Leatherman Surge : Gen1 vs Gen2 

I love the surge, from the day i got it its simply surprising that every single day i need it. I tried a lot of multitools and noone compares. I agree with "there is no perfect multitool, but the surge is the closest" I dont understand when people say its too heavy, its actually light when you compare all the tools it brings to the table. Btw i love your reviews, thanks for your videos it helped a lot in making a decision when i searched for my leatherman

I recently got the surge generation 1 and got it used for $ 70 but in excellent condition👍

I love Leatherman Surge. I have Gen1 and a black Gen2. The biggest issue with my gen1, is the spring in my screwdriver bit holder in it. I don't use these tools that often, but when I needed it, it is worth it's weight in gold. I don't like the fact that gen2 got rid of the mini eyeglass screwdriver. If there will be gen3, they either need to bring it back, or those who are willing to wait for a special order on a surge, let them custom-build one as opposed to a customized paint scheme on it. I also actually prefer to have the file inside the handle, since I don't carry the other one to change out the jigsaw blade. most times, it is in my pocket and it weighs 11.5 ounces! Good video. Keep up the good work.

I currently own the gen. 1 surge and love it! I really like the multiple bit holders and blade and file holders. I just picked up a Leatherman Kick on the secondary for seven bucks today, oiled it and fondled it while watching this video! Best thing on this Kick is the full sized Phillips screwdriver! Thanks Ben!

As always, the best multitool reviews out there! I like your attention to details and how you pointed out the improvement of the closing mechanism in the second generation. I hope Leatherman just change the function of the combination tool by replacing the can opener with a chisel. in m opinion, that would even make the bottle cap lifter work even better. Thanks for the great comparison, I'd like to see soon a comparison between the Victorinox Swisstool vs Spirit. I wish you a happy and healthy new year!

I have a gen 2 model and so far there are no issues with it's performance, it's sturdy, well built and large enough for heavy jobs, Leatherman have done a good job, if any improvements can be made I leave it to those who know!

I finally am getting a Gen2 after having the Gen1 for nine years now. I didn't know about the differences besides the replaceable cutters so very informative. Making the large screwdriver into a chisel is a great idea as I can't think of many times where I have used the screwdriver part.

Man that's a quality customisation, not simple but the result is neat as heck. Appreciate the review, think I'm going to go for a Surge for my first Leatherman

Another great review Ben. Thank you. Agree with your suggestions - I would also suggest adding the groove found on the inside of the plier nose of the Crunch to v3 of the Surge, and arguably provide the micro drive in the packet with the saw, which one could then be used in the groove.

Based upon your reviews & recommendation, I have purchased a Leatherman Surge with full Bit Kit & ratchet etc ..... I could not be happier; you have been correct on all counts; many thanks Ben

Thanks for everything you do man. Love watching Your vid. Feel free to review any tool. I trust your judgment so much. Happy new years

Got my "new" Surge in 2016. The boxy edge makes the head tougher and stronger than my rebar. (I holster this Surge in the warehouse every day. Use my Blast-edc-when a micro driver is needed.) Grateful to know about the Lenox TPI blades (been using Bosch) for "made in USA" Surge work! Yes, Leatherman should upgrade to "Premium"- to keep us "Surge-rs" coming back (hahaha, they won't; they don't know it's needed). Great review, Ty.

Great comparison of the two and a great overview of the surge. Maybe time to upgrade my supertool to a surge. Great video 👍

I always enjoy your videos! You state things concisely and in such an organized delivery. I wish you also produced videos on my other interests; shortwave radios, small handguns and cooking grills. LOL! But I’ll take what I can get. Thank you Sir!

Thank You for all Your videos. I hope that LM came with solid robust sheet for all together way to carry(surge, bit kit, saws, extender, flashlight and extra space for another important little things). Somthing like Victorinox did with swischamp SOS kit or swistool plus.

I broke the tip off my gen 1 surge but it worked out fine, i just ground the jagged tip down a bit and did the same to the other tip to match. It looks really good tbh so im fine with it and learned you never twist with those pliers thats for sure. Ive also ever so slightly tweaked my pliers so they dont line up perfectly when you close them by cutting some wire that was evidently to much for them. Nice to see they upgraded the pliers a bit for gen two👍.

Can't wait for you to upload gen 1 and gen to the Wave

I'm still waiting for the victorinox farmer X to be on sale at Amazon I'm hoping so any way thanks for sharing this information with us happy new year Pal 👍

I got the 1.gen and my pliers also broke, I got it replaced with a 2. Gen and I'm very happy, thanks for the video

They should add a corkscrew, of course...😉. I agree with you Ben, the upgraded blade would be a no brainer. I carry the Charge daily and I really like the blade, and the first time I sharpen it, the blade was hair splitting sharp with very little effort.

Surge-based counterpart to the Charge would be a dream, tbh.

That was interesting. I'm a retired carpenter. I bought a surge, bits and extension bar and added a tiny ratchet that I already had in my toolbox for many years. It's about the size of the extension bar. I prefer the ratchet to be separate for speed, especially when combined with the extension bar, and to keep the fixed bit on the pliers for torque. Twice over the years someone took my Channellock electricians pliers and decided to cut live wire and each time it blew a small hole in the cutting blades. So I now have wire strippers. This is why I bought the Surge with changeable blades over the other models.

Always enjoy watching your videos good job my next Multi tool is going to be a surge I’ve been carrying a leather since they first came out

Of all the Leatherman family my favourite is the Surge, first purchased gen 1, just bought a gen 2, my least favourite is the OHT gen 1, for some reason I purchased the OHT & not realising this model is an mirror image on the tools, so double dutching on the tools & the bulk I'm not a fan of, in town the wingman or charge, in the field Surge is King, love the vids, 🍻 from Aus👍

I just lost my beloved Leatherman Wave at the shooting range a week ago. I think I may have dropped it in the snow, needless to say I was PISSED. but this lead me to getting the new surge, I just ordered the limited black and silver version. cant wait for it to come in. I appreciate this video of the differences. I like a lot of things with these the new pliers but one thing I did like about the old wave pliers (which are the same as the old surge) are the rounded edges, It was useful when wrapping wire around the nose of the pliers when installing outlets and things like that. but im sure these new version pliers are far superior

Thanks for your review. Just got my new suge to replace a lost wingman.. The 2 tools are worlds apart! I must say, mine has turned up feeling quite "sharp" and on some edges. One part in particular is the file holder. The little hook you use to open it from the handle is very sharp and actually scratches your finger so I used the diamond file to try and smooth it but it's a bit small to remove completely. Bit of QC issue there. Thanks again. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇺🇸

I still have my leatherman surge still my favorite heavy duty multi tool

Your use of the reaming aspect of the pliers is another reason a chisel would be a good option in a multi tool. That said I switched from hacksaw's and sawzals for cutting pvc or abs years ago to wheel cutters which eliminate the need to ream. Reed makes great a pair. 👍

Great detailed review. ThANKS

Thanks Ben!

Agree about adding the victorinox tool

Yeah I would love to see those cable skinners on a next Generation Surge

This video is a lilbit more than awesome.

I absolutely concure with you on the surge! For me real notch for the eyeglasse screwdriver would be great, à corkscrew and like you said the ratcheting bite tender in general!

Great video Sir! Thanks

great review

Thinking of removing the straight blade from my Wave (because a 420HC knife blade kind of sucks, to the point where I've taken to carrying a dedicated pocketknife in D2 in conjunction with my Wave at work). I think that I could use the space where the knife is to store a couple of the Leatherman bits, similar to the on-board bit storage that the Skeletool has.

I recently bought a used Surge on eBay. I was really surprised to see here the jigsaw is removable! Mine does not open at all. The Surge was bought used from eBay. Some minor rust. I think that's what is preventing the jigsaw from displacing from its holder.

I would like to see some texture in the handle or possibly have a G-10 panel to make it more comfortable to use especially in cold weather.

So the first gen Surge really was just like a bigger Wave and the Second gen became really it’s own tool

Despite your dirty hands 😁, you do an excellent job in your videos. They are clear, informative, with good audio and video. Well done. Just kidding about the hands. Keep up the great videos.

nice,detailed comparison,of my favourite LM. does the gen 2 have wider blades [plain and serrated]

Ditch the small screwdriver for the eyeglass bit, the extender and bit kit makes an unnecessary redundancy, I also agree that a swisstool style chisel would be a better choice than the larger screwdriver for the same reasons you mentioned, really you could swap in the 154 or s30v blade if you were so inclined unless there is something preventing it that I'm not aware of, personally I would go s30v, it's not the newest kid on the block, but it's a great intersection of edge retention, ease of sharpening, toughness, rust resistance and price, I might just have to pick one of these up and see what sort of frankentool I can cobble together

What I just realized ! My surge is from June 2013, and it's the "New" Surge, with pliers with replacable cutters, BUT, the serrations are like in the 1st gen. of surge !

Just picked up a gen 1 basically new for $60.00. Great buy

I would like to see a similar serrated blade with the chisel that the free p4 has in the surge. Also ditch the small flat screw driver for a wingman package opener.

Surge is the heart of my bushcrafting kit. With a variety of wood and metal saws. I would say, for myself, that the screwdriver bit socket and 20-head kit gives me what I need for drivers around the house. Thus, the two dedicated drivers could be replaced. With what? One stout Victorinox-like chisel & box opener slash light pry. That would be a bushcrafter dream. I just don't encounter much need for screwdriving in nature. I have ground large drivers into chisels on other tools, such as my TTi, and even my Victorinox Farmer. But perhaps some do need and use those drivers. For me--chisel. My useage rule for MTs is medium and light work only, though the Surge, Supertool. Swisstool and Swisstool Spirit I have pushed with no problem. But indeed an MT is not for sustained heavy labour. My bushcrafting is light, and my Surge kit is a huge space saver. Brilliant tool. Thanks. Good review, as usual!

I wish Leatherman or Victorinox would add an accessory capability for the use of a scotch eye auger or drill bit. It could easily fit into the bit driver or saw/file receptacle. On a Victorinox, it could be an accessory fitting on the corkscrew like the small screwdriver does currently. There are so many times I could use a small drill bit or auger, and it would be more precise than the awl.

Hello sir ! Really enjou the content and knowledge you give on your channel ! I would be very interested in watching a video where you discuss your ideal, perfect, dream multi tool, like if you could a custom made one. Happy new year sir

Hello Ben - I watched your video again and it occurred to me that the package opener could go in place of the smaller screwdriver in both tools... I believe you had said in another video that the smaller screwdriver was redundant because of the bit system Leatherman provides...I think you had re-crafted a package opener to fit where the file/saw would normally go - if that's the case, then no changes would be needed...What do you think? Thanks!

Hello, thank you for your video. It’s very informatiive. I have the surge gen 1. I do have a question: will a gen 2 pliers head fit on the gen 1? Thanks.

I heard full dimensional bit as 4-dimensional bit and I was very intrigued

Great video as always . Do you think that its possible to fit bosh blade holder into the Wave ?

5:09 The reason your pliers head gets caught is because the stop pin on the inside of the handle is probably bent. This will cause the nose to seat too deep in the handle and catch on the bit. Bend it back and it should work good again.

こんなに変わっていたんだ。比較がよくわかり参考になりました。パーツ構成は前のほうが良かった気がしますね。

I would make the plier "legs" where they meet with the pivots a little bit more wider or thicker to increase purchase and decrease any future failures. Then I would reduce the overall thickness of the handles for two reasons. One to accommodate more hands and users to the tool and this will increase more force while baring on the tool. The second is to eliminate the pliers from rubbing with the inner handles which I hate on my Surge, especially if it is black coated. It ends up removing the finishing. As far as the tools, I like the chisel idea, but with some wire stripping on the top end of the tool, not at the bottom at the pivot, so that when you close the chisel with the wire inside, you can strip it agains the handle. Maybe make the stripping blade at a 45 degrees angle to be flash with the wire against the handles. 😉

I didn’t ever regret to buy surge gen2

Love this review. Are the bits in the bit exchanger loose? I find on mine that the clip on the end of the retainer spring does not hold them super tight - seems to have loosened pretty quickly. Curious if you or anyone has experienced the same thing on their Surge.

Very true good point grasshopper

Thanks for your video. I also like Leatherman very much and have Surge, Vawe+, Squirt and Skeletool. Correct me if I'm mistaken, I heard from one of your Surge modification video that you bought some details from Leatherman store. The friend of mine also have Leatherman Charge+ TTI and he used to work them hard. So serrated blade were broken at the pivot. One man tried to sharpen main blade and ruined it completely. Could you give me contact of the Leatherman store where I could buy those blades for Charge+ TTI?

I don't know why they don't offer a bit that will hold the microdriver so that you can still use it

Hi ,love the video I own a ST300M and Surge gen 2, I live in Europe, how can I order aftermarket products for the Surge ? Like blades and etc as the Lenox thin metal ,I cannot find it products like this in EU? Could you advise me on the purchase options? Many thanks

420c enjoy sharpening, I am satisfied🤗

My 2nd gen surge does the plier screwdriver jamming same as first gen also plier head sticks some times when as you say realy crank down on bolts but still my fave tool

what is the best player in to those leatherman Surge generation 1 leatherman and generation 2

I work as a Rodbuster and from time to time i use my 2n gen Surge when tieing rebar or other stuff using tie wire. When twisting the wire i totally understand what you mean about twisting the plierhead and boy it has not broken yet. So yeah it's good sh!t

Hello. I have one question..I have a surge 1st gen and I want to buy a wave+. The pliers are compatible?( to put the pliers from wave on surge) thx

After 3 1/2 year I broke my Wave, left on the back of the car and drive off, when I went back and found it the blade was broken and it’s a little bent and earlier I broke the scissors the wave was a good edc but I did find it’s short comings.. .. got a surge to replace it today and straight up it’s a better tool for work edc for me, I would like to see a better steel for the main blade.

You mentioned pulling cotter pens , when pulling one I grap it with the cutters and pry up against what ever its retaining, wondering if you think the free p series can handle that side load? I haven't had a p free in hand. Thanks

any idea when Gen3 will available to buy?

Can You put the micro driver on a Gen 2 (in place of the smaller flat head screwdriver)..?

Is the p4 as strong as the Surge. And when will the new generations come out?

I got the second gen black oxide surge last year, then got the bit kit and did wonder where the micro bit was supposed to go. Does it fit in the bit extender? As I'll be ordering one soon as the extra reach will be useful. Its a great tool but a little heavy and probably overkill for my needs I just wanted one to collect. I want to get a cybertool lite next as they look really useful for around the house and more for electrical based tasks.

Hello, Ben - excellent overview of the Surge...I am very happy with my New Surge(2ndGen)....you might want to check out Matt bigmonster's review of 1 and 2 here on youtube. He has some interesting comments and with your knowledge of the Surge I am curious to see what you think of them...Thanks! A Happy Mother's Day to your family!

🔴When will the third gen come out?

Have you seen "Metro's Q-Branch" no 4 scalpel holders for the surge and the wave? I recently bought some no 4 scalpel blades and was surprised at how sharp and strong they are compared to no 3 size.

I wouldn't really need a third generation. But I would love a Charge + TTI like version with better steel on a few tools.

Iove my Leatherman Surge . Not sure G10 would work with a heavy duty tool like this . I know G10 is extremely strong but it may have to much play . Maybe that’s why they haven’t made a premium version yet ? 🤔 who knows .

I really wish they offered a aftermarket blade for the surge in sv30 or sv90 that you could buy as a stand alone blade. I'm sure if you know a good machinist with a shop they could fab you up a blade out of quality material at a reasonable price I just wish Leatherman or another company would look into mass producing high quality after market Leatherman blades there is defiantly a market.

Just an update here Jan 2022, the ratcheting driver bit exertion is now available, and you can get the SURGE with the higher grade steel cutting blades now too.

Do both models accept jig saw blades?

Love my surge, need to get mine fixed, I beat the hell outta mine

something about the finish in the gen 1, still made in mexico , since it misses the USA logo

I snapped the gen 1 pliers twice and the second time they replaced them with the replaceable cutter version and it wouldn't close properly without finessing it. I was not amused.

What about N690 on the surge?

That's a wire cutter above the crimper on the back? 3:14

Классный обзор. Я на грани покупки.

Fellow texan, where can I get that mat with the flag?

I'm still waiting for that pohaku review😐😂

@ about 6:30 - they should've done that on charge tti +... P.S. Does anybody except me notice that charge tti+/wave+, when pliears are in use, can pinch one's thumb as hell? Like, realli really pinch, kind of a bite the chunk of skin off pinch? Bad work there, guys from Leatherman...

Gerber center drive?

Gen 3 surge will be called the leatherman serve

Surge is my favorite. Period. I will like to see for third generation a 3D phillips instead of the bottle opener. Cable cuter with the large flat driver Larger small flat driver like Rebar AND SV30 steel!!!!!! They need to add premium materials

I want to buy LeatherMan Surge Gen 2. Can anyone share link please. Thanks

Blades on G2 are easier to open because the new shape of blade guard.

I got my surge few weeks back. Very happy about it. But i made the mistake of buying the black oxide. I reckon stainless steel is much better.

Please help the surge gn 2 plier aria best compair to surge gn 1 love from India

The only thing I disagree with you about is the 154cm blade steel you talked about and yes u menchemed it but personally I like softer blade steels like what the steel the surge comes with now. It’s just my opinion but for me the blade is a good steel and it’s easier to sharpen.

Tools such as chisels can be made from old jigsaw blades......ive made my own,you just need access to a mini cutting/grinding tool like a dremel........the options are only limited by you ingenuity.

I don’t like the replaceable wire cutters they don’t cut stranded wire good. 🤔