Comparison Console
Leatherman Signal vs Leatherman Wave (2004)
EDC Multitools comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Leatherman Signal stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative. Leatherman Signal stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 12% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Signal stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 32% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Signal stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the fewest tools option for tool count, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Signal stands out as the most tools option for tool count, with about a 12% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Wave (2004) stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Leatherman Signal stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 12% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$171Most expensive
US$130Cheapest
Weight
213 g (7.51 oz)Lightest
224 g (7.90 oz)Heaviest
Closed length
114 mm (4.49 in)Longest
102 mm (4.02 in)Shortest
Open length
172 mm (6.77 in)Longest
158 mm (6.22 in)Shortest
Dimensions
Width
38 mm (1.50 in)Highest
36 mm (1.42 in)Lowest
Thickness
16 mm (0.63 in)Thinnest
20 mm (0.79 in)Thickest
Tools
Tool count
19Most tools
17Fewest tools
Tools
Needlenose pliersRegular pliersReplaceable 154CM wire cutters (standard and hard-wire) with integrated wire stripper420HC combo blade (plain and serrated)420HC sawHammerAwl with thread loopCan openerBottle opener1/4" hex bit driver1/4" box wrench3/16" box wrenchCarabiner with spring-loaded gateFerrocerium fire-starting rodEmergency whistleDiamond-coated rod sharpenerReplaceable bit driverOutside-accessible blade and sawRemovable pocket clip
Pliers with Wire Cutters (needlenose & regular)Wire CuttersLarge Locking BladeSerrated BladeWood SawMetal SawFile with Diamond FileCan OpenerBottle OpenerScissorsBit DriverSmall Bit DriverMedium ScrewdriverPhillips ScrewdriverHard Wire CutterWire StripperSpring Action Scissors
Plier type
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
Needle-nose and Regular Pliers
One-hand opening
Yes
Yes
Pocket clip
Yes
Yes
Sheath included
Yes
Yes
Use case profile
Best for
Outdoor enthusiastsCampersHikersOverlandersPreparedness-minded users
TradespersonsEveryday carry with strong tool versatilityOutdoor and farm use
Common praise
Durable stainless steel constructionComprehensive toolset for outdoor needsLocking tools for safetyIncludes survival features like fire starter and whistleOutside-accessible blade and saw for quick use
Versatile set of 17 integrated tools covering many needsComfortable handles and outside accessible toolsStrong and precise pliers and wire cuttersLocking mechanisms on outside tools for safety
Common complaints
Heavier than some compact multi-toolsNot specialized for heavy workshop tasks
Blade steel is basic 420HC with average edge retentionScissors on 2004 model changed to smaller design that some users find less safeHeavier than some other EDC options