Leatherman Rebar vs Surge
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 19 of 29 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Rebar weighs 190 g (6.7 oz) and the Surge 354 g (12.5 oz), so the Rebar is 164 g lighter, 46% less. By the manufacturers' own counts, the Rebar carries 17 tools and the Surge 21. Blade length is 73.7 mm (2.90 in) against 78.7 mm (3.10 in).
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Rebar weighs 190 g (6.7 oz) and the Surge 354 g (12.5 oz), so the Rebar is 164 g lighter, 46% less. Folded, the Rebar is 101.6 mm (4.00 in) long and the Surge 114.3 mm (4.50 in). The Rebar is the slimmer in the pocket: 16.5 mm thick against 20.3 mm for the Surge.
Sources: Rebar: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts, the Rebar carries 17 tools and the Surge 21. Only the Surge has scissors, diamond-coated file, bit driver, stranded-wire cutters and blade exchanger.
Sources: Rebar: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
Blade length is 73.7 mm (2.90 in) against 78.7 mm (3.10 in). The blade on the Surge opens with the tool folded; on the Rebar it does not. The Surge opens its blade one-handed; the Rebar does not.
Sources: Rebar: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Rebar is $60 cheaper: $99.95 against $159.95 for the Surge. Per counted tool that is $5.88 for the Rebar and $7.62 for the Surge.
Sources: Rebar: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry needlenose pliers, regular pliers, replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, electrical crimper, wire stripper, plain-edge knife, serrated knife, saw, awl, ruler, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Leatherman Rebar
8 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Compact and lightweight for EDC 6
- ✓ Affordable price and good value 5
- ✓ Comfortable to hold and carry 4
Leatherman Surge
8 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Durable construction withstands heavy use 5
- ✓ Customizable and replaceable tool system 5
- ✓ Effective and ergonomic scissors 4
- − Tool is heavy and bulky 4
Questions
Which is better, the Rebar or the Surge?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Rebar if weight matters (it is 164 g lighter) or price matters (it is $60 cheaper at list price). Choose the Surge if you need a tool only it carries (scissors, diamond-coated file, bit driver, stranded-wire cutters and 1 more), you want the blade reachable with the tool folded or you open the blade one-handed.
Which is lighter, the Rebar or the Surge?
The Rebar, at 190 g against 354 g for the Surge, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Rebar worth it?
The Rebar lists at $99.95, $5.88 per counted tool. Among 8 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Compact and lightweight for EDC" (6 of 8).
Is the Surge worth it?
The Surge lists at $159.95, $7.62 per counted tool. Among 8 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Durable construction withstands heavy use" (5 of 8), and the most repeated criticism is "Tool is heavy and bulky" (4 of 8).