Compare › Leatherman Signal vs Leatherman Wave Plus
Leatherman Signal vs Leatherman Wave Plus
Leatherman Signal or Wave+?
Short answer
The Signal is the outdoor tool: it adds a ferro rod, whistle, hammer, diamond sharpener and a standard 1/4-inch hex bit driver, and it is about an ounce lighter. The Wave+ is the general-purpose tool: it has scissors, a serrated blade and a ruler, uses Leatherman's flat bits, and is 0.5 in shorter closed. If you will not use the fire starter, the Wave+ covers more everyday jobs for $20 less.
Choose the Leatherman Signal if
- You camp or hike and want fire, signaling and a hammer in one tool
- You already own standard 1/4-inch hex bits
Choose the Leatherman Wave Plus if
- You need scissors and a serrated blade
- You want the shorter, cheaper all-rounder
Based on published manufacturer specifications cross-checked against a second source. We have not tested these two tools side by side. This verdict is awaiting editorial review.
Specs side by side
| Spec | Leatherman Signal | Leatherman Wave Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.5 oz (213 g) | 8.5 oz (241 g) |
| Closed length | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 4 in (102 mm) |
| Functional tools | 16 | 17 |
| MSRP | $149.95 | $129.95 |
| Blade steel | 420HC | 420HC |
| One-hand opening blade | Yes | Yes |
| Locking tools | Yes | Yes |
| Blades reachable with tool closed | Yes | Yes |
| Pocket clip | No | Sold separately |
| Sheath | Sold separately | Sold separately |
| Bit system | 1/4-inch hex | Leatherman flat bits |
| Warranty | 25-year limited warranty | 25-year limited warranty |
Tool differences
hammer, awl / reamer, wrench / spanner, emergency whistle, ferro rod (fire starter), blade sharpener
crimper, serrated knife, scissors, ruler, file, diamond-coated file, flathead screwdriver
needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutter, hard-wire cutter, wire stripper, knife, saw, can opener, bottle opener, bit driver
Tool types are counted once each, however the maker lists them. How we count tools.
Scores by use
| Use | Leatherman Signal | Leatherman Wave Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Camping | 87 | 78 |
| Cycling | 58 | 57 |
| Everyday carry | 57 | 70 |
| Fishing | 73 | 84 |
| All-round use | 76 | 85 |
| Hiking and backpacking | 63 | 59 |
| Work and trades | 78 | 91 |
Scores out of 100 from our published formula. Small gaps (under 3 points) are not meaningful.