Initial Impressions- LM Surge

[Grant Lamontagne]

I got a Surge in the mail from Marc at EDCDepot yesterday (Thanks Marc!) and the first thing I thought was "Why the hell do they need such a big box?  You see, I was under the impression that the Surge was the same size as the Wave... 
Needless to say, when I opened the box and looked at this thing, it seemed to be about the largest multitool I had ever seen!  Admittedly, it is slightly shorter and thinner than the AutoTool, but as you can see from the comparative weight chart:
http://multitool.org/content/view/34/32/
 the Surge is the absolute heaviest!  Heavier than the SwissTools, heavier than the PowerLock, and way heavier than the AutoToo!  For quick reference:

Surge    335.5g   
Power Lock   269.5g
Swiss Grip   301.4g
Swiss Tool   279.9g
Auto Tool   329.2g

Even more amazing, the AutoTool has a battery in it for the flashlight and it's still noticeably lighter!

Another interesting thing is that it also includes a double ended eyeglass screwdriver- it's removeable, which is good because I don't think that I would want to try and repair something small, fragile or intricate with such a large bulky tool.  Still, it is an interesting feature though.

The removeable/replaceable woodsaw/file should prove interesting though.  More later, and pictures too!
Def

[Grant Lamontagne]

I carried the Surge today, and I think I noticed a serious issue with fuel efficiency!

Seriously, I think I need to carry it a little more to break in the sheath as it's a little awkward to get out and put back in.  I am sure that will change though once the factory stiffness wears off.

I also need some more time to play with it to do a proper review, but if you are the kind of guy who likes a handful of tool, this is probably the way to go.

In this (crappy) pic you see the Surge, the Wave and a Victorinox DAK.  Better pics soon, I promise.

Def

[Kapt Kopter]

I really like the SURGE.....its a monster to be sure.... ...I can see it selling well to the construction type customer, it looks like its made for hard use,I wish they had put the cm154 blade steel on it though!

Kap

[Perfectionist]

How big is the main blade on the Surge ...... could I use it to pretend I am Crocodile Dundee !!

[Grant Lamontagne]

I think even Paul Hogan would be impressed by this one!

Def

[Perfectionist]

Sweet !! Do you have the exact measurements ??

[Grant Lamontagne]

Using the only measuring tools I have handy (other multis- in this case a SOG PowerLock!) the main blade on the Surge is approximately 3 3/4 inches while the Wave is approximately 3 1/8th inch.
Def

[Fred]

my thats a big tool you have grampa

[Sea Monster]

you see, I was under the impression that the Surge was the same size as the Wave... 

I've seen it mentioned in some marketing as a "Supersized Wave" or something.

this could give the impression of same tool set ups (They are similar, but with noticable differences)

The best thing I can work out about the Surge is that, if necessary, it could be tied to a rope and used as a flail.

I find it significantly harder to handle than even it's Wide-Load brother, the Core, and the handles don't close quite all the way - which I suppose reduces hand-pinch, but leaves the tool with a nasty rattle that would give any stealth ninja night terrors.

[Grant Lamontagne]

The only problem I have with rattle is that it means that there are loose parts somewhere.  I understand that they are designed that way, but to me a loose part, designed or otherwise is a weak point and a place where force is lost which means you have to increase the amount of pressure to get the same effect.  This is most likely on a scale beyond hand pressure, so I'm certain it doesn't make much of a difference, but it still bothers me.

This is also why I always refused to carry an ASP or other expandable baton, and why I wrapped the batteries in my Mag Light in paper.  Loose or hollow areas do not transfer force effectively.

Def

[Biru]

Defender:

Thanks much for your posts. I am considering getting a Surge as my carry tool to replace my Wave (sniffle). When you are testing, please notice whether the handles themselves ten to twist when significant torque is applied and to whether the Surge has much side to side handle movement when closed. I was told by a LM rep that the Wave had this because the handles were "skeletonized" compared to the usual LM handles on the Supertool and other models. I'm trying to find a local dealer who has a Surge outside of the blister pack (I may try Wal-Mart).

Regards, Bill.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Not a problem Bill- but this post was written about a year ago, and I have long since put up the Surge review on the main site:

Leatherman Surge

Despite my misgivings about the rattle, the Surge is a very sturdy tool.

Def

[J-sews]

And for what its worth, there was another discussion here recently that seemed to suggest Leatherman had eliminated the rattle problem on Surge tools produced more recently. My rattly one is an early 2005 production. Guys with 2006 and 2007 dates didn't seem to have the rattle issue.


Nomad, what are the date codes on the rattly one you have?

[665ae]

My SURGE!!! doesn't rattle

[Leatherman123]

I noticed that the saw is what rattles. When I USED to take the saw out it would be fine but with it in it rattles. I think they made the t shank bigger perhaps?

[Sea Monster]

Nomad, what are the date codes on the rattly one you have?

0307 and 0107

I think I'll give it to my year old niece to play with, she'd love it!

[Benner]

Nomad, what are the date codes on the rattly one you have?

0307 and 0107

I think I'll give it to my year old niece to play with, she'd love it!

Oh I am sure she will.  Both my kids love all my stuff.