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The bottom line: Having established themselves as the iconic brand of outdoor multi-tools, Leatherman has created the Signal, a compact multi-tool containing 19 tools built for outdoor use. The Signal fits pliers, can opener, knife, saw, hammer, quarter-inch hex bit drive, quarter-inch box wrench, knife sharpener, ferrocerium firestarter rod, and safety whistle among its tools, with each tool locking safely shut when not in use.
As an avid traveler in every method from airplanes and hotel rooms to weeks-long bicycle trips coupled with nightly backcountry camping, my multi-tool is one of the few items that is absolutely indispensable for me. I've regularly used my multi-tool for chopping food, opening cans, screwing and unscrewing more frequently than one would expect, emergency roadside bike fixes, and self-administered amateur medical care (which is probably outside of the recommended purposes for the tool).
The Signal has collected 19 individual tools into a lightweight and compact body, among which are regular and needle-nose pliers, an unserrated knife, saw, can opener, bottle opener, wire cutters, hammer, safety whistle, diamond-coated sharpener, quarter-inch hex bit driver, quarter-inch box wrench, and 3/16-inch box wrench. One welcome addition that the Signal adds is its selection of body color options, which differs from most of the brand's exclusively silver coloring. This is the cobalt color model.
At 7.5 ounces, the Signal is light enough to pack with you nearly anywhere, and it comes with a nylon case that can be clipped onto a belt or used to store the tool safely in a bag or pocket.
The tool is made of 420HC Stainless Steel, with the knife blade length measuring about 2.75 inches. Each tool contains a safety to prevent it from accidentally slipping or sliding shut once opened, and each of the tools feels solid.
One thing to note, common to all multi-tools, is that the included tools feel like a lightweight version, meaning that the saw blade included on the Signal definitely won't be cutting any large tree branches, and the hammer is fine for lightweight hammering but not for driving heavyweight nails into anything. But this, of course, is a given.
When it comes to quick gear repairs or maintenance on the go or in the field, my multi-tool is my quick-access go-to. I've gone on bicycle trips where my tool has saved me. This is aside from it being useful as a quick knife or screwdriver to have on hand each day. As someone who subscribes to shedding as much excess gear and weight as possible when planning for a trip, my multi-tool is essential to pack or carry with me.
As far as being useful for a variety of needs, and capable of being a go-to for surprise necessities that arise while traveling, the Signal is extremely useful and well-built, and maintains Leatherman's line of solid-feeling, high-quality multi-tools.
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