6 models in this file
Which Compact Leatherman Multi-Tool Should You Carry?
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Leatherman practically invented the modern pocket multi-tool, and its lineup still comes out of Portland, Oregon with a 25-year warranty behind most models. For travelers and hikers, though, the question is less about how many tools a Leatherman has and more about how many of those tools you will really use on a trip, and whether that is worth the extra ounces in a pocket or pack.
The six models below run from the 5 ounce, 7-tool Skeletool CX to the 9.6 ounce, 17-tool Rebar, with the Wingman, Wave Plus and two versions of the outdoor-focused Signal in between, and they differ mainly in weight, tool count and whether they include scissors, a saw or survival extras.
The line-up at a glance
Leatherman Compact Multi-Tools Compared
| Model | Tools | Listed weight | Key extras | Warranty listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEATHERMAN Wingman | 14 | Not listed | Spring-action scissors, pocket clip | 25 years |
| LEATHERMAN Wave Plus | 18 | 8.5 oz | Saw, replaceable wire cutters | 25 years / lifetime |
| LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX | 7 | 5 oz | Bit driver, carabiner clip | 25 years |
| LEATHERMAN Signal (Coyote Tan) | 19 | 7.5 oz | Fire starter, whistle, hammer | Conflicting |
| LEATHERMAN Rebar | 17 | 9.6 oz | Saw, crimper, replaceable cutters | 25 years |
| LEATHERMAN Signal (Topographical Print) | 19 | 7.5 oz or 9.6 oz (conflicting) | Fire starter, whistle, hammer | Conflicting |
No. 1 of 6 · Leatherman
LEATHERMAN Wingman Multi-Tool for Everyday Travel Fixes
8.2/10 Our score
Best for: Travelers wanting scissors and pliers in one
What the listing says
- ONE OF OUR BEST A classic, designed and assembled with premium materials; The Wingman is your go-to tool for projects…
- 14 TOOLS IN 1 Equipped with 14 tools to handle almost anything: knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper,…
- OUR GUARANTEE We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why…
- ONE-HAND OPENING Open all the tools with one hand, even the ones that aren't accessible from the outside;…
- ALWAYS ON HAND With its compact size, lightweight design and removable pocket clip, your Wingman is always within reach…
Pros
- 14 tools with spring-action scissors
- One-hand opening, locking blade
- Removable pocket clip
Cons
- Weight not listed
- No saw
The LEATHERMAN Wingman Multi-Tool packs 14 tools: a knife, spring-action pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, spring-action scissors, a package opener, bottle and can openers, a file and a ruler. Every tool opens with one hand, even the internal ones, and the blade locks.
Leatherman describes it as compact and lightweight with a removable pocket clip, though the listing does not give a weight or dimensions. It carries the 25-year warranty and is positioned as an affordable, full-featured everyday carry tool.
For travel, the Leatherman Wingman hits a sweet spot: scissors and a package opener get used constantly, while pliers and screwdrivers handle loose screws on luggage or gear. It lacks a saw, so hikers who need one should look at the Wave Plus or Signal.
No. 2 of 6 · Leatherman
LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool as the All-Rounder
9.8/10 Our score
Best for: All-rounders who fix things on trips
What the listing says
- A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer…
- Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools…
- Our Best-Selling All-Rounder From household fixes & DIY pursuits to gardening and exploring the outdoors, Wave+ helps you do…
- A DIY Must-Have This multi-tool empowers you to DIY like a pro; Includes tools like a saw, easy-to-use spring-action…
- Ready for Anything: A fresh upgrade to our most popular multitool; Now includes premium replaceable wire…
Pros
- 18 tools including saw
- Replaceable wire cutters
- Outside-accessible blades
Cons
- 5 oz in the pocket
- More than light packers need
The LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool is described as Leatherman’s best-selling all-rounder. It weighs 8.5 ounces and includes a saw, spring-action scissors, a ruler and 15 other tools, with outside-accessible blades and locking tools.
Its upgrade over earlier versions is premium replaceable wire cutters, so worn cutters do not retire the whole tool. The listing mentions both the 25-year warranty and a lifetime Leatherman warranty, and it does not give dimensions.
The Leatherman Wave Plus suits travelers who do real repairs on the road, from van builds to bike fixes, and want scissors and a saw together. At 8.5 ounces it is noticeably heavier than the Skeletool CX, so ultralight hikers will likely leave it at home.
No. 3 of 6 · Leatherman
LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX 7-in-1 Multi-Tool for Ultralight Carry
8.6/10 Our score
Best for: Minimalist hikers and daily carry
What the listing says
- A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer…
- Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools…
- Best of Both Worlds: A great pick for anyone new to multi-tools, the Skeletool CX is…
- Everyday Companion Weighing just 5 ounces, this slim and ultra-portable tool is perfect for everyday carry; A lightweight…
- Designed for the Outdoors: Rugged, light and perfectly functional for the outdoor minimalist; The Skeletool CX…
Pros
- Lightest at 5 ounces
- Carabiner clip
- Bit driver and pliers
Cons
- Only 7 tools
- No scissors or saw
The LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX 7-in-1 Multi-Tool is the lightest here at 5 ounces. It is essentially a pocketknife with extra capabilities: a straight-edged blade, needlenose pliers, a bit driver, wire cutters and a bottle opener, with open-frame carbon fiber handles and a carabiner clip.
The listing gives dimensions of 3.25 by 1 by 1 inches and the 25-year warranty. Leatherman pitches it for anyone new to multi-tools and for outdoor minimalists, with examples like cutting paracord to reinforce a tent or opening a drink.
The Leatherman Skeletool CX is the compact Leatherman for EDC and day hikes when ounces count. It has no scissors, saw or can opener, so if you would miss those, step up to the Wingman.
No. 4 of 6 · Leatherman
LEATHERMAN Signal 19-in-1 Multi-Tool in Coyote Tan for Camping
9.2/10 Our score
Best for: Signal buyers wanting the topo print
What the listing says
- A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer…
- Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools…
- Outdoor Champion The ultimate outdoor tool, Signal is designed for camping, hiking, fishing and more; A compact and…
- Your Adventure Buddy Designed to help you thrive in the outdoors; Includes a built-in fire starter; Anchor your tent…
- Toolbox Simplified Combines 19 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, hammer, can opener and more into a…
Pros
- Topographical print finish
- Fire starter and whistle
- 19 tools
Cons
- Weight specs conflict in listing
- Warranty field says no
Best for: Campers wanting fire and signal tools
Pros
- Ferrocerium fire starter
- Safety whistle and hammer
- 5 oz, 4.5 inches
Cons
- Warranty field says no
- Tools you may not need daily
The LEATHERMAN Signal 19-in-1 Multi-Tool in Coyote Tan is Leatherman’s outdoor specialist. It combines 19 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, a knife, a saw, a hammer and a can opener, with a ferrocerium fire starter, a safety whistle and a diamond-coated sharpener.
It measures 4.5 by 1.5 by 0.63 inches and weighs 7.5 ounces, and it is made in the USA. The feature text promises the 25-year warranty, but the warranty field in the specifications says no, so the listing is inconsistent on that point.
The Leatherman Signal suits campers, anglers and backpackers who will use the hammer on tent stakes and want a fire starter on hand. For city travel, those extras are dead weight, and the Wingman or Skeletool CX is more practical.
No. 5 of 6 · Leatherman
LEATHERMAN Rebar Multi-Tool for Work-Heavy Trips
9.6/10 Our score
Best for: Job site and house repairs
What the listing says
- An Icon Updated Inspired by Tim Leatherman's original PST, the Rebar features all-locking tools, 100% stainless steel construction and…
- 17 Tools in 1: The Rebar’s bounty of tools include knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an…
- Our Promise We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why…
- Stronger Design The Rebar pliers have been optimized for strength and feature replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters—a first for a…
- Always on Hand: Compact, lightweight and made for just about any job around the house or…
Pros
- 17 all-locking tools
- Replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper and stripper
Cons
- Heaviest at 9.6 ounces
- Bulky for hiking
The LEATHERMAN Rebar Multi-Tool is inspired by Tim Leatherman’s original PST. It has 17 all-locking tools in 100% stainless steel, including knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl and a ruler.
Its pliers are optimized for strength, and the replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters are, per the listing, a first for a 4-inch Leatherman. It weighs 9.6 ounces, the heaviest here, and lists dimensions of 5 by 3.5 by 1.75 inches with the 25-year warranty. The item highlight mentions scissors, but scissors are not in the listed tool set, so do not count on them.
The Leatherman Rebar suits contractors and anyone doing wiring or mechanical work on the road. For hiking, the weight and focus on electrical tools make it the least packable choice.
No. 6 of 6 · Leatherman
LEATHERMAN Signal 19-in-1 Multi-Tool in Topographical Print for a Distinct Look
9.8/10 Our score
What the listing says
- A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer…
- Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools…
- Outdoor Champion The ultimate outdoor tool, Signal is designed for camping, hiking, fishing and more; A compact and…
- Your Adventure Buddy Designed to help you thrive in the outdoors; Includes a built-in fire starter; Anchor your tent…
- Toolbox Simplified Combines 19 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, hammer, can opener and more into a…
The LEATHERMAN Signal 19-in-1 Multi-Tool in Topographical Print shares the Coyote Tan version’s feature text: 19 tools, a ferrocerium fire starter, safety whistle, hammer, diamond sharpener, a 4.5-inch size, a 7.5 ounce weight and made in the USA.
Its specifications, however, list 5 by 3.5 by 1.75 inches and 9.6 ounces, the same figures as the Rebar, which conflict with the feature text. We treat the 7.5 ounce, 4.5-inch description as the one that matches the Signal design, but the listing is not consistent. The warranty field also says no despite the 25-year promise.
This version suits someone who wants the Signal’s outdoor tools with a map-style finish. Functionally, it gives way to the Coyote Tan version only in how clearly the listing is documented.
Before you choose
How to Choose the Right Compact Leatherman
Start with weight. The Skeletool CX at 5 ounces barely registers in a pocket; the Signal at 7.5 ounces and Wave Plus at 8.5 ounces are noticeable; the Rebar at 9.6 ounces is a tool you carry for work. Weigh that against which tools you will really open on a trip.
Next, list the tools you actually use. Most travelers reach for a blade, scissors and a bottle opener far more than pliers. The Wingman and Wave Plus have scissors, the Signal and Rebar have saws, and the Skeletool CX adds a bit driver in a tiny package.
Then consider your trip style. Campers get real value from the Signal’s fire starter, whistle and hammer. Van dwellers and DIY travelers benefit from the Wave Plus or Rebar with replaceable cutters. If you mostly need power tools for bigger jobs at a base, our review of a cordless oscillating multi-tool covers a different kind of multi-tool.
If your trip involves clearing brush at a remote cabin rather than carrying a pocket tool, a small saw blade will only go so far. Our guide to a gas brush cutter covers the heavier end of that job, while the Signal and Wave Plus saws handle small branches and cord.
Finally, remember that all of these include a knife blade. In general, airport security rules in many countries do not allow knives in carry-on bags, so pack your Leatherman in checked luggage when you fly. That practical step matters as much as the answer to which Leatherman to buy.
Questions people ask
FAQ
What is the lightest Leatherman in this comparison?
The Skeletool CX at 5 ounces, with dimensions of 3.25 by 1 by 1 inches.
Which compact Leatherman has scissors?
The Wingman and Wave Plus list spring-action scissors. The Skeletool CX, Signal and Rebar tool lists do not include them.
What is the difference between the Wave Plus and the Rebar?
The Wave Plus has 18 tools, weighs 8.5 ounces and adds scissors and outside-accessible blades. The Rebar has 17 all-locking tools, weighs 9.6 ounces and adds an electrical crimper and awl.
Are the two Signal listings the same tool?
Their features match, with 19 tools including a fire starter and whistle. They differ in finish, Coyote Tan versus Topographical Print, and the topo listing has conflicting weight and size figures.
Do Leatherman tools have a warranty?
The listings describe a 25-year warranty. The two Signal listings mark the warranty field as no, which conflicts with their feature text.
Can I bring a Leatherman on a plane?
Every model here includes a knife, and knives are generally not allowed in carry-on bags, so pack it in checked luggage.
Prices, specifications and the feature lines above are read from the product listing and can change without notice. Scores are out of 10, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback; nothing on this page is written from handling the product.
