Leatherman Signal - is LM making a survival multi?

[gadgetman7]

Tapatalk doesn't show emoticons well. It's a smiley face hitting itself in the head.  It means the same thing as a face palm.


Sent from Tracy Island

[Mercury]

Basically, all that marketing bullsmurf tells me a lot about what is happening at Leatherman.  They are turning into something like the same cheap sleazy companies that they have been beating out for the last 30 years.  They werent founded by pandering to idiots like preppers, they built a tool that actually made sense and people bought it.  Hell, for the first ten years they had one tool!  Thats the difference between Tim Leatherman and his son.

I work around tradesmen, none of them carry any of the newer Leatherman tools, but there are 5 or 6 PST's on belts around my shop.  Thats not to say the newer tools arent good tools, I carry a Rebar daily, but if i had to choose between a PST or rev/sidekick/wingman, i would choose that PST every time.

[BASguy]

Well, I'm rooting for this American Icon.  Leatherman has been a fine company making fine products.  I agree that I'm not happy with their current direction and focus, but let's be realistic,  they do in fact make most of their products for tradesman.  The Pocket Tool line of nonsense and this ridiculous toy tool are only a small part of what they do.  I'd just like to see them put some focus on the Tradesman for their advertising...... kind of a getting back to the roots of business kind of thing instead of taking advantage of the core clientele assuming they will always be there. 

[Aloha]

It's no secret that I love LM and use mine daily at work.  I wouldn't be caught without my LM and its the Wave or Surge that typically get the nod but my ST300 has made a good showing as well. 

I can understand the company putting out a "outdoor tool" but IMO they need to be focused on just that with the tool.  They seem to want both feet on both sides and sadly missing the mark on each end.

They make knives so why not a LM fixed blade?  They could have easily partnered with another company that does well in this space to bring a terrific tool to their base user. 

I tend to think the blue collar person that uses their tool in what ever line of work is also the same person that on the weekends or days off likes to do outdoorsy type stuff.  This same person and not the collector would snap up a focused outdoor tool gladly because it is a Leatherman. 

While I have many Leatherman tools I use the ones that seem to have evolved they way a blue collar guy like myself would expect.  Wave, Surge, and Super Tool 300 have all IMO been tweaked making a good tool better each time.

I guess for me I hope this tool is Leatherman stretching their legs so to speak and not a direction of "one hit wonder" hopefuls.  We've seen in their past some neat tools, Mini, Flair, and the Sideclip so I'm hopeful this is LM being creative more than them pandering to so called out doors men.

[Etherealicer]

It's no secret that I love LM and use mine daily at work.  I wouldn't be caught without my LM and its the Wave or Surge that typically get the nod but my ST300 has made a good showing as well. 

I can understand the company putting out a "outdoor tool" but IMO they need to be focused on just that with the tool.  They seem to want both feet on both sides and sadly missing the mark on each end.

They make knives so why not a LM fixed blade?  They could have easily partnered with another company that does well in this space to bring a terrific tool to their base user. 

I tend to think the blue collar person that uses their tool in what ever line of work is also the same person that on the weekends or days off likes to do outdoorsy type stuff.  This same person and not the collector would snap up a focused outdoor tool gladly because it is a Leatherman. 

While I have many Leatherman tools I use the ones that seem to have evolved they way a blue collar guy like myself would expect.  Wave, Surge, and Super Tool 300 have all IMO been tweaked making a good tool better each time.

I guess for me I hope this tool is Leatherman stretching their legs so to speak and not a direction of "one hit wonder" hopefuls.  We've seen in their past some neat tools, Mini, Flair, and the Sideclip so I'm hopeful this is LM being creative more than them pandering to so called out doors men.

Since what BMSguy wrote is pretty much a repetition of what I speculated, I have to disagree with you.

People who already have a Wave or similar are not willing to pay premium for another tool that is so similar.
No, this one is for the city-folks who like the idea of having an outdoor/survival tool but never really go outdoors (city folks also have a workshop, they never use). Having BOBs and all kind of kits is growing really popular, making a premium brand tool at a premium price for those kits will be a huge seller.
Of course they will have to make a blade-less version for the city-kids who go to summer camp in the WILD.

[rdub934]

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

[BASguy]

I'm not convinced that it's all bad to respond to the direction of the marketing dept, I just find it disturbing that the customer base is being focused on to a lesser extent than the target markets determined for growth.  Growth marks are fickle, so it would be a wise move (IMO) to throw some love at the core customer. 
Not liking a tool is not at all the same thing as hatin' on the company. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Aloha]

Not so sure I was understood 

Ok let me make it simple,

I have ZERO issues with the intended market and concept of this tool. 

I like the idea as in the past with other neat well designed tools from LM, examples Flaire, Mini, Sideclip, MUT, Crunch, etc.

I feel this tool needs to be more MORE focused rather than pieces and parts with added "outdoorsy" add ons. 

Their core buyers will have more than one tool, they will tend to have several since a Wave in my case is a smaller lighter duty tool vs my Surge or ST300 so I could see this same buyer buy a FOCUSED outdoor tool IMO.

There have been complaints that LM has become stagnant or too focused on niche markets ( I am not one of those voices ) so I applaud this tool with exceptions.  I would hope LM would be staying the course even if this flops.  What it would tell me is they intend on "getting it right" instead of a ONE HIT WONDER hopeful.

I may not be the intended buyer of this variant and while I do agree the "intended" market is the person who will not be venturing outdoors I just wish they wouldn't forget they guys who buy their tools to use.

So I agree with Bmsguy and most who have raised questions.  I understand they need to attract new fans to LM.  The prepper, EDC fanatic, the guy who likes putting together BOBs and such are a good market for them I guess.   

With over a hundred tools ( 90%  LM ) I am far from a hater in fact I am their core user/buyer.     

[gadgetman7]

My issue is that it could be a modular tool. They could sell accessories for the prepper, EDC'er and tradesman. Who knows, maybe they'll still do that.


Sent from Tracy Island

[tosh]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

[Mercury]

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.   

[captain spaulding]

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

Agreed. If they took out all the plastic crap and replaced the saw for huge scissors I would be all over it! 

[Mercury]

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

Agreed. If they took out all the plastic crap and replaced the saw for huge scissors I would be all over it! 

 

[rdub934]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

[captain spaulding]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

What, a ferro rod and small sharpener.  Problem is if i'm going in the sticks I would never rely on the rod and sharpener they provide with the tool. I would carry a backup of each either way.

[Aloha]

Lets agree we are all mutlitool crazed and we unlike others, the masses, expect a lot from these companies.  This topic isn't about bashing the companies we love it's about being fans and expecting a whole helluva lot.   

FYI, I took my Surge camping and it wasn't all that needed nor handy.  I tend to be a fixed blade and hatchet kind of guy however this won't stop me from bringing a MT simply because I love them and rather have one an not need it than the other way around.

Funny enough a couple years ago life was so simple, back when I was pocket carrying a CnC ( cheap and cheerful ) MT and happy as a clam.  Now I'm scrutinizing LM and second guessing their newest release  .  God I love this place!!!!!!     

     

[Syncop8r]

Seems like y'all are complaining it's not like a Wave.
Get a Wave then!
Don't want ferro rod, sharpener, whistle etc but think it should have all the things a Wave has?
Get a Wave!

Also, those saying they already carry a separate firesteel, sharpener etc - perhaps this tool is not meant for you, it's meant for those who don't already have those things. That's the idea of a multitool - why buy all these separate things when you can have them all in one?

[captain spaulding]

I'm not hating. I personally do not see liking it, but others might and I really hope Leatherman does well on the tool.

[Mercury]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

What, a ferro rod and small sharpener.  Problem is if i'm going in the sticks I would never rely on the rod and sharpener they provide with the tool. I would carry a backup of each either way.

Exactly.  I tend to carry a dedicated tool for everything if I'm camping or hiking.  I actually leave my LM in the car.  Last hike I took, I carried a gerber folding saw, ferro rod with some kindling, my favorite smiths diamond stone, my gerber fixed blade, a SAK(explorer or Swisschamp I think), some paracord, water, FAK and a few other items. I like those items and they work great in the woods.  I do not like my LM's in the woods.  That might be shocking considering what a multitool fanatic I am, but I just don't like carrying one on hikes.  Camping, I'd probably carry my Rebar in a pack somewhere, just in case some equipment failed, but I already have firestarters, saws, and sharpeners.

[hellsing]

The question is more do I need a plier in camping/hiking.
Actually I have a og wave in my backpack but never use the plier. I use the knife, the saw (a lot), the file as prybar and the bit driver. And what I miss is secateur for bushes.

So mostly my next multitool will be a hybrid or genus.

[GPDB]

Overall I like the Signal, I would love to see alternatives to the whistle and file attachments in a kind of modular design, including a bit holder.
I don't understand why they didn't use the tools release button for locking the sharpener in place, it would be a more secure option...

[rdub934]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

What, a ferro rod and small sharpener. Problem is if i'm going in the sticks I would never rely on the rod and sharpener they provide with the tool. I would carry a backup of each either way.

And a mallet for tent stakes, a knife, a saw, plus it has pliers, driver bits, and an awl. Those last three may not be super necessary in "the sticks" but I bet you carry some other LM/Gerber/Vic with you when you go camping and this would replace that.

This entire tool is lighter than a mallet or hammer.

I agree that I would have another means of producing fire, but I don't have any worries that I could sharpen the blade with the included sharpener.

[rdub934]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

What, a ferro rod and small sharpener.  Problem is if i'm going in the sticks I would never rely on the rod and sharpener they provide with the tool. I would carry a backup of each either way.

Exactly.  I tend to carry a dedicated tool for everything if I'm camping or hiking.  I actually leave my LM in the car.  Last hike I took, I carried a gerber folding saw, ferro rod with some kindling, my favorite smiths diamond stone, my gerber fixed blade, a SAK(explorer or Swisschamp I think), some paracord, water, FAK and a few other items. I like those items and they work great in the woods.  I do not like my LM's in the woods.  That might be shocking considering what a multitool fanatic I am, but I just don't like carrying one on hikes.  Camping, I'd probably carry my Rebar in a pack somewhere, just in case some equipment failed, but I already have firestarters, saws, and sharpeners.

  So you hike and camp with a multitool - the Signal could replace those MTs in your loadout. Wear the Signal on your belt so that if your pack gets snatched by a Great Golden Eagle or a cougar (either human or feline) you have something with you that can save your life, lol

[BASguy]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

It was presented that marketing research showed that the "survival" gear buyer is the target market.  How they advertise, I'm sure, is also driven by marketing analysis.  Perhaps "outdoors"/"bushcraft" etc are more buyer friendly terms, but that doesn't change the target market. 


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[Goatlord666]

I'd buy it.

[BASguy]

I'm betting you won't be alone..... I'd think they have a pretty good marketing research dept. 


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[Tulku]

No I know, it's all speculation and that is half the fun. I wasn't quoting you on it just trying to add another look at the situation. Sorry

no harm,  just did not want you to assume I was intelligent

Thats funny!

[JAfromMn]

It's not one of these. 

I'm still planning on getting a single . It should be a good fit for my off work needs.

Lots of mod potential. 

[BASguy]

It's not one of these. 

I'm still planning on getting a single . It should be a good fit for my off work needs.

Lots of mod potential.

OK, it makes sense to me only as a mod.  It's a hefty price to pay and then drop more coin into the mod, however if you end up with a seriously usable tool then I guess it all works out.  That MUT looks like a seriously good work option.  I'd almost consider it if Vic wasn't so damn excellent at his job.

[Mercury]

It seems to me having read most of the comments on this thread that we are basically all united in our frustration with Leatherman's recent offerings in that we all strongly believe the company could be so much more.
If they were really serious for tradesmen then both bluntnosed and side cutters would have made an appearance years ago. Regardless of the so-called technicalities involved........aren't  multitools supposed to be their speciality 

Like others have mentioned, it really looks as though the no-nonsense approach that made leatherman such a force to be reckoned went when Tim stepped aside.

Their recent releases are verging on Gadgets in my view.
But obviously Gadget-Guy will buy anything at any price or so it seems.

Same could be said for every MT company. Gerber continues to prefer to release gimmicky tools instead of refining the few good designs they have. SOG with the PowerDuo? Still with all tools inside the handles. With minor refining, SOG could own the MT business. Vic is still doing the same thing they have for decades. Multitasker still only makes the AR specific multitool.

I applaud Leatherman for taking a chance. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say about this tool AFTER THEY HAVE ACTUALLY GIVEN IT A TRY.

Leatherman takes a chance with every tool they introduce into the market.  This is not any different, nor is it groundbreaking. They are pandering to Market research data and projections.  I would applaud them if they took a chance on something useful, not something popular.   I don't think I would have a problem with this tool if they stopped marketing it for "survival".  Take out the Firestarter, replace the sawblade with some monster scissors, and call it what it is, a civilian MUT.  It has plenty of potential.

They aren't marketing it for survival. Product description on the LM site says it's for the outdoors. Also, much to everyone's dismay, this will be a useful tool. It can replace several dedicated  (heavier) items from a back pack. And it's lighter than a Wave.

What, a ferro rod and small sharpener.  Problem is if i'm going in the sticks I would never rely on the rod and sharpener they provide with the tool. I would carry a backup of each either way.

Exactly.  I tend to carry a dedicated tool for everything if I'm camping or hiking.  I actually leave my LM in the car.  Last hike I took, I carried a gerber folding saw, ferro rod with some kindling, my favorite smiths diamond stone, my gerber fixed blade, a SAK(explorer or Swisschamp I think), some paracord, water, FAK and a few other items. I like those items and they work great in the woods.  I do not like my LM's in the woods.  That might be shocking considering what a multitool fanatic I am, but I just don't like carrying one on hikes.  Camping, I'd probably carry my Rebar in a pack somewhere, just in case some equipment failed, but I already have firestarters, saws, and sharpeners.

  So you hike and camp with a multitool - the Signal could replace those MTs in your loadout. Wear the Signal on your belt so that if your pack gets snatched by a Great Golden Eagle or a cougar (either human or feline) you have something with you that can save your life, lol

I said I don't hike with a multi, I carry a SAK and that's it, and I only take a Multi camping because it's useful to have a tool that has pliers, drivers, and a file just in case equipment breaks down.  Like I've said, I have a firestarter and a sharpener that both probably work ten times better than that dinky thing on the Signal and they weigh practically nothing.


I don't see a reason to replace my rebar with the Signal just for the sake of doing so.  That's my problem, LM wants me to do just that, because it's there.


The Signal looks like an awesome tool if they changed the loadout.  A scissor comparable to a Vic 93mm scissor would be awesome in place of the saw.  And instead of a ferro rod they could use that space for bit storage.   I might buy one for work because it has an appealing loadout as it is for what I do, but I would never need a firestarter/sharpener on it.  It's a gimmick.  I can't stand the new "Leatherman Sport" thing.  It seems like wishful thinking and I don't see it lasting long.