Leatherman Surge Review (2026)

Name: Leatherman Surge
Brand: Leatherman
Price: 130.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 9.1 (1 reviews)

The Surge is Leatherman's largest and most heavy-duty multi-tool, built for hikers and campers who genuinely need serious repair capability rather than a minimalist EDC option. At 21 tools including full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters, a saw, and two blade steels for different cutting tasks, it's noticeably heavier than the Wave+ but delivers more capability for base camp use, car camping, or extended trips where gear failures are more likely.

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$130 retail

9.1

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

21 tools including full-size pliers deliver serious repair capability
Two different blade steels cover different cutting tasks well
Replaceable wire cutters extend the tool's working life
25-year warranty backs premium construction

Limitations

12.5oz is genuinely heavy, best suited to car camping or base camp use
$130 is a premium price point
Bulkiest tool in this roundup, less pocket-friendly
Overkill for hikers who just need basic repair capability

Specifications

Weight12.5 oz / 354 g

Tools21

Blade Length3.4" main blade

Material420HC and 154CM stainless steel blades

HandleStainless steel

IncludesNylon sheath, bit kit

Warranty25-year

Made inMade in USA (Portland, Oregon)

Score Breakdown

Tool Capability

9.4

Build Quality

9.2

Weight

6.3

Ease of Use

9.0

Value for Money

6.8

What Sets It Apart

At 21 tools including full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters, a saw, and two blade steels for different cutting tasks, it's noticeably heavier than the Wave+ but delivers more capability for base camp use, car camping, or extended trips where gear failures are more likely.

12.5oz, $130, 21 tools — the largest, most capable Leatherman for serious gear repair

Who This Is For

The Leatherman Surge is right for: hikers and campers whose priorities match its design, built around heavy-duty full-size multi-tool, at 12.5 oz / 354 g and $130.

A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of July 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.

How It Compares

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All options in this category ranked side by side — specs, scores, and pricing.

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Common Questions

Is the Surge too heavy for backpacking?

At 12.5oz it's noticeably heavier than most backpackers want to carry regularly; it's better suited to car camping, base camp use, or trips where you're not weight-constrained.

How does the Surge compare to the Wave+?

The Surge is larger and heavier with more tools (21 vs 18) and full-size pliers, aimed at users who want maximum capability; the Wave+ is a bit more balanced for regular trail carry.

Can I replace the wire cutters if they wear out?

Yes — the Surge's wire cutter inserts are replaceable, extending the tool's usable life without needing to replace the entire plier mechanism.