Which should you buy, the Leatherman Wave+ or the Signal, and when is the Signal worth choosing for outdoor carry?
Choose the Wave+ for daily carry, especially when separate blades and scissors matter most. Choose the Signal for outdoor trips when a ferrocerium rod, whistle, hammer surface, and blade sharpener matter more. Tool count is a tie-breaker at best.
Published September 22, 2026
Decision table
Published manufacturer specifications are shown below. Use the maker links under current availability to confirm the configuration before buying.
| Attribute | Leatherman Wave® Plus | Leatherman Signal® |
|---|---|---|
Tool count | 18 | 19 |
Weight | 8.5 oz | 7.5 oz |
Closed length | 4 inches | 4.5 inches |
Open length | 6.25 inches | 6.75 inches |
Width | 1.2 inches | 1.5 inches |
Overall thickness | 0.7 inches | 0.63 inches |
Primary blade length | 2.92 inches | 2.73 inches |
Primary blade material | 420HC stainless steel | 420HC stainless steel |
Primary blade edge | Plain. The tool list also names a separate serrated blade. | Combo edge (straight edge and serrated edge) |
Serrated blade | 420HC serrated knife is tool 08. Its length is not stated. | Included as part of the combo knife, not a separate blade |
Outside access | Stated | Stated |
Scissors | Included, tool 10 | None |
Ferrocerium rod | None | Included, tool 18 |
Safety whistle | None | Included, tool 17 |
Hammer | None | Included, tool 08 |
Knife sharpener | None (includes diamond-coated file) | Included, tool 19 (diamond-coated sharpener) |
Warranty on the product block | 25-year | 25-year |
Who should pick which
Wave+: Daily Carry
Choose the Wave+ for home repairs and shop work. Its 18-tool set includes separate blades and scissors without the Signal's outdoor-specific tools. Buy for the jobs that keep showing up, not the longest feature list.
Signal: Outdoor Tools
Choose it for camping and hiking when its ferrocerium rod, whistle, hammer surface, and field sharpener matter more than scissors. It lists 19 tools at 7.5 oz.
Check current availability
Frequently asked questions
Which tool is better for everyday carry?
Choose the Wave+ when separate plain and serrated blades and scissors matter most. Choose the Signal when a ferrocerium rod, whistle, hammer surface, and blade sharpener better match the trip.
Does the Signal have spring-action scissors?
No. The Signal omits scissors; choose the Wave+ if daily scissor utility matters.
Is the warranty 25 years or 40?
The standard warranty is 25 years. Leatherman says free Insider registration extends coverage to 40 years.
Keep the decision in context
This comparison evaluates two specific multitools; explore the broader multitool guide for compact, light-duty, and pocket-carry alternatives. To compare these tools with our everyday-carry and work picks, visit the multitool comparison index.