Leatherman Signal vs Surge: Which Multi-Tool Is Right for You?

When it comes to multitools, Leatherman’s lineup covers everything from compact everyday essentials to rugged, full-sized powerhouses. Two of their most popular options, the Leatherman Signal and the Leatherman Surge, represent opposite ends of that spectrum. The Signal caters to outdoor adventurers who need preparedness in the wild, while the Surge is built for professionals who demand maximum strength and function on the job.

Let’s break down how they compare across key categories and help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best. After this article, discover how you can personalize these tools and more with laser engraving on the Lazer Designs website.

The Leatherman Brand: Craftsmanship and Innovation

Leatherman is a renowned brand known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Founded by Tim Leatherman in 1983, the company has built a reputation for crafting durable, versatile tools that stand the test of time. Leatherman’s focus on functionality and precision engineering ensures that their multi-tools are trusted by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Overview of the Leatherman Surge

The Leatherman Surge is a powerhouse multitool built for those who need serious strength and capability in their gear. As one of the largest models in Leatherman’s lineup, it packs a range of tools you won’t find on most compact multitools.

Engineered for demanding work and rugged conditions, the Surge tackles tough jobs with ease. With 21 integrated tools, it’s an ideal choice for tradespeople and anyone who needs a dependable, all-in-one tool for heavy-duty use.

What it does well:

• Handles tough jobs with ease: Strong pliers and cutters make short work of wire, metal, and other heavy materials. Built to perform under demanding conditions.
• Quick-access tools: Commonly used tools like the knives, saw, and scissors open from the outside, saving time and effort.
• Replaceable parts: Key components such as the wire cutters and blades can be swapped out when worn, extending the tool’s lifespan.
• Comfortable, solid grip: The sturdy build and ergonomic design give users confidence when tackling tough or repetitive tasks.
• Ideal for professionals: Designed for tradespeople, mechanics, and serious DIYers who want a multitool that feels like a portable toolbox.

Leatherman Surge Tools

What It’s Not So Great At / Trade-offs:

• Heavier than most multitools: At over 12 ounces, it’s better suited for belt carry than pocket carry.
• Less precise for fine work: The bulk and size can make detailed or delicate tasks more challenging.
• Higher price point: Costs more than smaller multitools, but most users consider it worth the investment for its durability and performance.
• Requires some upkeep: Needs occasional cleaning and lubrication to stay in top condition, especially after heavy or outdoor use.
• Can feel large for smaller hands: Some users report the handles are bulky or uncomfortable during extended use.

Who the Surge Is Good For:

• Professionals and tradespeople: Perfect for anyone who works with their hands, from electricians and mechanics to contractors, and needs a multitool tough enough to take daily punishment.
• Outdoor adventurers: Great for camping trips, hunting weekends, fishing excursions, or backcountry hikes where a versatile tool can make a big difference.
• Users who prioritize strength over size: Ideal for those who don’t mind a little extra weight in exchange for more functionality and durability.
• People who want long-term reliability: Built to last, with replaceable components and Leatherman’s trusted warranty backing it up for years of use.

The Leatherman Surge stands out as one of the most capable multitools on the market, earning its reputation among serious gear users and professionals alike. If it sounds like the right fit for your toolkit, check out Lazer Designs to customize your own Surge with a personal touch.

Overview of the Leatherman Signal

The Signal is Leatherman’s outdoor/adventure-focused multitool. It combines a standard multitool toolset (pliers, blades, saw, etc.) with several survival-oriented features. It’s built to bridge the gap between everyday tools and outdoor/survival gear, making it a trusted companion for life beyond the pavement.

What it does well:

• Built for outdoor and survival use: Features like the ferro rod, emergency whistle, and diamond-coated sharpener make it more than a standard multitool, offering real value for camping, hiking, or emergency situations.
• Handy hammer and saw: The integrated hammer is useful for tent stakes, while the saw allows cutting small wood or tinder when needed.
• Comprehensive toolset: With 19 tools, including a combo straight and serrated blade, it covers general-purpose multitool needs plus extra versatility.
• Portable for its functionality: Weighing around 7.5 oz, it’s reasonably light considering the survival extras, making it suitable for pack or belt carry.
• Durable construction: Built with 420HC steel for durability and ease of sharpening, plus finishes and variants that provide corrosion resistance and style options.

Leatherman Signal Tools

• Heavy for everyday carry: Its size and weight make it bulky for pocket use, better suited for pack or belt carry.
• Some tools feel like extras: Whistle, ferro rod, and sharpener are useful outdoors but add weight and cost without much daily use.
• Access and ergonomics issues: Certain tools can be tricky to reach or awkward to use due to folding design and carabiner placement.
• Higher price for survival features: You’re paying for extras like fire-starting tools and finishes rather than purely for standard multitool utility.

Who the Signal Is Good For:

• Outdoors enthusiasts: campers, backpackers, hikers who like having emergency tools built in (fire starter, whistle, etc.).
• Gear-collectors / EDC fans who appreciate neat features and versatility; especially those who want more than just cutting and screwing.
• People who carry in pack or belt more often than pocket: since it’s a bit bulky, carry method matters.
• Those wanting a “survival multitool” in one: one tool that covers many basics including shelter/tent setup (hammer), fire starting, cutting, etc.

Leatherman Signal vs Surge Compared

Detailed Analysis

Size & Weight

• Leatherman Signal: 4.5 inches closed, 7.5 ounces
• Leatherman Surge: 4.5 inches closed, 12.5 ounces

Both tools share the same closed length, but the difference in weight is significant. The Surge feels like a solid piece of industrial equipment, while the Signal is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for pocket or pack carry. If you’re trekking miles or camping, that weight savings really matters. If you’re in a workshop or jobsite, heavier often means sturdier — which is where the Surge shines.

Materials & Build Quality

• Signal: Stainless steel with DLC coating and a variety of colored handles (often aluminum or Cerakote finishes).
• Surge: All stainless steel construction with premium replaceable wire cutters and a robust locking system.

The Signal’s modern finishes and ergonomic handle shape make it look sleek and feel grippy, especially when your hands are cold or wet. The Surge, on the other hand, is a tank that is built for torque, leverage, and longevity. Its replaceable wire cutters and Blade Exchanger® make it more maintainable for heavy, repeated use.

Scissors & Cutting Tools

• Signal: 420HC combo blade (partially serrated) + saw
• Surge: 420HC plain blade + 420HC serrated blade + replaceable saw + replaceable file

The Surge dominates in cutting performance. Dual blades and a larger file system make it a shop favorite, especially for those who need to cut, scrape, and shape a variety of materials. The Signal’s single combo blade works fine for camping and general outdoor tasks but lacks the refinement and versatility of the Surge’s cutting lineup.

Pliers Functionality

Both models feature Leatherman’s excellent plier heads with needlenose, regular pliers, and replaceable wire cutters.

However:

• The Surge’s pliers are larger, providing more leverage and strength.
• The Signal’s pliers are more compact, designed for general use rather than brute force.

If your day involves cutting, twisting, or crimping metal or wire regularly, the Surge has the edge. For light gear repairs and camp use, the Signal’s pliers are perfectly capable.

Saw, File, & Specialty Tools

• Signal: Includes a saw, hammer surface, ferrocerium rod (fire starter), and emergency whistle.
• Surge: Saw and file are both swappable via the Blade Exchanger®, plus it includes a full-size scissors, awl, and multiple screwdrivers.

Here’s where the two really diverge in intended purpose. The Signal’s emergency tools (like the fire starter and whistle) make it the ultimate survival multitool. The Surge, with its interchangeable saw/file and precision scissors, leans toward mechanical and trade work.

Forum Insights & User Experiences

• Signal Users: Love the outdoor-focused toolset and portability. Many praise the integrated fire starter and hammer for backcountry tasks. Some note that its survival add-ons take space away from everyday functions like scissors or an awl.
• Surge Users: Consistently highlight its build strength and power. It’s described as a “shop tool that folds,” but its size and heft make it less pocket-friendly. Most carry it on a belt sheath rather than in a pocket.

Pricing & Value

While similarly priced, the value depends on your use case. The Surge offers more metal, more cutting options, and longer tool life for professionals. The Signal packs outdoor versatility into a lighter frame for explorers and campers. You’re not paying for power vs. portability — you’re choosing which you need more.

The Verdict

The Leatherman Signal and Leatherman Surge both excel in their own worlds, each offering unique strengths tailored to different needs. This means there may not be very much overlap when it comes to the user base. That being said, here is what we have to say about each multitool:

Personalize Your Leatherman Signal if you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for a lightweight multi-tool with essential survival features. It’s perfect for hikes, camping trips, and emergency preparedness kits.

Opt for Personalizing Your Leatherman Surge if you need a heavy-duty tool for professional use. Its robust build and comprehensive toolset make it ideal for tradespeople who require reliability and durability on the job.

In short:

The Signal keeps you alive. The Surge keeps you productive.

Explore More at Lazer Designs

Ready to find the perfect multi-tool? Visit Lazer Designs to explore the full collection of Leatherman tools. With custom engraving options, you can personalize your purchase for yourself or as a unique gift for someone special. Whether you choose the Signal or the Surge, Leatherman tools promise quality craftsmanship and unmatched versatility.

Author: Casey

A long term writer, Casey enjoys writing about a variety of topics for the best gifts, how-to's, and more! View all posts by Casey