Multitools › Leatherman
Leatherman Surge
Heavy-duty full-size multitool with large outside blades, scissors and a blade exchanger for jigsaw blades.
72/100 best score, for work and trades
- Weight
- 12.5 oz (354 g)
- Closed length
- 4.5 in (114 mm)
- Functional tools
- 18
- Blade steel
- 420HC
- MSRP
- $159.95
Available as: Black, Stainless Steel.
Strengths
- More functional tools (18) than most plier multitools
- Blades open with one hand without unfolding the tool
- Tools lock open
- Replaceable wire cutters
- Has scissors
Trade-offs
- Heavier than most plier multitools (12.5 oz)
- Priced above most plier multitools
- Sheath sold separately on the maker's site
Strengths and trade-offs are worked out from the specifications and compared with similar tools in our database, not from hands-on testing.
Good for: work and trades, heavy-duty use. Not ideal for: pocket carry, ultralight carry.
Scores by use
| Use | Score | Tool fit | Portability | Usability | Durability | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work and trades | 72 | 89 | 30 | 85 | 75 | 61 |
| All-round use | 68 | 94 | 0 | 85 | 75 | 63 |
| Fishing | 67 | 91 | 0 | 85 | 75 | 62 |
| Camping | 62 | 73 | 16 | 85 | 75 | 55 |
| Everyday carry | 60 | 75 | 0 | 85 | 75 | 56 |
| Hiking and backpacking | 57 | 68 | 0 | 85 | 75 | 54 |
| Cycling | 51 | 55 | 0 | 85 | 75 | 49 |
Scores come from the data on this page. See the formula.
Tools (18 functions, 21 by the maker's count)
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Wire cutter ×2replaceable
- Hard-wire cutterreplaceable
- Crimper
- Wire stripper
- Knife ×2
- Serrated knife
- Saw
- Scissors
- Awl / reamer
- Ruler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- File
- Diamond-coated file
- Bit driver
- Flathead screwdriver ×2
Specifications
| Brand | Leatherman |
|---|---|
| Form | plier based, full |
| Weight | 12.5 oz (354 g) |
| Closed length | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
| Open length | 7 in (178 mm) |
| Width | 1.7 in (43 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.8 in (20 mm) |
| Blade steel | 420HC |
| Blade length | 3.1 in (79 mm) |
| One-hand opening | Yes |
| Locking tools | Yes |
| Outside-accessible tools | Yes |
| Bit system | leatherman flat |
| Price band | 150–250 |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
| Made in | USA (with global parts) |
Head-to-head
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How much does the Leatherman Surge weigh?
12.5 oz (354 g), and it is 4.5 in (114 mm) long closed and 7 in (178 mm) open.
How many tools does the Leatherman Surge have?
18 functional tools by our count; Leatherman counts 21. We count each kind of tool once, so three screwdriver sizes are one tool.
Does the Leatherman Surge have scissors and a saw?
It has scissors and a saw.
Can I take the Leatherman Surge on a plane?
Not in carry-on bags: it has a knife blade, and TSA does not allow knives in the cabin. Pack it in checked luggage.
What bits does the Leatherman Surge take?
It takes Leatherman's flat bits (the Bit Kit format).
What is the warranty on the Leatherman Surge?
25-year limited warranty.
Sources
Last verified 2026-11-01.
- www.leatherman.com (manufacturer, 2026-11-01)
- www.adorama.com (retailer, 2026-11-01)