Which multi-tool Wins for Your Summer?
We wanted to find out the differences between Signal® and Skeletool® CX, so we went to our resident expert, Matt Brown. A former engineer on Signal and now our Warranty Program Manager, he knows how our tools perform over the long run.
So, we asked Matt a few questions to dive into two of our most popular outdoor multi-tools, so you can decide which one is the best fit for all your summer adventures.
P.S. Read to the end (or skip ahead, we don’t judge) to find out about a special promo for July.
P.P.S. Okay, we couldn’t wait. You’ll get a free Tool Pouch when you buy either a Skeletool CX or Signal. Everybody wins.
Meet the Tools
Q: At a high level, what kind of person is the Signal built for, and who tends to gravitate toward the Skeletool CX?
A: Signal is built for outdoor enthusiasts who might need a few special features (whistle, firestarter, sharpener) while they’re away from civilization. It’s designed to be as compact as possible, while carrying some potentially life-saving features that our other products don’t have.
Skeletool CX is a more minimalist product, optimized for pocket carry, with only the basics. It’s one of our most popular everyday carry (aka EDC) products. Its small size helps it fit seamlessly into your daily routine, but it’s still capable and strong enough to tackle the unexpected issues you run into daily.
Q: Do you see the Signal more as a dedicated outdoor tool, while the Skeletool CX is more of an everyday companion—or is that oversimplifying it?
A: Yeah, that’s it. Signal shares a lot of its platform with Rebar and Wave. It’s a bit bigger and carries some bespoke features that no other multi-tool does. Skeletool CX is designed to blend into your daily life, an ever-present companion that you can rely on.
Q: If these tools were vehicles, what would they be?
A: I was hoping we’d get to cars eventually! Signal would be a Land Cruiser. Tough, capable, probably overkill for a daily need, but lifesaving when it matters.
Skeletool might be a Tacoma. It’s a bit more basic, but a big fanbase and trusted by a ton of people every day.
Q: If someone is buying their first Leatherman, what questions should they ask themselves before choosing between these two?
A: I think you should think about how you want to carry the tool. A lot of people buy a large tool with a ton of features but end up keeping it in a glove box because it’s not as convenient to carry.
Signal pocket carries well for its size, but it’s still a mid-sized tool like a Wave or Rebar. If you need the unique features it offers, it’s the one for you.
If you’re looking for a simpler daily driver, go with Skeletool CX. You’ll be amazed at all the ways you’ll use it.
Real-World Carry & Everyday Use
Q: Why do some people specifically prefer a simpler multi-tool instead of the biggest, most feature-packed option?
A: The biggest feature of any tool is having it with you when you have a problem. If you’ve gone too big, you might not end up carrying it on the day you need it. A thin, pocketable tool will end up being more useful in the long run if you regularly need one.
Q: How much do size and weight affect whether people carry a tool consistently?
A: It’s a big factor. Not everyone wants to use a sheath, or wear cargo pants with huge pockets. Your tool might need to co-exist with your hands, phone, keys, etc. Balancing functionality with size is a huge deal when you’re optimizing an EDC tool.
Q: Which tool would be best to keep in the pocket even after the camping trip is over?
A: It’s hard to answer this for everyone, but Skeletool CX will fit more pockets on more people vs. Signal. Plenty of people EDC Signal, or even MUT or Surge, but I think they’re the exception.
Q: What are the little usability differences people notice once they’ve carried these tools for a while?
A: Skeletool CX offers a 154cm blade, which will stay sharp longer than the 420HC blade on a Signal. Signal has a useful hammer integrated into the handle that Skeletool CX doesn’t have.
Outdoors, Adventure & Trade-Offs
Q: What’s a real outdoor moment when having a multi-tool instantly saves the day?
A: The ability to start a fire is a big deal if you’re lost or unprepared for weather. The whistle on the Signal was tuned to a frequency that carries the farthest in a rescue situation. You can keep the blade sharp with the diamond sharpener, even the facets of the serrations that are designed into the curvature of the sharpener. Nature is full of unexpected events and situations, and Signal is designed to give you an advantage when you need it.
Q: The Signal has some very outdoorsy features built in. Which ones end up being the most useful in real life?
A: I think the most useful features of a Signal in an EDC sense are the awl and the hammer. The awl is thin and sharp and can get into places you can’t really fit the knife blade. The hammer is tough and a bit more precise than a rock or other blunt objects you’ll find lying around in the outdoors.
Q: On the flip side, what’s something about the Skeletool CX that longtime fans really appreciate?
A: The bit driver and the extra bit stored in the handle. Leatherman offers many bits so you can custom tailor the Skeletool CX to carry the things you’ll commonly need (plus one extra bit vs. Signal). Also, the bottle opener functionality of the carabiner gate is really satisfying. If you get the touch, it'll catch the cap as you open a bottle.
Q: If you were heading out for a weekend camping trip, which tool would you personally pack—and why? How about for a day hike?
A: If I’m outdoors and in a situation where things might go sideways (unfamiliar area, challenging terrain, etc.) - I’d probably bring a Signal. Especially if I’m carrying it in a backpack or a situation where I’ve got some extra space to carry it.
If I’m less concerned about what might happen, or hiking in a more minimalist manner, Skeletool CX would be great.
Kits, Carry & Promotion
Q: This summer promo includes a free Tool Pouch with either tool. What kinds of gear or setups does the pouch work well for?
A: The Tool Pouch really helps the Skeletool CX or Signal co-exist with other things in a bag. It helps prevent scratches on your phone or laptop. Keeps the candy and crumbs out of your tool. It can also help prevent your tool from banging around as much in a glovebox or toolbox.
The Tool Pouch color options also provide a way to differentiate whose tool you’re grabbing or perhaps match it to the style of your other accessories.
The Final Verdict
If you’re going out into the unknown and unpredictable, bring your Signal, but if you want a practical tool for everyday use, Skeletool CX does the trick.
Don’t forget. Whichever one you pick (or check all the boxes and get both), you’ll get a free Tool Pouch with your purchase for the entire month of July 2026.
