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

The bottle opener is one of the better versions we’ve seen on a multi tool and is fully capable of popping a beer or soda cap without issue. 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 Recently, fellow IFMGA mountain guide Jeff Dobronyi joined the review team. Jeff's busy outdoor lifestyle requires having the right tool for the job, whether that's repairing ski gear or mountain bike components in the field or doing repairs, or slicing food at home.

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. It’s only slightly larger and heavier than the Leatherman Freestyle yet offers several additional features, most important of which is the large bit driver. Unless you absolutely want the lightest mostly full size Leatherman the Skeletool is the way to go. Skeletool Vs Wingman This gives you a good edge, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to easily sharpen up. Choosing between the blade types comes down to how you intend to use them. Straight edge blades are the easiest to sharpen and do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials. 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.

There are several different variants of the Skeletool, including the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX. You also have multiple color and pattern choices. Each variety folds out butterfly style and has a variety of different tools and types of blades. Leatherman Skeletool Original, CX and RX Tools When used properly, the Leatherman Skeletool Multitool is safe to use. It is important to follow the instructions provided by Leatherman and exercise caution when handling the tool’s sharp edges and blades. Keep the multitool away from children and use it responsibly to prevent accidents. Finally, the fully open position with the pliers deployed is arguable what these tools are all about. The curvature of the handles makes sense once you’re using the pliers – the carabiner side arm is concave to locate your fingers solidly, and the other side is convex to make it more comfortable for your palm. The pliers are narrow at the tip to use as needle nose for grabbing small objects, but you can also use the middle of the pliers to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. I’ve successfully used the inner portion of the pliers to cut and strip wires for wiring repairs before – it requires a little practice to strip wires, but it works well for smaller (18-22ga) wires like those found in car electrical systems. 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 A purpose-built, specialized tool for outdoor adventure and wilderness survival, while also serving purpose around the house

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. 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. 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.” If you’ve never carried a multi tool before and want to give it a try, it’s hard to beat the Leatherman Skeletool as the multi tool to start out with. Carabiner/bottle opener: This tool features a one way gate and allows for easy clipping to a belt loop or strap. It can also be used to pop the top on a favourite beverageIt honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. When it comes right down to it there’s almost no comparison between the Wave+ and the Skeletool. Of course, the Wave+ doesn’t fulfill the same niche that the Skeletool does. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside, or if you simply want to up your emergency-preparedness game, we also like the Leatherman Signal. At its core, the Signal shares many characteristics with the Skeletool CX: a stripped-down tool selection, the asymmetrical handles, and the carabiner-clip bottle-opener feature. Where the Signal differs is in the added emphasis on outdoor-oriented tools. In addition to the knife, pliers, bottle opener, and screwdriver, there’s a whistle, fire-starter rod, knife sharpener, saw, and awl. This multi-tool is larger than the Skeletool CX, but the additional tools—especially the whistle, fire-starter rod, and blade sharpener—are so nicely integrated into the design that it’s surprising how little bulk they add. They also work well! Because it’s more geared toward camping and survival, the Signal is more robust than the Skeletool, with larger pliers, replaceable wire cutter blades, and longer plier handles. Screwdrivers: The multitool features both a Phillips and a flathead screwdriver, offering versatility for tightening or loosening screws during camping trips. 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. 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.