Leatherman Signal: the multi-tool designed for outdoor use and self-sufficiency
Halfway between a traditional multi-tool and outdoor gear, the Leatherman Signal occupies a unique place in the American brand's lineup. Launched in 2015, it was developed specifically for outdoor activities, featuring several functions rarely found together on a tool of this size: a ferrocerium rod, an emergency whistle, a diamond sharpener, and a surface that doubles as a hammer. The Signal also retains the essential Leatherman features: pliers, wire cutters, a blade, a saw, screwdrivers, and various other tools, all housed within a folding frame. In total, the brand advertises 19 functions for a closed unit measuring 11.43 cm. It is available starting at €159.
A Leatherman geared towards outdoor activities
The Signal's unique character becomes apparent when compared to more general-purpose multi-tools. The brand designed it around the needs likely to be encountered while hiking, bivouacking, or camping. It includes: A combination smooth and serrated blade;
- A saw;
- Pliers with needle-nose and standard-nose pliers;
- Replaceable wire cutters;
- A wire stripper;
- A ferrocerium rod;
- A safety whistle;
- A diamond sharpener;
- A striking face;
- An awl with a wire loop;
- A bit holder;
- 1/4" and 3/16" wrenches;
- A can opener and a bottle opener.
This selection gives the Signal a rather different focus from a classic Swiss Army knife. The goal is less about adding extra features than about having a compact toolkit for repairs, setting up camp, or handling unexpected situations.
A 420HC steel blade
The main knife features a 2.5-inch (6.93 cm) 420HC stainless steel blade. It combines a smooth section for everyday cutting with a serrated section, better suited to certain tough materials. 420HC isn't a high-end steel comparable to the alloys used in some recent specialized knives. Instead, it prioritizes a balance between corrosion resistance, ease of maintenance, and relatively simple resharpening. This last feature is consistent with the integrated diamond sharpener. The user can thus touch up the edge in the field without carrying an additional sharpening system.
An integrated fire starter
The ferrocerium rod is one of the Signal's signature features. It produces sparks to ignite suitable tinder when conditions permit. The Signal was presented by Leatherman as its first compact multi-tool to directly integrate a ferrocerium. This device is removable and shares its module with the emergency whistle. From an outdoor perspective, it should be considered more as a compact emergency solution than a systematic replacement for dedicated equipment. Independent tests have reached a similar conclusion regarding these small, specialized components.
A hammer, but within the limitations of a compact tool
The other unusual feature is located at the end of the handle: a metal surface that can be used as a hammer. It can be used, for example, to lightly drive in a tent peg or perform small tasks requiring a striking surface. The function is naturally limited by the Signal's size and weight: it's not intended to replace a real hammer. This choice nevertheless illustrates the overall philosophy of the model. Leatherman sought to integrate a few functions specifically associated with camping without excessively increasing its bulk.
19 tools in 11.43 cm
Closed, the Signal measures 11.43 cm. Open, it reaches 17.15 cm, with a width of 3.81 cm and a thickness of 1.6 cm. Its stated weight is 7.5 oz, or approximately 213 grams. It remains pocket-sized, although its 213 grams become noticeable. The removable clip also allows it to be attached to a pocket or other equipment. A carabiner is integrated directly into its design. It also functions as a bottle opener.
Pliers for everyday repairs
As with many Leatherman tools, pliers are a key feature of the Signal. The head combines needle-nose pliers and standard pliers, along with wire cutters for both standard and heavier-duty wires. These cutters are replaceable, which theoretically prevents the entire tool from being rendered unusable if this part becomes significantly worn. The bit holder further enhances this focus on repairs. The Signal comes with a reversible Phillips #1-2 bit / 3/16-inch screwdriver. These features broaden its use beyond just camping. The tool can also be easily carried in a backpack, vehicle, or other outdoor gear.
A saw to complement the blade
The Signal also features a separate saw. This eliminates the need to use the main cutting edge for cutting small branches or certain fibrous materials. Here again, the size imposes limitations: this is a multi-purpose knife saw, not a tool designed for large-scale wood cutting. However, this choice remains consistent with the model's intended use, particularly for small jobs around a campsite.
Lockable tools
Safe operation also relies on the locking mechanism for the various tools. Leatherman specifies that all functions, except for the pliers head, have a locking system. Several components are also accessible from the outside when the Signal is closed. Some functions can be operated with one hand. These two features are important for a tool intended for regular use: the user doesn't necessarily need to extend the pliers to access each function.
A predominantly stainless steel construction
The chassis is made of 420 stainless steel. On the Black & Stainless version shown here, the black frame has a PVD coating, while the various tools retain a steel finish. Leatherman also offers the Signal in several other color combinations, giving it a more contemporary feel than some of the brand's historical models. Manufacturing remains tied to Leatherman's Portland, Oregon, facility, and the product comes with a 25-year warranty.
A specialized tool that involves some compromises
The Signal's outdoor focus necessarily implies certain choices. For example, it lacks scissors and a full-size file, two features that can be useful on a general-purpose multi-tool. OutdoorGearLab specifically notes these omissions and considers the Signal a tool more specialized for outdoor activities than some other Leatherman models. The ferrocerium rod, whistle, and sharpener are also removable components. This modularity allows for their replacement but also means they can be lost. Finally, the survival features are necessarily miniaturized. A dedicated ferrocerium rod, a full-size hammer, or a separate saw would offer greater capabilities. The Signal primarily aims to provide a versatile solution in a single tool.
Leatherman Signal: more than just a knife: a multi-tool
To reduce the Leatherman Signal to its knife alone would be to miss its main distinguishing feature. Its 6.93 cm blade is just one of 19 integrated functions. The model's identity lies primarily in the combination of traditional tools—pliers, blade, saw, screwdriver, and wire cutters—with functions specifically designed for outdoor use, such as a fire starter, whistle, sharpener, and striking surface. This specialization makes it a tool more suited to hiking, camping, bivouacking, and preparing outdoor gear than a multi-tool solely for everyday DIY projects. On the other hand, the absence of scissors or a file might be a deciding factor compared to more general-purpose models. The Black & Stainless version on the page reviewed is listed at €159, but was indicated as unavailable at the time of viewing. The Signal thus appears as a particular interpretation of the multi-tool knife: less universal in the choice of its tools, but more specialized for outdoor activities and situations where autonomy and reduced bulk must coexist.
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Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!
