Gear Review: The Leatherman Signal

The Leatherman Signal  What I like, what I'd change, and why I carry it

For over three years now I've carried a Leatherman Signal with me almost every day.  I purchased it at REI on May 29, 2021.  At the time it was priced at $119.95 and I had a coupon that knocked it down to $95.96 before tax, after tax it became $106.14.  I had a $100 gift card and was out of pocket a whole $6.14.  

What I like

I do like the comfort and feel of this multitool.  I like that it is sturdy, that it holds up over time, that the knife blade deploys easily and locks in place.  I also like that there is a small clasp that keeps it secured and closed.  The pliers and wire cutters are strong.  I've used the small saw blade a number of times (camping and around my yard) to cut a small limb that was in the way when I didn't want to go get a larger saw.

It has a few other features that are nice:  I like the sharpener that is attached, and I have used the ferro rod to start a fire.  the additional emergency whistle is nice to always have one handy.  And it has a few other tools too:  a detachable bit screwdriver, a awl/reamer, a can opener, wire stripper, and a bottle opener.  There's also spot for a 1/4" hex bit/box wrench driver and a 3/16" box wrench.

What I like is that these are the tools that I tend to need and use most when I'm camping.  If I were working in a machine shop, I'd pick a different multi-tool.

What I'd change

The first thing I'd change is the "hammer" that they have on the end.  It's really just a "striking surface" and not much more.  Forget the image of pulling out your Leatherman to pound in a tent stake--the hammer head is way too small and you'll need a first aid kit in short order because you've just chewed up your hand.  I've found the hammer quite suitable for tapping in small nails around the house when my wife wants me to put up a picture, so it's useful...  But what I'd change is this:  I'd double the size of the striking surface.  It's the only way to make this part of the tool useful for more than just tapping in finish nails into drywall.

The second thing I'd change is that instead of having one "combination" blade (straight and serrated on the same blade), I'd add a second blade so there is one full blade and one full serrated blade. This would make the tool a bit wider... but that would help accommodate the need for a wider striking surface as previously noted.

The third thing I'd change is that I'd add some swing-out scissors.  There's room now, as we've added a second blade to one side so the other side has space available.  There are just some items that cut better with scissors, so the need for the tool is real.  If I had scissors on this tool, I wouldn't need to also carry around a Swiss Army Victorinox Huntsman just so I have scissors available.   ... although now that I think about it, I probably would... but I wouldn't need to!

The fourth and fifth things that I would change are to extend the length of the sharpener and the width of the ferro rod.  It doesn't need to be much, but just a little bit extra would make a very large difference.  They are so small now that even the smallest increase in size would make a difference.

The sixth thing I'd change about this tool is the application of the inside swing-out tools (can opener, wire stripper, awl/reamer, and bit driver).  They just aren't really usable for large applications, the tool is "floppy-open" while trying to use.  Surely it could be re-designed to provide a secue handle while using these items.

The seventh and final thing I would change is the 1/4" hex bit/box wrench smf 3/16" box wrench combo.  I would replace this with a slot to securely hold a 1/4" hex nut driver to increase the strenght and versatility of the tool  Right now, you can put a 1/4" hex nut in, but it is kind of loose.  If it could be re-designed that space could be very strong and more useful.

Why I carry it

My primary need for a multitool is while outside camping, and this one just works for me.  I like the feel, the weight, and the tool deployment.  It's good to have a small saw, pliers are always good, and I don't need a huge assortment of screwdrivers.  I also like the extra firestarter, tiny knife sharpener, and the emergency whistle.

The can opener and reamer are also nice tools that fit well with camping and outdoors work.  The saw and the knife blade are also very good.

 But... In over three years... I've never used the bottle opener.  At least… never to open a bottle…