Leatherman Signal - is LM making a survival multi?

[zoidberg]

Lol, sounds like you've already jumped to a conclusion.

[Top-Gear-24]

Or, maybe the jury has already decided on this tool?

Like another poster here, I have a stainless Surge (07), and carry a Ferro rod in my pack. I want to like this tool, but I have an aversion to any multi tool where the tools created for its main purpose are detachable and can be lost.

I don't like to jump to conclusions, but sometimes just seeing something tells you what kind of trouble to expect. Example: I don't need to drive a Renault Robin before I know that it is unstable at any corner. Likewise I know that a little plastic removable whistle is likely to get lost or broken before you really need it. It should be built through the chassis of the tool. There should be NOTHING "removable" on a survival tool - not bit drivers, whistles, or ferro. If anything, an internal surface can be Ferro. You can open and strike it with a rock. Or, have a detachable ferro that is drilled and cabled to the chassis.

Plus, I think the whole thing should be highly polished stainless, in case needed as a signaling mirror.

Hammer should face the other way and not interfere with other tools.

Yes, I do have ideas about this, but am happy to run an actual hike and camp test of one and give an honest review.

Anyone? Bueller?

That other poster bought a Signal about three weeks ago ... 

And I must say, I kinda like it so far  .

And even though I only have had it for three weeks, I think the chances of the file or ferro rod/whistle getting lost (by accidentally being "unlocked") are pretty slim.  Getting lost after the user took it of and forgot where he put it, okay ... but that could happen with a regular firesteel, tool or knife also .

[zoidberg]

[zoidberg]

[SteveC]

Nice pics Z and TG   

[Top-Gear-24]

Nice pics Z and TG   

Thanks mate  .

Edit:  I go to Austria for seven days, seven days to enjoy that beautiful landscape ... and lobsterboy just has to rub it in that he lives in such a place ... 

Edit number 2: Great pics Zoidberg, as always ...   .    Please, PLEASE keep posting them  .

Note to myself:  Check out possibilty for vacation to New Zealand sometime in the future ... (I already completed the Visiting Driver Training Programme.  I'm now better prepared for driving in New Zealand  ).

[ThundahBeagle]

Lol, sounds like you've already jumped to a conclusion.

Y-yikes! Well, I said I didn't LIKE to jump to conclusions. It still happens sometimes. Take the Renault Robin example...I STILL prefer 4 wheels on a car, and I stand by my opinion that the whistle could and should be integral. The ONE drawback to my old model Surge is that a spring went loose and I lost the bit. I just prefer a multitool to be all in one piece. There is no way you could possibly be missing anything that came with it when the smurf hits the fan.

[theonew]

Nice pics Z and TG   

Thanks mate  .

Edit:  I go to Austria for seven days, seven days to enjoy that beautiful landscape ... and lobsterboy just has to rub it in that he lives in such a place ... 

Edit number 2: Great pics Zoidberg, as always ...   .    Please, PLEASE keep posting them  .

Note to myself:  Check out possibilty for vacation to New Zealand sometime in the future ... (I already completed the Visiting Driver Training Programme.  I'm now better prepared for driving in New Zealand  ).

Is that a requirement or a recommendation to drive in NZ?

[ThundahBeagle]

Oh my God, Top Gear! Jesus H. Smurf, Zoid!

You guys live in such beautiful landscape!. Where  do I sign up? I'll do six months in one country, six months in the other for the rest of my days

[ThundahBeagle]

Or, maybe the jury has already decided on this tool?

Like another poster here, I have a stainless Surge (07), and carry a Ferro rod in my pack. I want to like this tool, but I have an aversion to any multi tool where the tools created for its main purpose are detachable and can be lost.

I don't like to jump to conclusions, but sometimes just seeing something tells you what kind of trouble to expect. Example: I don't need to drive a Renault Robin before I know that it is unstable at any corner. Likewise I know that a little plastic removable whistle is likely to get lost or broken before you really need it. It should be built through the chassis of the tool. There should be NOTHING "removable" on a survival tool - not bit drivers, whistles, or ferro. If anything, an internal surface can be Ferro. You can open and strike it with a rock. Or, have a detachable ferro that is drilled and cabled to the chassis.

Plus, I think the whole thing should be highly polished stainless, in case needed as a signaling mirror.

Hammer should face the other way and not interfere with other tools.

Yes, I do have ideas about this, but am happy to run an actual hike and camp test of one and give an honest review.

Anyone? Bueller?

That other poster bought a Signal about three weeks ago ... 

And I must say, I kinda like it so far  .

And even though I only have had it for three weeks, I think the chances of the file or ferro rod/whistle getting lost (by accidentally being "unlocked") are pretty slim.  Getting lost after the user took it of and forgot where he put it, okay ... but that could happen with a regular firesteel, tool or knife also .

(Image removed from quote.)

Glad to know that they don't seem to get lost easy. I suppose in a tough situation it is possible to become confused. I just think the more integral the components, the less likely to be lost.

So you have had it some weeks...that's great!

Did I miss a write-up from you or Zoidberg in all those pages. If so please let me know where. Seems like you are both using it. Is it worth the $100?

I'd love to know

[Syncop8r]

Oh my God, Top Gear! Jesus H. Smurf, Zoid!

You guys live in such beautiful landscape!. Where  do I sign up? I'll do six months in one country, six months in the other for the rest of my days

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,56704.msg1016604.html#msg1016604
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,68481.msg1347010.html#msg1347010

[Poncho65]

Oh my God, Top Gear! Jesus H. Smurf, Zoid!

You guys live in such beautiful landscape!. Where  do I sign up? I'll do six months in one country, six months in the other for the rest of my days

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,56704.msg1016604.html#msg1016604
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,68481.msg1347010.html#msg1347010

Awesome links and I don't think I have saw either

[Syncop8r]

Welcome to New Zoidland   

[ThundahBeagle]

 just left REI in my neck of the woods. I was there to pick up a new Huntsman as a gift, but as usual, found myself gravitating to the left, a little further up the isle, where the Leathermans were hanging.

The REI exclusive Leatherman Signal was there in blister pack. Not only are the scales a luscious deep forest green, but the blade is black (don't think it is black oxide) with topographical map elevation bars and hights on it. $110 USD. Staring me right in the face.

I don't know why, but I wanted it.

Luckily, I did manage to escape with only the SAK Huntsman, but I am shuddering with confusion. I'm supposed  to be form follows function. This seems too pretty.

I'm afraid to go back

[pietervn]

They are the best looking Signal out there at the moment. I love mine!!!

Pete

[Etherealicer]

They are the best looking Signal out there at the moment. I love mine!!!

Pete

Do you know where that place on the map is?

Gorgeous, and if it were not a semi-serrated blade, I would come over to the US, just to get one

[zoidberg]

They are the best looking Signal out there at the moment. I love mine!!!

Pete

Do you know where that place on the map is?

Gorgeous, and if it were not a semi-serrated blade, I would come over to the US, just to get one

Probably 45°N 122°W.

[pietervn]

Do you know where that place on the map is?

That is somewhere in the 'States. I don't know if the contour lines reflect that particular place in the forest. The maps on Google does show some green, in fact a lot of green, but I cannot get a contour reference for it.

Gorgeous, and if it were not a semi-serrated blade, I would come over to the US, just to get one

The blade is not bad at all. I think you should make the trip. 

Pete

[Etherealicer]

They are the best looking Signal out there at the moment. I love mine!!!

Pete

Do you know where that place on the map is?

Gorgeous, and if it were not a semi-serrated blade, I would come over to the US, just to get one

Probably 45°N 122°W.

[Syncop8r]

Do you know where that place on the map is?

That is somewhere in the 'States. I don't know if the contour lines reflect that particular place in the forest. The maps on Google does show some green, in fact a lot of green, but I cannot get a contour reference for it.

I used to be able to view contours on Google Maps... not anymore.
Those coordinates are just meant to be (near enough) for the Leatherman factory though aren't they?

[ThundahBeagle]

As I understand it, the coordinates on the Signal were meant to point to the site of the first Goe-cache location, although, yes, they do also land about 30 to 50 miles from Leatherman

[ThundahBeagle]

So, after reading this entire thread, is it OK to like the Signal now?

I still have all my same reservations, but it sure seemed sweet.

[Aloha]

So, after reading this entire thread, is it OK to like the Signal now?

I still have all my same reservations, but it sure seemed sweet.

I say yes.  When it was first announced the tool polarized many including myself.  Once in hand I can see the merit in this tool.  This tool can also be a great platform as well.   The fiddly bits really are a non issue in hand and while they don't make the tool the certainly doesnt take away from the tool IMO.  The Green tool Pieter showed is spectacular and while we don't all like combo edges this one is still the best Signal color combination yet. 

[airballrad]

Oh, it's worth picking up. I have had mine for a couple years now, and while I don't get a tons of use from it (I don't carry it unless camping) it is solid when I need it.

I did have the plastic break on the whistle/firestarter so that it no longer stays where it ought. The failure causes it to fall INTO the tool so it is not loose unless the pliers are opened, but still not ideal. I replaced that part and bought a spare besides, but then again if I wander into the woods with less than three forms of firemaking on me, shame on me.

The other Scout leaders rolled their eyes at me when I used my Leatherman to light the camp stove last weekend, but they still used it to cook dinner. 

[pietervn]

So, after reading this entire thread, is it OK to like the Signal now?

Absolutely. It is a fine tool, quite a few of us love them and have done the 30 Day Challenge.

I still have all my same reservations, but it sure seemed sweet.

Try one, you may be surprised how easy EDC it can be. It is quite a capable tool, in spite of the plastic bits.

Pete

[Top-Gear-24]

So, after reading this entire thread, is it OK to like the Signal now?

I still have all my same reservations, but it sure seemed sweet.

I say yes.  When it was first announced the tool polarized many including myself.  Once in hand I can see the merit in this tool.  This tool can also be a great platform as well.   The fiddly bits really are a non issue in hand and while they don't make the tool the certainly doesnt take away from the tool IMO.  The Green tool Pieter showed is spectacular and while we don't all like combo edges this one is still the best Signal color combination yet.

+1

At first I thought the Signal was a big waste of space and money, but when I saw one in real life for the first time (and after they dropped in price over here, from 180 Euro to 145 Euro) I started to like it more and more, and now I own two ...  .

[AimlessWanderer]

I got to handle one for the first time at the UK meet this year. I was quite scathing of it when I first saw pictures of it. Handling the tool did nothing to change my opinions. It is design, price and ergonomics that turn me off about it. I have never owned on or put it into active service, so can't offer any long term usage comments.

Probably the only thing I like about it is the "Wave" woodsaw, but I'd MUCH rather take the whole Wave over the Signal. Even after handling one, I really do not see the appeal of this.

[Outback in Idaho]

  Still trying to find the Green REI version online to order...

  Heard the whistle on a YouTube video and was so not impressed. Blow a Fox40 next to it and know what a real attention getting whistle sounds like.

  Been carrying an Exotac NanoStriker but have had more rods break from actual use that it becomes frustrating. read somewhere one needs a minimum of 1/4" of ferrocerium rod to be sturdy enough for use, but 1/2" or larger was better. So the Leatherman ferrocerium rod is more of a backup or light use thing. The whistle ... meh. And the diamond coated file ... Okay... Least they didn't put a V sharpener in its place. Would of much rather had a Surge tool swap mechanism of Saw & File there. Oops! (Puts cat back in the bag.) Don't want to suggest people carry a spare Surge file in the back slot. 

  One thing that makes me wonder, who uses the 1/4" & 3/16" that far recessed in the Hammer/Carabiner tool anyhow? And what do you use it for in the first place?!? have needed a 3/8" far more times to remove/tighten battery terminals. One would of thought that someone out there would of created a Battery Tool Kit that could be carried inside most cars, attaching the case to a battery lead itself with some sort of self-locking mechanism. Then when they got stuck somewhere, they could remove the corrosion, clean the terminals & cable connectors, and have a non-conductive tool there to loosen/tighten the connectors from the terminals for the battery type they are using.
  It's bad when you go and fix someone's car issues cause the car won't start, and you whip out your Leatherman to save the day. And they are carrying a Gerber and not once thought of using the darn thing. Oh, wait, my mistake, they would get it and their hands dirty. (!)

  But really, why a 3/16" & 1/4" recessed hex wrench?!? Must be because they can put them there.

[AimlessWanderer]

Outback,

I think the 3/16" is there predominantly to stop a 1/4" bit pushing through

[Syncop8r]

What's the point of difference with the Signal? My observations:
- ferro rod
- whistle
- sharpener
- hammer
- hex bit driver

Anything else?
The ferro rod and whistle are written off as rubbish even by many who like the Signal overall, despite them being things that help make it an outdoors tool. I have more ovaries than the amount of times I have needed a hex bit driver out in the bush. The sharpener may be useful but doesn't really 'make' the tool.
So that just leaves the hammer which doesn't really grab me.

What am I missing?

read somewhere one needs a minimum of 1/4" of ferrocerium rod to be sturdy enough for use, but 1/2" or larger was better. So the Leatherman ferrocerium rod is more of a backup or light use thing.

I think the Signal's ferro rod being mounted in the plastic would make it less likely to break?