Leatherman Skeletool CX - Camping and survival DIY multi-tool made in the USA with 7 essential built-in tools including pliers, wire cutter, and a knife, in stainless steel with a nylon holster

Product Information

At this price point, however, there are some compromises. The lone blade features a hybrid straight and serrated edge made of mid-grade steel, which will require regular sharpening depending on your use. The straight portion is easily reconditioned, but sharpening serrations requires special techniques. Further, that blade is significantly shorter than it needs to be. There is almost a half inch of extra space in the handle that Leatherman conspicuously does not utilize. Overall, you get far more than you pay for with the Leatherman Wingman, including some truly unique features not seen in even high-end models. If you're willing to spend a little more, the Leatherman Skeletool CX offers better ergonomics but fewer functions. If you use a multi-tool for basic tasks but are prone to losing it, the Wingman won't hurt quite as much to replace. The Leatherman Skeletool Multitool allows for component replacement. Leatherman provides various accessories and replacement parts for their tools, including blades, bits, and other components. This ensures that you can maintain and customize your Skeletool as needed.

So there are three ways to open the Skeletool CX. The first is just the blade itself. Because of the proportions of the tool, it’s very much handle-heavy compared to the length of the blade, which means you can get a full hand grip despite having a short blade. Some reviewers may bemoan a high handle-to-blade ratio but I find it to give you better control over the blade – more handle and less knife means more leverage on the knife. You’d think this would be an ergonomic mess but actually it’s a fairly comfortable knife handle. The slipjoints that hold the pliers are cut away in an arc where your forefinger sits, and the handle behind it is rounded to accommodate your other three fingers. You can easily fit your thumb on the spine of the blade for leverage as well. And yet, it doesn’t. A full size multitool has much better pliers. A full size knife is much more ergonomic and useful. People like having options. All those useless gadgets on multitools are why people buy them and keep them around, in case they need to use an awl or a gut hook. A Multitool is meant to prepare you for “anything.” The other half of deployment is the opening action of the handles themselves to access the pliers. Compared to something like the Charge, the pliers are quite stiff as they’re actuated by a series of slipjoints that hold the tool closed and open. I’ve had and used the Skeletool for several years now and it’s never even approached one handed opening for the pliers – although my Charge has loosened up to the point that I can flip it like a Balisong. I use both hands to open the pliers, grabbing the wing that covers the blade with my left hand and the carabiner/bottle opener section with my right to pull outwards. There is a very pronounced “snap” when the slipjoint drops into place in the open position on both sides, and this is not a tool that will unintentionally fold shut thanks to the strong tension. Also, both sides operate independently – which is important as we’ll get to in the next section. Features, Fit & Finish A purpose-built, specialized tool for outdoor adventure and wilderness survival, while also serving purpose around the house

Tool Type

The Leatherman Skeletool Multitool is a versatile and compact tool designed for outdoor enthusiasts and campers. It combines multiple functions into a single tool, including pliers, a knife, screwdrivers, and more, making it a handy companion for various tasks in the wilderness. Beyond the Edge Ltd is based in Sheffield two hours by train from London and within easy travelling distance from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and other Northern towns and cities.

I found over time that the knife is well suited to small tasks but I occasionally wished for a full sized knife for some things – like puncturing oil bottles, cutting cardboard, that sort of thing. I also found the handles on the pliers to be somewhat uncomfortable in extended use due to the odd shape and some sharp edges. But this isn’t a dedicated tool – it’s a lightweight minimalistic do-everything tool. It’s not going to work as well as the pliers on the Charge or cut things as well as a PM2. It does a good job of covering your needs at home but it’s not quite up to snuff as a dedicated work tool, which I think is what Leatherman was going for anyway. If your multi-tool use includes a lot of driving screws, choose the Center Drive Plus. It is the best tool we know of for that purpose. Otherwise, it's more average as a general multi-tool. The rattly construction holds up well but doesn't instill high confidence. The pliers are more prone to pinching than more sophisticated options, and accessing tools other than the blade, pliers, and bit driver requires multiple steps. A multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carry

We’re not going to lie to you, the Signal is a sweet multi tool. It looks sharp, comes in a variety of awesome patterns, and provides a ton of really useful tools. The Skeletool basically can’t compete with the Signal in any category but price. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the pivot points and hinges periodically to ensure smooth operation. Plus it has a really sharp design. Its combination of smooth angles and long curves make it a delight to look at in your hand or on your belt. The cut out steel handles are easy to clean and help reduce the weight even further. There are several major variants for different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns, and engravings. With premium 154cm steel, the sleek Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, as sometimes that's all you need Lightweight and Portable: Weighing only a few ounces, the Skeletool is designed to be lightweight and compact, making it ideal for camping and outdoor adventures.

The Skeletool Original, Skeletool CX, and Skeletool RX each have slightly different tool loadouts. The most noticeable difference is the type of knife blade included. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a novice camper, having the right tools by your side can make a world of difference during your adventures. The Leatherman Skeletool Multitool is a reliable and versatile companion designed to meet the needs of campers, hikers, and wilderness explorers. We understand that you may have some questions about this impressive multitool, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision. From its key features and durability to its suitability for camping and maintenance tips, we have you covered. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Leatherman Skeletool Multitool, ensuring you can make the most of your outdoor experiences with this exceptional tool at your side. One thing the Skeletool CX has over many other multitools – and over the standard, much cheaper Skeletool – is a real knife. It’s not huge, but it’s what I consider real. By real I mean it’s made with an EDC-worthy stainless steel and it’s not partially serrated. This is the big issue with the standard Skeletool – using half of the small 2.6” blade for some partial serrations leaves you with hardly any cutting surface of either variety. Neither fish nor fowl, no thanks. Don’t want a Leatherman? The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is an often overlooked option in this market. It’s much more feature-heavy – and weight heavy, being about 50% heftier at 7.4 ounces. It does have a great set of pliers as well as a full complement of tools including scissors, a saw, and dedicated bottle and can openers as well as dedicated straight and Philips drivers. The Skeletool cuts a lot of weight by having these features be multi-function, like the bit driver and the combination carabiner/bottle opener. It must be said that while they don’t grab all the headlines, the Victorinox multitools are arguably the best-made tools in this segment. Wrap-up

Analysis and Test Results

Handle Bit Storage: Conveniently store Leatherman tool bits in the handle of your multi-tool for easy access in the middle of a job, or for safe keeping when not in use There’s no getting around it though, the Skeletool isn’t really a full size multi tool. It has no saw, no scissors, and none of the features like can openers, corkscrews or a steel file. If you’re looking for a full size and fully functional multi tool you should look elsewhere. The Leatherman Skeletool is one of those iconic multi tool designs that really stands out. It embodies a minimalist aesthetic of ‘just enough’ that many people find appealing.

Each type of Skeletool offers a different variety of knife. They come in straight edge, serrated or combo. Each blade is 2.6 in long and made from 420HC or 154CM stainless steel. Yes, the Leatherman Skeletool Multitool is known for its durability. It is constructed with high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The Skeletool is designed to be tough and long-lasting, making it a reliable tool for camping trips. The few tools it includes — an upgraded steel blade, good pliers, screwdrivers, and a bottle opener — are the most often used, and this tool gets these right. But that's it; if you're seeking all the tools possible, you'll be let down with this stripped-down modal. Of the remaining tools, though, our biggest complaint is with the bit driver. With the Skeletool CX, even more than with other models, Leatherman could have easily included a standard 1/4" bit driver. Still, we have tested this model for over three years, and it has slowly grown on us. Thus, the Skeletool is our top recommendation for a portable, daily multi-tool to leave clipped on your person at all times. Yes, Leatherman offers a 25-year limited warranty on their products, including the Skeletool Multitool. This warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring that you can rely on the tool for years to come.It finishes its tool load with fixed screwdrivers and a small can opener and file. It’s larger and heavier than the Skeletool but provides only marginally more functionality. It also costs only slightly less than the Skeletool. Pliers: The Skeletool includes needle-nose pliers with a wire cutter, allowing you to grasp and manipulate objects with precision. That being said, the Skeletool is one of the coolest hybrid multi tools out there, made from quality materials by a well regarded manufacturer, and priced just at the point of affordability for the average multi tool user.