How to Choose Knives and Tools

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Designed for the outdoors, the Leatherman Signal multi-tool packs 19 useful tools into a compact, 4.5 in. size, helping you gear up and go further.
Shop newer versionMade in USA.
View all Leatherman Multi-ToolsBest Use | Camping |
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Knife Blade Type | Partially Serrated |
Locking Blade | Yes |
Number of Blades | 1 Blade |
Max Blade Length (in.) | 2.73 inches |
Closed Length | 4.5 inches |
Handle Material | DLC coating |
Blade Construction | 420HC stainless steel |
Phillips Screwdriver(s) | 1 |
Standard Screwdriver(s) | 1 |
Bottle Opener | Yes |
Can Opener | Yes |
Wire Stripper | Yes |
Wood Saw | Yes |
Pliers | Yes |
Wire Cutter | Yes |
Hard-Wire Cutters | Yes |
Awl | Yes |
Weight | 7.5 ounces |
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I was so excited for this Leatherman but after unboxing it and inspecting it thoroughly, very disappointed. The finish on the Leatherman is terrible. There is teal paint on the interior components that need to be scratched off. The tool already came with scratches and mission paint in some parts. Once open, the interior of the tool is full of oil marks which tells me this tool is going to get dirty really fast. I would not recommend this color Leatherman at all. The finish is unrefined, chipped paint, and dirty. I suggest you go with another color because the tool overall is great. Total disapoinment.
It's true a lot of the basics on here are fine and typical, and the price runs higher than other Leatherman multitools that have pieces you'll probably end up wanting more often. But this is a purpose built multitool, and for purpose it's excellent. It's purpose is to carry tools you hope you never need. Ideally you own this tool and never need the emergency flint, you never need to blow the whistle, you don't need to use the bottom as a hammer, and you don't need to to cut wood with the saw. But the moment you need any of them, you'll be glad your carrying this into the back country and not something with a corkscrew, 3 screwdrivers and a sewing needle :P
It’s a good concept, but this is the first leatherman I have not been happy owning. There are paint issues, like staining, rubbing off, and overspray. And one of the closing swivels was loose, out of the box. I tightened the swivel with my torx set, but I shouldn’t have to do this. The removable striker sits loose on the side, and it’s carrier is made of plastic. I do like the idea, and I do like the wire locks, but then again in the long term, they feel like they’re going to be prone to failure. Sadly disappointed with this leatherman. Maybe I got a lemon? I plan to take it back, and see if another Signal has the same issues.
Run across this little beauty while searching for a multifunction backpacking knife I can use while living overseas. I usually carry a larger sheath knife plus a Leatherman Wave, but it's a heavy combo and a little more brazen to carry a setup that's verging on a "dangerous weapon" in various foreign contexts. Although I usually prefer a straight main blade, I can't fault Leatherman for adding the serrations as it really helps for stripping off little peices of kindling for starting backcountry fires (probably one of the main things I'll use it for). The can opener and saw blade I consider essential for backpacking as well. The addition of the ferrus rob, whistle, and emergency sharpening stone really round this out with some cool emergancy features too. And as always for Leatherman, the main blade and saw blade are super sharp. And the aqua/black color is a super cool. My secondary use is for a light tool for moving / putting furniture together that I can pack in my suitcase, so I'm glad it comes with the screwdriver bit as well. Would be nice if it had space for a small scissors feature but not a deal breaker.
As of writing this review I've owned it for about 6 months. I honestly got it for the stylish color, it was just too irresistible! But onto more serious matters, this things is pretty handy. Between camping here and there, a minor emergency where a buddy/me need a tool, or my visits to the scrapyard it has been great! I never thought I had to use the saw, but one time I had to cut a brake line and a car interior! I've put the saw and knife under some serious stress and haven't seen it really bend yet. Also, the size of the screwdriver is really useful, seems to fit(obviously, not 100%, you can 1-size-fits-all a screw head) in most situations. Maybe, the only downside is the weight, between carrying keys, wallet, and my phone, it starts adding weight to my pants - that said, I always wear a belt, but it could be an issue if you're just holding it in your pockets.
The color is obvi the reason this caught my eye and I have got complements from everyone who sees it. It's got the basic set of tools I need in a setup I like. The blade can be used on the fly without opening the whole thing. The hammer surface is perfect for tent poles. And the caribiner clip is great for quickly stowing it on my pack. All pro's
Cute looking but rather useless compared to the Victronex Swiss Army knife Craftsman model. Which is half this price. Nice fire starter thingy but very hard to use other features. I liked the color but returned it as it was way too expensive and ungainly. Screw drivers and such were a bad joke. Even the leather man pliers didn't grip a wire well. Thought it could be useful in electrical work and compared to average Swiss Army knife it fails.
This is my first leatherman tool I have ever owned. The little ferrorod is a nice option but I carry a larger one and the one that comes with this would be used as a backup. The tools themselves are made well and don't seem like they will break while using them how they were intended, having the belt clip is nice for if you are out fishing and just want to clip it to your side.
I really like this multitool. I was suprised how difficult it has been to open and close the pliers, but has gotten easier over time. It was also very dirty (I am assuming from the grease) which was very noticable on the light blue of the tool. But since then it's gone away. I still have a hard time getting the smaller tools out if my nails are too long (too brittle) or too short. It's held up so far and I love the color so not too much too complain about.
Purchased this tool for it's usages (but also the color) - the color gets an A+ but the tool not so much. Was not able to open ANYTHING with one hand (and about 6 things barely opened with two - and tools to help pry open), it didn't stay shut, so if you have it "closed" it swings open, the ferro rod piece does not easily go back into place (or at all meaning it keeps falling out) and the sharpener looks like it would fall off with some jostling or in a pocket etc. I was disappointed as I really thought this would be a great tool :(