Another fine Leatherman product. This is my second Leatherman Multi-Tool and feel I can't live without one, just as much as needing a cell phone.
Basically I am a handyman by trade and although I think this Surge is a great tool, I find I use my new model Super Tool 300 most often because the file and saw are better than on the Surge.
I will review this product according to my top questions relating to my research/purchase: model, purchase date, seller/price, specs, quality/personal uses.
Model: Leatherman Surge Black Oxide with Molly Sheath
I received the newest model with the replaceable cutter blades, which was a concern for me, as well as many others.' Purchased from The Outdoor People, fulfilled by Amazon.
Update 11-2014: Beware! I was updating my review and I noticed the seller name on my digital Amazon invoice has changed as well the product picture. I find it very irritating that Amazon compiles reviews as a whole and it makes it hard for consumers to completely rely on and properly use reviews.
Manufacture date: I found two manufacturing dates on the handles 1113, 1213.
Purchase Date: I purchased it Friday 8-22-2014; received it Monday 8-25-14 with Amazon Prime.
Seller: The Outdoor People. I can't find that seller currently on Amazon as of 11-2014.
Price: $104.13.
Specs/Tools:
*Knife
*Serrated knife
*Large scissors
*Exchangeable saw/diamond/wood/metal file
*1/8 in #2 slotted screwdriver
*5/16 in #8-#10 slotted screwdriver
*Awl
*Can/bottle opener/wire stripper
*Exchangeable bit adapter: with #1 Phillips & 3/16 #2 slotted bit
*Needle nose/regular pliers
*Replaceable carbide combination wire/hard wire cutters
*2nd non-replaceable combination stranded wire cutter/crimper (bottom of pliers)
*ALL tools with easy to use locks
*Stamped metric and English rulers on the handles.
*Options to purchase pocket clip, lanyard ring, bit sets, home modified bits, saws and maybe other items (see you tube).
SIZE COMPARISONS:
Size: Super Tool
Closed: 4-1/5in long x 1-1/4in wide x 5/8in thick.
Open: 7in long.
3in knife, 2-9/16in useable blade.
3in serrated knife, 2-1/2in useable blade.
3in saw, 2-1/2in useable teeth.
3in file, 2-9/16in useable face.
1-7/8in #2 Phillips, 3/16in wide x 1-7/16in hole reach.
Micro slotted screwdriver is 1-1/4in long, 7/8in hole reach.
#2 slotted screwdriver 3/16in wide x 1-5/8in long, 1-1/4 hole reach.
Tool in leather case: 4-5/8in long x 2-3/4in wide x 1-1/2in thick.
Weight: Amazon specs say 9.6oz, for the new current version (heavier).
Size: Surge
Closed: 4-7/16in long x 1-5/8in wide x 3/4in thick.
Open: 7in long.
3in knife, 3in useable blade.
3-1/8in serrated knife, 3-1/8in useable blade.
3-3/16in saw, 2-1/2in useable teath.
3-3/16in file, 2-7/16in useable face.
3-1/8in scissors, 7/8in cutting blades.
Tool in nylon molle case: with file and no bit kits:
4-7/8in long x 2in wide x 1-3/4in thick.
Weight feels about 1/3 heavier. Amazon specs say 15.1oz.
The whole tool is great but I feel the saw, replaceable wire cutters, file, long #2 Phillips and mini slotted screw driver are the most important, then the pliers and knives, etc.
Usage Comparison:
Original Super Tool:
Likes:
Used it everyday, lasted me 6.5yrs of use before needing service.
Size.
All tools close nicely inside the handles.
Original leather case.
Every tool.
Dislikes:
Not very comfortable when squeezing the pliers bare handed.
Difficult tool locks with risk of cutting yourself.
Ruler hard to use and know it's accurate.
Needle nose pliers need better gripping teeth.
Needle nose pliers could be sharper, longer.
Non-replaceable wire cutters were the first thing to wear out.
Surge Multi-Tool:
Likes:
Replaceable wire cutters.
Replaceable saw and file.
Possibility to adapt other saws, bits.
Easy to use locks.
Exchangeable bits.
Rounded handles.
Optional, easy to install pocket clip and lanyard ring.
Dislikes:
Black oxide finish. Could lose tool, filthy.
Overall size and weight compared to original Super Tool with mostly the same tools.
Missing longer/larger phillips #2 and long micro slotted screwdrivers.
Ruler is harder to read/use. The pliers are in the way/middle but is identical in actual measurements to the Super Tool.
Cases:
I purchased the "black oxide" model to get the large molle case because according to every review I read Leatherman no longer makes an all leather case and the combo nylon/leather supposedly is too cheap. I can tightly fit the Surge in my original leather case but not with accessories.
The Large Leatherman Molle Shealth has a variety of mounting options and is said to be the largest Leatherman case but, it is really big/gaudy but has a pocket for the extra file and saw. The large molle case can hold a 1in longer tool and still has 3/8in of extra room on the side of the tool.
Case update: the large Leatherman molle case grew on me although I prefer my Leatherman Large Nylon case over all others I've tried. I had my old Super Tool replaced by Leatherman and received a new tool with a nylon sheath WHICH I like more than my other sheaths because it has elstic sides which conforms to the tool slimming the size of the case so it is smaller than my other molle sheathes, yet I can actually fit two fullsize Leatherman tools in it (I would never carry two) so it is just more versatile. I have an original Leatherman Leather case, a Leatherman large nylon case, a large Leatherman Molle case and a TYR Tactical larve Molle case.
Color:
With the black oxide finish, I worry about losing the tool at night and the oil and black oxide finish gets all over everything for a little while so I washed it down really good.
Personal Use:
I used to think knife and multi tool carriers were nerds and never carried or used mine for the first 7 years I owned my Original Super Tool but once I started carrying it I was hooked and think they are the best thing ever! I don't care how I look and can't get along without it.
Saw:
The second and last part I had wear out (before sending in for warranty) was the amazing saw which may have been my favorite tool. I used it on everything and it cut like a knife through butter so to speak and I even received multiple cuts from it. I tried to cut a fiberglass pipe about 3/4in diameter about 1/8in thick wall and it ruined the saw. It will still cut hard objects with quite a bit of effort but doesn't cut softer material very well.
Why I bought a second Leatherman:
I bought this new Surge because of the updates and options and to have one for the possible week turn around to warranty my original. Yes, I love them so much I could not wait a week for repair/replacement.
Warranty:
I sent in my original Leatherman Super Tool from 2000 because the saw and wire cutters were worn out and a few other tools on it were worn a bit. I received a brand new Super Tool in 1 week which I like better than my original.
Changes:
I would like to see more leverage and a larger capacity for the pliers.
I am including a bunch of pictures of my old Super Tool and Surge for comparison.
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Material | Black Oxide |
| Brand | LEATHERMAN |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 5.8 x 4.1 x 1.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.9 Pounds |
| Included Components | 1 |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Leatherman |
| Part Number | 830278 |
| Item Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.8 x 4.1 x 1.9 inches |
| Item model number | 830278 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Includes MOLLE Black Sheath |
| Style | Black with MOLLE Sheath |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Usage | personal |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Comes with Manufacturer Warranty. |
| National Stock Number | 5110-01-541-1455 |
