Leatherman Signal - is LM making a survival multi?

[babola]

I'll wait it out this time. Still have hope in LM coming out with something a little better than Signal in not so distant future.

And I don't mean a Wave G3 which is long overdue (and rumored to be released in 2016), but something down the Skeletool/MUT/Signal line.

[Obi1shinobee]

I'll wait it out this time. Still have hope in LM coming out with something a little better than Signal in not so distant future.

And I don't mean a Wave G3 which is long overdue (and rumored to be released in 2016), but something down the Skeletool/MUT/Signal line.

SIGNAL WHO?? 

[rishardh]

Any Back to the Future fans here? Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown travels from Oct 26 1985 to Oct 21 2015. Assuming one of them owned a PST (probably the Doc), what would have they thought seeing the Signal?

[babola]

Any Back to the Future fans here? Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown travels from Oct 26 1985 to Oct 21 2015. Assuming one of them owned a PST (probably the Doc), what would have they thought seeing the Signal?

Go back to '85 ASAP...?

 

[enki_ck]

I'll wait it out this time. Still have hope in LM coming out with something a little better than Signal in not so distant future.

And I don't mean a Wave G3 which is long overdue (and rumored to be released in 2016), but something down the Skeletool/MUT/Signal line.

I'm guessing we'll see the mk3 Wave at the next Shot Show. LM hasn't made any new tools this year and no patents were filed.

So most likely the will do a rehaul on the older models. The Wave seems like a good candidate as they already upgraded the Surge. Also the Knifeless Rebar and Skele RX, I don't believe the typo thing.

The Signal will either get scrapped after a year or so or if it becomes a halfway decent seller, they might do a variation or two in 3-4 years.

[babola]

I'll wait it out this time. Still have hope in LM coming out with something a little better than Signal in not so distant future.

And I don't mean a Wave G3 which is long overdue (and rumored to be released in 2016), but something down the Skeletool/MUT/Signal line.

I'm guessing we'll see the mk3 Wave at the next Shot Show. LM hasn't made any new tools this year and no patents were filed.

So most likely the will do a rehaul on the older models. The Wave seems like a good candidate as they already upgraded the Surge. Also the Knifeless Rebar and Skele RX, I don't believe the typo thing.

The Signal will either get scrapped after a year or so or if it becomes a halfway decent seller, they might do a variation or two in 3-4 years.

I agree, Niko. Don't believe Wave will bring anything revolutionary to the mix except maybe Rebar-like pliers, skeletonized handles for lighter overall package and beefed up scissors. Everything else even if it stays untouched is good in my books, I'm happy with the things they are at the moment, anyway. I would like to see the new Wave G3 handles finished in black DLC like Signal, though 

Also keen to understand what, if it does at all, the new "Skele RX" brings to the table.   

[rishardh]

I'll wait it out this time. Still have hope in LM coming out with something a little better than Signal in not so distant future.

And I don't mean a Wave G3 which is long overdue (and rumored to be released in 2016), but something down the Skeletool/MUT/Signal line.

I'm guessing we'll see the mk3 Wave at the next Shot Show. LM hasn't made any new tools this year and no patents were filed.

So most likely the will do a rehaul on the older models. The Wave seems like a good candidate as they already upgraded the Surge. Also the Knifeless Rebar and Skele RX, I don't believe the typo thing.

The Signal will either get scrapped after a year or so or if it becomes a halfway decent seller, they might do a variation or two in 3-4 years.

I agree, Niko. Don't believe Wave will bring anything revolutionary to the mix except maybe Rebar-like pliers, skeletonized handles for lighter overall package and beefed up scissors. Everything else even if it stays untouched is good in my books, I'm happy with the things they are at the moment. anyway. I would like to see the new Wave G3 handles finished in black DLC like Signal, though 

Also keen to understand what, if it does at all, the new "Skele RX" brings to the table.   

Yes, a Wave3 withe upgrades mentioned will be nice. Traditionally LM has released the Heavy Duty version a few years after a new tool is released. PST>>>Super Tool, Pulse>>>ST 200, Wave>>>Surge. It seems like now it's done in reverse. ST 300>>>Rebar, MUT>>>Signal. This means we will very likely see a smaller New Surge soon. Hoping...     

[rishardh]

Any Back to the Future fans here? Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown travels from Oct 26 1985 to Oct 21 2015. Assuming one of them owned a PST (probably the Doc), what would have they thought seeing the Signal?

Go back to '85 ASAP...?

 

Haha... The 80's... mixed tapes and crazy hair-do's.

[Metropolicity]

Yes, a Wave3 withe upgrades mentioned will be nice. Traditionally LM has released the Heavy Duty version a few years after a new tool is released. PST>>>Super Tool, Pulse>>>ST 200, Wave>>>Surge. It seems like now it's done in reverse. ST 300>>>Rebar, MUT>>>Signal. This means we will very likely see a smaller New Surge soon. Hoping...     

Didn't they kind of do that with the Rev/Wingman/etc

[rishardh]

Yes, a Wave3 withe upgrades mentioned will be nice. Traditionally LM has released the Heavy Duty version a few years after a new tool is released. PST>>>Super Tool, Pulse>>>ST 200, Wave>>>Surge. It seems like now it's done in reverse. ST 300>>>Rebar, MUT>>>Signal. This means we will very likely see a smaller New Surge soon. Hoping...     

Didn't they kind of do that with the Rev/Wingman/etc

What, really? .... that's it? How rude... u hurt my feeling LM. I hope this is not true.

[BASguy]

Hopefully they do a quality refresh for the Gen3 Wave.  Getting rid of that awful bit driver would be a good starter. 


Sent from 9 miles from the face of the sun

[sLaughterMed]

Hopefully they do a quality refresh for the Gen3 Wave.  Getting rid of that awful bit driver would be a good starter. 


Sent from 9 miles from the face of the sun

I agree, I realy feel like having bits on their smaller tools really defeats the purpose of them. They 4" tools are easly pocketable (ok, Wave is pushing it, but it is done!), and carrying a bit card seems a bit much for pocket tools. Now on a sheath.carry tool (surge/st300), bits make more sense, especialy wt thebit extender.

Id like to se some updated scissors on a Gen 3 wave, gut hook, awl, actual screwdrivers, rather than bits, and updated scissors, or even a move back to  the old pst ii style scissors. It would be neat to have two  blade exchangers, so I can swap out files, different saws, gut hook, pe and serrated blades etc.

[Kampfer]

I like to see Wave G3 in two basic models, one with bit holder and one with full 3d driver.
And use large flathead screw on one or two pivots for user to exchange file/ saw/ scissors.
( they can sell file / wood saw / metal saw/ scissors as accessories)
The rest the tool can be locked by security screws if they like.

[BASguy]

The OG Wave has always been the near perfect load out for me.  Real drivers including the marvelous tech screwdriver.  Never had a need for locking inside tools and adding the weight for that was a waste IMO.  Ruined the benefits of a lightweight medium duty tool.  Maybe keep that platform for a Surge light and get back to something closer to the original for Gen3. 


Sent from 9 miles from the face of the sun

[sawman]

The OG Wave has always been the near perfect load out for me.  Real drivers including the marvelous tech screwdriver.  Never had a need for locking inside tools and adding the weight for that was a waste IMO.  Ruined the benefits of a lightweight medium duty tool.  Maybe keep that platform for a Surge light and get back to something closer to the original for Gen3. 


Sent from 9 miles from the face of the sun

While I do have some love for the OG Wave, I consider the latest version to be nearly perfect except for a few little hiccups. What's my favorite feature of the Wave? - that would definitely have to be the blades; I really dig the main blade and the sheep's foot blade. If you've followed their revisions over the years, they've made terrific strides improving the tool in little ways that add up to what's available today.

That said, I know I crap on LM for some of their tools (SIGNAL, Juice) but they do still make some very good stuff

[BASguy]

Current Waves still seem to be fairly well made.  I just don't see a reason for locking interior tools and despise the bit driver.  The improvements you mention would have worked just as well on the original design.  Just a personal use preference.  The current Wave is still a pretty solid tool.


Sent from 9 miles from the face of the sun

[Demel]

To me there are two things to do to perfect the wave:  loosen the plier pivot and replace the mini driver with an awl. Very easy for them to do. Then I would consider paying $90 for that tool.

[sawman]

To me there are two things to do to perfect the wave:  loosen the plier pivot and replace the mini driver with an awl. Very easy for them to do. Then I would consider paying $90 for that tool.

I've come to like the mini driver but what if we lost the can opener instead.

[Demel]

To me there are two things to do to perfect the wave:  loosen the plier pivot and replace the mini driver with an awl. Very easy for them to do. Then I would consider paying $90 for that tool.

I've come to like the mini driver but what if we lost the can opener instead.

I would be willing to accept that. The combo opener has more practical use for me than the mini driver.

[AimlessWanderer]

To me there are two things to do to perfect the wave:  loosen the plier pivot and replace the mini driver with an awl. Very easy for them to do. Then I would consider paying $90 for that tool.

I've come to like the mini driver but what if we lost the can opener instead.

I would be willing to accept that. The combo opener has more practical use for me than the mini driver.

As Leatherman's awls don't tend to have a slow enough taper for my liking, I don't see much improvement in their awls over using the can opener as an awl. At least the Wave's "awl" can open cans and bottles too. I don't think Leatherman have ever produced what I'd consider a good awl  They got close with the Juice but omitted the sharpening process

[TheDude]

I'm not sure a Wave would be a Wave without the removable bits. As far as going back to a regular driver. I think that is where the Rebar comes in. I can see the G3 Wave maybe being a Mini Surge with a combo blade and those crappy Wingman style scissors.

[sawman]

I know I've complained LM still hasn't put the new pliers in their Wave yet but I've come to not even want those anymore. I realized that I love the Wave just as it is and hope they don't change it much if at all...

[TheDude]

I changed them over when I first got the Rebar. But it didn't sit quite right, so I changed them back.

[babola]

We seem to have gotten sidetracked from Signal discussion into 'anything Wave G3'...I feel partly responsible for mentioning the G3 above, sorry for that guys 

Could we get back to regular programming now, please 

[comis]

I'll wait it out this time. Still have hope in LM coming out with something a little better than Signal in not so distant future.

And I don't mean a Wave G3 which is long overdue (and rumored to be released in 2016), but something down the Skeletool/MUT/Signal line.

I'm guessing we'll see the mk3 Wave at the next Shot Show. LM hasn't made any new tools this year and no patents were filed.

So most likely the will do a rehaul on the older models. The Wave seems like a good candidate as they already upgraded the Surge. Also the Knifeless Rebar and Skele RX, I don't believe the typo thing.

The Signal will either get scrapped after a year or so or if it becomes a halfway decent seller, they might do a variation or two in 3-4 years.

I sure hope this is going to happen in upcoming year, I like Wave and it'd be great to keep the fire going.

About regular program, I'd summit a full review with many pix to Megan last week, and hope it will be on site soon.  I think it is an interesting idea to explore the possibility of mini-MUT, but having it on Signal may not be the best idea.

[Etherealicer]

I know I've complained LM still hasn't put the new pliers in their Wave yet but I've come to not even want those anymore. I realized that I love the Wave just as it is and hope they don't change it much if at all...

I think they could make two models with the different pliers head (with/without replaceable wire-cutters, blunt nose, needle nose). I actually think that LM should do more what they did with the Charge in a fashion. Take an existing, successful frame and offer it with different tool combination.

[TheDude]

Perhaps Wave G3 should symbolise something old and new for the third Gulf War.
How about "Wave G3 EOD" with interchangeable pliers and a replaceable C4 punch?
If were going to send our boys out there again. The least we can do is give them a Wave.

[enki_ck]

We seem to have gotten sidetracked from Signal discussion into 'anything Wave G3'...I feel partly responsible for mentioning the G3 above, sorry for that guys 

Could we get back to regular programming now, please 

Like staying on topic for longer that 5 replies in a row has ever been a thing on MTO.

We'll probably soon drift back onto the Signal train of posts.



And I personally am looking forward to seeing an impartial, honest review of the thing. The ones we saw until now were ... lacking.

Honestly, we would have gotten better reviews about $2 gas station multies. I refuse to believe the Signal is so bad. I understand that a lot of the guys here were expecting more, or less, depends how you look at it. Heck, I started this thread over a year ago with just a short summary of the tools and great hopes.

Signal might not have fulfilled some wishes people had of it, and yes, the MSRP is quite high. But I feel it still deserves an honest review MTO is famous for. One that shows what the tool is capable of. Not one that tries hard to show that if you use it in a way it wasn't designed to be used, it fails in some tasks.

[derekmac]

I too really want to see an honest review of one.  I don't think it's as bad as it's being made out to be, but I know it's not as good as LM is touting it to be.

[Monrogue]

Well fellas, add me to the short list of potential reviews   I decided to go on a bit of a spree for early Christmas gifts.  The Signal was one of those gifts....

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