Leatherman Wave Vs Surge: What Is The Difference?

If you are trying to choose between the Leatherman Wave and Surge, you might be wondering exactly what the difference is.

They are very similar models of a tried and trusted multitool, that much you already know.

But there are a few key differences worth learning about before you spend your hard-earned greenbacks on them.

So, in this comparison I am going to break it all down – first with the key differences, then with the similar features.

That way, you will know very quickly which one is for you!

Key Differences Between Them

Overall, the Surge has more tools (and some different ones) than the Wave. It is a little longer as well. So, it has longer blades and pliers. It is also heavier as a result.

Quite a few of its parts are replaceable (like the wire cutters and one of the blades – more on that below) which means it will last you longer too.

Their Differences

Let’s quickly run through the differences in detail between the Wave and the Surge.

The Number Of Tools

The Surge has 21 tools while the Wave only has 17.

The extra tools the Surge has include:

• Electrical Crimper
• Stranded Wire Cutters
• Awl with Thread Loop
• Blade Exchanger (where you can change to various blades)

Some Different Screwdrivers

As well as the 4 extra tools in the Surge, there are also some differences in the actual tools you get.

First, let’s compare the screwdrivers:

• Large Screwdriver – Flat Head (Surge)
• Small Screwdriver – Flat Head (Surge)
• Large Bit Driver – exchangeable bits (BOTH)
• Small Bit Driver – exchangeable bits (Wave)
• Medium Screwdriver – Flat Head (Wave)

Blade Exchanger (Surge):

This is a cool feature that allows you to use two different Leatherman blades on the Surge. There is a two-sided file or Leatherman’s open-tooth saw, both are included.

Wire Cutters:

​Both the standard and hard-wire cutters on the Surge are replaceable. So, once you wear them out, you can unscrew them and put some new ones in.

This is one of the big differences with many of the components on the Surge that can wear out. They are replaceable. Which means the life of your Leatherman is extended significantly.

Lanyard Ring

The Surge also has one extra little thing the Wave does not have, and that is a ring to attach to a lanyard.

Why should you care? If you work with the tool on a daily basis, this is very handy for attaching the tool to something (like a lanyard) so you can easily reach it and more importantly not lose it should it fall from your hands. So, if you work at heights or near water this is something to think about.

The Same Great Features

There are a lot of small differences between these two multitools, but in the end, they also share a huge amount of useful tools and features that have given Leatherman such a great name.

• One-handed operation (all tools can be used with one hand, yes, even the scissors!)
• Locking tools – safely lock all tools during use (so they won’t flip back and cut)
• Various tools can be accessed even with the tool full closed
• Almost every tool you will ever need – blades, saw, scissors, bottle opener, can opener, ruler, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, and more
• Blades made of quality, durable 420 HC Steel
• 25 Year Warranty

Which Should You Buy?

There is usually not a huge price difference between these two tools, so the choice comes down to what you need it for and how regularly you are going to use it.

If it is your go-to tool for almost everything then the Surge is a better bet because it has more tools, more replaceable components and some of the tools are longer (so easier to use).

The Wave is a lot simpler and a little smaller and lighter. So, if you don’t need all the extra tools and won’t be wearing the wire cutters out (as you don’t use them much) then it will be a great choice that lasts you a long time.

No matter which one you choose, they are both quite similar and will definitely save you in lots of situations where you need a tool and did not bring it!