Leatherman Signal Issues and EDC Use | Replacing with the Leatherman Surge

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  • Опубликовано: 15 янв 2025

Комментарии • 68

  • @bensoto87
    @bensoto87 5 месяцев назад +3

    I'm coming from the Surge to the Signal. Had my Surge for years and it was so handy, but i lost it at a campground several months ago. I decided to go with the Signal with a slight bit of hesitation over the lack of scissors. But so far I'm pleased with the Signal due to it being lighter and the clips are really handy for me.
    If the Signal had scissors it would be complete and if the Surge had a belt clip and a hammer I would have gone with it in a heartbeat.
    All in all they are great tools and sure do come in handy!

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  5 месяцев назад +2

      It would be amazing to select the frame and the tool in a custom build process - I think thats the next evolution 👍

    • @bensoto87
      @bensoto87 5 месяцев назад

      @@TheEmporiumOutdoors A truly personalized multi-tool would be incredible!

  • @Shmyrk
    @Shmyrk 6 месяцев назад +5

    I clicked expecting to see some personal bias type thing, but this is a genuine game-changer. Thank you fo saving me some money!
    Oddly enough, the signal just went on sale for 20% off on the leatherman site 🤔

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      No problem! I try and be honest about my purchases and failures - lol. I also noticed the 20% off. I think they are going to re-design the signal. It has good bones but needs a tweak or two!

  • @jastrapper190
    @jastrapper190 2 месяца назад +1

    Honest review. Good info

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  2 месяца назад +1

      Thanks, I try to be as informative as I can!

    • @jastrapper190
      @jastrapper190 2 месяца назад +1

      @@TheEmporiumOutdoors I ordered one. For my purposes… the tool will be for backpacking/snowshoeing… the screwdriver is really not a priority. I hope my spring doesn’t break though. Lol. I like the idea of a “backup” fire making tool and whistle and ability to touch up a blade with the hone. I’m going to put one or two tinder tabs into the tool and see if I can close it. The saw, pliers, and beefy knife are more the features I like/desire. I think it’ll make a great tool for my use. Also not as heavy as some other options and slimmer profile. But if I was in construction or plumbing or electricians shoes… probably not the best tool for those jobs.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  2 месяца назад +1

      @@jastrapper190 You got it - thats the best use of this tool - its light and has everything you would need for survival in the woods. I rarely use a screw driver when camping but its nice to know I have one if the need arises. The Signal is great for that! 👍

  • @punisherlj9438
    @punisherlj9438 6 месяцев назад +3

    Having the Arc and Surge, you have made the correct choice. I have the original surge. They have changed them slightly from the original release. The original surge has the mini bit driver but not the replaceable wire cutters. I think they added the additional scraper, flat head for the mini driver. I really think the original surge with the addition of the replaceable wire cutter would be the perfect tool. Or the Arc if they include the T-shank blade holder. It’s like each tool is missing a piece to prevent one tool from fitting everyone’s needs!

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      I think I made the right choice - The T slot gives so many options for adding custom tools! I'm just not seeing the ARC features and the price being a compelling reason to buy right now.

  • @Jax4umalta
    @Jax4umalta 6 месяцев назад +2

    I have the Leatherman wingman which works out wonderfully for me. I use it more than I thought I would. I’ve had it since 2019. I think I paid like 50 bucks for it. It’s now 70. Just crazy. The surge is massive. I wonder what that weighs compared to my wingman. Thanks for the info MICHAEL as usual. Cheers my friend.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад +1

      They are wonderful tools and you are always the person at the back that says "sure I got a knife/pliers/screwdriver" to save the day 😄 Prices are getting out of hand and my salary is not keeping pace - lol

    • @Jax4umalta
      @Jax4umalta 6 месяцев назад +2

      @@TheEmporiumOutdoors I hear you on the pay situation. I’ve been doing a lot of yard camping this year just to save money. It’s still nice even just to get out in the yard. Last year I did save the day with my Leatherman. There was a father and son camping next to us for the son‘s birthday he bought him a toy that required a screwdriver. he didn’t have one and I did. It was nice to put a smile on that little boy’s face.

  • @WoodsUnknown
    @WoodsUnknown 4 месяца назад +1

    I also have the surge for my EDC, I also carry a milwaukee 6 in 1. Have you seen the Gerber dual force? Michael I hope all is well and stay safe my friend from New Brunswick.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  4 месяца назад

      Hey buddy - Hope all is well back east!! I have not had good luck with Gerber over the years. I don't mind their fixed blades but multitools has been a bust for me, but I'll check out the Gerber dual force! Thanks for the tip!

    • @WoodsUnknown
      @WoodsUnknown 4 месяца назад

      @@TheEmporiumOutdoors it would be strictly a look see for that Gerber, I agree as well once you pick up a Leatherman Surge there's no going back. Closest competition would be a bibury 31 in 1 on amazon I think that's the surges clone for like 60 dollars. That one is worth a looking into. Also I took camo paracord and wrapped the thumb opening for my knife and serated knife and I'll tell you it's so much nicer opening the tools now. I'll post picks this weekend and maybe a video. Stay safe my friend.

  • @efradarroyo5879
    @efradarroyo5879 5 месяцев назад +2

    Send the Signal in for warranty, they replace the spring. To screw on the Signal, I use it in the gun position. But you made an excellent purchase with the Surge, I have it, but it is not very heavy and large to carry it everywhere. If you want something lighter and smaller, the Wave is best.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  5 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks for the advice!! I appreciate it! Loving the Surge so far - but as you say - it's heavy!

  • @ProfessorOutdoors
    @ProfessorOutdoors 6 месяцев назад +1

    Nice video, Michael. I have the same EDC sleeve- could you post the name of the USB light you showed? That’s really neat.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад +1

      Sure thing! Its the OLight i1R 2 Pro Keychain Flashlight - Its about $20 👍

    • @ProfessorOutdoors
      @ProfessorOutdoors 6 месяцев назад +1

      @@TheEmporiumOutdoors thanks! I just ordered one. Can’t wait to use it!

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      @@ProfessorOutdoors You will love it!! 👍

  • @RatdogDRB
    @RatdogDRB 6 месяцев назад +1

    Love my Wave and my Charge. I also love my MUT, which is the initial offering of the platform used by the Signal. Mine is centered around being a tool for the AR-15 semi-auto rifle. I like 'em for the different reasons. The bit issue that bugs you so much, not an issue for me, I let the handles form a 90 degree and use it with the greater leverage it enables. I agree with you to lose the serrated portion of the blade or offer a replacement without them, so you have a choice. But a good set of ceramic sticks do enable a feller to keep those serrations sharp.
    I think I mentioned it before, but if you get a standard 1/4" bit driver extension and put your bench grinder to work it can be modified to fit the proprietary Leatherman bit holder, then your options for regular 1/4" bits grows dramatically. Having their set of bits in the sheath is never a bad thing, but options are always a good idea in my book.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      I recall you mentioning the 90deg use of the handle but for me that also feels odd. Maybe because all my other leatherman work as intended - I just cant work past it 😄 I'm going to be grinding and shaping some tools for the Surge coming soon! 👍

  • @wattpuppygc1467
    @wattpuppygc1467 6 месяцев назад +1

    Good stuff thanks for viewing 👍 from Garth

  • @benterwellen
    @benterwellen 6 месяцев назад +2

    I have a leatherman surge Chinese knockoff (rocktol) paid $49.99 dollars on amazon, comes with tools and saw blades so far it works great and saved well over $100.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      Wow nice!! I'll check those out!

    • @Shmyrk
      @Shmyrk 6 месяцев назад +1

      How long have you had it?

    • @marksaint2936
      @marksaint2936 5 месяцев назад +1

      Those are made by Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co. and marketed through numerous companies. While they have less quality steel they are well built. Their main blade is thinner than the Leatherman's. Fit and finish is excellent. I have both the Signal and the Chinese variant.

    • @Sanguivore
      @Sanguivore 5 месяцев назад

      @@marksaint2936Does the Chinese one hold up well to hard work?

    • @robertcong-leton3275
      @robertcong-leton3275 2 месяца назад +1

      @@Sanguivore The steel is thinner and seems softer; remember, you get what you pay for. Caveat Emptor.

  • @leighrate
    @leighrate 6 месяцев назад +2

    I was surprised that you chose the Signal as your every day carry, because that's not really its intended purpose. It's a specialist through hiker, survival, camping tool.
    For every day carry, which in practice means work, I use a Super Tool 300, and the discontinued P4 (thanks, Leatherman 😡).

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      I like to experiment and use things practically, not just try them for an hour and post a video. The signal as you correctly stated is not aimed at the handyman, but an outdoors person. However, it actually had all the tools I needed day-to-day plus some other I'd use camping and saved me switching tools. I used to carry the T4 Free (in the video I think I said P4?!) which was adequate - less the pliers. So I thought the signal was a slight upgrade. Ohh well 😄

  • @planetdee3587
    @planetdee3587 4 месяца назад +1

    My Bibury Pro (Surge like) is my favorite tool.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  4 месяца назад +1

      Wow those are cheap!! Do you like it and you have had no issues?

    • @planetdee3587
      @planetdee3587 4 месяца назад

      @TheEmporiumOutdoors I really do like it and have had no issues. I use it around the house so no super tough use. Some have put it through extremes with positive feedback, but I have user it to cut some wires, screw things in.. and they have other smaller options that are "Wave" size which I gifted to friends. So so far I like my Bibury Pro. I do own a Wave that I purchased for my channel to review and honestly at $120... just not worth it to me.

  • @Utah_Mike
    @Utah_Mike 6 месяцев назад +1

    💯 agree

  • @scottnorvell2955
    @scottnorvell2955 7 дней назад +1

    I like mine. I have two. It’s really not an EDC tool. It’s really a survival tool. I bought them to put in bushcraft kits. I like have the emergent tools as extras. If I lose my Ferro rod or whistle I like having the backups. But I don’t carry it as an EDC blade. It’s just not designed for that.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  7 дней назад

      Indeed I came to the same conclusion. It a bit of a niche product that it does very well. I carry mine on my belt when out camping and not day-to-day 👍

  • @ChromeArty
    @ChromeArty 6 месяцев назад +4

    This is amusing to me, no disrespect intended. But this is a case of being spoiled by too many options.
    I have been a blue collar working man for over 20 years. I've never owned a Leatherman until now. I've never needed one. If you are being "driven mad" by a multi-tool's philps driver not being centered, then you are missing the point of these tools. They are meant for being used in a pinch (ie. They do many jobs, but do them poorly). That's the nature of the beast.
    The Signal is an excellent tool for the outdoorsman that already has all these tools and knows how to use them. Especially the ferro rod, you need to he proficient at their use before thinking the little ferro rod on the tool itself is going to save your ass one day.
    The hammer is excellent for tenderizing a grouse breast or another cut of meat.
    The serrations (something I entirely avoid on all my knives) is actually useful on this tool for cutting off fish heads, cutting through cordage or rope, perhaps an emergency seat belt removal.
    I honestly can't think of a better set up for its intended use: A woodsmans backup with a set of pliers. Just knowing I'll always have a ferro rod attached to me is huge. Highky unlikely I'd be caught without a lighter and/or a proper ferro rod. However it is an added piece of mind.
    As a fellow British Columbian, my only gripe is it doesn't come with a Robertson bit. That would be the only change I'd make as i come across that screw head far more often than Philips.
    Anyway, in short, I think you just chose the wrong tool for you and that there isn't a dang thing wrong with the Signal.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      I kinda agree with you, there is too much choice and I am spoiled for gear, but the point of the channel is to share what I find while using the gear I purchase. You can buy the bit kit with the Robertson bit with different sizes from Leatherman. I still think the Signal could be improved - Lets see if the Mk2 version has any of my gripes removed 😄 Kind wishes from Alberta! 🇨🇦

    • @TheSimplecanadian
      @TheSimplecanadian 6 месяцев назад

      I agree I wish all the Canadian Leatherman's came with a #2 Philips and #2 Robertson combo bit. Almost all if not all the leatherman have a dedicated flat screwdriver/pry tool already no need to waste the other end of the combo bit with another flat

  • @jarvisskooge8602
    @jarvisskooge8602 4 месяца назад +1

    The Surge has no substitute. I added an excellent aftermarket pocket clip which for me solved the carry/weight issue. It now easily carries in a jeans/cargo pants front pocket.

  • @MichaelR58
    @MichaelR58 6 месяцев назад +1

    Good video, thanks for sharing YAH bless !

  • @kevola5739
    @kevola5739 6 месяцев назад +1

    Perhaps the pommel on the Signal making contact with the bit driver caused the broken spring problem. The weight of the Surge is easy to justify if you are using it but if it is a "just in case" tool you will probably notice the weight more. I have a K4 and the magnetic architecture is not for me. I had to cover the magnet with tape to weaken the holding power to make it useable plus I took it apart to clean out grit around the magnet and adjust the pivot before I ever used the tool. If I had to do this to a $300 CAD Arc I would freak. Luv the Surge though I am starting to question the quality and direction of Leatherman. Tool users made the company but now they seem to cater to gadget spinners. Maybe they are trying to be everything to everybody but this seems to be spreading themselves a little thin. Buy yourself a Fox 40 whistle and a neck lanyard and you are all set.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад +1

      Wow you just mentioned something thats I hadn't considered. Having magnetic parts of the tool (ARC) and using a metal file will definitely attract swarf and just generally attract metal dust in pockets etc - This is going to rust inside the tool and grind inside the joints 😮. I hope they considered that!! I agree about Leatherman - Just keep traditional or (which they wont, as people will buy 1 tool) allow people to custom design tools based on base frames......I hope 👍

  • @hiphopjewels
    @hiphopjewels 4 месяца назад +1

    I think the Arc really is their best model, but unfortunately it's the most expensive. It has the butt end of the tool that can be used as a hammer just like the Signal. It has all the other main features except for the whistle and fire starter, and neither of them are a 10/10 on the Signal anyway. It also annoyed me that the Signal cannot be closed entirely while the bit driver is in use. I hope they modify the design. I guess their thinking was that in a camp setting, or while hiking, the screwdriver might be one of the least used features of the multitool.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  4 месяца назад

      I will keep looking at the Arc but might wait for a deal before going for it. I think the signal screw driver issue was an oversight - I think its just sloppy design and they should have done a better job 👍

  • @redsorgum
    @redsorgum 6 месяцев назад +1

    You would think as they were testing it, they would have noticed the problem. I sometimes wonder if the people who come up with these ideas, ever use these products. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      100% agree - Sometimes they get focused on aesthetics and not function!

  • @skywalker5392
    @skywalker5392 4 месяца назад +2

    Signal designed not to do work with bits on priority, you can actually open awl and the hammer will close completely. I have the same signal and im from Ukraine, so it could be more useful because you dont know when the bomb gona burie you under concrete, so you gona need whistle and people will know where to dig. Hammer is also good idea for some sort of making way out from building. I also bought a glass broker bit, and i can always get out stuck people from their car, and sereitor blade going to easily cut seat belts. Also on my edc is tourniquet and some stuff to stop bleeding. In great times we live here, not gona believe that it gona happen but here the reality 😂
    Take care of yourselves folks

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  4 месяца назад

      Well that seems like a great way you have it all setup - Stay safe my friend!! 👍

  • @putinontheblitz359
    @putinontheblitz359 5 месяцев назад +1

    The only reason I ever bought a Signal was because it looked cool as f@ck.
    The plier head is a dead giveaway that it is not meant for heavier work. Closest to a needle nose that I have seen on a Leatherman.
    I do however carry it quite alot. The weight is good and if you buy the 3rd party bit holders to replace the sharpener and whistle, it becomes more practical.
    Using the screw driver with the frame fully open has never bothered me and to be honest , the hammer you suggest that should be trimmed down can come in handy.
    Wave + probably the best for a sturdy EDC factoring in weight.
    Super Tool 300 ...... best bang for the buck for a heavy duty multitool.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks for the feedback!! I think I might try a wave as it comes up as an option a lot! 👍

    • @putinontheblitz359
      @putinontheblitz359 5 месяцев назад

      @@TheEmporiumOutdoors
      Yep no problem .... just for weight comparison:
      Signal 7.5 oz
      Wave + 8.5 oz
      Surge 12.5 Oz
      Cheers from Yukon Territory

  • @ellerybice3787
    @ellerybice3787 6 месяцев назад +1

    If you magnetize locally the area that holds the bit in place, or magnetize the entire tool, the bits will stay in place, eh? 🤷🏼‍♂️

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      Great idea - but...when the bit sometimes sticks to the faster as they do - it will pull it out. I have to get the spring fixed 😞

  • @alexh.4068
    @alexh.4068 Месяц назад +1

    I disagree with the bitholder "issue". Non issue.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  Месяц назад

      I clearly think this is a design mistake but you are welcome to your opinion 👍

  • @MrMikebarrie
    @MrMikebarrie 6 месяцев назад +1

    Leatherman warranty will certainly take care of you with the spring. But they can’t help with your design conflict. Get it fixed/replaced and sell it.

    • @TheEmporiumOutdoors
      @TheEmporiumOutdoors  6 месяцев назад

      Thanks Mike - Does it seem weird to you also about the not closing when using the driver?

    • @MrMikebarrie
      @MrMikebarrie 6 месяцев назад

      I’ve never really thought about it. I’m not sure it’s a problem for me. (But I don’t have a Signal). My most carried Leatherman is my Skeletool, which isn’t exactly the same, but the bit driver can only be used when the tool is open.
      On my Surge, Wave, and Charge, 70% of the time I use the bit driver with the tool open. 30% closed. If I’m not using the bit extender.
      If I am using the bit extender, it’s 90%+ tool closed. And then it would probably bother me.