper · 420HC Knife · 420HC Serrated Knife · Saw · Spring-action Scissors · Awl w/ Thread Loop · Ruler (8 in | 19 cm) · Can Opener · Bottle Opener · Wood/Metal File · Diamond-coated File · Blade Exchanger® · Large Bit Driver · Large Screwdriver · Small Screwdriver
Corkscrew Tweezers Toothpick
What reviewers report
Recurring praise: Durable construction withstands heavy use (5 contributors); Customizable and replaceable tool system (5 contributors); Effective and ergonomic scissors (4 contributors). Recurring criticism: Tool is heavy and bulky (4 contributors).
Based on 8 sources from 8 independent contributors (7 video, 1 reddit). A report is recurring when three people mention it or when it appears across both platforms.
Repeated praise
-
Durable construction withstands heavy use 5 · recurring
“this thing has not been bent it has not broken uh literally nothing has happened to it” Doody’s Daggers · video
“the Surge is the one you get when you want maximum toughness, maximum functionality” Heavy Pockets · video
“the multi-tool does appear to be very durable stainless steel construction” Al's Homestead · video
“realworld heavyduty use, the Surge still reigns supreme” Roots and Rhymez · video
“some people have even referred to it as the king of multi-tools” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
-
Customizable and replaceable tool system 5 · recurring
“gives you a chance to really customize your Leatherman which is so cool man” Doody’s Daggers · video
“unique blade changer system that lets you swap out the saw or file for other jigsaw style blades” Heavy Pockets · video
“replaceable wire cutters, a very large pair of scissors, a saw, and two files” Roots and Rhymez · video
“One, it allows the customization between different types of saws for different materials. The other big benefit is if you wear it out or break…” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
“let's not forget the leatherman has these replaceable hard wire cutters” Jon Gadget · video
-
Effective and ergonomic scissors 4 · recurring
“these scissors are great I've cut through some pretty thick stuff with these” Doody’s Daggers · video
“my personal favorite are these really large springaction scissors” Heavy Pockets · video
“it's just safer and more convenient than trying to use the knife blade but also faster than going and grabbing a pair of scissors from…” Al's Homestead · video
“These scissors are good and sharp. And these aren't the kind of scissors you'd use to cut your mustache or do delicate tasks like this.…” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
-
Comfortable grip and handling 2 · repeated
“definitely the most comfortable Leatherman I've ever gripped onto” Doody’s Daggers · video
“feels really good in the hand” Jon Gadget · video
-
Quick one-handed tool access 3 · recurring
“I love having tools accessible from the outside” Doody’s Daggers · video
“That makes it faster to use compared to cheaper multi-tools” Heavy Pockets · video
“So, all the tools are easily one hand accessible.” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
-
Secure locking mechanisms for tools 2 · repeated
“everything on this uh multitool is completely locking which is great” Doody’s Daggers · video
“The liner lock works excellent. I got nothing bad to say about it.” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
-
Full-size pliers with good leverage 2 · repeated
“you've got a full size pliers with a ton of leverage” Heavy Pockets · video
“it is bigger and chunkier and although they're both needle nosed the leatherman is longer with more reach” Jon Gadget · video
-
Blades are tough and easy to sharpen 2 · repeated
“solid toughness, easy field sharpening, and great corrosion resistance” Roots and Rhymez · video
“I like the steel. It's easy to sharpen, and you can get it razor sharp.” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
-
Serrated blade cuts rope easily 2 · repeated
“serrated blade that eats through rope like absolute butter” Roots and Rhymez · video
“now this has great serrations on it. And this is a great um tough hard use tool right here.” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
-
Leatherman allows single-handed blade opening 2 · recurring
“it does have one trick up its sleeve that the victorinox doesn't have and that is single-handed blade opening” Jon Gadget · video
“certainly makes a difference deploying the main blade” u/theflinchburger · reddit
Repeated criticism
-
Tool is heavy and bulky 4 · recurring
“it was bigger than I thought it was going to be it was quite big” Doody’s Daggers · video
“The only real downside is again the weight” Heavy Pockets · video
“this multi-tool is going to be kind of bulky to fit in some smaller spaces” Al's Homestead · video
“So, suffice it to say that the Leatherman Surge is a heavy tool.” NewAgainKnifeReviews · video
Sturdy screwdrivers that do not bend Bit driver fails to retain bits Knife blade quality is average Pliers are frequently used Primary knife blade is frequently used Screwdrivers are useful in a pinch Convenient for avoiding other tools Durable and well-fitting sheath Comprehensive and reliable warranty
- After Six Months of HARD Use: Leatherman Surge Full Review!
- Why the Leatherman Surge Still Reigns Supreme
- Leatherman Surge Review! Is it Worth $150?!?
- Leatherman Surge 5 Year Long Term Review
- Leatherman Surge Review: Still the King of Multitools?
- THE BIGGEST TOUGHEST LEATHERMAN • THE LEATHERMAN SURGE REVIEW
- Leatherman Surge vs Victorinox Swisstool X - is bigger better?
- Added a custom thumb stud to my Surge!
Problems owners reported
-
Blade or another tool broke or chipped 17 owners
“I had broken the scissors off” u/mspellredit · r/Leatherman · 2026-09-14
“tip of knife broke” u/jebanez · r/Leatherman · 2026-07-20
“the top of my cutters broke while I was cutting copper wire” u/sad_relationship9036 · r/Leatherman · 2026-05-23
“the awl was chipped” u/nefcpainter119 · r/Leatherman · 2026-03-18
“I broke the tip off the small flathead” u/st3kush · r/Leatherman · 2026-03-17
“My serrated blade on my Surge broke off at the base” u/latter-scallion-4755 · r/Leatherman · 2025-11-21
“At one point the large flat screwdriver broke, prying of course.” u/i_was_axiom · r/Leatherman · 2025-06-25
“my Leatherman Surge's flathead screwdriver broke while working” u/pitiful-valuable-504 · r/Leatherman · 2025-06-16
“that has the small flathead screwdriver broken off” u/1022obsession · r/multitools · 2024-07-07
“I snapped the can opener clean off” u/both-respect4684 · r/Leatherman · 2024-06-26
“I broke my Surge cutters” u/igloo37 · r/Leatherman · 2024-03-19
“Broke the tip of the small flathead screw driver on my Surge.” u/carnivorouscattle · r/Leatherman · 2024-01-15
“I broke the small screwdriver from the first use of it” u/kevin1925 · r/Leatherman · 2022-09-30
“I broke the small flat head screw driver” u/noticemeplease242 · r/Leatherman · 2022-01-30
“I broke my awl on a job last month.” u/herefortheworst · r/Leatherman · 2021-12-24
“the small flathead has broken off at the tip” u/strikingbet0 · r/Leatherman · 2021-07-17
“the small screwdriver tip broke” u/winterous01 · r/Leatherman · 2020-02-02
-
Rust or corrosion 17 owners
“it’s already very rusted” u/yanthep · r/Leatherman · 2026-09-17
“had signs of slight rust on the blades and other tools” u/mspellredit · r/Leatherman · 2026-09-14
“My surge started gathering rust here” u/omegaistwopif · r/Leatherman · 2025-07-16
“a bit rusty” u/exotic-leading3608 · r/Leatherman · 2025-02-21
“it that rust or something” u/nvile_09 · r/Leatherman · 2025-01-18
“caused some slight surface rust all over my surge” u/reporter-rhys · r/Leatherman · 2024-12-20
“Is this rust in my surge?” u/mrfamiliar3377 · r/Leatherman · 2024-09-24
“it still gets rust” u/wyoranger45 · r/Leatherman · 2024-05-31
“pulled it out yesterday with rust” u/sturmfuqerfartmcgee · r/Leatherman · 2024-03-14
“somehow always has little bits of spot rust on it” u/thereallad01 · r/Leatherman · 2024-03-12
“It has a little rust on the outside blades.” u/labernyernie · r/Leatherman · 2023-10-01
“Month old Surge rusting?” u/cup-of_tea · r/Leatherman · 2021-10-25
“It’s also amassed a little bit of rust working around some chemicals and water frequently.” u/gabern · r/Leatherman · 2021-09-12
“it is now covered in small patches of rust” u/konigsberg-kartoffel · r/Leatherman · 2021-09-10
“clean the rust of my Surge” u/numerionegidio · r/Leatherman · 2021-08-11
“a couple of rust spots removed” u/coasterjoe · r/Leatherman · 2020-10-26
“starting to notice rust spots” u/19marc81 · r/Leatherman · 2020-02-27
-
Play or wobble in a blade or tool 8 owners
“the play in the main blade is definitely getting worse” u/khornebread · r/Leatherman · 2026-08-13
“the pliers have developed some play in the pivot, allowing them to twist slightly during use” u/proof-ad-8615 · r/Leatherman · 2026-06-28
“the flat side where the locking mechanism lock the blade is shorter so the is a small amount of blade play” u/kind_ad_716 · r/Leatherman · 2026-03-06
“the new Surge that arrived yesterday has a strange play” u/pallidopuntoblu · r/Leatherman · 2026-02-20
“the little bracket that holds the saw blade won't stay connected together and comes loose” u/latter-scallion-4755 · r/Leatherman · 2025-11-21
“If I snug down the fasteners with the knife open it will sort of work but feels a bit loose.” u/usual-cauliflower764 · r/Leatherman · 2025-10-31
“the arm suddenly got loose” u/silly-stilly · r/Leatherman · 2019-10-08
“small bit of play in the pliers” u/headsh0x · r/Leatherman · 2018-05-30
-
Stiff, gritty or hard to open 4 owners
“Surge is super stiff hard to open” u/sad_relationship9036 · r/Leatherman · 2026-05-23
“It’s slightly tight when opening but not bad at all.” u/brianj1992 · r/Leatherman · 2026-04-23
“stiff pliers” u/batman24011992 · r/Leatherman · 2026-04-11
“Leatherman Surge opening too stiff?” u/electronic-eagle-171 · r/Leatherman · 2026-02-15
-
Pliers broke, bent or went loose 3 owners
“the jaw on my Surge snapped off” u/hav3_y0u_m3t_t3d · r/Leatherman · 2025-03-01
“pliers tips broke” u/nightshadedrix · r/Leatherman · 2024-05-13
“the jaw on my Leatherman surge broke while bending the wire” u/ok_response_1495 · r/Leatherman · 2024-04-15
Counted from 168 Reddit posts naming the Surge in r/multitools and r/Leatherman, searched 2026-10-02. A number here counts owners who posted about a problem with their own tool, not how often the problem occurs: each search returns a capped number of posts, and comments were not read. A problem is listed once 3 different owners report it.
Where this data comes from
28 source records back this page. 3 fields could not be verified against any of them and are shown as — above.
Show the 28-row source table
| Weight | leatherman.com Leatherman publishes 12.5 oz; converted at 28.349523125 g/oz. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Closed length | leatherman.com Leatherman publishes 4.5 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Open length | leatherman.com Leatherman publishes 7 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Width | leatherman.com Leatherman publishes 1.7 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Thickness | leatherman.com Leatherman publishes 0.8 in overall thickness. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Manufacturer tool count | leatherman.com Leatherman states a tool count of 21. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Tool list | leatherman.com Mapped from the manufacturer tool list on the product page; manufacturer wording and order are preserved. Mapped from the manufacturer's own tool wording using the shared comparison categories. | Manufacturer page | 2026-08-26 |
| Tool list | leatherman.com Phillips screwdriver from the included bits: Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver | Manufacturer page | 2026-10-03 |
| Blade steel | leatherman.com Product page specification "Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel". | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Blade length | leatherman.com Leatherman publishes a primary blade length of 3.1 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| MSRP (USD) | leatherman.com List price on leatherman.com, USD. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Production status | leatherman.com Listed and in the current catalogue on leatherman.com. | Manufacturer page | 2026-08-26 |
| Sheath included | leatherman.com Product description states "Sheath sold separately." | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Lanyard attachment | leatherman.com Listed as a product feature: "Lanyard Ring". | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Pocket clip | leatherman.com Not listed among the product features; Leatherman sells a pocket clip for the Wave/Charge/Surge as a separate accessory. | Manufacturer page | 2026-08-26 |
| Replaceable cutters | leatherman.com Tool list names "Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters" and "Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters". | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Country of manufacture | leatherman.com states USA Page states: "Made in the USA -" Site-wide footer text, printed on every page of the site; not a statement about this product. Refused 2026-09-30. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-28 |
| Edge type | leatherman.com Page states: "Blade Edge
Plain" | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Blade locking | leatherman.com Page states: "Blade Lock
Yes" | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| One-hand opening | leatherman.com Page states: "One-hand Operable Features
Open and use features with one hand, keeping your other hand free when you need it most." | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Outside-accessible blade | leatherman.com Page states: "Outside-Accessible Features
Access essential tools without opening the multi-tool, even while it remains folded." | Manufacturer page | 2026-08-26 |
| Wire cutters | leatherman.com Page states: "Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters" | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Hard-wire cutters | leatherman.com Page states: "Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters" | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Crimper | leatherman.com Page states: "Electrical Crimper" | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Blade profile | leatherman.com Official specification states 'Blade Type: Modified Drop Point'. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-01 |
| Pliers type | leatherman.com Official tool list includes both needlenose and regular pliers. | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Included bits | leatherman.com Page states: "Included Bits * Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver" | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
| Warranty | leatherman.com Page states: "That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts for a lifetime." | Manufacturer page | 2026-09-30 |
Not verified: Release year, MSRP (EUR), Country of manufacture. Each renders as — above. We would rather show a gap than a number nobody stands behind.
Where it sits
Weight percentile, all 357 tools
Heavier than 99% of the database. 33 tools match or beat its tool count at a lower weight.
See lighter alternatives →Closest in weight
Also from Leatherman
Leatherman models in the database, with the same fields measured the same way.
All Leatherman multitools →