-Backstory-
One of the criterion for a great multitool is versatility, and for the longest time I thought that meant more blades, attachments, and enhancements. While that's partially true, that also means a bigger, heavier footprint. When I finally upgraded to the heavyweight behemoth that is the
Leatherman 830160 Surge Pocket Multitool with Leather Sheath and found myself leaving it at home more and more often because of its weight, I realized something was wrong.
The reality is most blades/tool-blades seldom see the light of day outside of camping, and the added weight and size only serve to discourage daily carry. Barring camping or novelty, when was the last time you used your pocket-knife's can-opener? Wood saw? Awl? Corkscrew?? Is there anything you absolutely need scissors for that can't be accomplished with a blade or wire cutter? Do you unconditionally NEED eyeglass-sized screwdrivers on you 24-7?
Most daily applications can be accomplished with a simple blade, a couple drivers, a good set of pliers, and a bottle opener ;). And that's exactly what the Skeletool standard and CX multitools offer.
-Carryability-
What makes the Skeletool CX great isn't the *number* of tools, it's the *versatility* of its few, well thought out tools, allowing for a 5 ounces overall weight, slim form-factor, and not one but two carry clips. The standard side-clip is removable (thought cannot be installed in any other positions on the tool) while the carabiner turns out to be far more useful than I'd imagined -- I find myself hanging it on my belt loop most of the time, keeping my belt free of pouches and my pockets comfortably empty. This negates the need for a holster, though there are versions of the tool which come with one should you desire it.
-The Blade-
Like most modern multitools, the Blade rotates open easily, one-handed, without having to open the tool itself. This is a MUST HAVE feature for an Every Day Carry tool, and feels right at home on the Skeletool. The 2.5 inch blade is a perfectly functional length for everyday use (again, this is an EDC tool, not a survival knife, and anything longer would only make it heavier). The CX model has an upgraded 154CM steel blade and is *reason enough* to choose the CX over the standard model - 154CM is a far better, more modern steel which holds is edge VERY well while providing moderate corrosion resistance and takes nothing more than a good ceramic stone to sharpen. Over the past year I've used it for everything from prying and scraping to box cutting and (in a pinch) cooking, and despite never having sharpened it once the tip is still there (which is saying a lot for my knives) and it's still plenty sharp. The blade's liner lock does a noticeably firm job of holding the blade in place with NO WOBBLE. Quality! When closed, the blade is held in place via a blade-retention bump on the liner lock that mates with one of the skeletonizing holes near the base of the blade. Both Skeletools I've used had a ramp cut into the base of the blade near the joint, automatically depressing the retention-bump and allowing safe closure of the blade. One reviewer has proven that his Skeletool CX does not have this ramp, forcing him to grind off the bump or risk placing him thumb in danger every time he closed the blade. It is yet unclear as to why his knife didn't get the ramp.
-Half Serrated vs. Full Straight Blade-
NOTE: In mid 2009, Leatherman added half-length blade serrations to standard model and REMOVED them from the CX model. Confusingly, the model numbers were not updated to match the new configurations. Some online retailers may still have the 'old version' still in inventory, but as the model numbers are the same, there's no way of knowing what you'll receive. I contacted Leatherman about this and this is the reply I received:
"Thank you for your email and your interest in Leatherman Tools. Originally our Skeletool had a "straight blade", and the Skeletool CX had a "combo blade". The Skeletool CX has a higher grade of steel in its blade and those in the `knife world' came back to us, and stated that we should not use the combo blade with 154cm material. Therefore, in mid year of last year, we made a design change. ... All Current models of the Skeletool CX now have the straight blade. All current models of the Skeletool have the combo blade. ... There are some retailers out there, who have both in inventory. We did not change the item numbers when we made the blade change. Unfortunately, you will have to just check to see who has what in stock."
-Bit Driver-
This is THE tool to replace them all and one of the reasons the Skeletool can do so much while still being so thin and light. You can carry two double-sided bits with you (one in the driver and one in the spare bit slot). I got the
Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath bit kit with my Skeletool and found that the two bits I use most are the [#0 & #3] Philips bit, and the [#1-2 & 3/16] Philips & flat-blade combo bit. I can attack any pretty much any screw-head and pry at anything without risking damage to the blade. The rest of the bits are stowed in my backpack.
One word of warning: make sure your spare bit slot is tight before clipping your Skeletool onto your pack while hiking. A friend of mine had his spare bit fall out! Nothing the aforementioned
Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath couldn't replace, but you still might want to bend it a little to tighten it up. Mine was fine, so this may not be a problem for you.
-Pliers-
I admit, the jaws are a little thinner than I'd like, but have so far held up to everything I've thrown at it (including an accident with a Dremmel). It also would have been nice if the integrated wire cutters were a little harder as they developed a little "bump" after nibbling through a particularly tough strip of metal. For a while there was noticeable resistance when closing the pliers, but over time it's worn itself back in. My only lasting complaint is that, despite being so thin (3/16ths" at its widest point) the tip is just a tad too blunt to fit in the AR-15's firing-pin retaining-pin recess. It would have been nice if the "needle-nose" was a bit more "needle" ;)
-Bottle Opener-
A definite nice to have. Am I ashamed to admit this alone gets as much use as the rest of the tools combined? Nah ;)
Also, when I contacted Leatherman about the mid 2009 blade change, I was lucky enough to get a full list of all Skeletool models. Maybe it'll help you, maybe not. Here it is anyway:
Skeletool (Standard) - manufactured with a combo blade after mid '09
830845: 420HC No sheath, box packaging
830846: 420HC No sheath, Clam packaging
830847: 420HC No sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830865: 420HC Nylon sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830948: 420HC Nylon sheath, Box packaging
Skeletool CX - manufactured with a straight blade after mid '09
830849: 154CM No sheath, box packaging
830850: 154CM No sheath, Clam packaging
830851: 154CM No sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830866: 154CM Nylon Sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830950: 154CM Nylon Sheath, box packaging
So that's it. Don't let the Skeletool's small size and feature list deter you; The Skeletool is an extraordinary EDC tool!
