Leatherman Skeletool

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Dec 29, 2007
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1,990
I got my Skeletool two days ago and it's growing on me. First off I want to say that I'm a little disappointed with the pliers. They are more of a blunt nose than a needle, but not a big deal for me. The one hand opening of the blade is great of course. I have been carrying this with two other Leathermans for comparison, the Kick and the Juice S2. I have decided that the Kick doesn't quite fit into this catagory, "compact tools." You do get more out of the Juice than the Skeletool, plus the Juice is more compact, but they both compare the same in my book as far as comfort. The belt clip is a plus. The pliers are nearly identical in size. The Skeletool pliers being wider give them stronger wire cutting capability. Tools on the Skeletool are much easier and faster to access. The one and only downfall (besides my personal dislike listed above) in my opinion is that, due to the handle design, the Skeletool can only be held comfortably one way.
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A fair review :)

I really like my Skeletool CX, it fits the bill for an EDC multi imo.
Would rather have a PE blade, but the serrations are well done so it's not too bad.
 
I also have the CX and it's a great edc tool. I really dig the pocket clip. Don't even know it's there most of the time. A plain edge blade would also be cool.

Matador-
 
I've been carrying a CX for a couple of months. It has now become such a part of my EDC that I feel strange without it. It has done everything I've asked it to do. It has cut wire, loosened nuts and opened countless boxes. Perfect tool for light and medium duty.
 
I like mine lots for an off duty EDC multitool . At work I'm mostly packing a Swisstool X . BTW , the Swisstool takes the old skool Leatherman tool adapter perfectly !

The Skeletool does everything I need done on mundane days .Build quality on mine is very nice .

Overall , I like it .

Chris
 
I have the regular version and like it alot! I have edc'd it for about two weeks now. I am concerned about the bit driver however. The clamp that keeps the bit secured isn't doing it's job as the bit comes loose and has fallen out a few times. Seems the spring is too tight or isn't functioning properly. Might need a trip to back to Leatherman if it continues. Otherwise, great tool and innovatrion.
 
DKD, i've heard that complaint before in regards to the regular skeletool. However, from people who have worked with both, the CX has fixed that problem.
 
What is the difference between the CX and regular Skeletool ? I had thought it was just the addition of the scales.
Or are there other differences ? And does the knife blade *lock* when in the open position ? Thanks
 
What is the difference between the CX and regular Skeletool ? I had thought it was just the addition of the scales.
Or are there other differences ? And does the knife blade *lock* when in the open position ? Thanks

The CX has a black tungsten handle coating as well as a strip of carbon fiber. It also sports a 154cm combo edge blade instead of the standard plain edge 420HC.

Both models have a pretty good liner lock to keep the blade open. Honestly, I am thinking about getting a plain edged Skeletool as the combo edge really bugs me. Why LM can't put a plain edge on the expensive upgraded tool boggles my mind. Other than that, I love the tool:thumbup:
 
Surprised my son with a cx 2 months ago (my birthday is next week, you got to plan ahead ;) )

He loves it. It's loosened up well. Done everything he's asked.
 
I have a regular skeletool, and i've been taking it to work since I got it.
it seems like a good quality tool, but the biggest drawback i have is the plier tips. they are rather chunky.
and talking about chunky, it seems to be marketed as a light and minimalistic multitool, but size and weight wise, its not that much better then my old wave. its ever so slightly thinner then the wave, maybe ever so wider than the wave, and a little longer then it too. weight wise, i can feel it is a little lighter, but not really enough to make a difference

Its a hard challenge to beat my old (original) wave. its always done everything i've asked from it, with its nice pointy nose, fairly compact size, and abundance of tools.
 
I have a regular skeletool, and i've been taking it to work since I got it.
it seems like a good quality tool, but the biggest drawback i have is the plier tips. they are rather chunky.
and talking about chunky, it seems to be marketed as a light and minimalistic multitool, but size and weight wise, its not that much better then my old wave. its ever so slightly thinner then the wave, maybe ever so wider than the wave, and a little longer then it too. weight wise, i can feel it is a little lighter, but not really enough to make a difference

Its a hard challenge to beat my old (original) wave. its always done everything i've asked from it, with its nice pointy nose, fairly compact size, and abundance of tools.


I feel the same way about my Leatherman Supertool as you do about your old Wave. I ended up trading this Skeletool for another Supertool. The pliers are more of a snub nose than a needle. A backpacker would probably buy the skeletool so they can drop an ounce or two off their equipment. That's what it is more geared toward. My overall opinion on the Skeletool is that it's just a waste of money for me. I only speak for myself.
 
My Skeletool is a safe Queen, need I say more.

I'm back to my Wave II. And still have a very serviceable Wave I.
 
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DKD, i've heard that complaint before in regards to the regular skeletool. However, from people who have worked with both, the CX has fixed that problem.


Thanks for the tip boxANT. Sadly, the driver holder never got better and the bit was finally lost so off to Leatherman it went. I'm not sure what their turnaround time is since this is my first warranty experience with them. SOG was outstanding the one time I sent my Powerlock in and Gerber was pretty quick with the 600 I had serviced many years ago so I am hoping Leathwerman will be at best equal to the latter. Had I known prior that the regular Skeletool was suffering from this I would have gone with the CX. After shipping back to Leatherman with insurance and all I could have financed the CX!
 
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