Comparison Console
Leatherman Surge vs Leatherman Wave (2004)
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 33% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Surge stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 23% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 33% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 50% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Surge stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 13% 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$159.95Most expensive
US$130Cheapest
Weight
335 g (11.82 oz)Heaviest
224 g (7.90 oz)Lightest
Closed length
115 mm (4.53 in)Longest
102 mm (4.02 in)Shortest
Open length
177.8 mm (7.00 in)Longest
158 mm (6.22 in)Shortest
Dimensions
Width
90 mm (3.54 in)Highest
36 mm (1.42 in)Lowest
Thickness
44 mm (1.73 in)Thickest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thinnest
Tools
Tool count
21Most tools
17Fewest tools
Tools
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
Pliers with Wire Cutters (needlenose & regular)Wire CuttersLarge Locking BladeSerrated BladeWood SawMetal SawFile with Diamond FileCan OpenerBottle OpenerScissorsBit DriverSmall Bit DriverMedium ScrewdriverPhillips ScrewdriverHard Wire CutterWire StripperSpring Action Scissors
Plier type
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
No
Yes
Sheath included
Yes
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
Heavy-duty multipurpose tasksHome improvementsCar workBike workSurvival tasksDIY tasksAdventurous explorers and survivalists
TradespersonsEveryday carry with strong tool versatilityOutdoor and farm use
Common praise
Large selection of toolsHigh build qualityStrong pliers and scissorsEasy-to-use locksInterchangeable saw and file bladesQuick access to outside-opening blades
Versatile set of 17 integrated tools covering many needsComfortable handles and outside accessible toolsStrong and precise pliers and wire cuttersLocking mechanisms on outside tools for safety
Common complaints
Heavy weight relative to smaller multi-toolsLarge size may be bulky for some users
Blade steel is basic 420HC with average edge retentionScissors on 2004 model changed to smaller design that some users find less safeHeavier than some other EDC options