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REVIEW

Leatherman Surge

FIELD TEST

here’s one tool that’s been our go-

to for a while now, the Leatherman

Surge. Leatherman make quite a wide

range of multi-tools aimed at different

groups of people, but it’s the Surge that

we think suits hackers the most. It’s the

largest of the ‘folding plier’-type Leathermans in terms

of official tool-count, with 21 tools for cutting, poking,

twisting, and turning all sorts of materials.

The pliers are the most obvious part of most

Leathermans, and the Surge is no exception.

Leatherman claim that they are both needlenose

and regular pliers (and counts them twice in the 21

stated tools). This seems a bit of a stretch to us. In

fact, including the wire cutter (with replaceable blades

should they dull) and crimper parts of the pliers, they

count for six of the 21 tools. In total there are ten

‘things’ that fold out from the main tool handle.

There are two knife blades (one serrated) that,

as you would expect from a Leatherman, are razor-

sharp and have kept their edge well through our

use. A pair of scissors fold out from the handle

to complete the Surge’s complement of smooth

blades. All of these can be used comfortably with

one hand and lock in place, so there’s no risk of

accidental folding while in use.

There’s a T-Shank connector that comes with two

attachments – a saw and a file. This is a standard

connector that’s also used in some electric saws,

so it’s possible to swap the blade out for one more

appropriate for your use. Different types of wood and

metal blades are available, but not all are the same

length and some are too long to fold neatly back into

the main handle.

The screwdrivers (three flat head and one Philips)

are surprisingly useful for a fold-out tool, but are

obviously not going to work in all circumstances.

There’s also an awl (narrow, sharp tool with an eye

in the middle) which is often overlooked but can be

useful when you need to enlarge a hole in a soft

material or leather.

T

Leatherman Surge

All of the most

useful hand

tools in a pocket-

sized multi tool,

but the Surge

loses points for

the price.

8 / 10

VERDICT

£169.95 leatherman.co.uk

Multi-tools can never match a full tool kit, but they’re

about fitting the most possible power into the smallest

possible space. We think the Surge offers the right

compromises for most hackers – it’s small enough

to fit in your pocket but still packs pliers, knives, and

screwdrivers that are large enough to be useful when

working on real projects. However, this convenience

comes at an eye-watering price and it’s not much

cheaper than a fully-equipped toolbox. If you find

yourself out and about without tools frequently, it’s a

great option. If you’re more workshop-based, it might

be a little harder to justify the expense – after all, you

can now get a 3D printer for the same price.

Above

It’s easy to damage

the one Philips screw

driver by using it

on the wrong-sized

screws (replacements

and a wider variety of

sizes are available)

Below

The Leatherman’s

casing shows little

wear even after

several months of

hard use

By Ben Everard @ben_everard