Signal--Worth Buying?

[cody6268]

I know the Signal has a pretty bad reputation around here, but I kind of like it.  I came across one a couple hours away at the Bass Pro Shops, and figure when I go back later, I might buy it.  I like the tool selection, but not the high price.

Is it worth buying? Or should I just buy an orange Wave at the Cabela's that's a couple miles away from the Bass Pro for the same price?

[Poncho65]

I am trying to wait it out and see if the price will come down myself I have had one in hand to see what they are like and it feels like a good solid tool but for the same price you can get the Wave which has more overall utility to me

Or use the MTO motto and get both

I do like the Signal myself as well but like you said it seems to be a bit high with it's price

[rishardh]

A few of us got it from Cutlery Shoppe for $75 shipped. That's the cheapest I have seen at that price it's not bad. I think LM should make an urban version (mainly scissors instead of a saw) and price it just above the Skeletool.

[Aloha]

Its a pretty decent tool.  Not a bad tool set if you think you'll use the saw.  Heck not a bad tool when you pair it with a SAK with scissors and no saw.  The ferro rod is a fun extra but not a deal maker or breaker for me.   

Price point is high IMO but at $75 its easier to handle.  I got mine for a song so it was an easy decision.   

If you are looking for a go to tool with lots of capability then the Wave IMO wins hands down.  If you are looking for a companion tool to a SAK or a second tool then sure go for it.

Best bet is get it in hand and see how it fits you.     

[Padre]

Its not worth it. Looks good and feels too. I hope you need saw a lot, otherwise forget it.

[zoidberg]

Bumping an old thread wOOt. I would take the Signal. Found the awl and hammer disappointing but really like the bottle opener and comfortable pliers.      

[sLaughterMed]

I like the Signal too, but agree with the above sentiments, it costs too much. For what you get I think it should be priced closer to the Rebar IMO

[ReamerPunch]

I got mine for a song so it was an easy decision.   

 I was not aware of stores that accept songs as payment.
Which song was it?

[AlephZero]

I got mine for a song so it was an easy decision.   

 I was not aware of stores that accept songs as payment.
Which song was it?

Gotta have been an epic song too...

[Poncho65]

I wished the price was closer to the Rebar I like the look of it and wished it had scissors as well I think I may still try and find one (not new probably) cheaper because they do look nice and I like that it is a beefier Skeletool 

[aurabattler]

The signal looks like a quite nice tool to me but it just cost too much here. It's even more than a Surge. For functions, IMO some of the functions are useless in urban but not adequate for wild. It might be good for short hiking or camping or a vacational trip due to its light weight and it looks super cool.

[kkokkolis]

What would you put in an outdoor multitool?
A Wave/Charge is useful in the urban landscape, there is no need to address that (although I would need an awl there too).
Not much experience in the outdoors though. I always go to a hotel for sleeping and my wife would let me do else. But my daughter camps reguralry.

[Etherealicer]

What would you put in an outdoor multitool?
A Wave/Charge is useful in the urban landscape, there is no need to address that (although I would need an awl there too).
Not much experience in the outdoors though. I always go to a hotel for sleeping and my wife would let me do else. But my daughter camps reguralry.

Well not doing that much outdoors stuff anymore and there is a wide variety of environment/challenges and activity (e.g. climbing vs. kayaking).

I think a good blade does about most you will do camping. A wood-saw is always handy.
Then I would rather focus on a FAK and there you definitively want tweezers (tick/splinters) a rescue blade and a good pair of scissors.

Other tools that might come in handy.
- Metal file (for the climbing iron, fishing, very much depending on the activities you do).
- Awl (If I really made an outdoor tool, I probably would add two, one sturdy (like the pioneer line has) and one more like leather sewing needle)
- Marlin spike
- Pliers (to grip or bend something, or if you go fishing)
- Prying tool

[kaput]

I really liked the thought of the hammer. Sometimes you just need that "little extra" to make something fit or whatever sometimes. But, I'd have to defer to the ones who know as I have no experience with them. Only held one. I just don't need a ferro rod and striker on a daily basis so I could never justify it.

[Smashie]

I'm the UK theres only a few pounds difference between the Signal and the Surge. I like the Surge, I've got 3 of them, add a firesteel and a small hammer (or my baby hatchet) and the Surge out performs the Signal. Just my thoughts

[Aloha]

I got mine for a song so it was an easy decision.   

 I was not aware of stores that accept songs as payment.
Which song was it?

Gotta have been an epic song too...

It was pretty epic for sure    NOT.  I think the seller just wanted me to shut the F up and sold it to me so I'd go away 


I'd be happy to sell my Signal.  I'll make a separate thread in the sale section. 

[G-Dizzle]

The main reason I have not bought one is because reviews of the removable tools are mostly bad and you get a better toolset for the outdoors with most other larger leatherman tools imho. I currently use my wave for outdoor/camping tasks and carry a separate firesteel and sharpener. On monday the Wave will be replaced by the Workchamp I ordered! , for camping/in the woods at least) On the wave, I like having dedicated straight and serrated blades and the can opener makes a decent awl (until I get around to modding it) there just isnt enough advantage for outdoor use there for me. Actually, since I carry a designated firesteel and sharpener, the lack of other tools is not worth it at all and actually a disadvantage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Aloha]

If one is buying the Signal for the fire steel and whistle then save your money.  I got a 5x1/2 fire steel for less than $9 which should last a heck of a long time.  As far as a whistle, I'm sure one can get a quality whistle for quite cheap.  So what we have left is a good tool IMO.  Simple, yet a very capable tool.  The hammer isn't going to drive huge nails or replace a hammer but I've used my wave and Swisstool to a hammer at times.  The hammer will suffice when all you need to do is pop something into place.  Truth is you can do the same with most med to large MTs however its a neat feature. 

The diamond file is eh.  Its small tho I can see it working to debur or to tune up the knife edge.  It sure looks neat thats for sure.  I was surprised how well I liked the looks. 

As far as an outdoor tool, I personally think the OG Super tool is pretty nice. I can agree the Wave makes a good one to have as well.  I personally use the Swisstool. 

I think the asking price is high.  For those who got it at $75 then to me that was decent. 

[zoidberg]

I'm the UK theres only a few pounds difference between the Signal and the Surge. I like the Surge, I've got 3 of them, add a firesteel and a small hammer (or my baby hatchet) and the Surge out performs the Signal. Just my thoughts

It not really about out performing though, say I want to go watch a movie tonight, I would rather pocket the Signal over the Surge.

[zoidberg]

The main reason I have not bought one is because reviews of the removable tools are mostly bad and you get a better toolset for the outdoors with most other larger leatherman tools imho. I currently use my wave for outdoor/camping tasks and carry a separate firesteel and sharpener. On monday the Wave will be replaced by the Workchamp I ordered! , for camping/in the woods at least) On the wave, I like having dedicated straight and serrated blades and the can opener makes a decent awl (until I get around to modding it) there just isnt enough advantage for outdoor use there for me. Actually, since I carry a designated firesteel and sharpener, the lack of other tools is not worth it at all and actually a disadvantage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Saving on weight and space isn't always a disadvantage.

[zoidberg]

If one is buying the Signal for the fire steel and whistle then save your money.  I got a 5x1/2 fire steel for less than $9 which should last a heck of a long time.  As far as a whistle, I'm sure one can get a quality whistle for quite cheap.  So what we have left is a good tool IMO.  Simple, yet a very capable tool.  The hammer isn't going to drive huge nails or replace a hammer but I've used my wave and Swisstool to a hammer at times.  The hammer will suffice when all you need to do is pop something into place.  Truth is you can do the same with most med to large MTs however its a neat feature. 

The diamond file is eh.  Its small tho I can see it working to debur or to tune up the knife edge.  It sure looks neat thats for sure.  I was surprised how well I liked the looks. 

As far as an outdoor tool, I personally think the OG Super tool is pretty nice. I can agree the Wave makes a good one to have as well.  I personally use the Swisstool. 

I think the asking price is high.  For those who got it at $75 then to me that was decent. 

Without a doubt the price is way up there. My one is a loaner. My next Leatherman buy will probably be a Signal as I already have a Surge and OHT.

[Grathr]

What would you put in an outdoor multitool?
A Wave/Charge is useful in the urban landscape, there is no need to address that (although I would need an awl there too).
Not much experience in the outdoors though. I always go to a hotel for sleeping and my wife would let me do else. But my daughter camps reguralry.

Personally I think the Vic Rangerwood 55 has a pretty good setup for outdoors activity. Locking blade, a good size saw, openers and awl. (And a cork screw, but that is mostly in the way)
 

[kkokkolis]

I think that too. I use the Wenger Hunter 55 when in the outdoors and it has everything I need. I have not been in a survival situation so I don't need a firesteel and a whistle. Only thing is that sometimes I need to use a knife near or into the sea amd I have a Bahco 2440 for that (but the new Opinel has firesteel, whistle and can be used underwater, since it isn't a slipjoint that might vet stuck with salt).
I, too, find the Signal nice but not much useful. A good tool for a collector but not for an actual user who needs to carry just one tool. Any other tool (Wave, Spirit etc) with a firesteel knife (Mora, Opinel etc), or a separate firesteel amd whistle will do more for less to equal.

[nervium]

if you have another plier-based leatherman such as wave, do not waste your money. no significant difference, no miracles.

[zoidberg]

I think that too. I use the Wenger Hunter 55 when in the outdoors and it has everything I need. I have not been in a survival situation so I don't need a firesteel and a whistle. Only thing is that sometimes I need to use a knife near or into the sea amd I have a Bahco 2440 for that (but the new Opinel has firesteel, whistle and can be used underwater, since it isn't a slipjoint that might vet stuck with salt).
I, too, find the Signal nice but not much useful. A good tool for a collector but not for an actual user who needs to carry just one tool. Any other tool (Wave, Spirit etc) with a firesteel knife (Mora, Opinel etc), or a separate firesteel amd whistle will do more for less to equal.

I'm an actual user that would and does carry the Signal.

[zoidberg]

if you have another plier-based leatherman such as wave, do not waste your money. no significant difference, no miracles.

Carabiner, full size bit driver, fixed pocket clip, awl, replaceable wire cutters - just to name a few things the Wave doesn't have.

[Mechanickal]

Just noticed that the firesteel can be bought when you've worn it out.
It costs some money too tough...
Maybe you're better off with a different tool and a standalone firesteel?
Much more easy to obtain. And if you lose something, you'll still have the other...
Same for the biner...

[Padre]

Signal has camping potential as the main tools are stil that quality Leatherman. Blade is good to go, pliers are fantastic, saw makes some work too in emergency.
Signal HAS pretty much everything you need outdoors, but its a joke really. The whistle and the firesteel are just bad. Really bad.

Lets be real.
Its for us city hipsters who want to look like survivalists.
  

Wave is a tool. Signal has conversation value. Take your pick.

[hiraethus]

I like the Signal - I think it looks great and I'd like to get my hands on one.  The pliers, hammer, bit driver and awl I'd use often, I reckon.  But I'd want to replace the saw with a file, and the combo-edge blade with a plain edge.

[Mechanickal]

To each his own ofcoarse.
What does it retail for in the USA?
Over here in Europe it's retailed at about $180...
Which is a little to much to my liking...