Review Overview
Functionality
Durability
Ease of Use
Value
A great backwoods companion.
Summary : The Leatherman Signal trades a few tools for a whistle, firestarter, and sharpener. Avid hikers will welcome the additions.
I’ve been excited about the new Leatherman Signal for what feels like forever. I’ve had an original Leatherman since high school that has served me well for many years. I’ve watched the arrival of other models that are prettier and more functional than mine over the years, but I’ve always stood by my tried and true. “I don’t need a new one. Mine is just fine,” I told myself. Then I heard that they were going to make one specifically for backcountry survival.
Why did you guys have to go and put me in this position?
For the first time, I have to seriously contemplate retiring my Leatherman PST.
The Leather Signal is built like a tank and has everything that an avid outdoorsman would need. I decided that the best way to show you this tool would simply be a formidable gallery. A bit of multi-tool porn if you will…
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- Leatherman Signal
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- Leatherman Signal
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- Small clip releases the ferrocerium rod/safety whistle
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- Leatherman Signal
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- Leatherman Signal
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- Ferrocerium rod/safety whistle
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- Diamond coated sharpener
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- Leatherman Signal
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- 3/16″ box wrench, 1/4″ box wrench, 1/4″ bit driver
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- Some of my own 1/4″ bits in the mix to extend functionality
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- Leatherman Signal
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- The included bit does fit the 1/4″ bit driver, but I wouldn’t use excessive torque
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- Leatherman Signal
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- Bit driver
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- Can opener
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- Awl w/ thread loop
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- A small sharpener, but plenty to touch up your blade in the field
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- Option of either belt clip or carabiner
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- Hammer
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- Aggressive saw that opens with the notch on the end
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- Leatherman Signal
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- 420HC Combo Knife
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- Both wire cutters are replaceable
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- A lever depresses to release the diamond coated sharpener
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- The Signal has a little toggle that locks it in the closed position.
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- Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal is a well thought design. At first glance you might catch yourself thinking that it has a relatively small number of tools compared to other models. Upon further inspection you’ll realize that most of the tools on other models are designed for interacting with human creations, not nature. It makes sense for the Signal to give up real estate to include a whistle and a firestarter. It also makes sense to include a sharpener. It trades a case for a carabiner and a belt clip, which don’t mind, because some of my favorite hiking pants have a belt built in, making it almost impossible to use a case.
You have the bases covered here for survival. You can keep a sharp edge on your blade and have the ability to start a fire. When the Signal hits the shelves I think that most outdoor enthusiasts will end up deciding that it’s a better fit for their lifestyle than other options out there.
