REASONS TO BUY
Versatile and comprehensive outdoor tool kit
REASONS TO AVOID
Specialized components
Independent parts can get lost
Leatherman Signal Review
A purpose-built, specialized tool for outdoor adventure and wilderness survival, while also serving purpose around the house
All the tools and components of the Leatherman Signal, on display.
Credit: Jediah Porter
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ April 25, 2024
Contributions From: Kyle Hameister
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Our Verdict
The Leatherman Signal is the most “outdoorsy” multi-tool we know of. It has multiple features that are endemic to it and uniquely suited to outdoor adventures. That doesn't, necessarily, mean that this is the best choice for exactly your outdoor pursuits. It could be, but it might not be. Many outdoor repair jobs, for instance, benefit greatly from scissors. The Signal has none. A file can help with outdoor gear maintenance also. The Signal has no file either. What it does have is a suite of specialized, clever, and unique tools for outdoor, wilderness “survival” types of scenarios. In that niche, the Signal is alone and of great value.
Our Analysis and Test Results
This model is a purpose-built outdoors person's multi-tool. People often use multi-tools in the outdoors, but this one is fully tailor-made for outdoor adventures. One could even call it a survival tool. Notable special outdoor features include a firestarter, signal whistle, and tent stake hammer. The inclusion of a detachable sharpener also points to the self-reliant sort of consumer.
Wilderness survival might require opening a bottle. That opener will also get into food cans. The former will likely be more common in your world, while the latter could be more important. That's sort of the story of “survival” equipment and skills.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Functions
Leatherman claims their Signal has 19 functions. That is admirably close to actual functionality (sometimes claimed functions are minimally useful or minimally different from one another; not so with the Signal). The absolute number of functions and discernment of counted functions is just one part of the equation. In the case of the Signal, there are functions included that are truly unique from any other options on the market. No multi-tool that we know of includes a sharpener, whistle, and fire-starter sparker.
A little dry tinder and the Signal is all that is required to start a fire. The back of the saw blade is sharp enough to get sparks from the fiery, detachable ferro rod.
Credit: Jediah Porter
The “normal” functions that Leatherman includes are useful and carefully chosen. The saw is great for woodcraft. There are two bit drivers—one for Leatherman's proprietary “squashed” 1/4 inch drive and one (with limited-utility 90-degree orientation) in standard 1/4 drive dimensions. An awl with a needle-type “eye” is handy for repairing shoes and other hearty textiles. The can opener doubles as a bottle opener.
We do have a few features-related wishes. Couldn't the standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 degrees from where it is to be more useful? That would allow omission of the squashed bit driver and make room for the inclusion of scissors. Finally, make the blade of excellent steel (Leatherman's 154CM steel blade on some other tools they produce is amazing) and eliminate the serrated section. With a sharpener built-in, the full edge could be regularly tuned up, even in the field.
This little part is both a whistle and a ferro rod spark striker. It works for both jobs; we checked.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Ergonomics
Ergonomically, the Signal is on par with average current multi-tools. The outside-opening blade is crucial. The rounded pliers' handles are non-negotiable now too. The combo whistle/ferro-striker rod is a little fiddly to get in and out. Other multi-tool pliers are a little less prone to pinching than those on the Signal. However, we had no actual pinching issues with the Signal.
A full-size 1/4 inch bit driver on a Leatherman tool. This isn't the first of its kind, but it is the most usable. We're glad for this. Hopefully this trend continues.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Portability
Leatherman's Signal is fairly average in size and bulk. For the features it packs in, it could actually be considered relatively small. Further, it is quite nice that Leatherman gives you great carry options. They send it with an included pocket clip and a sturdy belt holster. Built right in is a carabiner-style clip for carrying too. Finally, the external contours of the Signal are not super smooth, but they are unlikely badly damage your pockets or other carrying containers, as some rough-edged tools we've tested can.
The built in carabiner gate of the Signal allows it to be clipped any number of places.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Construction Quality
Construction quality of the Signal seems to meet the high expectations we have come to have of Leatherman equipment. We had no issues with the construction of the Signal. The removable parts are different than those on other tools. Few other tools have removable parts like the Signal does. These parts are largely made of plastic and click into the main Signal body in a somewhat unconfidence-inspiring fashion. Again, we have had no problems with it, but the fiddly systems for securing fully independent parts aren't something we are accustomed to assessing on a multi-tool.
Here is the half serrated, half straight blade of the Signal. The serrated portion is slightly beneficial in select situations but a liability the rest of the time.
Credit: Jediah Porter
Should You Buy the Leatherman Signal?
Well, the Signal is not the cheapest piece of equipment but for its function and application, and with the understanding that it will last a long time, its value will surely be realized in the long run. One will ultimately consider the Signal for its unique tool set over other similarly priced and sized multi-tool offerings. For the outdoor adventure enthusiast, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better-suited tool for the job.
What Other Multi-Tools Should You Consider?
The Signal is unique in its tool set and niche. Not everyone will require the survival and outdoor attributes seen here. In the same price range, The Leatherman Surge or Leatherman Wave+ offer a more traditional tool set, while the SOG PowerAssist is even more affordable. The Leatherman Skeletool CX or Gerber Dime will be more portable options. At the more premium end of things, the Leatherman Charge+ TTi or Leatherman ARC will truly give the best combination of tool inclusions paired with premium materials (though they are also designed for the all-around user).
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Leatherman Signal versus top competing products:
—Jediah Porter & Kyle Hameister
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