Who doesn’t love a multitool, a bunch of useful items that all tucked away in a pocket-sized little body, it is such a satisfying piece of EDC. The Leatherman Signal takes things up a notch by becoming an outdoor survival expert as well. Packed with tools, emergency features, you could be convinced to you consider a spontaneous camping trip. It has been aimed squarely at adventurers, hikers, campers, and anyone who likes being prepared for the unexpected.
The Signal has all the classic Leatherman tools, you get 19 in total including needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, a 420HC combo knife blade, saw, hammer surface, can opener, bottle opener, awl, bit driver, and several screwdrivers. For everyday tasks, it covers most of what people could reasonably need from a multi tool. It comes in eight different designs including some tasteful multicoloured looks.
Where it differs from more traditional Leatherman models is its focus on outdoor use. Built into the frame are a ferrocerium fire starter and an emergency whistle, both of which can be removed and used independently. There is also a diamond coated sharpener for maintaining the knife blade. These additions might sound a little gimmicky on paper, but they are genuinely useful if you spend time camping or hiking away from home comforts.
The build quality is exactly what you would expect from Leatherman. Stainless steel construction feels reassuringly solid, the locking tools for safety, and everything opens with the sort of mechanical precision that for some reason is super satisfying. At around 212 grams it is not lightweight, but it remains compact enough to carry on a belt with the removable clip or in a backpack without becoming a burden.
Not every feature is perfect. The hammer works for light tasks but will not replace a proper hammer, and some users may prefer a plain edge blade rather than the combo design. The ferro rod is also quite small compared with dedicated fire starters.
The Signal balances practicality with preparedness. It is not trying to replace a toolbox or a survival kit. Instead, it provides a surprisingly capable mix of both in a package small enough to take almost anywhere. For outdoor enthusiasts, that combination makes it one of Leatherman’s most appealing and distinctive multi tools. RRP £154.95
- Includes 19 useful tools
- Built in fire starter, whistle, and sharpener for outdoor use
- Strong stainless-steel construction
- Locking tools
- One hand operation
- Pliers with replaceable wire cutters
- Compact
- Eight designs
- Backed by Leatherman's excellent warranty
- More expensive than many multi tools
- Hammer is useful but limited in capability
- Combo blade will not suit everyone
- Fire starter is smaller than dedicated alternatives
