Leatherman Signal - is LM making a survival multi?

[NKlamerus]

I thought about replacing my trusty Wave with a skeletool to save some weight, but it was to small for my taste. Then I wanted to replace it with a MUT (because I just love how it looks) but its far too big and too heavy for my front pocket. Now if theres a black oxide version of the Signal I will happily throw money at leatherman and remove the yellow packing insert before giving the Signal a new home in my front pocket ...

X2.

I'm excited for a new product, I'm even more excited to see all the MTO mods and coatings.

[NKlamerus]

Based on my observation:
There won't be any tools in the handle with hammer, see attached photo.

But then theres this image, something is fixed to the pivot point of the saw on the other side, maybe thats the file or the scissors?

There is no scissors.

From the leatherman site "features like pliers, can opener, saw, awl and removable pocket clip. In addition it includes features like a Hammer, replacable wire cutters, diamond coated file and but driver"

I think they would have included scissors on the "traditional" list.

As for; "where is the file"

I think it's here? But not sure

(The Silver peice withing the handle opposite of the hammer/caribeaner side)

[Jfowler1]

I know there was some criticism about the awl, but I think it is interesting that leatherman engineered a solution for an awl to fit with the rebar style plier head on a tool that probably has similar clearances to the wave/charge.  Could have saved people a lot of grinding if they used that awl design when they launched the rebar.

[NKlamerus]

Edit, after staring at every image released so far. I see that the tools are locking, meaning the file most likely is on the opposite side of the Saw. But same handle. If you notice the saw in the closed position, it sits below flush. If the file does the same there is no chance of us seeing it with the current photos.

[JBW1]

I'm home now, so managed to take my time and scrutinize the SIGNAL.

The very first thing that came to mind was "what's the point". Seriously I'm trying not to be negative as I'd love to get a new MT

But, it seems sparten to say the least. The wave in comparison still looks to be a better tool. Why not incorporate the whistle into newly designed handles for another take on the Wave, using materials used for the leap (that would have allowed the use of bright colours) and at the same time swapping the Wave head for the Rebar.

It would have totally transformed the Wave into a different tool and thus taken it into a different direction but still using a proven loadout. I think it would have worked having 2 versions of the Wave.

I think they are standardizing their pliers so they only use the Rebar type for new builds to minimize production costs.We'll probably see a Wave MK3 soonish too with them, maybe even next year.

I'll just wait for that one, unless I decide to jump on the possible class action lawsuit of ingesting magnesium shavings in my lungs after trying to start a fire, then blowing the whistle. J/k but really, I can see LM having many problems with that idea. 
oKAY, enough picking that one apart, let's see the next let down..... Where is the WATCH??

[rescue4500]

Im interested to see what the retail price will be.. as well as when it will be available for purchase... some of the past few leatherman tools ive been kinda skeptical about... but on this one im all in and ready to buy one

[Kampfer]

Edit, after staring at every image released so far. I see that the tools are locking, meaning the file most likely is on the opposite side of the Saw. But same handle. If you notice the saw in the closed position, it sits below flush. If the file does the same there is no chance of us seeing it with the current photos.

If the file is a fold out implement, why it is NOT shown in the fanned out photo?   
I am guess it is mounted externally as part of the handle.

[Breezy12]

the handles aren't uneven like they were on a few of the Juice models...

I HATE THAT. 

me too!! it's one of several reasons that I've never really taken a liking to the Juice line.

[NKlamerus]

Edit, after staring at every image released so far. I see that the tools are locking, meaning the file most likely is on the opposite side of the Saw. But same handle. If you notice the saw in the closed position, it sits below flush. If the file does the same there is no chance of us seeing it with the current photos.

If the file is a fold out implement, why it is NOT shown in the fanned out photo?   
I am guess it is mounted externally as part of the handle.

True true.

Compare to the all other leatherman stock photos they usually show everything that folds.

Has anyone seen any mention of that he is striking the ferro rod with? The blade?

[Kampfer]

Edit, after staring at every image released so far. I see that the tools are locking, meaning the file most likely is on the opposite side of the Saw. But same handle. If you notice the saw in the closed position, it sits below flush. If the file does the same there is no chance of us seeing it with the current photos.

If the file is a fold out implement, why it is NOT shown in the fanned out photo?   
I am guess it is mounted externally as part of the handle.

True true.

Compare to the all other leatherman stock photos they usually show everything that folds.

Has anyone seen any mention of that he is striking the ferro rod with? The blade?

Pretty such he was using the spine of saw, tip of that tool is blunt, not pointy.

[Top-Gear-24]

With what I've seen so far, I think I'm going to pass on this one.  The fire steel/whistle is not what I hoped it would be, I prefer a PE blade, I don't like the fact that it doesn't have scissors (I know that most of the time I'll have a SAK on me, but I wanted this one to be a tool that I could carry without carrying any other knife).  I expected "the hammer" to be more like the one on the MUT, ...

On the other hand, in the past I said I would never buy an OHT, and what did I buy a month or two ago ... 

[gadgetman7]

How does the bit driver work when extended? Do you have to use it like the Skeletool. If so, that might be a deal breaker.


Sent from Tracy Island

[Kampfer]

How does the bit driver work when extended? Do you have to use it like the Skeletool. If so, that might be a deal breaker.


Sent from Tracy Island

Good point, I think that is the case, just like MUT and Skeletool.

[AimlessWanderer]

How does the bit driver work when extended? Do you have to use it like the Skeletool. If so, that might be a deal breaker.


Sent from Tracy Island

Looks like it, otherwise it will be obscured by the carabiner. Same deal with the awl and can opener too. A lot more awkward than with the Wave

[Kampfer]

Cut it off!

I can use the driver on Skeletool, (tested by many during the challenge), but using awl in such way is very bad.

[Etherealicer]

the big question is, does it have scissors?

I bet it doesn't.
Many people (including me) consider scissors are a convenient feature, but not essential.

I pretty much agree on the scissors. However, as a complete outdoors tool it should also have the tools for an emergency / accident. In that case you want/need something to cut clothing and while it could be done with the primary blade, I would prefer something like a rescue blade or scissors.

[Kampfer]

the big question is, does it have scissors?

I bet it doesn't.
Many people (including me) consider scissors are a convenient feature, but not essential.

I pretty much agree on the scissors. However, as a complete outdoors tool it should also have the tools for an emergency / accident. In that case you want/need something to cut clothing and while it could be done with the primary blade, I would prefer something like a rescue blade or scissors.

I prefer to have an EMT do it, better yet, I prefer no one get hurt at all. 

[Etherealicer]

How does the bit driver work when extended? Do you have to use it like the Skeletool. If so, that might be a deal breaker.


Sent from Tracy Island

Looks like it, otherwise it will be obscured by the carabiner. Same deal with the awl and can opener too. A lot more awkward than with the Wave

That is actually true. It appears all the inside tools can only be used in "pliers mode".

[Etherealicer]

the big question is, does it have scissors?

I bet it doesn't.
Many people (including me) consider scissors are a convenient feature, but not essential.

I pretty much agree on the scissors. However, as a complete outdoors tool it should also have the tools for an emergency / accident. In that case you want/need something to cut clothing and while it could be done with the primary blade, I would prefer something like a rescue blade or scissors.

I prefer to have an EMT do it, better yet, I prefer no one get hurt at all. 

Ideally yes , but isn't that exactly the point of "survival" preparedness? I mean accidents can happen at any time.

[AimlessWanderer]

Cut it off!

I can use the driver on Skeletool, (tested by many during the challenge), but using awl in such way is very bad.

The carabiner or the bit driver/awl/opener? 

Wave is better than BG Strata. BG Strata is better than Signal (IMHO) ... but ...
If you're going to cut the hammer section off, you might as well get a Wave and have a better tool set
Add a small AAA torch on one side of the sheath and a firesteel on the other, clip a Fox 40 micro whistle on the lanyard loop, and you're good to go with a tool that beats both Strata and Signal

[SteveC]

Reminds me of the old saying   " Jack of all trades, master of none "

[Kampfer]

Cut it off!

I can use the driver on Skeletool, (tested by many during the challenge), but using awl in such way is very bad.

The carabiner or the bit driver/awl/opener? 

Wave is better than BG Strata. BG Strata is better than Signal (IMHO) ... but ...
If you're going to cut the hammer section off, you might as well get a Wave and have a better tool set
Add a small AAA torch on one side of the sheath and a firesteel on the other, clip a Fox 40 micro whistle on the lanyard loop, and you're good to go with a tool that beats both Strata and Signal

We all agree Wave is an excellent MT, it is hard to beat.

[AimlessWanderer]

Reminds me of the old saying   " Jack of all trades, master of none "

Yeah, the tool doesn't do a lot for me, but I'm sure it will still be popular.

It's very easy for us to pick spots off tools though, because of the immense collective wisdom here about so many other tools that are/were on the market, plus the mods that our members put together. We make far more comparisons than other people, and see improvements that others wouldn't necessarily consider.

I think from a purely commercial perspective, Leatherman have pitched this well for "non-members of MTO" who will generally go on what the internet tells them they need. This is a classic "designed by committee" product, and will be snatched up my the myriad of followers of such stuff on the internet, thinking that sitting on their arse discussing survival stuff, but never so much as stepping on a twig makes them unique and strong and independent and prepared  Joking aside, this product WILL be lapped up by many people. It's FAR stronger as a marketable product than it is as a survival aid 

[Etherealicer]

Cut it off!

I can use the driver on Skeletool, (tested by many during the challenge), but using awl in such way is very bad.

The carabiner or the bit driver/awl/opener? 

Wave is better than BG Strata. BG Strata is better than Signal (IMHO) ... but ...
If you're going to cut the hammer section off, you might as well get a Wave and have a better tool set
Add a small AAA torch on one side of the sheath and a firesteel on the other, clip a Fox 40 micro whistle on the lanyard loop, and you're good to go with a tool that beats both Strata and Signal

We all agree Wave is an excellent MT, it is hard to beat.

umm...

Charge >> Simple Stone >> Wave

 

[AimlessWanderer]

Even I have to  you for that one 

[tosh]

The more I think about it, the more bizzare it seems.

The Signal, supposedly a tool to survive with??

Is this the best that leatherman can do?

Can't believe its missing scissors and full serrated blade.
Like previously stated, they should've based this on a proven formulae...the WAVE!! A legend amongst  MT's, it's that good we all just take it for granted nowadays.

But its a classic..like the VW Beetle its timeless!

Definitely one for the mall ninjas and collectors.
Of course I'll buy one.....I like gadgets! 

[AimlessWanderer]

The more I think about it, the more bizzare it seems.

The Signal, supposedly a tool to survive with??

Is this the best that leatherman can do?

Can't believe its missing scissors and full serrated blade.
Like I previously said, they should've based this on a proven formulae...the WAVE!! A legend amongst  MT's, it's that good we all just take it for granted.

Definitely one for the mall ninjas and collectors.
Of course I'll buy it.......I like gadgets!

Sales are all that matter to them  The "business" took over from the "dream" a long long time ago. Leatherman first and foremost are driven to produce stuff that sells.

The masses will buy them - KA-CHING! (sound of the till)
The collectors will buy them - KA-CHING!
The gadget freaks will buy them - KA-CHING!
The modders - KA-CHING!
The people buying for "the guy who has everything" - KA-CHING!
...... KA-CHING! - KA-CHING! - KA-CHING!

This might aid maybe ... what ... three (?) people in a genuine survival situation over the next 10 years, but it will bring in a massive ammount of revenue for them. Mission accomplished! Not knocking them for it in the slightest, because that's who/what they are now, but we can't fool ourselves they're doing it for passion, principle, or to produce "the best tool" anymore. Those days are loooong gone 

[enki_ck]

The more I think about it, the more bizzare it seems.

The Signal, supposedly a tool to survive with??

Is this the best that leatherman can do?

Can't believe its missing scissors and full serrated blade.
Like I previously said, they should've based this on a proven formulae...the WAVE!! A legend amongst  MT's, it's that good we all just take it for granted.

Definitely one for the mall ninjas and collectors.
Of course I'll buy it.......I like gadgets!

Truth be told, they didn't say survival. It was my guess when I started this thread many months ago. Although it does aim at outdoorsy types.

[enki_ck]

As for the file, ideally it would be removable so you could use it as a sharpener. That would explain why they didn't fan it out.

[AimlessWanderer]

The more I think about it, the more bizzare it seems.

The Signal, supposedly a tool to survive with??

Is this the best that leatherman can do?

Can't believe its missing scissors and full serrated blade.
Like I previously said, they should've based this on a proven formulae...the WAVE!! A legend amongst  MT's, it's that good we all just take it for granted.

Definitely one for the mall ninjas and collectors.
Of course I'll buy it.......I like gadgets!

Truth be told, they didn't say survival. It was my guess when I started this thread many months ago. Although it does aim at outdoorsy types.

In fairness I think the hype machine says they consulted survival experts (or something else insinuating more than just a plaything). I think they've softened off a bit on the hype on this one so far actually. They must be reading this forum even more than we thought