The Ultimate Leatherman Surge

[@edwardwnewland]

Leatherman garage should have been a tool customization application rather than a "sprint run" type thing to cash in. I would like to see a program where we can take a base tool like the wave or surge and add/remove which tools we want, and maybe even select from a few knife blade options like you mentioned with the modified serrated knife. (For a $30-$50 or so premium of course) To me that would be innovating the multi-tool world.

[@dekkero709]

I’ve messaged Leatherman this exact question, their response was it would be a “pretty big lift for a factory”

[@dmam412]

The idea of a customizable multi tool in whatever frame you want would be really cool. I don’t think LM has the capital or innovative capacity to make that though. Vic does a pretty good job of having standardized frames and tools and offering various combinations of these frames and tools to make their knives and MTs. I just don’t think LM has the capacity for it.

[@DoctorJones841]

@@dekkero709 Which is true. They would either need to standardize their tool size or produce a ton of custom parts. As much as I like the idea of a modular Leatherman and knock their above-inflation-percentage price hikes, a $30-$50 premium just doesn't even a little bit cover their costs.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

You make a lot of good points and I have heard you mention most of them over the past couple of years. Personally, I’m sticking with my SuperTool 300 on my belt until Leatherman stops using proprietary bits in the Surge. (My Swisstool Spirit X is in the truck just in case.)

[@DrHazard979]

Cleaning video for Leatherman tools would be great! I really value your ways and knowledge

[@trevithickrob]

As someone who deeply loves Leatherman tools, and have carried one every day for the last 15 years...after seeing several examples of "questionable" decisions..I am looking forward to trying put that new Victorinox MX Clip

[@jimmcmahon2376]

Its a great tool. Well engineered.

[@sunglint]

I see on the Leatherman site, in the accessories area, a carbide-tipped screwdriver bit, meant for the Skeletool RX. It's a glass breaker, and they don't guarantee it will work on other tools, but it looks like it would work for scribing. As for the micro bits, if you mean 4mm bits, Wiha makes an adapater, 1/4"hex to 4mm. I would like to see a way to put a scalpel blade on this tool, thinking of taking a scalpel handle and grinding to a t-shank profile. I know they're only good for soft tissue, but you might want to cut soft tissue, i.e. tracheotomy. Also good for fine cutting, ala exacto knife. Your videos influenced me, such that I just received a used Surge today. The flexibility of the T-Shank and Bit Holder really makes this tool stand out. Thanks for sharing!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I've had a Wave for about 12yrs, but the T shank and a 40% off deal got me into a Surge for outdoors use. I've taped an extra long wood saw blade to the handle. I've also added the full micro tool set from a Swiss Card with tiny magnets.

[@ShaunRGardner]

Agreed. I hope leatherman is listening I love little added features and hidden tools

[@insanemole]

Inspired by your Surge mods I made my own frankeentool a while ago and I'm really happy with it. It's one half Surge, one half Super Tool 300 M, and its tools are: Pliers, straight edge, nail puller and scraper/awl from the 300M, serrated knife, saw holder, bit holder, bottle opener, and awl from the Surge. The straight edge is on the inside this way, but it's only a backup anyway because the multitool is always part of a small tool set. That's also why I didn't include scissors. I mean just add a Victorinox Compact and you got both plus scale tools. The nail puller is not a good chisel-type scraper, but a really nice and strong pry tool, and I don't understand why it's only available in that one Leatherman. I've also got two awls this way, but I liked the shape of the Surge one and the length of the 300M one; also I couldn't think of another tool I'd put there instead of the Surge one. But that would be a nice place to add a chisel/electricians knife in the Swiss Tool style. Btw I can also use them as (rather clunky) scribes as well. All in all it's almost perfect and it would be my most used front line tool if not for a SAK and the Crunch.

[@jaskiniamestwa]

I think that chizel angle is the correct and only way to go. Imagine the vector of force you’d use to scrape with that chizel end: you’d work towards closing the blade and the finger squeezing on the liner would only help to send you faster to ER. :)

[@lawrencehubbard2985]

Welcome back hopefully everything was ok.

[@Jeremy-Two]

Very helpful.

[@Makkma44]

I carry a Leatherman daily, but I feel like the company has fallen into the trap of the MBA type executives who value profit over innovation. Sure seems like they'd rather venture into the sprint run type collectible business over actually improving their product. I'd love to be proven wrong.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I totally agree with this comment. Although I suspect it's simply Tim Leatherman being obsessive and stubborn about what HE wants rather than what customers do ☹️

[@dmam412]

Wrong

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@dmam412 Who else is to blame for their constant poor decisions ?

[@dmam412]

@@edwardfletcher7790 define poor decisions?

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@dmam412 Using proprietary bits instead of 4mm or standard hex.

[@waluigiinsmashbros]

The tip on the free p4 serrated blade is nice but should be added to the saw instead. Then it would be like a drywall saw and double the versatility of the scraper tip. Leave the original Surge serattated blade alone. It is perfect the way it is, great for breaking down cardboard boxes.

[@AusMiner]

You can already fit a standard set of Leatherman tweezers into a Surge - I have them in both of mine. I agree that the micro-bit driver would be a great addition to the Surge - I would be happy to lose the small screwdriver already fitted to make room for this. I would also like to see the package cutter / opener available in some other models fitted to the Surge - whether as a separate tool or as some people have done, in the back edge of the serrated knife. Great videos - you have given me a few ideas.

[@kennywheelus6857]

You got a video on how you inserted tweezers in there an which type,I like that idea when out camping an wood working in case of splinters,or pulling out a bees stinger.

[@AusMiner]

@@kennywheelus6857 I don't make videos, but the tweezers are for a Leatherman "Style". They don't make that model any more I think, but you can still buy the tweezers either direct from Leatherman or from a few others on the internet On your Surge - the tweezers simply slide into the end of the body where the pivot for the scissors is located. If you look at the end of the body section that holds the scissors, you will see a small gap - the tweezers slide easily into one side of this gap, and the spring loading on the tweezers holds them in position. The end of the tweezers is bent, which will prevent them from being pushed in too far and also allows you to hook your fingernail under the bent tip to pull the tweezers out when you want to use them.

[@AusMiner]

@@kennywheelus6857 these tweezers are great for pulling out splinters. I am also a woodworker and use them for this all the time.

[@kennywheelus6857]

Awesome ty too,are the tweezers on Leatherman website, I agree on the small screwdriver bit,but come with tool ,like say leave micro driver on there but make it like a exchangeable so you use it like a Racheting screwdriver or socket,I do like the idea of a package opening tool on spine towards tip of serrated blade, that's a kool ideas like a charge,I don't really need a gut hook but it's usable for different applications. Just some ideas an thought when comparing it to other multitools an watching other people's thought an opinion an ideas,Leatherman should be listening the Leatherman garage dark I believe is way over priced in my opinion an with some of the basic tools,don't even have upgraded blade steel,don't quote me, but I don't remember for sure,been few months since I saw a review on it,I did like the handle scales, but I saw it an had better hopes for it like between a st300 an surge combined an with a few other tools people actually use an wanted, design team could've done much better in my opinion.

[@kennywheelus6857]

@@AusMiner oh ok ty,that will be so awesome for my edc,thanks for the info

[@tmapes1989]

I would like a Surge with the Mini driver holder replaces the small flathead!!! If Leatherman wanted to make real money, they would have a build your own tool option. Pick a frame, then pick the tools for the frame. Certain frames allow certain tools. They could charge a SLIGHT customization fee and its a win, win!!! Keep up the great vids Ben!!!

[@clintwestwood3539]

They’d lose money on that. That’s the reason they are not doing it. Same with victorinox, gerber, sog and whatever other company. Only new company can make that without losing money.

[@nicka5397]

Your thoughts for a Surge 3.0 are awesome, what would you think of the pry tool from the super tool 300M added to the surge?

[@TylerSnyder305]

I've always liked the idea of multitool modding , but I've found that I don't actually need / want much in my multitool and can never think of any changes I'd actually want to make most of the time. The only modification I've ever made to a leatherman was grinding the small flat blade on my fuse into an awl. I wouldn't mind swapping an awl into a fuse and swapping the scissors with something else but I don't know what I'd replace them with, and I've already transitioned to the Bond which has everything I need.

[@naturecalls3465]

Thank you for sharing our thoughts. How do you like he Swisstool spirit? Did it become a part of your EDC?

[@Genesis992]

Woah! Nice T.S. Charge. That’s one of the only special releases of the last like. . . Six years that I don’t have. I’m having a tough time convincing myself to get one second hand, but it would match my Darkside well. Maybe one day, I’ll have a fit of unreasonableness and pay up for one. Lol

[@icba4907]

Nice ideas Ben, but I feel leatherman are just cashing in with the garage series with no real intention of making improvements to any of their range. In fact they've gone backwards over the last few years making budget tools compared with what came before.

[@dmam412]

I doubt they are making any money at all on LMG. If you think about how much time and effort it takes to reorganize, retool, order, and assemble I don’t think it is a lot of money. 250x1000 is 250,000 which in the realm of tooling, engineering and assembly time likely barely breaks even. It does however allow them to do small batch releases and open sources their RND to get public feedback on them. It also allows them to offset development cost for new products and ideas. Remember the Free line basically flopped so they need to find something to let them float

[@edwardfletcher7790]

There's a blockage at the top of Leatherman called Tim ☹️ The Free line flopped because it didn't give the people the features they wanted. It was also more expensive.They NEVER bother to communicate with their fans & customers and build what people want.

[@dmam412]

@@edwardfletcher7790 what do you mean? Leatherman has substantially more limits on its resources than its prime competitors Gerber and Victorinox. Gerber is owned by Fiskar which like Victorinox enjoy a global presence in multiple markets, not just MTs. Also Gerber makes much of its equipment in China, Victorinox benefits from global knife laws and close proximity to much of its clientele (Europe). Leatherman is a one trick pony. They make multi tools and some knives. They do not enjoy the same global dominance as the other two companies neither the diversified income stream freeing them to take creative risks with designs. Not to mention military contracts the other two competitors enjoy. In addition Portland Oregon is not the most business friendly place and LM is more or less committed to keeping manufacturing mostly in the USA, driving up costs. This all amounts to a more conservative approach to investments and innovation. Every decision made comes at the cost of others that could have been made. LMG is an ingenious idea that leverages LMs more committed followers to fund development of projects and test the market for such products. If you know you can sell a thousand units at 250 instantly you can commission an engineer to develop ideas and at least recoup your costs if it flops.

[@kennywheelus6857]

I could do without the pen too,I'd like to see upgraded blade steel in the newer future surge,I'd love to tweezers incorporated in it.

[@B-leafer]

Replace the "pen" with a sail needle. Re-engineer the pliers after the knipex twin grip. I never use needle nose pliers, and that shape compromises the use vs. regular plier needs.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Good video! Very good points...many of these you have discussed in other videos...I think integrating ideas from Victorinox and the NASA tool are good additions...also, the adjustments to the serrated blade are practical & doable...I think that the LTG is more interested in the bottom line rather than innovation...If they were inclined to make changes, the increase in price would be more substantial than you indicated...for many people that will be no problem, but for many it would...for those that can't, & own the tools (or similar ones) you are showing, they would use them in the way you explained, with the Surge, thus saving some money...it's a shame that the LTG is using the founder in commercials instead of in the boardroom...I think what you showed today is what the "Garage" should be about...Perhaps you think my request is redundant, but will you consider doing a video review on your modified Surge once you clean it up? You can reference your earlier videos & discuss your reasoning behind the mods & how you did it...you started doing so when you put the "FrankenSurge" :)))) next to the stock Surge...thanks!!

[@Tri_Nitro]

I carry the SuperTool 300 daily and so far the only tool that infuriated me was the wire stripper. It doesn't really work that well with closed frame method (because the tool loves to open up even when you grip it tightly, the cable just slides inside) and I had problems with stripping coax cables with it. Getting a clear cut in either locked or unlocked position was impossible for me. The Squirt ES4 rocks when stripping small wires, but anything above 12 gauge dwarfs it. There's also the awl which I don't really use, but I could de-burr edges with it, so here's that. It really pains me that Leatherman discontinues trade specific tools, like the Squirt ES4 and the Crunch.

[@theFrozeman]

As much I'd like to see a good scraper somewhere on the surge, I'm not sure about replicating the serrated blade from the free series. I really like that the serrated blade as is is a pretty safe blade. I tend to use it in situations where it is handy to be able to slip it in behind a fastener like a zap strap without worrying too much about stabbing things. For me I think I'd add a scraper by replacing the big flat driver, cause who in their right mind ever uses a slotted screw?

[@humaydarmahomedy]

you could mod the serrated blade to include the scraper and wire stripper.next vid? :-}

[@kennywheelus6857]

A gouge would be a great tool implemented tool

[@appleztooranges]

Garage #003 will be a surge + special edition. Watch out

[@kenvanmoorhem8280]

Shave... off....weight. some Ti some skeletonizeing maybe some carbon fiber.... love your idea of scribe and scraper. I'd pay a premium. Keep the blade exchanger!

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

I wish they’d change the can opener to be like the SAK it’s far superior in operation and speed of use.

[@fnurbz]

I cary a vic compact in my pocket and a leatherman (bond fot the moment, will upgrade to supertool 300) in my bag. That way i have all the tools i want te have with me

[@Grayson_Baker]

Check out a KZbinr called Arrteh! Modifies multitools with very good ideas. Will you be reviewing the Goat tool (where you can swap tools in and out) in the future?

[@andreashobbie6130]

The bottle opener from the surge has problem! Check bellow link or check by yourselves! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ-4i5Khbst9erc

[@MacTX]

what would be revolutionary for Leatherman is made to order multitools. get exactly the tool set you want/need in the form factor you want.

[@txtoolcrib]

I don’t disagree, but I doubt we’ll ever see it.

[@bdeheer]

Hey TTC, I've seen your argument about the scraper/tanto blade on the Free. About changing the angle. There could be a legal issue with that. It could be interpreted as a double edge which is not allowed everywhere. Just a thought about that. #notlegaladvice #notalawyer ;-)

[@benjaminweiss2252]

GUT HOOK GUT HOOK GUT HOOK

[@appleztooranges]

Your missing the Darkside 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mgtowanonymous3120]

Its such bullsht that mr crunch isn't buyable to the majority of the public 🤬😡🤬😡🤬😡