Comparison
Leatherman Signal vs
Wave+
Signal is the fire kit, Wave+ is the daily kit: same factory, same 25-year warranty, different tools.
Compare Leatherman Signal and Leatherman Wave+
Pick Leatherman Signal if
you want a ferro rod, whistle, and hammer, and 7.5 oz is acceptable.
Pick Leatherman Wave+ if
you want scissors, two knives, and files, and 8.5 oz is fine.
Notes
Leatherman Signal vs Wave+
The split is the kit, not the factory. Both come from Portland. Both lock every tool except the pliers. Both keep blades out of a carry-on.
Signal is 19 tools and 7.5 oz. Ferro. Whistle. Hammer. Diamond sharpener. Combo 420HC, 2.73 in, thumb hole. 4.5 in closed. Clip in the box. No scissors. No file.
Wave+ is 18 tools and 8.5 oz. Two 420HC knives, plain 2.92 in and serrated, both outside. Saw and file outside. Spring scissors. 4 in closed. Clip sold separately. No ferro. No whistle. No hammer.
Skeletool is the third sibling. 7 tools. 5 oz. 4 in closed. Combo blade, pliers, bit driver, carabiner. Fewest tools. Lightest pocket. Skeletool vs Wave+ is that ledger. Tools holds the three.
Yearly cost is unverified. There is no consumable schedule on the spec pages. Sheaths are extras, not a subscription.
TSA: blades go in checked baggage. That is Leatherman’s own travel note.
Garmin inReach Mini 3 is the desert radio that sits next to a Signal in a pack. Best satellite communicator for desert hiking is that roundup.
Questions
Which is better for outdoor or desert use with fire starting?
Signal. Built-in ferrocerium rod, safety whistle, and hammer. Wave+ has none of those. Skeletool has none of those. Weight order is Skeletool 5 oz, Signal 7.5 oz, Wave+ 8.5 oz.
What is the lightest for EDC?
Skeletool at 5 oz, 7 tools, 4 in closed. It is not on this two-column ledger. Notes below. Signal is 7.5 oz. Wave+ is 8.5 oz.
Do they have outside-accessible blades?
Yes. Signal’s combo blade. Wave+’s plain and serrated knives, plus saw and file. Skeletool’s combo blade. All lock except the pliers.
Is a sheath included?
No. Sold separately on all three. Signal includes a removable pocket clip. Wave+ does not. Skeletool includes a clip and a carabiner.
Where are they made, and what is the warranty?
Portland, Oregon, with some global parts. 25-year limited for the original owner on personal-use tools from an authorized dealer. Abuse, rust, and most sheaths are out.
Which has a pocket clip in the box?
Signal includes a removable pocket clip. Wave+ clip is sold separately. Skeletool includes a clip and a carabiner.
Can either go in a carry-on?
No. Blades go in checked baggage. That is Leatherman’s travel note.
Sources
No single winner. Signal for camp and desert fire. Wave+ for everyday work. Skeletool if 5 oz is the whole argument.