Leatherman Signal Review: Best Multi-Tool for Sailors

Leatherman Signal about to be caught in the air by a hand

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The Leatherman Signal is a corrosion-resistant, 19-function multi-tool designed for outdoor survival that’s equally suited for life onboard — making it one of the most useful pieces of gear a sailor can carry. Built for harsh conditions, compact enough to clip to your PFD, and tough enough to handle real repairs, it’s trusted by adventurers from coastal cruisers to the US military.

As someone who grew up in the 80s watching MacGyver, convinced that all I needed to survive any life-or-death situation was a piece of chewing gum, a paper clip, and a Swiss Army Knife — it’s no surprise that the Leatherman Signal feels like life insurance in my back pocket.

This is the multi-tool that gives all fifty shades of you’re a self-sufficient badass, ready to rescue yourself from dangervibes. Minus the sex dungeon (unless that’s your thing but if you end up locked in there and it’s NOT your thing, well… you’ll be fine, because you had the foresight to keep your Leatherman tucked somewhere safe).

MacGyver

MacGyver was my childhood hero for survival skills

Leatherman Signal tool shown closed and open

Why the Leatherman Signal is great for sailors (even as a not-specifically-designed-for-sailing-tool)

Now, while Leatherman haven’t yet designed one of their tools specifically for sailing, I’ve been using the Signal onboard (and onshore) since we got one five years ago, and there are plenty of times I’ve been praise-the-UNIVERSE grateful to have it within reach.

Marine savvy features to appreciate:

  • Corrosion-resistant: Stainless steel with DLC coating keeps rust at bay (like all stainless, if you look after it — it’ll last a VERY long time)

  • Lightweight & compact: 7.5 oz with a built-in carabiner clip (easy to pop onto your PDF, or in your jacket pocket)

  • Survival-grade extras: Fire starter and whistle for when things really go sideways (which they might not, but you know…PREPAREDNESS)

  • Always accessible: No scrambling below for your toolbox in uncomfortable sea states (which is definitely a thing)

  • All locking features: All locking features means that every tool and knife on the body of the handle, with the exception of the plier head, will lock into place

  • Pocket clip: Allows you to wear it without the use of a sheath

  • Outside-accessible features: This multi-tool features tools that are accessible while the tool is in its folded or closed position, mimicking the functionality of a pocket knife

  • One-hand operable features: Every feature on this tool can be opened and operated with one hand (which is basically how every job needs doing as a sailor right?!)

Leatherman Signal showing ferro fire starting rod

So what tools does the Signal have?

The leatherman signal with all it's tools open

Tool-by-tool: How it can work for sailing

Tool Onboard Use
Needlenose & Regular Pliers Bend cotter pins, loosen shackles, crimp fittings.
Replaceable Wire Cutters Cut lifeline wire, electrical cables, zip ties.
420HC Combo Knife Serrated edge for rope, straight edge for sail repairs.
Saw Shape battens, prep jury-rig spars, beach firewood.
Hammer Tap in pins, adjust bent hardware.
Awl with Thread Loop Punch sailcloth, leather, or canvas for repairs.
Can & Bottle Opener Offshore meal prep or post-passage beer.
Bit Driver (Hex & Phillips) Tighten electronics mounts and deck fittings.
Carabiner Clip Attach to your PFD or jackline for quick grabs.
Diamond-Coated Sharpener Keep your knife and rigging blade sharp.
Ferrocerium Fire Starter Onshore campfires for party mode or light a fire in remote cruising spots for survival mode.
Safety Whistle Signal in MOB or dinghy emergencies.
 

Why the Leatherman Signal beats the Wave+ for sailing

Leatherman Signal shown next to the Leatherman Wave Plus

Leatherman Signal vs Leatherman Wave+

One of the most popular Leatherman tools is the Wave+ — it’s is an excellent all-rounder but it’s built more for general EDC (everyday carry) and land-based work than the marine environment. The Signal was designed with outdoor survival and field repairs in mind, which translates perfectly to life at sea (the hammer alone makes it super handy onboard).

Feature Leatherman Signal Leatherman Wave+ Best for Sailors
Corrosion Resistance DLC-coated stainless steel for better saltwater protection Standard stainless steel ✅ Signal
Fire Starter (Ferro Rod) ✔ Included ✘ Not included ✅ Signal
Safety Whistle ✔ Included ✘ Not included ✅ Signal
Diamond-Coated Sharpener ✔ Built-in ✘ Not included ✅ Signal
Hammer End ✔ For tapping pins & fittings ✘ No hammer surface ✅ Signal
Carabiner Clip ✔ Built-in for PFD/jackline carry ✘ Pocket/belt carry only ✅ Signal
Bit Drivers Single bit driver Two bit drivers Wave+
Files One diamond-coated sharpener/file Two files (wood/metal & diamond-coated) Wave+
Tool Count 19 tools, survival-focused 18 tools, everyday-use focused Depends on use
Best Use Case Offshore sailing, camping, survival Everyday carry, onshore repairs ✅ Signal

TL;DR: If you sail, camp, or spend time outdoors, the Leatherman Signal’s survival features and salt-ready build make it a smarter choice than the Wave.

Not just for offshore – it’s perfect in the kit of coastal & beginner sailors too

You don’t have to be crossing oceans to get value out of buying a Leatherman Signal. Coastal day trips, weekend races, or beginner crew spots all come with their fair share of ‘need a tool right now’ moments. The advantage of carrying a Leatherman is that it eliminates downtime. Whether it’s a halyard shackle that won’t budge or a line that needs cutting free, you’ve got the fix attached to your PFD.

New to sailing? Having your own tools (even just one well-designed multi-too) means you’re not hunting around for the skipper’s toolkit when there’s a job that needs doing quickly.

Casual coastal cruising? From fixing a wobbly galley hinge to opening a bottle(s) at anchor, the Signal covers both the practical and the morale-boosting jobs.

Plenty of every day occasions it’s been handy for me…

Leatherman Signal held above a cut cheese wedge and baguette

Not entirely feral — I do like to cut my cheese lunch while hiking in the backcountry

Remember earlier when I said there’ve been plenty of praise-the-UNIVERSE times our Leatherman’s been handy?

Most recently, when I pushed my silicon earplug in too deeply while sleeping one night — which woke me up freaked out, because in trying to pull it back out with my fingers, I just pushed it in deeper (!!) which REALLY started to hurt. I woke hubby. He tried tweezers first (which were about as un-grippy as an election promise). Then he fossicked the Leatherman from his bedside pocket and instructed ‘Hold still’ as he nosed them into my ear. Turns out the grip on the needle nosed pliers (combined with a little head-angle-dexterity) was exactly the trick to pluck the plug back outta my ear, with a relieving whoosh of not-deaf-anymore.

Then there’s been all the other times it’s saved my sanity:

  • Getting into packaging without losing my shit

  • Tightening loose screws (a tippy cafe table, my sunnies arm, the loose bracket for the manual bilge pump handle and on it goes…)

  • Prying open stuck paint tin lids 

  • Snipping new cords

  • Trimming too long cable ties

  • Tapping in a picture frame hook without hunting for a hammer

The satisfaction of solving these life things is real. The best part? It’s one of the few tools covered under warranty — to be used for bashing, prying, and generally getting you out of tight spots. And let’s be honest — the built-in bottle opener is reason enough to carry it.

The perfect gift for adventurers

Whether it’s for a sailor, camper, hiker, or that friend who never has the right tool for the job, the Leatherman Signal is one of those gifts people will genuinely use — and be grateful for — for decades. It’s the tool they’ll carry ‘just in case,’ and quietly thank you for every time it comes in handy.

Leatherman Signal shown in three colours: Aqua & Silver, Mesa verde, Guava

There are plenty of cool colours to choose from

Where to get one & holy heck is that the price??!

Yep. The Leatherman Signal isn’t a cheap tool. But you get what you pay for right?. It’s an investment into a heavy duty piece of kit — that’ll last as long as you don’t lose it. The warranty is excellent. And the Signal is the best of the best for sailing adventures. Available from most outdoor retailers, but prices and availability vary.

FAQs

  • It’s made from stainless steel with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, which gives strong corrosion resistance against saltwater. It’s not completely rust-proof but regular rinsing in fresh water after salt exposure will keep it in top condition.

  • The replaceable wire cutters can handle light-gauge stainless wire, such as lifeline cable, but it’s not a replacement for dedicated heavy-duty rigging cutters.

  • Closed length is 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) and weight is 7.5 oz (212 g) — compact enough for pocket, PFD or harness carry.

  • If you’re cruising internationally, be aware that the locking blade may be treated differently under local knife laws. In some countries, it’s legal to own but not carry in public without a specific reason.

    Travel tips:

    • Keep it onboard when going ashore in countries with strict knife laws

    • Declare it if required during customs clearance

    • Carry proof it’s part of your marine safety equipment

    • Check with airlines for their travel requirements

  • Leatherman’s outstanding 25-year warranty covers manufacturing defects and most breakages from normal use — and yes, “normal use” includes hammering, prying, and other jobs that would void many other tools’ warranties!

  • If you didn’t read the article, go directly to jail; do not pass go, do not collect $200

    For its size, corrosion resistance, and mix of sailing-relevant tools (pliers, awl, hammer, bit driver, fire starter, whistle), it’s one of the top choices for anyone who spends time on the water.

  • That’s a ferrocerium rod to you. And yep: fire = survival. Chances are you’ll only need a beach fire to cook your fresh fish in foil, but the satisfaction of knowing how to fluff the right tinder, angle the rod, make a spark, and start a fire is enough to make you walk a little taller. City slicker you are not.

In Summary

The Leatherman Signal is the kind of tool that is A) an investment and B) an investment you’ll never regret. And as MacGyver once said: “Well, when it comes down to me against a situation, I don't like the situation to win” — throw a Leatherman in your bag, and your chances are looking good.

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Tara Cooney

Tara Cooney is a New Zealand based sailor, writer, photographer and current Saltwater Journal Editor-at-Large.

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