Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool

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Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Leatherman packs the full-size Skeletool with the tools you're likely to use most often.

Introducing the Brand New Skeletool CX from Leatherman
Get back to basics -- the very cool basics -- with Leatherman's Skeletool CX. Today’s outdoor enthusiasts want to keep weight and volume to a minimum without sacrificing quality and true functionality, and that's what the Skeletool is all about. Many multitools have multiple options, but they’re often heavier -- and they're loaded with more features than most people actually need on a regular basis. Conversely, pocket knives are light and streamlined, but they render themselves useless when the task calls for a more versatile tool. Enter the new Skeletool platform, offering minimal weight, compact size and endless capabilities.

Key User Features
The Skeletool CX has a large knife blade that can be accessed while the tool is closed; to open it, just place your thumb in the thumbhole at the base of the blade and rotate it out until it's fully extended -- which will engage the safety lock. This locking mechanism is noted with a padlock symbol on the tool. To unlock the blade, press the locking mechanism towards the handle until the blade slides past the lock.

Equipped with a universal bit driver, the Skeletool offers real utility options like no other multitool. To change the tool bits, simply unfold the tool and remove the bit from the bit driver -- and pop it out. And replacing bits is just as easy. Just press a new one into position and you're good to go. There's even a spare bit located in the handle side opposite the knife blade. This tool includes the following bits: Phillips #1 and #2, screwdriver 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch.

In the plier jaws you'll find a hard-wire cutter and a regular wire cutter. The regular wire cutter is great for softer grades of wire, but the hard-wire cutter is excellent for heavier jobs -- like cutting and bending fishhooks.

Multitool Capabilities:
The Skeletool keeps it simple -- and light, and compact, and easy to transport. Why waste time with pointless, heavy add-ons when all the basics are right at your fingertips? With its open hardware, skeletal design and hardy appearance, the Skeletool boasts a premium stainless steel blade, pliers, a universal bit driver, and a carabiner/bottle opener ... and that's it.

Key Tech Specs:

• Length: 4 inches/10 cm closed
• Weight: 5 ounces/142 grams
• Materials: Stainless steel, Tungsten DLC coating, 154CM, carbon fiber (handle scale)
• Included Bits: Phillips #1 and #2, Screwdriver 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch

Leatherman makes a full range of complementary accessories and add-ons for this and other Leatherman products.

Optional Accessories (not included)
Spice up your Skeletool with genuine Leatherman accessories. Options include a bit kit that offers 21 double-ended bits for real versatility. From new belt sheaths to t-shirts and caps, genuine Leatherman accessories are durable, fun and show that you're a part of Leatherman World. With such a wide variety available, it's easy to find just the add-on that's right for you.

Warranty
All Leatherman products are covered by a 25-year limited warranty. If within 25 years from the purchase date of your genuine Leatherman tool you find any defect in material or workmanship, you can count on the manufacturer to make it right with fast warranty service. To obtain warranty service, return your tool to Leatherman Tool Group. Depending on the tool defect, they will decide whether to repair your tool or replace it with a product of equal or greater value. No variations, upgrades or refunds are offered.

The Leatherman Tool Group and its History of Quality
In 1975, Leatherman Tool Group founder Tim Leatherman was inspired by leaky pipes and a cranky car on a budget trip to Europe -- and thus the idea for his first pocket survival tool was conceived. Since then, Leatherman has become an internationally recognized company with hundreds of employees and a wide variety of durable, versatile, stylish products. Created with bold designs and truly rugged construction, Leatherman products are a perfect addition for tool kits, emergency sets, and glove compartments everywhere.

Product Description
The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics... very cool basics. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. With a 154CM combo stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size. The Skeletool CX: Who says more is better? Tools: Large Bit Driver Bottle Opener Carabiner Clip INCLUDED BITS - Phillips #1 and #2 Bit, Screwdriver 3/16 and 1/4 Bit

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 1 inches ; 8.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000XU43IC
• Item model number: 830850
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (189 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13 in Home Improvement (See Bestsellers in Home Improvement)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

175 of 177 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Difference Between Stainless and CX Version, June 25, 2008

By	P. Tran - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think there is a lot of confusion about what advantages the CX has over the cheaper (-$20) stainless version. I hope this review will clear some of that up. Some reviewers are advising you buy the stainless version because the only difference is a slither of carbon fiber. That is simply not true. The CX has a lot more going on for it than that!

1) The metal used to make the blade in each model is different. The stainless version uses 420HC steel, which is a decent metal with good hardness and good edge retention. The CX version uses 154CM steel, which is considered by many as a "super steel" because of its good corrosion resistance and excellent toughness and edge retention. Imho, this is worth the $20 price difference alone.

2) The blade styles are different. The stainless version has a plain edge whereas the CX has a partially serrated blade. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The plain blade is much easier to sharpen because you dont have to deal with maintaining any serrations (if you dont know what you are doing, serrations tend to get ground away when you do any sharpening). The partially serrated blade, however, is much more versatile in terms of cutting. In a pinch, you can used the serrated part of the knife as a saw or just for more cutting power. Additionally, if you learn the proper technique, sharpening a serrated blade is not that much more difficult, albeit a bit more time consuming. Personally, I like the partially serrated blade.

3) The tungsten coating isnt just for looks. True, it makes this tool even sexier than it would otherwise be, but it also adds a layer of corrosion/oxidation protection. This is a big deal to those of us who intend to use the tool in humid or moist conditions. Natural oxidation isnt always that noticeable and protects the layer of aluminum underneath it. However, it is porous and is not as durable as a coating.

4) Some reviewers have stated that the carbon fiber portion of the scales adds cushioning to the handle, making it more comfortable to hold. I dont know if that is true or not because I have only held the CX. Still, it might be something worth considering.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skeletool CX, April 1, 2008

By	C. Dana (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Finally received my CX. Removing it from the package I was very pleased with the overall feel of the tool, the fit and finishes are excellent and there are no immediately noticeable sharp edges. It was slightly heavier than I thought it would be, a little heavier than my usual EDC pocket knife, but not bad. Like other reviewers before me I noticed that the carbon fiber may reduce the weight very slightly, however I think it mostly serves to make the tool more aesthetically pleasing. I don't have the problems with the bits that another review had, the bit in the bit holder is held in by a catch that has to be depressed to remove the bit, The other bit is very secure in the handle, although it may get loose once there is some wear on the bit. The bottle opener works and now I'll carry it around for a while and see how it feels in the pocket. All in all I'm very happy with the tool, it has most of the tools I use the most, lacking only the scissors, in a smaller lighter package.

Update - carried it around all day in business casual dress, the position of the pocket clip and the slim profile allow it to ride unobtrusively and comfortably in my pocket.

73 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's what Batman would carry, June 25, 2008

By	Lincoln J. Mennuti (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A previous reviewer mentioned there being no real difference between the Stainless Steel Skeletool and the CX...Except for the little Carbon-Fiber strip...That is NOT correct!

- The Stainless Steel model has a "Plain Edge" 420HC Steel Blade.
- The CX model has a "Combination Edge" (partly plain, partly serrated) 154CM Steel Blade.

If you search the net, you'll see that between the 2 types; 420HC is noted as not being good for holding its' edge, while the 154CM will hold its' edge very well (but is hard to sharpen).

I already have a multi-tool (Swiss Army Champion Plus), it's a great tool to be sure, but for me out of the 30 tools in it I only ever use the small blade and once in a blue moon the scissors. It's a "little of everything" tool but not particularly strong in any one of the particular tools.

The allure of the Skeletool for me was:The simplicity, but being strong in what it gives you:
1. On the CX model, the 154CM combo plain/serrated blade is beefy enough to do a job I'd be afraid of snapping the blade on the Swiss Army on, Batman could certainly cut through some tricky situations with this.
2. Solid pliers. Strong enough to extract Joker's teeth, yet nimble enough to pull out his finger/toe nails.
3. Easy to carry because of the Carabiner. The teeny little keyring on the Swiss Army is a joke and it's too bulky to put on a keychain (and if you did it would be a pain to put-on/take-off) or it's clunkin up one of your pockets. Who's got time to be fumbling around skin-tight rubber leotards for tools while doing an interrogation? Not The Bat! The Carabiner makes it nice and easy to just snap the tool to a Batbelt and be ever ready.
4. 2 Phillips, 2 Flathead Screwdrivers. It's a multi-tool within a multi-tool. Sometimes even Alfred needs a hand with stuff around the house.
5. Last, but certainly NOT least...It's SEXY! Pictures don't do this tool justice, you have to see it in person to really appreciate the "oooo ahhhh" factor. Certainly worthy of being in the Batbelt.

Bottom line; It's a well built, solid, versatile tool that keeps it simple.