Comparison Console
Leatherman ARC vs Leatherman Surge
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman ARC stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 27% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Surge stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 36% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Surge stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Surge stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 36% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 56% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 27% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 37% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman ARC stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 6% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 6% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$249.95Most expensive
US$159.95Cheapest
Weight
244 g (8.61 oz)Lightest
335 g (11.82 oz)Heaviest
Closed length
108 mm (4.25 in)Shortest
115 mm (4.53 in)Longest
Open length
164 mm (6.46 in)Shortest
177.8 mm (7.00 in)Longest
Dimensions
Width
33 mm (1.30 in)Lowest
90 mm (3.54 in)Highest
Thickness
17 mm (0.67 in)Thinnest
44 mm (1.73 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
20Fewest tools
21Most tools
Tools
MagnaCut Knife BladeNeedlenose PliersRegular PliersLarge Bit DriverDiamond-coated FileSmall Bit DriverWood/Metal FilePry ToolPremium Replaceable Wire CuttersPremium Replaceable Hard-wire CuttersImpact SurfaceLarge ScrewdriverBottle OpenerCan OpenerAwlSpring-action ScissorsSawWire StripperElectrical CrimperEdge File
Full-size lockable bladesRegular pliersNeedlenose pliersWire cuttersWire strippersScissorsCan openerBottle openerWood fileMetal fileLarge driver bitSmall driver bitPhillips #1-2 screwdriver bitsFlat tip screwdriver bitsExtra strong scissorsReplaceable 154CM wire cuttersOutside-opening bladesUnique blade exchanger for saw and fileFour outside-opening bladesLarge and small bit driversLanyard ring
Plier type
Needle-nose Plier
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
Yes
No
Sheath included
No
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
CampingOutdoor workEveryday carryRepair tasksHard outdoor jobs
Heavy-duty multipurpose tasksHome improvementsCar workBike workSurvival tasksDIY tasksAdventurous explorers and survivalists
Common praise
High blade quality and edge retention due to MagnaCut steelVersatile toolset with 20 locking toolsSmooth one-handed opening and operationDurable PVD/DLC coatingComfortable and secure handling
Large selection of toolsHigh build qualityStrong pliers and scissorsEasy-to-use locksInterchangeable saw and file bladesQuick access to outside-opening blades
Common complaints
No sheath includedPremium price point might be high for some users
Heavy weight relative to smaller multi-toolsLarge size may be bulky for some users