# Leatherman Surge

> Specification from MultiToolDB: https://www.multitooldb.com/leatherman/surge/. Every value cites a source below. A value marked "not verified" could not be checked against any source; it does not mean the tool lacks the feature. Last verified 2026-09-30. Quote any figure with a link to this page. The data as a whole is licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/); commercial reuse needs a separate licence from contact@strtly.com.

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.

## Specifications

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Manufacturer | Leatherman |
| Product family | Surge |
| Status | In production |
| Manufacturer item number | not verified |
| Release year | not verified |
| Country of manufacture | not verified |
| Weight | 354 g (12.5 oz) |
| Closed length | 114.3 mm (4.50 in) |
| Open length | 177.8 mm (7.00 in) |
| Width | 43.2 mm (1.70 in) |
| Thickness | 20.3 mm (0.80 in) |
| Tool count (manufacturer) | 21 |
| MSRP (USD) | $159.95 |
| Warranty | 25-year warranty |

## Tools

As the manufacturer lists them, in their order (the manufacturer counts 21):

- 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

## Knife

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Blade steel | 420HC stainless steel |
| Blade length | 78.7 mm (3.10 in) |
| Edge | plain |
| Blade profile | Modified Drop Point |
| Blade locks | yes |
| One-hand opening | yes |
| Opens with the tool closed | yes |

## Pliers

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Type | needlenose and regular |
| Wire cutters | yes |
| Replaceable cutters | yes |
| Hard-wire cutters | yes |
| Crimper | yes |

## Carry

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Pocket clip | no |
| Lanyard attachment | yes |
| Sheath included | no |

## In the box

As listed for SKU 830278.

- Bit: Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver

## What reviewers and owners report

From 8 independent reviewers across 8 sources, gathered 2026-08-26. A point counts as recurring when two or more reviewers make it. These are opinions with a count, kept apart from the specifications.

Praised:

- Durable construction withstands heavy use (5 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1quex7JhM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beq5likKC4g, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKs9lBqqNA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484
- Customizable and replaceable tool system (5 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1quex7JhM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKs9lBqqNA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcN02jfGEM
- Effective and ergonomic scissors (4 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1quex7JhM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beq5likKC4g, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484
- Comfortable grip and handling (2 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcN02jfGEM
- Quick one-handed tool access (3 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1quex7JhM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484
- Secure locking mechanisms for tools (2 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484
- Full-size pliers with good leverage (2 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1quex7JhM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcN02jfGEM
- Blades are tough and easy to sharpen (2 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKs9lBqqNA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484
- Serrated blade cuts rope easily (2 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKs9lBqqNA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484
- Leatherman allows single-handed blade opening (2 reviewers, youtube and reddit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATcN02jfGEM, https://reddit.com/r/multitools/comments/1vc780n/added_a_custom_thumb_stud_to_my_surge/

Criticised:

- Tool is heavy and bulky (4 reviewers, youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF4a3lNtpfA, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT1quex7JhM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beq5likKC4g, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A_jXnus484

Problems owners reported with their own tool on Reddit. A count of distinct owners who posted about it, not a failure rate:

- Blade or another tool broke or chipped (17 owners): https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1wgcmvd/warranty/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1v1jnmp/surge_after_3_years/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1tl3g9s/surge_is_super_stiff_hard_to_open/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1rwsaje/warranty_replacement/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1rwmnto/the_king_hard_at_work/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1p36yyn/broken_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1lk90po/lets_talk_special_edition_tools/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1lcwc0b/leatherman_amazing_warranty_service/, https://reddit.com/r/multitools/comments/1dxih6r/double_up/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1dp2hy8/broke_the_can_opener/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1bi920j/psa_re_wire_cutters/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/196zadw/surge_warranty/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/xs7t91/update_on_my_broken_surge_it_was_not_fixed/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/sgf730/question_about_the_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/rnr264/warranty/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/olvc0v/og_st_warranty_question/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/exmjof/new_surges_warranty_policy/
- Rust or corrosion (17 owners): https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1wiztrn/question_about_oxidation/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1wgcmvd/warranty/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1m174tg/rust_on_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1iuxt6l/advice_on_how_to_clean/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1i4h25c/i_might_be_wrong_but_it_that_rust_or_something_i/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1hinjcu/surface_rust_on_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1fom2ze/is_this_rust_in_my_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1d584t3/rust_on_the_surge_fixed_with_flitz/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1beojbu/ive_had_the_surge_for_three_weeks_and_ive_used_it/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1bcq36l/wave_reccomendations/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/16wqgci/rust_vinegar/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/qfe6hu/any_idea_whats_going_on_here_month_old_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/pmm2it/what_oil_do_you_use_for_your_leatherman/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/plol03/getting_rust_off_of_a_new_leatherman/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/p220sg/how_can_i_clean_the_rust_of_my_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/ji67on/leatherman_tune_up_service/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/fah6ld/rust_spot_i_have_had_my_surge_a_few_months_now/
- Play or wobble in a blade or tool (8 owners): https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1vn00ga/surge_blade_play/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1ui67us/warranty_for_leatherman_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1rmktl3/surge_with_2h_wave_blades/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1r9r032/leatherman_surge_technical_cheese/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1p36yyn/broken_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1ol8hov/surge_help/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/dev2tu/my_first_warranty_surge/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/8nbezh/surge_warranty_question/
- Stiff, gritty or hard to open (4 owners): https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1tl3g9s/surge_is_super_stiff_hard_to_open/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1stjp43/surge_warranty_question/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1sif2xz/breakingin_stiff_surge_pliers/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1r5d7ss/leatherman_surge_opening_too_stiff/
- Pliers broke, bent or went loose (3 owners): https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1j19y25/just_got_my_custom_leatherman_surge_back_from/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1cqr9j8/leatherman_surge_how_long_do_you_get_it_back_from/, https://reddit.com/r/Leatherman/comments/1c48tf6/break_the_news_to_me_easy/

## Sources

- Weight: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman publishes 12.5 oz; converted at 28.349523125 g/oz.
- Closed length: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman publishes 4.5 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in.
- Open length: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman publishes 7 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in.
- Width: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman publishes 1.7 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in.
- Thickness: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman publishes 0.8 in overall thickness. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in.
- Manufacturer tool count: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman states a tool count of 21.
- Tool list: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-08-26. 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.
- Tool list: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-10-03. Phillips screwdriver from the included bits: Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver
- Blade steel: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Product page specification "Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel".
- Blade length: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Leatherman publishes a primary blade length of 3.1 in. Leatherman publishes imperial only; converted at 25.4 mm/in.
- MSRP (USD): [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. List price on leatherman.com, USD.
- Production status: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-08-26. Listed and in the current catalogue on leatherman.com.
- Sheath included: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Product description states "Sheath sold separately."
- Lanyard attachment: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Listed as a product feature: "Lanyard Ring".
- Pocket clip: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-08-26. Not listed among the product features; Leatherman sells a pocket clip for the Wave/Charge/Surge as a separate accessory.
- Replaceable cutters: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Tool list names "Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters" and "Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters".
- Country of manufacture: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-28. States USA, which differs from the accepted value. 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.
- Edge type: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "Blade Edge
Plain"
- Blade locking: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "Blade Lock 
Yes"
- One-hand opening: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "One-hand Operable Features
Open and use features with one hand, keeping your other hand free when you need it most."
- Outside-accessible blade: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-08-26. Page states: "Outside-Accessible Features
Access essential tools without opening the multi-tool, even while it remains folded."
- Wire cutters: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters"
- Hard-wire cutters: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters"
- Crimper: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "Electrical Crimper"
- Blade profile: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-01. Official specification states 'Blade Type: Modified Drop Point'.
- Pliers type: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Official tool list includes both needlenose and regular pliers.
- Included bits: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "Included Bits * Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver"
- Warranty: [Manufacturer page](https://www.leatherman.com/products/surge), manufacturer page, checked 2026-09-30. Page states: "That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts for a lifetime."

## Not verified

No source confirmed these fields, so they are left blank rather than estimated: Release year, Country of manufacture.