Leatherman Signal vs Leatherman Wave Plus
The Leatherman Signal and the Leatherman Wave Plus are close in size and weight. The duel is a ferro rod and whistle against replaceable wire cutters and scissors for everyday jobs.
Updated October 6, 2026
Leatherman Signal
Survival multitool with 19 tools including a ferro rod, a whistle and a hammer surface.
Full specs, pros and cons
Leatherman Wave Plus
18-tool multitool with outside-accessible locking tools and replaceable wire cutters.
Full specs, pros and consThe short answer
It depends on where the tool lives. The Leatherman Signal adds a ferro rod and whistle and hammer for a survival kit at 7.5 ounces. The Leatherman Wave Plus trades those for replaceable wire cutters and spring scissors with every tool locking and outside-accessible. Emergency bag leans Signal. Toolbox and daily carry lean Wave Plus.
Choose the Leatherman Signal if
- you want a ferro rod fire starter and a whistle built in
- you want the lighter tool at 7.5 ounces
- a hammer surface matters to you
Choose the Leatherman Wave Plus if
- you want replaceable wire cutters
- you want spring-action scissors
- you want the shorter closed length of 4 inches
Specs side by side
Prices in the makers' own US stores, checked October 6, 2026. Amazon links carry no price.
Leatherman Signal
Pros
- Ferro rod fire starter and emergency whistle built in.
- Hammer surface plus a combo blade and saw.
Cons
- A sheath is sold separately.
- The blade hardness is given as a range of 55 to 59 HRC rather than one figure.
Leatherman Wave Plus
Pros
- All 18 tools open from the outside and lock.
- Replaceable wire cutters and a 25-year warranty.
- Picked by OutdoorGearLab and CleverHiker.
Cons
- The sheath is sold separately.
- At 8.5 oz it weighs more than the other multitools on this list.
Frequently asked questions
Which multitool is better for a bug out bag?
The Leatherman Signal is sold as a survival multitool with a ferro rod and an emergency whistle and a hammer surface. It weighs 7.5 ounces against 8.5 for the Leatherman Wave Plus. For a bag packed for an emergency those extras do work that a standard multitool does not. A sheath is sold separately for both.
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