Leatherman Signal Review: Worth Buying?

Outdoor adventurists and fix-it-all individuals know that a multitool is quite a handy device. The Leatherman Signal Multitool is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment for nearly any outdoor scenario, from camping and starting fires to backpacking trips and even emergency situations.

Tim Leatherman founded the Leatherman Tool Group in 1983 along with Steve Berliner to design and produce multi-purpose, compact tools that are more useful than a simple pocket knife. Their first creation was the Pocket Survival Tool prototype, the first folding multitool, and featured thirteen different tools. 

Since then, the company’s designs have evolved, and Leatherman Tool Group has reached vast success and fast growth. In 2015, Leatherman won the “Best of What’s New” Award for their innovative designs.

Today, Leatherman Tool Group creates a plethora of multitools styles equipped with knives, wire cutters, crimpers, bottle openers, and more, all included in a compact device meant for everyday use as well as for law enforcement and military personnel.

The Leatherman Signal Multitool is extremely versatile, featuring 19 different tools in a compact body style designed to last many years. We will review the specific tools and other useful device characteristics below in our full Leatherman Signal review.

Pros of the Leatherman Signal Multitool:

• Extremely functional with 19 included tools
• Long-lasting and reliable, made of durable materials
• 25-year limited warranty
• Made in the USA
• Compact size and lightweight
• Includes nylon carrying sheath

Cons of the Leatherman Signal Multitool:

• Somewhat expensive
• No scissors included
• Can be hard to open the tools (stiff)

Things to Consider Before Buying a Multitool

Because a multitool is designed to take the place of several other devices in your toolbox, you want to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. Before you purchase a multitool, consider what tools and features you will actually use so that you are equipped effectively. 

The ideal customer of the Leatherman Signal is looking for a multi-purpose, everyday multitool that can also be used for outdoorsy activities. Suppose you want a multitool with general-purpose tools, such as a carabiner, bit drive, combo knife, sharpener, and more, combined with more specialized tools such as a ferrocerium rod. In that case, the Leatherman Signal Multitool is an excellent choice.

If you are looking for a more specialized multitool (for example, if you want to purchase a multitool to clean your assault rifle), there are other better equipped options for this purpose. For instance, check out the Leatherman Mut, which we also discuss below.

Features & Benefits

Weight, Materials, and Design

The Leatherman Signal is fairly lightweight as far as multitools go, weighing in at only 212.6 grams (7.5 ounces). It is also quite compact, with a closed length of only 4.5 inches (11.43 cm).

Its lightweight, small stature makes the Leatherman Signal Multitool a great choice for backpacking trips when you want to bring along your trusty multitool without taking up a lot of space or weighing you down. It is a great option for hiking trips or stowing away in your pocket and forgetting about it.

Featuring 420HC stainless steel, the Leatherman Signal is also extremely rugged. This type of stainless steel is reliable and strong, and it also resists rusting over time. Furthermore, knives made of 420HC steel sharpen easily, so the Leatherman Signal’s blades will last you longer than standard knives.

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For even more durability, the Leatherman Signal Multitool also features a diamond-like carbon coating to prevent corrosion and abrasion. This diamond-like carbon coating has a high hardness level and reduces friction for better performance. There is also a cerakote protective ceramic coating for further strength and resistance to wear.

The Leatherman Signal is designed to be used as an all-purpose multitool with an easy-to-access folding body style. Its one-handed design allows you to open and use any of the tools with ease. Each tool also locks into place for safety, so you can feel secure knowing that the knives or other sharp tools will not open unintended.

The image below shows the Signal’s folding, compact design.

Because the multitool also features an integrated carabiner and removable pocket clip, the Leatherman Signal’s design makes it easy to transport and access quickly when you need it the most.

Number and Types of Tools 

The Leatherman Signal features 19 different tools. Here, we will go over each one in brief detail.

Needle-nose pliers are built with a pointed tip that allows you to more easily grasp tiny objects and hold them in place tightly. There are also regular pliers included for all-purpose use. These tools are very useful for making small repairs or adjustments.

The Leatherman Signal Multitool also features both premium replaceable wire (meant for lighter gauge wires) and hard-wire cutters, meant for thicker electrical hard wires. The multitool also features a wire stripper for removing electrical insulation from wires.

Also included is a 420HC combination knife, featuring both serrated and straight-edged sides. This adds to the versatility of the multitool. The Signal also boasts an open-toothed saw, as well as a functional hammer with a textured grip. There is also a diamond-coated sharpener, which is great for sharpening steel knives or other blades.

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The Leatherman Signal also has an awl with an included thread loop. An awl is useful for quickly punching holes into wood or leather without damaging the material, and the thread loop makes sewing much easier and faster.

The Signal also includes both a can opener and a bottle opener, both of which are quite useful when on the go. There is also a ¼ inch hex bit drive and a bit driver, which you can customize by inserting different bits. Also, the ¼ and 3/16 inch box wrenches are perfect for adjusting bolts and nuts easily. 

A ferrocerium rod is also present. This tool is essential to quickly start fires, especially if moisture is present. This can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation when you need to get warm quickly.

There is also a carabiner for attaching the Leatherman Signal to your backpack or belt loop to keep it where you can easily access it. Lastly, the Signal includes a safety whistle for alerting others of an emergency.

More: The Complete Review of Kershaw Leek Pocket knife

Leatherman Signal Specifications Table

Social Proof

When I was searching for a new multitool, I was looking for a device that would be useful and practical and well-reviewed. So, I scoured the internet and found some user reviews of the Leatherman Signal that seemed rather positive. 

Here are some screenshots of testimonials of those who have written about their excellent experiences with the Leatherman Signal Multitool:

Alternatives

Leatherman Signal vs Wave

The Leatherman Wave is another excellently built Leatherman multi-tool, although it features 18 tools instead of the Signal’s 19 tools. Another difference is that the Leatherman Wave does not feature the Signal’s removable pocket clip, so it may be slightly less convenient to carry if you prefer that.

The Signal and Wave also differ slightly in their materials. While the Signal is made of 420HC stainless steel with a cerakote and DLC coating, the Wave features a black oxide coating. Both coatings are corrosive–resistant and shouldn’t chip.

Both multitools feature everyday, basic tools such as wire strippers, knives, and a saw. The Wave also includes spring-action scissors, an entirely separate serrated knife, electrical crimper, a metal file, and an 8-inch ruler. Still, it does not have the Signal’s safety whistle, ferrocerium rod, carabiner, hammer, or awl with thread loop.

Also, the Wave is slightly less expensive than the Signal. The Wave is also heavier at 8.5 ounces, although its closed length is slightly more compact at 4 inches.

If you are looking for another versatile multitool with slightly different tools, check out the Leatherman Wave here.

Comparison

• Leatherman Wave has 18 tools (Signal has 19)
• Leatherman Wave does not have the pocket clip
• Leatherman Signal is 420HC stainless steel with a cerakote and DLC coating
• Leatherman Wave is 420HC stainless steel with black oxide coating
• Leatherman Wave features scissors, separate knives, electrical crimper, metal file, and ruler
• Leatherman Signal has a safety whistle, ferro rod, carabiner, hammer, and awl
• Leatherman Wave is slightly less expensive at $99.95.

Leatherman Signal vs Surge

The Leatherman Surge is slightly more complex than the Leatherman Signal, with an included 21 useful tools. It also weighs significantly more at 12.5 ounces, compared to the Signal at only 7.5 ounces.

Both of these multitools feature needle nose pliers, regular pliers, and wire cutters (although the Surge also features stranded-wire cutters). The Surge also has an electrical crimper, while the Signal does not. 

Also, the Surge is built with a completely separate serrated and straight knife, while the Signal’s knives are combined. The Surge also has scissors, a ruler, and a blade exchanger. Finally, the Surge does not have a hammer, whistle, or carabiner.

Those looking for a more hefty multitool with a few more tools included should check out the Leatherman Surge.

Comparison

• Leatherman Surge is more expensive
• Leatherman Surge is heavier but the same closed length
• Leatherman Surge has 21 tools, while the Signal has 19
• Leatherman Surge has electrical crimper, separated knives, scissors, ruler, blade exchanger
• Leatherman Signal has a hammer, carabiner, safety whistle

Leatherman Signal vs Mut

The Leatherman Mut is meant for both general use as well as maintaining military gear, as it includes several tools specific for that purpose which are not found on standard multitools like the Leatherman Signal.

These specialized tools featured on the Leatherman Mut include a cleaning rod and brush adapter for attaching firearm cleaning tools, a front sight adjustment accessory, a bronze carbon scraper to remove carbon from the firearm, a firearm disassembly punch, and a bolt override tool meant for an AR-15. 

These are all incredibly important tools for proper maintenance and cleaning of an assault rifle.

Like the Signal, the Mut also includes a saw, combination knife, bottle opener, carabiner, needlenose and regular pliers, and wire cutters. The Leatherman Mut is also larger with a closed length of 5 inches and a weight of 11.2 ounces. Note that the Mut is also more expensive than the Signal.

For those who are more firearm-inclined and don’t mind a larger, more expensive multitool, check out the Leatherman Mut.

Comparison

• Leatherman Mut is more military-purpose than the Signal
• Leatherman Mut is larger and heavier
• Leatherman Mut is more expensive than the Signal

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Conclusion

A multitool solves the problem of lugging around a heavy toolbox, as it includes enough tools to replace several others in your arsenal, such as screwdrivers, hammers, and various knives. With the Leatherman Signal, all of this and more is available in a compact, lightweight package. 

The Leatherman Signal’s folding one-handed design makes it incredibly easy to use when you need it most. This multi-functional device is useful in nearly any scenario you may encounter, from starting fires for s’mores in your backyard, to life-altering emergencies when you need to move fast. It is lightweight, compact, and will last for years to come.

If you are looking for a reliable, well-crafted multitool, click here to check out the Leatherman Signal.