The Surge and the Wave Plus are the two Leatherman multi-tools most buyers end up choosing between, and they share most of their hardware. Same 420HC blade steel, same premium replaceable wire cutters, same 25-year warranty. What separates them is size: 21 tools and 12.5 ounces against 18 tools and 8.5 ounces, for a $30 gap in price.
Quick take: The Surge gives you 21 tools and longer handles that put more force behind the pliers, at $159.95. The Wave Plus gives you 18 tools in a package four ounces lighter, at $129.95. Both carry the same blade steel and the same 25-year warranty, so the decision comes down to how much weight you want in your pocket all day.
Company Overview
Leatherman, founded in 1983, has revolutionized the multitool industry with its innovative designs and commitment to quality. The company’s journey began with the introduction of the Pocket Survival Tool (PST), a groundbreaking product that set new standards for multitools.
Over the years, Leatherman has consistently introduced new technologies and designs, maintaining its position as a leader in the market. The company’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in every product they create, ensuring reliability and functionality for a wide range of applications.
Leatherman’s impact on the market is underscored by numerous awards and accolades, further cementing its reputation for excellence. For more about their products, visit personalized multi-tools and engraved Leatherman.
Product Range Overview
Leatherman offers a diverse range of multitools designed to meet various needs, including heavy-duty, pocket-size, and keychain tools. The Leatherman Surge and Wave Plus are among their most popular models, each catering to different user groups and applications.
The Leatherman Surge is a heavy-duty multitool designed for demanding tasks. It features robust construction and a wide array of tools, making it ideal for professional use and outdoor adventures. The Surge is known for its durability and ability to handle tough jobs with ease.
The Leatherman Wave Plus is a versatile multitool suitable for everyday carry (EDC) and general use. It offers a balanced combination of tools and portability, making it a favorite among users who need a reliable multitool for various tasks. The Wave Plus is celebrated for its user-friendly design and practical features.
Leatherman multitools are known for their high build quality, excellent warranty, and the use of premium materials.
Feature | Leatherman Surge | Leatherman Wave Plus |
Tools | 21 | 18 |
Blade steel | 420HC stainless | 420HC stainless |
Frame | 420 stainless steel | 420 stainless steel |
Weight | 12.5 oz | 8.5 oz |
Closed Length | 4.5 in | 4 in |
Pliers | Needle-nose, regular, premium replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters | Needle-nose, regular, premium replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters |
Blades | 2 full-size, plus a Blade Exchanger for the saw and file | 2 full-size |
Scissors | Spring-action | Spring-action |
Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
Price at Leatherman.com | $159.95 | $129.95 |
Price engraved at Lazer Designs | $159.95, engraving free | $129.95, engraving free |
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Durability and Build Quality
Both the Leatherman Surge and Wave Plus are constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Both tools run 420HC stainless steel blades in a 420 stainless steel frame, so edge retention and sharpening behave the same way on each. Size is what separates them. The Surge’s longer handles and thicker jaws take more force before anything flexes, which matters when you are cutting hard wire or working a stubborn fastener.
In terms of build quality, the Surge is slightly more robust, designed to withstand heavy-duty use, while the Wave Plus offers excellent durability for everyday tasks. Customer reviews and expert opinions consistently praise both models for their reliability and long-lasting performance.
The Leatherman Surge and Wave Plus are both renowned for their exceptional durability and build quality, crafted to withstand rigorous use in various conditions.
Leatherman Surge:
- Materials: 420HC stainless steel blades in a 420 stainless steel frame. 420HC sharpens easily, resists rust and staining, and is what Leatherman uses across the Wave Plus, the Signal and the Super Tool 300.
- Robustness: Designed for heavy-duty use, the Surge’s construction is particularly robust, making it ideal for demanding tasks in professional and outdoor settings.
- Design: The Surge’s design incorporates larger, thicker tools that can handle significant wear and tear, ensuring longevity even under strenuous conditions.
Leatherman Wave Plus:
- Materials: 20HC stainless steel blades in a 420 stainless steel frame, the same specification as the Surge. The black version adds a black oxide finish, and a plain stainless version is also sold.
- Durability: While not as heavy-duty as the Surge, the Wave Plus is engineered for everyday use, offering a perfect balance of durability and practicality for a wide range of tasks.
- Design: The Wave Plus features a more compact and lightweight design compared to the Surge, making it ideal for everyday carry without compromising on strength and reliability.
Performance and Usability
The performance of the Leatherman Surge vs Wave Plus multitools is exceptional.
The Surge, with its larger size, provides enhanced leverage and power for demanding tasks. Its tools, including pliers, knives, and saws, are designed for heavy-duty applications, making it ideal for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Wave Plus, while slightly smaller, offers excellent performance for a wide range of tasks. Its tools are easily accessible and designed for versatility, making it perfect for everyday carry and general use.
Both models feature ergonomic designs that ensure comfortable handling and ease of use, with user experiences and expert reviews highlighting their practicality and performance.
Tool Selection and Implements
The Leatherman Surge and Wave Plus offer a comprehensive selection of tools. The Surge includes 21 tools, such as needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, knives, saw, scissors, and more. It also carries a Blade Exchanger, which lets you swap the saw for the diamond-coated file depending on the job. No other multi-tool in Leatherman’s current lineup has one.
The Wave Plus includes 18 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, knives, saw, scissors, and a variety of screwdrivers. Both models offer outside-accessible tools and one-handed operation capabilities, enhancing their usability and convenience. The versatility of each multitool ensures they can handle various tasks, from simple repairs to complex projects.
Both handles take laser engraving anywhere on the surface: a name, a date, a monogram or a company logo.
Price and Value for Money
The Surge lists at $159.95 and the Wave Plus at $129.95, a $30 gap that buys three extra tools, the Blade Exchanger and a bigger set of pliers. Lazer Designs sells both at those same prices with engraving and shipping included, so personalizing either one costs nothing above retail.
Both models provide great value for money, considering their durability, performance, and the comprehensive range of tools included. Depending on your budget and needs, the Surge is a better investment for heavy-duty use, while the Wave Plus offers a balanced combination of affordability and versatility.
Choosing Between the Surge and Wave Plus
The Leatherman Surge is ideal for users who need a heavy-duty multitool for professional use, outdoor adventures, and demanding tasks. Its robust construction and extensive tool selection make it perfect for those who require a reliable and powerful tool.
The Leatherman Wave Plus is suitable for users who need a versatile and portable multitool for everyday carry and general use. Its balanced combination of tools and ease of use makes it an excellent choice for various tasks.
Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between the Surge and Wave Plus. For personalized options, explore our personalized multi-tools, perfect for adding a unique touch to your multitool.
Comparing brands as well as models? See our Gerber vs Leatherman guide, the Gerber MP600 vs Leatherman Wave head-to-head, and Leatherman vs Swiss Army Knife.
User Feedback and Reviews
Both the Leatherman Surge and Wave Plus have garnered positive feedback from users and experts alike.
Leatherman Surge:
- Professional Users: Many professionals, including mechanics, electricians, and outdoor enthusiasts, praise the Surge for its heavy-duty performance and comprehensive tool selection. Users appreciate its robust construction and the ability to handle demanding tasks.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Surge is highly recommended for camping, hiking, and survival situations due to its durable build and versatile tools. Reviews often highlight the convenience of the blade exchanger and the reliability of the pliers and wire cutters.
Leatherman Wave Plus:
- Everyday Carry (EDC) Users: The Wave Plus is a favorite among EDC enthusiasts who need a reliable, portable tool for daily tasks. Users commend its compact size, ease of use, and the practicality of its tool selection.
- DIY and General Use: For those using the Wave Plus around the house or for DIY projects, the multitool’s versatility and accessibility are major selling points. The outside-accessible tools and one-handed operation are frequently highlighted in reviews.
Personalize Your Leatherman Multitool with Lazer Designs
Every Leatherman at Lazer Designs ships with free engraving and free shipping, at the same price Leatherman charges on its own site. Add a name, a date, a monogram or a company logo anywhere on the handle. Engraved multi-tools go out as groomsmen gifts, retirement gifts, apprenticeship awards and crew recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Leatherman Surge better than the Wave Plus?
The Surge carries 21 tools against the Wave Plus’s 18, and its longer handles put more force behind the pliers and cutters. Those gains cost four ounces of carry weight and half an inch of closed length. Tradespeople working out of a truck or a tool bag usually pick the Surge. Anyone carrying a multi-tool in a pocket all day usually picks the Wave Plus.
What is the difference between the Leatherman Wave and the Wave Plus?
The Wave Plus is the current version of the Wave. Leatherman’s own account of the change is short: the Plus upgraded to premium replaceable wire cutters and an improved sheath. Replaceable cutters matter because a chewed cutter can be swapped at the bench instead of retiring the tool. No plain Wave appears in Leatherman’s current lineup, so a new Wave bought today is the Plus.
Is the Leatherman Surge worth the extra money?
For heavy use, yes. The Surge costs $30 more than the Wave Plus and adds three tools, a larger plier head, and a Blade Exchanger that swaps the saw for the diamond-coated file. Anyone using the pliers and cutters daily gets that back quickly. For opening boxes and tightening the odd screw, the Wave Plus does the same work lighter and cheaper.
Which Leatherman multi-tool is best?
Leatherman calls the Wave the brand’s best-selling model, a title it says the Wave has held pretty much ever since its 1998 launch, and the Wave Plus is the version on sale today. Step up to the Surge for trade work, the Signal for camping and survival, or the Skeletool when weight is the priority. Lazer Designs engraves all four.
How do the Surge and Wave Plus compare to the Signal, Charge Plus and Wave Alpha?
The Signal swaps some of the Wave Plus’s workshop tools for outdoor gear, including a ferrocerium fire-starting rod, a safety whistle and a diamond-coated sharpener across 19 tools. Leatherman retired the Charge Plus in 2025, so the Surge and the Wave Alpha are now the two steps up from the Wave Plus. Wave Alpha rebuilds the Wave platform around CPM MagnaCut blade steel and G10 handle scales at $199.95. Lazer Designs engraves the Signal at $149.95, the Wave Alpha at $199.95 and the Super Tool 300 at $119.95.
Can you get a Leatherman Surge or Wave Plus engraved?
Yes. Lazer Designs laser-engraves a name, a date, a monogram or a company logo anywhere on the handle, and the engraving is free. Both tools sell at Leatherman’s own price, $159.95 for the Surge and $129.95 for the Wave Plus, with free shipping. Engraved Leathermans are common picks for groomsmen gifts, retirement gifts, apprenticeship awards and crew recognition.