The SURGEon

[styx]

side by side would you go for the Surge or ST300 at this point?

[powernoodle]

side by side would you go for the Surge or ST300 at this point?

Yeah.  I enjoy Joel's looks at the daily usage, but I especially like the comparisons.  E.g., previously ST300 vs. Swisstool, and Rebar vs. Swisstool Spirit.  We each come to our own opinions on this stuff, but Joel's is authoritative and persuasive based on what he does for a living and his daily usage of his MTs.

I agree with Mr. Babola about how the black oxide is wearing and how it looks good.  With guns, knives and MTs, I have always liked the look of a well-used tool.  Most tools never reach the stage of being well-used unless they are giving the user some good service, so when you see a tool with some battle scars, it is usually a good one.

[styx]

side by side would you go for the Surge or ST300 at this point?

Yeah.  I enjoy Joel's looks at the daily usage, but I especially like the comparisons.  E.g., previously ST300 vs. Swisstool, and Rebar vs. Swisstool Spirit.  We each come to our own opinions on this stuff, but Joel's is authoritative and persuasive based on what he does for a living and his daily usage of his MTs.

I agree with Mr. Babola about how the black oxide is wearing and how it looks good.  With guns, knives and MTs, I have always liked the look of a well-used tool.  Most tools never reach the stage of being well-used unless they are giving the user some good service, so when you see a tool with some battle scars, it is usually a good one.

couldn't have said it better myself 

[JAfromMn]

side by side would you go for the Surge or ST300 at this point?

I can't honestly say until winter.

I got to drop the Surge in the snow a few times and see if it affects it.

[JAfromMn]

[Toolslinger]

Love the idea of the flashlight sheath attached to the Surge sheath. Going to have to give that a go myself.

[babola]

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc421/JAfromMn/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-09-17124808_zpsf1e4c4bd.jpg[/url][/img][/URL]

Love the idea of the flashlight sheath attached to the Surge sheath. Going to have to give that a go myself.

Add another one on the other side and boom - you have a "Skinth on a budget" 

[JAfromMn]

If it works go with it is what I think.

[zoidberg]

If it works go with it is what I think.

Agreed. 

[JAfromMn]

These two make a good pair .

[JAfromMn]

Multi use tactical snack opener

[JAfromMn]

Doing some yard work today.

The Surgeon did alot of tree trimming

[JAfromMn]

ST300 vs Surge thoughts

1. The main difference to me is the Surge one hand opening blades vs ST300 closed box construction + - outside vs inside tools. Outside tools are easy to get at but inside tools stay cleaner and can be used with the handles open for leverage , more reace, or thinner tool.

2. Tool set differences.  Bit driver vs Phillips that can hold a bit holder. I prefer the phillips it's a good tool in itself and it holds a bit holder than can take 1/4 bits.  saw and file holder vs saw and file . I prefer the saw holder of the surge. It holds a t shank blade so I can chose what will work to cut what I need instead of only being able to cut what the ST300 could cut.
 

3. Scissors vs no scissors. I like a tool with scissors and the Surge scissors are almost as good as a micra.  backup tool thoughts. normally i would carry a micra or like tool to back up my multitool the Surge really doesn't need a supporting tool as bad as the ST300 it's tool set is pretty complete. I still carry a sak orsomething but it's a want not a need.

4. How each tool feels to use . The Surge is wider than the ST300 at the Handel ends when the pliers are open . I got midsized hands to me the  ST300 feels better to use "it fits my hand better"
Closed I prefer the feel of the Surge.  The way the blades are positioned is better for me although I do like using the ST300 tools with the tool half opened something the Surge can't do with half it's tools .

5. Leatherman's 154cm replaceable cutters kick ass on both tools . I prefer the grip I can get on the ST300 to the Surge for cutting larger stuff.


6. Surge Pocket clip vs ST300 no clip hasn't been much of a issue since the clip that leatherman makes for it doesn't fit 

7. Blades . The Surge's one hand opening large blades have replaced my edc folder. I haven't been carrying a oh folding knife on a clip in my pocket at work for awhile now.  The Surge has easy handled all my cutting choirs.

8. Size. The Surgeon still feels huge.  A awesome tool but just to big. Leatherman needs to come out with this tool in a smaller version.  I really like the outside opening scissors a new tool on the charge platform with updated head would be excellent.  Kampfer ' s mini surge is a example very similar to what I'd like to see made

I'd add pics and edit this post this evening so be please be patient

[BobG]

Good comparison Joel. I have been REALLY tempted by the Surge. But I love my ST300. I replaced the cartridges in the bathroom faucet today and the phillips screws holding the handles on were deeply recessed. The ST300 phillips driver had no problems at all with them. I don't think the Surge's bit driver would have been able to access them. I have used Super Tools since the first one and I have never been let down by one. This 300 addressed all the "I wishes" I had about Super Tools. As far as scissors go, I carry a Micra and find it an excellent tool. I just can't justify the cost of the Surge and I find I run into situations where the 300 just does the job better for me. But I still like the Surge, just won't be buying one.
Bob

[Kampfer]

Great insights, JA

[Monrogue]

Great thoughts on the comparison in your experiences between Surge and ST300   I would definitely go with the ST300 myself, primarily due to the considerable weight difference.

[JAfromMn]

  I feel asleep 

I'd add the pics and a few more thoughts tomorrow.

Sorry

[Monrogue]

I feel asleep 

I'd add the pics and a few more thoughts tomorrow.

Sorry

I'll let it slide this time, but don't let it happen again   Just kidding buddy, have a good night

[Rossko07]

To be completely honest. I don't understand anyone saying the surge is to heavy or to big. To me, it seems perfect. No issues with weight. But of coarse that's my opinion :-)

[AimlessWanderer]

ST300 vs Surge thoughts

1. The main difference to me is the Surge one hand opening blades vs ST300 closed box construction + - outside vs inside tools. Outside tools are easy to get at but inside tools stay cleaner and can be used with the handles open for leverage , more reace, or thinner tool.

2. Tool set differences.  Bit driver vs Phillips that can hold a bit holder. I prefer the phillips it's a good tool in itself and it holds a bit holder than can take 1/4 bits.  saw and file holder vs saw and file . I prefer the saw holder of the surge. It holds a t shank blade so I can chose what will work to cut what I need instead of only being able to cut what the ST300 could cut.
 

3. Scissors vs no scissors. I like a tool with scissors and the Surge scissors are almost as good as a micra.  backup tool thoughts. normally i would carry a micra or like tool to back up my multitool the Surge really doesn't need a supporting tool as bad as the ST300 it's tool set is pretty complete. I still carry a sak orsomething but it's a want not a need.

4. How each tool feels to use . The Surge is wider than the ST300 at the Handel ends when the pliers are open . I got midsized hands to me the  ST300 feels better to use "it fits my hand better"
Closed I prefer the feel of the Surge.  The way the blades are positioned is better for me although I do like using the ST300 tools with the tool half opened something the Surge can't do with half it's tools .

5. Leatherman's 154cm replaceable cutters kick ass on both tools . I prefer the grip I can get on the ST300 to the Surge for cutting larger stuff.


6. Surge Pocket clip vs ST300 no clip hasn't been much of a issue since the clip that leatherman makes for it doesn't fit 

7. Blades . The Surge's one hand opening large blades have replaced my edc folder. I haven't been carrying a oh folding knife on a clip in my pocket at work for awhile now.  The Surge has easy handled all my cutting choirs.

8. Size. The Surgeon still feels huge.  A awesome tool but just to big. Leatherman needs to come out with this tool in a smaller version.  I really like the outside opening scissors a new tool on the charge platform with updated head would be excellent.  Kampfer ' s mini surge is a example very similar to what I'd like to see made

I'd add pics and edit this post this evening so be please be patient

Very interesting, thanks for that

[JAfromMn]

Your very welcome 50ft-trad

I still am using the surgeon and using him hard .

He's not so big after you get used to him


I got a bunch of pics I got to take yet. I've been busy with work

[babola]

He's not so big after you get used to him

That's what...hmm never mind, wrong forum 

[zoidberg]

He's not so big after you get used to him

That's what...hmm never mind, wrong forum 

 

[styx]

Well you pulled it off again. You got me confused as smurf as to the ST300 v Surge

[zoidberg]

Well you pulled it off again. You got me confused as smurf as to the ST300 v Surge

 

Sent from the land of the long white cloud.

[JAfromMn]

Well you pulled it off again. You got me confused as smurf as to the ST300 v Surge

 

Sent from the land of the long white cloud.

I cant decided what tool I prefer why should you be able to. 

[styx]

good point

[Toolslinger]

Just get both...

It's the MTo way

[JAfromMn]

Just get both...

It's the MTo way

That's what I was going to say lol

[Toolslinger]

I currently own both ST300 and Surge in BO and SS (as well as EOD for the ST300). They are great tools. It really comes down to three things for me: weight, tools, accessories.

Weight: ST300 is lighter but if you can handle the weight, the Surge has more options. If you don't need those options, the weight and form factor on the ST300 are excellent for it's size and capabilities.
Tools: ST300 has a nice well rounded fixed set, Surge needs accessories for maximum damage. If you can get by without scissors in your MT and don't regularly need the optional accessories or OHO tools, ST300 wins. Surge takes it hands down for sheer versatility and customizable loadout without needing to mod. Plus those scissors are beastly!
Accessories: this plays into the first two but is it's own point because the weight and form factor of each tools potential add-ons should be considered when looking at your overall kit and approach. If you pair the ST300 with a good SAK and knife and you have most of your bases covered, whereas the Surge is it's own SAK and you can add/remove some components to improve/modify what you have available.

A bit wordy, but just how I see the two tool styles. Similar arguments can be made for Wave/Charge vs Rebar etc.