A heavy duty multi-tool is having an unusual moment in the spotlight. The Leatherman Surge, a 21-tool model that sells for $159.95 on Leatherman’s US store in black or stainless steel, has now appeared in two big films this year, and Leatherman’s own site lists it as a bestseller.

T3 reported that fans first spotted Ryan Gosling using a Surge in Project Hail Mary, where his character relies on it to survive in space. The same model now shows up in Matchbox: The Movie, the Apple TV action adventure starring John Cena and Jessica Biel, which was released on October 9. In that film the character Crosby, played by Sam Richardson, gets a whole scene with his multi-tool. Product placement usually means watches and cars, so a pair of pliers getting screen time has people searching for it.

What you get

According to Leatherman, the Surge is one of its biggest and strongest multi-tools, built for electricians, mechanics, builders and serious DIYers. The highlights:

  • 21 tools, including needlenose and regular pliers, replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters, a stranded-wire cutter, an electrical crimper and a wire stripper
  • A 420HC straight knife and a 420HC serrated knife, with a 3.1 inch primary blade
  • A blade exchanger that swaps between a saw and a file
  • Spring-action scissors, an awl, a ruler, a bit driver and two screwdrivers
  • Four outside-opening tools you can reach without unfolding the whole tool, each locking in place
  • 4.5 inches closed and 12.5 oz, with a 25-year warranty

The sheath is sold separately, which is worth knowing if you plan to carry it on a belt.

Who it suits, and who should skip it

The Surge makes sense for tradespeople, mechanics and anyone who wants one tool that can really grip, cut wire and saw. The replaceable wire cutters and the electrical crimper are aimed squarely at people who work with cable.

It is not a pocket tool for everyone. At 12.5 oz it is heavy, and if you mostly need to open boxes and tighten the odd screw, it is more than you need. The film appearances are fun, but buy it for the job, not the cameo.

How it compares

The obvious alternative is Leatherman’s own Wave Plus, which Leatherman calls the workhorse of the Wave family. It has 18 tools, opens with one hand even when you are wearing gloves, and sells for $129.95 on Leatherman’s store. Gear Patrol described the Surge as a burlier version of the Wave Plus: less suited to everyday carry, but with a 3.1 inch blade against 2.92 inches on the Wave Plus and better grip when wearing gloves. Choose the Wave Plus if you want something lighter for daily carry; choose the Surge if you want bigger pliers, longer blades and the saw and file exchanger.

Where to buy

The Surge is sold on Leatherman’s US store and listed on Amazon in the US in both finishes. It also makes an easy pick for anyone shopping for a practical gift as the holidays approach. Prices at retailers can change at any time.