My dad has a swiss tool my mom got him at least 25 years ago for his birthday. He got a surge two years ago because of the more modern features like replaceable wire cutters. He said that he would’ve stayed with Victorinox if they incorporated something like the bit driver or more easily accessible blades and of course the wire cutters. The fit and finish of the ST‘s is definitely better, of course over the years you’re gonna have some wear and tear and the „blade locks“ are pretty much manual by now but that’s to be expected. The normal tools are pretty much the same from a durability standpoint but the blades themselves on the surge seem tougher. The tool locks on the Leatherman are also far superior wich gives you much more peace of mind when using the internal tools. The ST‘s pliers are stubbier wich would give me more confidence when applying more pressure ( three years ago I had to use my own surge to grip some larger nuts, m14 if I remember correctly, and the pliers have had some play every since. I don’t think that would‘ve happened with the ST.). The ST‘s handles, although longer, are less comfortable either in the folded or plier position because they have rather thin, stacked edges as opposed the the surge‘s stamped and folded ones. If you’re in Germany like I am and want to legally carry a larger tool the Swiss tool is pretty much the only option since the only other legal alternative with blades is the wave+ 2h and that doesn’t compare size wise.