Product Comparison: Leatherman Wave vs Leatherman Surge

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Best Pick

Leatherman Wave Multitool (830038)

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Leatherman Surge Multitool (831024)

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General Specifications

Brand

Leatherman

Model

Wave

Surge

Origin

USA

About the Product

The Wave features tools that are accessible while the tool is in its folded or closed position, mimicking the functionality of a pocket knife. It also offers all locking features which means that every tool and knife on the body of the handle, with the exception of the plier head, will lock into place. In addition, every feature on the Wave can be opened and operated with one hand.

The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable premium wire cutters and four outside-opening blades give you quick access to the tools you use most. The Surge was built for tough jobs and the hands that do them.

Size & Weight

Height

4 in.

4.5 in.

Width

1.4 in.

1.5 in.

Depth

0.7 in.

0.75 in.

Weight

0.53 lbs.

0.78 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Leatherman Wave Multitool (830038)

It's a very reasonable weight, too, not as heavy as some I've had in the past, despite having a great selection of blades.
Once it arrived, and I could finally call it my own, a weight lifted off of my shoulders.
Definitely worth the investment over a cheap multi-tool. It is heavy (I am a backpacker) but usually quite worth the extra weight.
Nice design, nice weight, nice build quality. This model has the tools I would be likely to use if I were in the great outdoors.
I love the size. It's not too big and not too small.

Leatherman Surge Multitool (831024)

I would still buy the Surge first for the size and strength along with all the features and modifications available. I love the t-style interchangeable saw blade options and it comes with the file replacement blade.
The leatherman is sturdy, pocket size and has a tool for every job you can potentially encounter.
As for the Surge this is a great no compromise tool that utilizes full sized tools and blades and will really hold up to abuse, the replaceable wire cutters make this a tool that will last a lifetime.
Large and heavy but that's what you get when you buy the surge. Leatherman has plenty of other great options if size and weight are a concern.
This is my second Surge. I like the bigger size than the wave.
This tool imo is to big if you have medium sized hands. I do not like the way the saw/file exchanges I want both on my tool.

Features

Type

Pocket

Full-size

Material

420HC Stainless Steel, Black Oxide

Number of Functions

Tools Included

Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Hard-wire Cutters, Wire Cutters, Wire stripper, 420HC Knife, 420 HC Serrated Knife, Saw, Spring-action Scissors, Ruler (8 in | 19 cm), Can opener, Bottle opener, Wood/Metal File, Diamond-coated File, Large Bit Driver, Small Bit Driver, Medium Screwdriver

Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Premium Replaceable Hard-wire Cutters, Stranded-wire Cutters, Electrical Crimper, Wire stripper, Knife, Serrated Knife, Saw, Spring-action Scissors, Awl w/ Thread Loop, Ruler (8 in | 19 cm), Can opener, Bottle opener, Wood/Metal File, Diamond-coated File, Blade Exchanger®, Large Bit Driver, Large Screwdriver, Small Screwdriver

Corrosion Resistant

Yes

Lockable Design

Yes

One-Handed Blade Opening

Yes

Spring-Loaded Design

Extras

Enhanced for Strength, Improved Blade Design, Customizable Bit Drivers

All Locking Features, Lanyard Ring, Outside-accessible Features, Included Bits: Phillips #1-2 & 3/16" Screwdriver

What customers say about "Features"

Leatherman Wave Multitool (830038)

Decided to upgrade and I'm SUPER pleased with the features, weight and it will last me a very long time. I've decided to buy another one to leave in the car.
The locking blades feature alone is a good reason to get one!
Best multi-tool I ever bought. It is sturdy, the blades are sharp, and it has useful stuff unlike some of the other tools with features nobody would ever use.
My husband was impressed with the features and quality of this model.
The Wave has all the tools I need for around the house and especially for fishing. It is well constructed and the one-handed knife open feature is great.

Leatherman Surge Multitool (831024)

I have dropped it several times and it has sustained no damage aside from a few very minor scratches. It has been hands down the best purchase I have made in the last year and works so well, that I have distributed these tools to my supervisors as part of their uniform.
The leather case that comes with this tool is just as fantastic. I have used the Velcro pouches and found that the leather pouch is much more durable and the closing "snap" is considerably more reliable than a Velcro strap.
its ease of access (especially the one-hand, thumb-assisted outer blades), its portability (yet with just the right amount of heft to not feel flimsy or like a toy or knockoff)-- it is a great piece of equipment, and as such goes with me wherever I go, always right there at my side.
Heavy. Strong. Capable. The scissors are invaluable and very precise. Strong pliers with very effective wire cutters...wire cutters that are replaceable if they ever get nicked. Super sharp saw blade. Effective serrated knife and straight knife.
I decided to splurge for the Surge because of the interchangeable t-shank blades, the replaceable wire cutters and the better scissors. While the cost is a bit steep, I’m a firm believer in you get what you pay for. These should hold up well for many, many years with proper maintenance

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

25 year(s)