Leatherman needs to just have a "Build your own mutitool" option. You pick the frame, the finish steel/black, and which tools you prefer to be on there. That would solve a lot of problems.

As you stated, the most three important concepts for the multi-tool are carry-ability, pliers, and screwdrivers. That's why I use the Leatherman Carbon Skeletool. Very thin, a bit of frame support by carbon fiber so it's very light, nice pliers, bitted screwdrivers, 154CM plain edge knife, biner/bottle opener for fast attachment to loops, and a pocket clip. Covers the most important concepts, and is easy to carry in your pocket as a Rat Model 1. I've carried a Leatherman since they were released. When the Wave released, I switched from the original to the Wave. When the Skeletool came around, I was nervous about switching because of the decreased functionality of the tool. After reviewing my Leatherman usage, I switched to the Skeletool and have not looked back. I carry the Skeletool clipped in my pocket and the lack of the old bulky leatherman belt case has given me room to clip my Izula II or Esee 3. When weighing emergency time priorities, I will take a small Esee over a pair of scissors or a tiny saw every time. Scissors seem to be the most important when preforming first-aid. That's why I keep my Leatherman Micras in my first-aid kits.

Thank you for this video. I've been looking into buying the Signal, but everyone basically kept saying that it was trash and that the Wave+ was better, but... every time I see the Wave I keep saying to myself that there's like 5 or 6 tools I actually don't need vs. the Signal. Great video.

Few advices for using signal ;) 1. cut the needle to the correct length, sharpen it, thread the thread, put it under the sharpener, and you have an emergency sewing kit. 2. when the tool is closed there is a hole for using precision bits (the small ones) you can find it on some videos 3. You can put come cotton inside the whistle for having emergency kindling for Your ferro rod 4. draw a ruler on the whistle, it will be max. 4,5 cm, but in my opinion still worth it 5. there is really cool video where guy put a saw and blade to one slot, and scissors to the slot for saw (I will make the same but with file) then You have blade, saw and file.

This is my first time seeing any of your videos and I'm so glad that my friend told me about your channel. I always carry multi tools on my person. My personal mindset, being a Woman and Mom/Grandma 1) Always be aware of your surroundings 2) Always be prepared to Protect yourself and yourself and your family. 3) Be prepared to hunt for food, prepare it, and make a shelter if necessary.

Good stuff ! I carry the Leatherman Micra on my keychain, for over 20 years now, a Sidekick clipped in my pocket, and a Surge with the tool kit, including extra files, and saws, in my EDC bag. All part of an EDC system.

Very well put. The wire-cutters and awl are the reason I got the Rebar over the Wave. And I do have the Micra on my keys.

Broken down like this my mind has changed. You did an excellent job. This is what we need to truly see what is important in front of us for the immediate prepared person. GREAT JOB. You have impressed the hell out of me. You have proven to me that corporate sponsorship is NOT what you are about but rather it is really and simply common sense preparedness. Thank you for this Chris. I am sharing this video with all whom I know.

I own and love the Wave. Was actually looking at buying either the Signal or Surge. Thanks for posting this video. Those three tools are probably at the top of my list, and now I'm leaning to the Signal due to weight and size. I'll be more likely to have it with me.

Thank you for making this video; I thought it was one of your best and most informative. I have carried the wave for 3 years but this video opened my eyes to maybe a better possibility.

I EDC a tiny Wenger SAK. A little knife and scissors is all you need to open boxes, plastic bags, cut string, cut paper, etc. I keep a Wave in my bag when I need tools.

I know I'm super late to this, but I got mt first Signal and found this video. I EDCES a Skeletool for a few years, and seeing that the Signal didn't have scissors was a bonus. Signal has better pliers then the Skelerool and the Ferro rod which is what I wanted for snowmobiling in case I got stranded. Great video man.

Hello, I'm a long time youtuber. I make few comments. It's the few videos (very few) like this one that keep me coming back. Thank you.

I EDC'd the WAVE all last year but I also had the SIGNAL in my BOB, the OHT in my GHB and the MICRA on my key chain. After watching this video, l am impressed with your logic and will swap the Wave and start carrying the Signal. Doing so I am able to eliminate some redundancy on my keychain (whistle and ferro rod) making my overall EDC lighter. Thanks for the tip. Looking forward to the rest of this series and your new format.

For my needs, I find the Wave to be better by far. As an EDC, I find the file to be absolutely indispensable, and use it all the time. I actually used it once to cut through a 3/8" chain to retrieve a trailer that was locked inside an enclosure. I find the TWO knife blades to be good redundancy, and the best of both worlds. The pliers on both function the same, and one is no better than the other. As far as the wire cutters, it may be nice to have them be replaceable, but in all honesty, I rarely find myself cuttin hardened wire with those tiny jaws, but they have been used to trim soft copper wire on a trailer coupling, which I would suggest is about as much work as they're likely to see. The scissors are very useful for a quick nail trim if you tear one, or other small tasks, and have no issue with the size. If a building collapses on you, a multitool isn't going to dig you out, but for quick tasks, it's not a lifesaver, but it's a great convenience.

I love my wave.. Never seen this signal till this vid.. My main reason for carrying the wave is for the bit set. There are a few hooky ones out there with usable bit sets too but till now nothing has come close to the wave Imop till now.. Placing an order for a signal tomorrow now lol.. Adding the function of the replaceable cutter and the hammer built in w a carabiner hands down places it above for me.. Sisters don't mean anything to me.. Anything you cut with them can be cut with a knife all the same.. Just not a feature that's ever mattered to me..

I have both. The Wave is my more urban tool and the Signal is my woods tool. A week ago I designed and submitted a tool that takes the best of both tools and combines them into one. Hopefully they decide to make it

I started edc a multi tool 20 years ago, 1st one was a Gerber it now lives in my fishing bag on the grounds I don’t care if I lost it, it’s not that great, 2nd Leatherman Juice KF4 I was working security it was small enough to not be “offensive” and it had enough tools to be useful, 3rd Leatherman Side Kick very useful, 4th Victorinox Tinker Deluxe it’s on par with the Juice, 5th Leatherman Wave (which was replaced with a Wave+ under warranty) great bit of kit but not the be all, 6th was a Leatherman Surge and that thing is a genuine “Tool” in my experience it’s my go to work edc and it on my belt Mon-Fri. In my experience:- Surge wins, Side Kick over the Wave, Juice and Tinker = it 50/50 both ways & the Gerber. The Signal is on the “one day” list, I don’t see a use for the hex driver’s, a BIC wins over the ferro rod, don’t mind the combo blade and the Leatherman saw it a good thing, it won’t be my edc but as a outdoor tool yes.

On the wave it's not a "big fat flathead screwdriver" it's a pry lever. For example to open a paint can or to separate two pieces that are stuck together. It's the reason is so thick and sturdy.

I got a free Craftsman copy of the Micra that fits really nicely in the small 5th pocket on my jeans. Thanks, Chris for validating me on EDCing two multitools!

Chris, Thanks for everything you've done out here on YT, been a fan for quite some time. And of course Leatherman is the absolute best choice for EDC, And i know what I'm about to put is simply my opinion vs. yours, but I'd like you to consider the following "pro-Wave" points... Pocket Clip: Yes, the pocket clip for the Wave is an extra purchase, and that’s because the Wave is designed to be worn on the belt on your hip - not in your pocket. It is designed to be worn in the belt sheath that it comes with. So, Chris, having it as your in-pocket tool may be what you prefer, but that’s not how it was designed to be. Many of us are happy without the "clip" as we wear it on our belts. The Weight advantage: Extra Leatherman Micra (1.8 Oz) plus your SIgnal (7.5 oz) plus lockable S clip (? Oz) is more weight than the Wave (8.5 Oz) . The Wave’s 8.5 vs. Chris’s multi-Leatherman approach of 9.3+ Oz (1.8+8.5+?) isn’t lighter. [All weights taken from Leatherman.com] Smaller scissors: Smaller scissors are actually better -as is the small screwdriver (As they work on a lot more than just glasses.) If larger scissors are called for - the knife blade suffices. No need for an extra pair of scissors. The blades: A fully serrated blade (used for cutting meat, fabric, rope) and a separate full straight blade (for slicing, whittling, and all manner of other things) being replaced by a single blade that will do the work of both, but only half as well; is not a benefit - but rather a drawback. Sharpening the blade during the Day?: Your EDC Leatherman shouldn’t need sharpening “in the field” because it’s an EDC. If it gets dull, and then you should sharpen it at home that night. Having a small, extremely lose-able sharpening stone to sharpen the Leatherman is irrelevant whereas having a file that can be both a sharpener for another blade (if the other blade is dull) and can be used also as a file is a better option. I realize you've got this as part of your system and that the Signal has other useful things the Wave will never have (replaceable needle nose), but I just thought I'd stand up logically for the use of the Wave, Thanks.

I've always loved the signal since I had it on day 1. love this video, I think this will change a lot of minds on the signal. ell done Chris.

I'm a bit late on the scene but have seen your many videos Chris and must say that you have me thinking in a completely different way especially with the essential series. I can definitely see how you are attracted to your choice. But when I think of EDC and the reason why I prepare for the situation of an event I always think about worst-case scenario. The reason I would stay with my wave is because it seems to me that the combined elements of your choice,though I do have a MICRA, In an EDC vent I don't want to have to worry about one carrying extra parts with me and to having parts that are separated from my main tool. Thank you so much for the information that you were putting out there to the public really appreciate all you do. Stay safe.

Wonderful video! I could not agree more with your comments. So many videos out there showing the same things that it does get confusing on what do I really need. However with that said the differing views on the same item is very helpful in my ability to make up my mind on just what I need. Your videos are among the best that I have seen. There are many others that are very good that I cannot name them all. I just have to watch out for the guy that wants to sell me the Brooklyn Bridge. Have a great year and thanks for your helpful guidance.

Great video! Can't wait to see what you do in 2016!

Love your new series, its very refreshing to see this approach toward reviewing EDC items. More critical talking points to differentiate these, or any other items I would be considering. Keep up the awesome work!

You broke this down very well. Well thought out and explained. I agree with you 100% about the Signal. It has been my edc since I got it and it is damn near the perfect multi tool for me.

Yes! I found my gear guy. Thanks so much!

You had me at "wearing a Batman shirt in his mothers basement" in a different vid but this video made me realize that your videos are must watch. Love the breakdown, I still carry my Wave and if my Super Tool wasn't stolen 17 years ago I'd probably be still carrying it. But I'm going to price the Signal on Amazon.

Great advise, I've got the leatherman mutt EOD but it's like carrying a brick around with you! So going to order the signal, lovely bit of kit. Many thanks.

Nice logical thought process when making your choice. I've been thinking about my EDC lately and this series has given me useful things to consider. The biggest factor for living in the UK is carrying knives or anything you can defend yourself with. All the best Ranger

I agree. At first I was on the fence, it I realized everything I use is on the signal plus I have a fero rod, sharpener and whistle as an emergency stash. The signal has really grown on me

My choices will make even more sense once I finish the series and you see the total package and the "weight/usefulness" equation that goes into the entire package because this is what is on my body every day.

I really like this format... I so appreciate the explanation why you choose one over another (or better yet best of three). AND.. your point is well taken that you want people to understand that their decisions on buying items need to be based on what their detailed needs are.. GREAT job. I look forward to seeing more.

I have a Leatherman Super Tool 300 and it's my first multi tool. I love it and I carry it every where I go!!!

While made of materials with far less strength and no longer in production, Coleman had the right idea for making the multi-tool better. I own two Coleman Pro-Lock multi-tools and even wrote emails to a few of the multi-tool makers with photos showing them how this design was superior, asking if they would consider making a tool like it. The difference, the tools in the handles of this multi-tool snap out of the handles thus allowing you to hold a nut with the pliers while turning the screw or fastener with the appropriate tool. Can't do that with a screwdriver sticking out of the back end of your pliers. I told them all if they made a strong version of this design I'd buy it in a minute.

Sold! I thought you were crazy.. But wow sold! I already carry two multi tools so a signal and a micra is 2016 is a must!

It's worth noting that when I saw the Signal at SHOT show, I thought it was ridiculous.

This is the best presentation I have seen to justify the "goofiness" of the Signal. I finally understand the thought that went in to the design now especially after you pair it with the Micra.

It is easy to be confused when trying to figure out what to buy. Something like this might be a good idea. Thanks for the video - Martin

Been reading and watching a lot these reviews on multi-tools and have to pretty much agree with this one. I just picked up a Signal a few days ago for EDC. Surge is awesome, but way too big and heavy for EDC, especially in the pocket. Signal is thinner and lighter than the Wave, making it better for pocket carry especially since it already includes the pocket clip instead of having to buy it separately. I like having the carabiner clip too. I see complaints about the knife on the Signal, but everyone should have a real pocket knife as part of their EDC anyway. I like that the Signal has the replaceable wire cutter blades where the Wave doesn't. Signal has the awl, but the Wave has 2 flathead screwdrivers, and the file. Personally I find the awl much more useful than all of those combined. Those extra screwdrivers are pointless when you have the bit driver. They just add size and weight you don't need. Plus, if you're going to have extra screwdrivers, where's the Phillips? Phillips would get used far more than a flathead. File might occasionally be useful, but I don't absolutely need it. As far as scissors go, I couldn't care less. If I need to cut something, that's what I have a knife for. So...Thinner, lighter, and more pocketable, has the tools I need and not a bunch of extra junk I don't want or need. Signal is a win in my book. IMO the Signal just looks cool too, especially the special edition I got from Cabela's which is in the "coyote" colors. It's all black and FDE, no silver or yellow.

Since seeing your video I have been trying a Skeletool as EDC ; it has been great. The pliers, blade and screw driver are most frequently used. I then added a small FenixLD02 into the pen holder which I have also found handy to have many times. Thanks for your videos and wisdom.

Well said i agree with you Preparedmind101 thx for info never really thought about carrying big and small multi-tools. Something ill definitely try out now.

I pocket carry a surge every day, absolutely love it.

Whatever people say about fair comparisons, not even scientists agree on the parameters to measure compared items. I like your demos because they sound sincere and practical to me. In fact, I have followed your opinions on flashlights once or twice and I am very happy with the purchases I made. Thanks for this video, Very well done!

I would like to add that a Victorinox has come out with the Delemont 85mm and combination with a Leatherman can pair really good

It was pretty obvious to me you were demonstrating the thought process one needs to go through when evaluating a piece of equipment in light of ones particular needs. The Leatherman Rebar was my choice as I wanted the smallest, lightest, Leatherman that had a can opener that looked like a traditional can opener, the replaceable cutters on the pliers were a bonus. Nicely done. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Decent review. Just got my Signal today. Since I already have a Style CS the scissor problem is solved in a similar way you did it with your Micra. I'll probably never buy a Wave because I have the Surge. Rather have a MUT as my next purchase. Back to the Signal. There are two observations I have for you, Chris. One very good and one not. First the good. The Reamer/Awl is a stroke of genius on this tool. You can deploy it; then close the tool back up and lock. The Awl sits nicely in a recess in the pommel which adds to it's strength. Top marks for the boys at Leatherman for that. Try it and you'll see what I'm talking about. Not so good....main blade liner lock when depressed allows contact to the side of the exterior file attachment with the thumbnail. The file is not so firmly affixed at this point and it kinda bothers me. Your review on this product helped me to better appreciate this tool. If one is into Bushcraft, this is an excellent back up tool in so many ways. Now I'll get back to watching Ray Mears on KZfaq. If you don't, you should. He's the master. And besides, the BBC always puts out great stuff. I've became very fascinated with the Sami style knives.

Priceless comment "Must keep fingernails looking pretty while surviving!" Great video, I like your process you put out there for new folks to try to make choices on their first edc multitool. Thanks Bob

You can also use the removable bit in the loop/can opener/hammer end for max torque

I never use either knife on my wave. btw, I think it's easy to carry horizontally in my back left pocket, super easy, forget it's there.

Great video Chris. I must say I like where your channel is going in 2016. You and a few other preppers are who inspired me to get my ass into gear and as much as I like the knife and gear reviews, I'm glad to see you will be leaning towards the basics of prepping a bit more. Also on a side note, I just got a schf43 for Christmas from the wife... can't wait to take her out to the woods!

I carry the Wave for my work with the bit kit and driver and a Fisher space pen Trekker model. It all fits in the nylon sheath for my work edc. I don't carry it when off duty. Depending on the day I carry the Juice s2 , the Rebar, or Gerber Dime or Skeletool. I like the options. The Signal looks like another option. Great video👍

I think it really depends on who you are and what your needs are, if your job etc requires you to use/have a lot of different tools, the wave is better but if you need/want a light EDC multi tools and you don't require a lot of tools. The signal is best

That it a kick a-- sheath. Love the look and absolutely love the sharpening rod inclusion instead of the fero rod.

Thanks, but I'll stick w/ my Sidekick minus its P.o.S. pocket clip in my Nite-Ize pouch on my belt. I moved my Wingman to my bunker gear so I have a second set of pliers (& extras) on a fire scene. I used it just last week at a house fire and I was glad I made the switch!

The hardest thing I have to think about when buying a multi tool is going through the specific tools I will need the most.

Leatherman rebar is my favorite multitool. It's the best value in my opinion.

I have a wave but have relegated it to the car kit. I also have a surge and a charge tti that I switch back and forth. Mostly carry my Charge TTi because of the weight. Also have a micro on my keychain. Also carry the "old" leatherman hexbit driver kit! ( no longer made ). Have a MUT with my gun kit. Thanks for the great videos! Keep up the great work! Happy New Year!

That Micra is one heck of a mini-multi. Simple design, good quality, made in America. I love mine.

Very smart change in your format. Less paradox of choice.

I personally prefer the leatherman Surge for the replaceable jig saw attachment. My reasoning: I can sharpen and retool most features of any multitool, but not the saw. SO... I went and bought a bunch of jigsaw blades from homehardware (5 for 13$), cut and sanded them down, now I have 10 replacement saws for my permacarry handtool. (FYI: Surge fits a 3in saw, stock one is okay but is worth replacing)

This is the same conclusion I came to as well between these two. I had a Skeletool CX that got confiscated while traveling and needed a replacement. While great, I always thought the ergonomics of the Skeletool was not excellent, the bit storage was poorly designed, the clip was just a little weak and it was maybe a little too barebones for me. The weight was perfect so I knew I wanted to stay as close as possible. The weight, pliers, 1/4 box wrench, 3/8 box wrench, and hammer were more important than tiny scissors and tiny screwdriver to me. The survival stuff (ferro rod, whistle, removable file) are neat extras that can even be removed for more weight savings. If I'm only carrying one thing with me every single day, the Signal makes a lot of sense.

allow me to be the counter point to this. I have been carrying a Leatherman tool since I was in high school. and I carried my original leatherman tool when I joined the ARMY. about a year into my time in, my partner and I were out in the back corner of base, about 5 miles from the main post, and out Jeep carb clogged. getting the filter out, and clearing it required my leatherman, as well as my buddy's. on the way back to main post, we stopped and bought a second one each, and I have carried 2 every since. for the last 20 years I have EDC'd a leatherman super, and until the wave came out I still had my original. now I EDC a super tool 200 and my original gen 1 wave. I would love to upgrade to the 300 and the current gen wave. but I carry both on my belt, in the leather pouches they came with. after a few days from when I upgraded them, the weight was a non issue.. I just dont notice it at all. and they are both ALWAYS on my hips. I even have a ferro rod tucked into the super tool sheath.

Awesome comparison and excellent points, Chris. Thanks for this. As someone who chooses the tools based on the kit - or the expected use, I also saw the Signal as a camp/hiking tool and discounted any other uses when I first saw it. Now, I'm rethinking that. It's interesting that when we first see something - like the Signal with its ferro rod and diamond sharpener - we key on the little things that make it different rather than looking at the WHOLE tool and what it offers. I think you did a great job of breaking that down.

Love the concept for the videos. Simple common sense - what works for you may not work for someone else but you have invited people to question WHY they carry what they do, maybe there is a better way. I personally just got my SIGNAL and it is my everyday in my pocket and my WAVE with the complete BIT KIT and Bit extender stays in my backpack

Thanks for the video. I was looking for a replacement for my Supertool 300 that I LOVE, but has developed play in the pliers from use. I picked up the wave the other day, but I didn't know they offered a model with a rod included. Will exchange for the signal. It is perfect! Thanks again.

I carry the Leatherman Micra along in the same pouch of my multitool Victorinox I customised the pouch to carry the Victorinox ruler compass/magnifier/temp reader along with a ferrocerium rod it's very compact and nice for something to carry every day for 6 years now

Didn't think you'd pull that off, but you've made good points and I see the logic of the Signal.

My personal favorite Leatherman is the Wingman. Carried it while I was in the Navy. I find for the price it is the best and it suits my needs. I love the serrated knife on it.

Really love the signal and micro combo plan on adding both to my EDC and leaving my leatherman rebar in my car or backpack

my Wave is stashed in my B.O.B. I edc the Rebar. it costs about $40. it has the replaceable wire cutters, a plain edge knife ( I hate combo blades). the saw, awl, serrated blade. no scissors. comes in handy at work.

The blade on the Signal is a bit daft. The serrated bit is so short it's almost useless. Plus, you want the serrations on the belly of the blade, where most rope and fabric cutting occurs, and the fine edge close to the handle, cause that's the bit you use to carve things with the best blade control. Victorinox got this one right. Secondly, Leatherman MTs are designed mostly for use around the home or at work. That's why the Wave has a file. It gets used a lot. The Signal is indeed oriented more towards the outdoors, so it doesn't have the file. It depends on what you want to do with the MT, but to be honest, if you want something for outdoor and camping use, use Victorinox. I will agree that the Signal has better pliers, even though i prefer the shape of the Wave pliers, but that's just a cosmetic thing. The thing is, my dad has pliers that have to be at least 25 years old. They still cut fine. If you bend the cutting edges on the Wave, then you're *really* misusing them. I have no doubt that for normal, average use, the Wave pliers will last for the entire tool lifetime. And even though you need to buy a pocket clip for the Wave, it does come with a sheath. This "it's too heavy for pocket carry" point is a bit moot, since you don't *have* to carry it in your pocket. Also... confirmation bias. You say both the Wave and the Signal have the same bit driver. Then you say the Wave doesn't have anything over the Signal when what you should be saying is that they're both even. And then you go on to say the Signal is better *even though both of them have the exact same capability.* Actually, no. That's not true. Where is the small glass repair screwdriver on the Signal, pray tell? The awl, however, is probably the most wanted feature on a Wave. Leatherman should have included it. The large flathead screwdriver is actually best used as a prying tool. I use it all the time. The small glasses screwdriver can be very useful around the office or house. Because that's what the Wave is for. Not for the outdoors. And when it comes to the scissors, you're just cheating. If you add the Micra to the mix, then the Wave is lighter. You also introduce a lot of redundancy and a lot of tools you don't need. By introducing that Micra, you're turning your system into everything you dislike about the Wave. Also, can you keep your keys plus the Micra plus the Signal in one pocket? And it's a better solution that the Wave? I doubt it. So addressing your conclusion, the Signal's pliers aren't *that* much superior to the Wave. Adding the Micra to the mix pushes the weight above the Wave's. It's not lighter, it's not easier. I can go on and on, but i'll leave it at that. I know where you're coming from and i understand why you prefer the Signal over the Wave. What i'm trying to say is that, for starters, you're comparing apples with oranges, and secondly, you aren't making very good arguments. The Wave is meant for handy work and it's much better equipped for that than the Signal, which is designed for the outdoors, which it's better at than the Wave. And then, to compensate, you bring the Micra into the mix, which makes the Wave lighter. It introduces redundant tools you don't need, something you dislike about the Wave. Just say you like the Signal more and that it fits your needs better than the Wave. It's alright to say that. But in any case, this is a very good showcase for both multi tools, so thumbs up for that.

Nice review. My Wave came with the Micra multi tool, nylon holster and a mini Maglight. Kydex might be good option but I like the idea of having a penlight with the multi tool. I'm in a suit or sports coat 90% of the time so there's only so much stuff that can go in my pockets. I wear a gun belt because it can support more items not all of which needs concealment so it makes sense to holster wear the Wave. Multi tools do just that offer multiple options. Can't EDC a JX2 while working (wish I could), it is my new field knife however. I do like your new JX2 sheath.

very good logic. i ruled out the signal until watching this. i have the original supertool in my bag always so for edc i leaning to the signal now. Thanks!

For my use the Leatherman Rebar is the best midsize, pocketable muti tool.

Still not convinced... Wave all the way! :D

Happy New Year from Scotland. I have to agree about buying the best. In the early 1990`s Leatherman`s were almost unheard of over here .... as were multi tools in general. I was given a Leatherman as a Christmas present sometime maybe 1994 .... it has been on my belt ever since and it is still 100% functional and has never failed. I would like to get a newer model sometime but that can wait! Atb Jim

Serendipity! I already have a Wave and a Micra, but, I've had them since both were introduced, that's over 15 years ago! So my Wave version is the one that needs the adapter for hex bits, so more of a compromise there. Thing is, I've never really found that I need more than they provide, they serve their purpose well. I also have THE original Leatherman, must at least 20 years old now. Still completely serviceable, in it's original leather sheath, and I still use it. This looks to be an interesting series, will be watching carefully!

It depends on how you use and what you use the mt for. I prefer the Super Tool, It's bigger but not too heavy and I like the way the tools are all on the inside so they won't get dirty or slide out. I don't even use the scissors on the Wave, I just use my knife when I need to cut things, so having scissors on a mt is useless to me because I never use it. The ST 300 has 19 but I found 21 uses on it so to me it's way better and lighter than the Surge. I also carry an adapter that fits the Phillips and I can use any bit and I carry those in a separate little pouch with the bits I need. I am happy with my system and it works no matter wher I go and what I'm doing.

picked up the signal this weekend, but ended up taking it back. I see where they were going with it, but because of that skeletonized construction, it was really flimsy when using the screwdriver, or any of the tools. I liked it ok and wanted to like it a lot more, but in the end i found the wave to be the best option for me. Just wish the wave had an awl.

I'm combining the Signal with a Victorinox Climber that has pretty nice scissors. Signal clipped to pocket, victorinox riding in the pocket.

I go through seasons where I use my Leatherman original almost 10 times a day and can't live without it. then I won't use it for a week or two. Just when I forget to carry it, then I find I need it again. This pattern has repeated now for many years.

I'd add in the Victorinox Spirit X into the best all-around multi-tool conversation. Only one that holds a candle to Leatherman, IMO. Even better in some ways, too.

Hahaha, I did the same setup but instead of the Signal, I carry the Leatherman MUT. I actually use every tool on the MUT including the carbon scraper and punch tool for work.

I know what you mean about being sick, I've been nursing a nasty cold. Happy new gear Chris.

I have the Surge, Wingman and CS Keychain tool. Honestly the Surge has the best features but it is big and heavy. Usually I keep that one in my car. Totally valid points about weight.

Chris, Thanks for the organized approach! I am overwhelmed with the number of gear items that I would like to own. I need to focus on how to build my system.

for EDC I find the Leatherman Wingman all that I need, it has a pocket clip is not too heavy and when combined with a decent pocket knife covers all the bases.

Good choice , no joke , I am in the process of aquireing a leatherman rebar and micra now. A little bit lighter and a few more tools on the rebar, but not accessible from yye outside

I know I'm behind and have all 3 my self,Damn Chris this is why I love this channel.

I carry the Leatherman super tool and now the core in a magazine pouch and a micra .

The wave + has the replaceable wire cutters now and the file I've had to use it for a padlock and it went through it. I'll keep my wave over signal. And the scissors have done every cutting that I needed. The whistle I can go without it. The striker. Yeah ill pack a match or lighter lol

It really depends on what you want to use for personal gains, for me the signal is perfect since im more of an outdoor man, a friend of mine has the wave and he use it for everyday work, love your vid btw!

And here I am, really old school, having recently replaced my original (mark one) Leatherman--from the ancient days when there was the only one--with its closest modern version, the Rebar. I do like the suggestion to add the Micra. (BTW, I unlike you, I find myself using the file quite a lot for the things that I do.)

Good god man! It takes dedication to shoot outdoors in January! And considering that you're in a Great Lakes state...you might as well be in the Arctic Circle! I'm shivering just watching this vid! I wish I could hit the Thumbs Up twice! lol

great vid and series!!! I ended up choosing the Signal as my 1st Multi-tool purchase for a everyday use.. thx

What you are stating makes sense. However, the Leatherman Juice CS4 in my opinion is a great and acceptable EDC.

I’m excited to see the new wave it has been upgraded with 154cm cutters and they removed the eye glass tool and added better stuff !

I agree that that the Signal has superior wire cutters being 154 cm and replaceable, but I still believe the Wave has a more precision pliers head over the Signal. I generally prefer a separate straight edge blade and a serrated blade rather than the Signal's Combo blade. Combo blades can be difficult for the average person to sharpen and the cutting surface is confused and limited. I feel the whistle, sharpener and ferro rod are gimicky. The ferro rod appears to only be usable a few times before needing replacing. The Whistle is too limited, buy a designated whistle that is more effective. I keep crock sticks in the pack for sharpening in the field, that short little nib of diamond file is laughable. I checked the price range on the Signal $89-$110 versus the Wave at $79-$89. Personally, for price paid and the tool set package of both multi tools, I would choose the Wave. I enjoyed listening to your thought process on comparing the tools. I believe you made your case, I just happen to not agree with your conclusions. Lastly, the Signal is controversial with about 50% liking it and about 50% not. The Wave is proven over more than a decade by a majority of Leatherman consumers/fans. This is evidenced by the millions of Wave Multi Tools sold.