Leatherman Surge Vs. The Leatherman Supertool 300 Multi-Tool

[@haymaker299]

I have both, and in some ways I can admit that the Surge is the King, and yet ... the Super Tool 300 just has something about it that I love, and it usually wins as my EDC. I would just point out some of its advantages, if anyone is interested enough to read them (below): *(1)* ST300 has the exact same plier head as the Surge and same overall size as the Surge, but noticeably lighter, for what that's worth (depends on person and situation). *(2)* When the ST300's knives are out and the handles are closed, you cannot close the folding knives on your hands no matter how hard-use you are going, because the closed handles physically obstruct the knives from closing. This feature will strike some people as "who cares", but it highly appeals to me. (The Rebar shares this feature too.) Liner locks are pretty good too, but can't beat that level of hardcore fail-safe. *(3)* ST300 has the best full Phillips on any multi-tool anywhere, and top-notch selection of straight screwdrivers, also top-rank across MTs. All without bothering with a bit kit at all. But then if you DO want to bother with the bit kit, it has a great one, and the adapter takes full 1/4" hex bits in addition to the Leatherman flat bits. *(4)* The ST300 is aesthetically appealing to me in a way that is hard to explain but very pleasant. This video alludes to it near 6:54. 100% utilitarian greatness, smooth compact shape when closed, screams TOOL not knife, but also just as much a sculpted work of art as the Surge is, just in a different way. *(5)* Relatedly, the ST300 is one of the most NON-threatening "knives" that you can carry, it screams TOOL not knife. Even the word "TOOL" is engraved right on it. The people who carry something called a "SUPER TOOL", which is labeled as such (it's literally "exactly what it says on the tin"), will tend to be seen as TOOLS lol, and that's how I'd prefer to be seen, especially if my pocket dump (EDC loadout) were ever a subject of inspection. My EDC usually includes a Super Tool and a Swiss Tool, and both are square-and-chunky TOOLS carried by a non-threatening TOOL of a guy. *(6)* Lastly, a gestalt je-ne-sais-quoi, one of the coolest and toughest multitools, and one of the coolest Leathermans, that anyone can own.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Fantastic write up! I think you captured the essence of what makes the Supertool 300 truly great!

[@HughPecon]

You absolutely nailed it. I could never quite put in words before. Its just something about the Rebar and Supertool300 that just make me want to carry them all the time. I do like my Wave+ and Surge and carry them a lot but the Rebar and Supertool are just special to me.

[@Guidegun_hunting]

@@HughPecon I have carried a surge for over 8 years and that thing is the right hand to my right hand. I use it at least 30 times a day for various tasks around the house/ woods/ work. But there has always been something about the Rebar and ST. Their build/ looks have always appealed to me and I’m thinking of finally getting them both.

[@LeathermanSurge-q6l]

I'm 100% with you on this one👍

[@DeadCelt]

The 300 wins all day. No extra parts, just as robust if not more and it’s $50 cheaper. Surge advantages are the scissors, the outside opening options and you can put a pocket clip on it

[@1ogulcandoganay1]

and the diamond file

[@SorcererRSA]

I had a Supertool 300. Got a Surge 6years ago and gave the supertool to a friend. Absolutely hated the fact that you needed to open the tool to access anything and the handles get sloppy after a while. Use my Surge every day and love it.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Good to hear the Surge is working good!

[@onlypatience]

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it's nice to have both.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Very true!

[@Guidegun_hunting]

My solution to all of life’s problems. Just get em all. Not applicable for long term relationships.

[@rebelsouljaz]

I feel that defeats the purpose of an edc multi tool if you have to carry more than one or have more than one. At that point you might as well just buy and carry a tiny bag of regular tools for a lot cheaper instead.

[@luanphan869]

What are their advantages and disadvantages? i want to know

[@skullingtonturtle8080]

Honestly, I’ve had a wave+ for 10+yrs, but got a surge a couple years ago and the size of the surge made it replace the Wave+ for 100% of applications for me, and I use it professionally daily. I never have to go “hmm, should I take the surge or (some other multitool) today?” Cause a multitool is MULTI-USE. You take it as your backup or for jobs you forgot your primary tool on (or can hand to another guy to double your productivity), not as a fit-for-function tool.

[@nhraandnascarfanatic5907]

My trusty PST finally gave way about a year ago, went out to buy a wave, came home with a surge instead. Glad I did!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Sounds great!

[@BassMaster.454]

I personally prefer the 300 as it is all one piece and doesnt need seperate pieces in the sheath. I understand the appeal of the surge and kind of want one, but if I wall carrying all of that I would rather have smaller dedicated tools.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Makes sense. There really isn't a wrong option between these two. They are really good tools!

[@jacksonhamlett6490]

Yeah but all those extra pieces mean greatly extended usability. I carry a 40 piece bit kit with my surge in the sheath, and I don’t notice any difference in weight on my hip.

[@HughPecon]

@@jacksonhamlett6490 I hear ya. I carry the surge with all the bits and the ratchet driver in the holster. I don't notice the weight at all.

[@JiryStark]

​@@jacksonhamlett6490I don't really think it's a weight problem, it's more of a 1 million of tiny pieces that are easily lost and pretty expensive. With the 300 you can just pick the ganzo set of tips and you're ready to go and its pretty cheap so you don't care if you lose one or more of those tips. At least that's my opinion after a month using the 300.

[@bettersteps]

That wire striper mode for the Surge is killer. Good job.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Thank you!

[@jacksonhamlett6490]

The blades on the 300 In my opinion are superior in that they simply cut better. Maybe it’s the geometry of the blades. But they’re not outside accessible which is annoying. If you’re planning on using the pliers/wire cutters much the rolled handles on the surge are much more comfortable. Without gloves the 300 can even be painful to use heavily. To me the biggest advantage of the surge is the bit holder and ability to carry a 40 bit kit in the sheath without any noticeable weight difference. Also, the replaceable diamond file on the surge can be used to maintain the blades on the tool. For these reasons, In my opinion, the surge is king. The only real advantage the 300 has is better performing blades.

[@vladimirmach6145]

Definitely the Super Tool 300! The Surge sucks. Here' why: First, it has a bit holder that is too short and too wide, which makes the medium size screwdriver and the stupid 2D fake Phillips screwdriver practically unusable. Second, what is really depressive is that you must choose between the file and the saw - you can't have them both within. The Super Tool 300 is a much better multitool. It has all the essential tools integrated within, no parts are removable and easy to lose. Add-on parts DON'T BELONG IN MULTITOOLS! Multitools are there to have all tools firmly integrated within their compact bodies. A need for any external parts make them no more multitools. If I wanted to carry more boxes or holsters, I would not carry a multitool - I'd take a dedicated tool set.

[@timothyschmid6891]

What did you make the wire stripper out of for the t-shank on the Leatherman Surge?

[@hvacbudget8600]

Commercial electric has a multitool now only basically on ebay which has a fokd out wire stripper which is the part I used.

[@tomtommy7900]

I think its straight BS that cabelas stamps thier name on the leathermen just because they carry them in store....its not right

[@TheTrueNorth11]

You don’t have to get one that says Cabelas.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

I recently got the black oxide Surge to go with my Supertool 300 and my Skeletool. My choice for each day just depends on what I expect I will be doing that day. I have to admit the Surge is my current favourite.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Those are all great tools! The Skeletool is definitely loved by many who just need pliers, screwdriver and a knife.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

@@hvacbudget8600 When I wear my Skeletool I try to remember to put a small Victorinox in my back pocket; just in case.

[@richardsullivan1776]

I love the looks of the black oxide. Have you had any issues with some of the coating coming off on your hands? Did you take your new Surge and wipe it down with soap and hot water before using it? I've seen comments from people saying their new black oxide multitool coating made their hands black at first. Just carious to what your experience has been so far? Thank you and have a great day.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

@@richardsullivan1776 The surface oil on the new tool has black oxide powder in it. My hands did get a bit black as I handled it at first. I put rubbing alcohol on a clean rag and wiped down the tool on all the areas that get touched. Problem solved. After that I oiled some of the pivots to make tools move more easily.

[@e.s.l5861]

I really wish the file had a diamond file side, with a hook/needle groove. If it did or I could buy one, I’d be getting right now

[@TonyHoldenEsquire]

I have both, my preference is for the Supertool 300.

[@richardsullivan1776]

This was a cool video, as usual. You really can't go wrong with either one and there's only a couple of models I'm not a fan of. One being the OHT. Not because it isn't a nice tool, I just don't prefer the sliding pliers. For the price point, I definitely prefer the Super Tool 300. I haven't seen a 300m sold on any other online retailer besides Leatherman. The Super Tool has been around since the early 90's and the first generation Surge came out around 2005. I'm sure the Surge out sells the Super Tool 300 but I'm convinced its just as tough.

[@hvacbudget8600]

You've got a great tool in the Supertool 300! I would love to pick up the M and EOD version in the future.

[@kevinlam9301]

I have both. I just prefer the feel of the 300 as a plier as I use quite often as an electrician.

[@davidsiegel9847]

Lots of multitool users just don't see screws as that central to usage. Those who do need drivers, then indeed the bit driver is important. For outdoor and nature trekkers, frankly, a bit driver is near useless. I don't encounter screws in the wilderness, or carry equipment that requires drivers. All a matter of need and preference. Thus, we all need to pick and choose multitools according to specs. All of the top popular tools are well documented and critically reviewed. Not having a particular tool on a MT model is not "missing" or a "lack." Big MT fans ought to consider owning three or four different models. The Surge, the Charge TTi, Swiss Tool Spirit, and Skeletool CX, might be good for me. Then again, I own about 38 or 40 MTs. And 60 Victorinox knives. I own the OHT, which as a general usage MT is excellent. Surge for the great outdoors because of the extra saw blades I can carry easily. But the Super Tool is great for a treeless desert trek. In truth in town most incidental tasks are done with my Leatherman Squirt or my Victorinox Mini Work Champ-and the Skeletool CX. BTW, pocket clips are not good in brushy wild lands. You'll spend a lot of time backtracking looking for your expensive tool, snagged on brush or saplings. Or lost forever. In the city in my shoulder bag. Don't need an MT as a fast deploy tactical device. Those who have jobs that might benefit from quick grab MTs, of course go for a clip. Just say, a clip is not a universal good feature. Hiking trails are littered with clipped pocket knives and multitools. The closed-in Super Tool 300 in a sheath stays dust free on summer trails, better than the complex open Surge exterior. I hate gritty joints! Cheers and thanks for the video!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Appreciate the well thought out comment. Very true. Different multi tools definitely shine for different tasks

[@ZuZaarr]

Ultimately the cons of the ST300 can simply be mitigated by breaking them in and lubricating them well making them buttery smooth to open and operate

[@rjskum688]

The 300 is good but when you use the pliers it's rough on the hands. Does the surge have this issue? Like when you squeeze nuts and bolts or cut wire the 300s handles have an uncomfortable Sharpe edge.

[@hvacbudget8600]

The Leatherman Surge seems slightly more comfortable on the handles because the rolled edges seem slightly thicker.

[@rjskum688]

@@hvacbudget8600 appreciate the feedback man. I'm thinking about retiring my supertool for the surge. Wish the surge was spring loaded somehow lol

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@rjskum688 Some people love the Leatherman Wingman and Sidekick because I believe they are spring loaded for that reason but they are much lighter duty tools.

[@goodvibes2334]

Is the 2.5 oz weight difference really that noticeable over time?

[@hvacbudget8600]

I feel like over time it makes a little difference. You're right it's not a huge difference but if one carries a fair amount in your pockets every ounce adds up.

[@stv-gq4vi]

But you essentially loose the pliers with the eod

[@702johnny]

I have both. I like how the tool set of the 300 compliments my workchamp. I also have the p4, it is good for one handed operations and I like the plier head, but it is not strong. The surge is still king. It just is. Yes, it has tools that are detachable and that is a pro and a con. But it is still the heavy duty multitool king. I find that the surge is more comfortable to use in the open position. But using the can opener for example, is way more comfortable to use on the super tool 300 in the closed position. If you can buy them all... well.. do it. They are all good in their own way. Buy them over time. That's what I did.

[@hvacbudget8600]

I like that idea! Buy them all.

[@jeremycleghorn7205]

Thank you for making this video. It was really informative. I didn’t expect the video from my comment. Thank you again, this is really helpful.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JürgenNüsseler]

I got both , the surge i use at home at my barn and i carry the multitool 300 in public. In Germany its is illegal to carry multi tools with one-hand-opening blades in public!

[@hvacbudget8600]

Wow! The assault weapon Surge apparently!

[@wallywo7392]

Hi thanks for this, I have an old leatherman patent pending, the Philips screwdriver is damaged I would like to replace it with a bit driver, do you know if this is possible? if so are you aware of a video or any special tools I need to do this? Many thanks

[@hvacbudget8600]

It sounds like you have the original PST. On that tool you will need a set of two special parsing tools. Sometimes you can find them for sale on ebay or Etsy running around $30 for the set. Once you have the small handle bolt screw undone you should be able to remove the damaged Phillips. As for using the bit driver apparently they have to be welded and modded to fit older style Leatherman tools. At this point buying a used Leatherman PST or getting a used Leatherman Rebar, Bond etc might be an easier option. Multitool forum.org has an article about someone who modded a Leatherman PST with a bit driver. If you type in Leatherman PST Bit Driver mod into Google or the forums search engine you should be able to find the article eventually.

[@wallywo7392]

@@hvacbudget8600 thanks so much for this. After your advice I think it'll be more hassle than it is worth. I have treat myself to to a surge, that as the sidekick should do me. Thanks again,love channel, much appreciated.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

If they would make a better scissor in the surge it would be hands down my favorite

[@robertb.3651]

Super Tool 300 no question about it !!!!

[@mikehunt8968]

Both, and I mean both versions of each..😁 4 tools, and also the old SOG version of the super tool...

[@MarQR999]

Love my ST300 ...... Looking at The Surge

[@charlesberumen5412]

300 is more secure and robust. The surge is more versatile though. I didn't like the weight of the surge not just in the pocket but in the hand. Something felt wrong about the balance.

[@dagger_4d]

I prefer the surge because I’m not going to be carrying this size multi tool in my pocket. I keep it in my bag or car and just a pocket knife on my person

[@doughboy7686]

Man im 6ft and 198lbs the surges weight isnt a issue with the clip on or a rae gear sheath. The weight is worth the usefulness

[@billybunter3753]

I actually like the extra weight! Feels stable in use and is more reassuring strength wise. I completely forgot about it being on my belt even with the bit kit and extension bar!

[@Adeoneer]

Watched this a couple of times now and if I were going to buy a Leathermans it would probably be the Surge.

[@hvacbudget8600]

It's a great tool. But with Leatherman it's really hard to pick a bad one. I am a bit partial to the Surge as well!

[@insanogeddon]

OHT is like the Leap it isn't appreciated. It has what you actually need all one hand and not so many tools you lose yourself when danger or fatigue kick in or even just that much quicker when time is money. For those who like to fiddle, obsess, over think till they lock themselves down it is as garlic to a vampire.

[@dobie-at-home]

Good comparison. 👍🏻 Ya gotta love the SuperTool 300!😁 (and it’s older, smaller brother SuperTool)

[@hvacbudget8600]

The rebar is nice!

[@HughPecon]

@@hvacbudget8600 I just love the rebar. When I'm at work I either carry my Surge ir the Supertool 300. Outside of work I carry the Wave+ or the rebar. Most of the time its the rebar.

[@hvacbudget8600]

@@HughPecon I like the Rebar as well. Just added a 4mm bit driver to mine and a pry tool. Working on adding a replaceble utility knife to it as well

[@AlvinMann-u4k]

Actually the Leatherman mut weighs in at 11.2 ounces.

[@kennywheelus6857]

Just wished had same blade steel as the tti charge as well for the serrated blade too,other than that no complaints, I have extra cutting blades for the blade exchanger.

[@hvacbudget8600]

That would be nice!

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@hvacbudget8600 ,yes ty,I did have the 711 little Ratchet but it fell out of my puoch,I'll order a new one.

[@adrianjagmag]

I pair my ST300s with the Style CS :) Win win.

[@kennywheelus6857]

I love my surge

[@samc1837]

Is there any way to get your email contact to potentially discuss multi-tool design in depth?

[@hvacbudget8600]

Sure. [e-mail].

[@namelesske]

Leatherman could just copy the Gerber Center-drive, to save the OHT frame.

[@hvacbudget8600]

The OHT needs something similar!

[@davidcallan7844]

ST 300, no removeable pieces.🤷‍♂️👍

[@timcornwall8523]

Both Surge and 300 are equal in my eyes.

[@holdencaulfied7492]

You keep saying "hunderd" and it's driving me crazy. The word is "hundred".

[@peddypeoples941]

Only tool that comes close in mass and sturdyness to the Surge is the Swisstool. Its better build (fit and finish, action, quality), has a better overall toolset (lacks the modularity though) and all tools outside accessible without clumping. And to top it off it got a very nice clip that makes it quite pants friendly (i dont even notice it on sweatpants waistband). Dont get me wrong, the Surge is a good tool, its just that the Swisstool is imho even better.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Many have remarked they find the Swisstool much better designed.

[@peddypeoples941]

@@hvacbudget8600 the surge is better in modularity and can handle dirt/sand a lot better and i get why many people love it, its just the swisstool is my alltime favorite, wish they would make a mini version ala micra or squirt:)

[@MarQR999]

Nice Casio Royale ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@hvacbudget8600]

Thanks!

[@OutCast4Ever91]

I don't like how you say 300 😳. Great video though lol

[@mightyoss]

Just to let you know most of the world uses metric.

[@hvacbudget8600]

Good reminder! In the US we are definitely the odd one in this regard.

[@johncarnes2688]

Why does everybody need scissors on a multitool? You have a knife to cut and open things. If you need something a specific tool you use the specific tool not a multi tool The tool is to assist you in most everyday task without going to get said specific tool. Everyday life I have never came across a task I needed scissors for that the knife did not handle

[@mjnz]

Of course not “everyone “ needs them daily. But i do at work. Scissors work better for tape, paper, velcro, mounting tape, aluminum inventory tags, small wires, string, on and on. Yes i could just use a proper pair of scissors. But if you make that argument, it’s a slippery slope that can be said for every tool in a multitool until no one needs one at all. I use needle nose pliers (slimmer the better for me) scissors, screwdrivers, and file in that order. A modified Bond with scissors from a Wave is my ultimate actual daily use multitool, regardless of owning a P4 and Arc. Everyone has different needs depending on a million factors

[@e.s.l5861]

If you find yourself doing some stitching or gear repair scissors are crazy handy. It’s way easier to get a close, clean cut. I always pair my pliers based Multitools with a SAK though so it’s not a deal breaker for me

[@johncarnes2688]

@e.s.l5861 Never thought of that. I just see it as a little redundant is all. I like the ability for as many tools as possible. The one I really hate is bottle opener. Everything comes with a bottle opener. I think I might have used a bottle opener once in 50 years