We like the large, one-handed deployed main blade of the Skeletool. However, for that person that will carry the tool every day, and use the most common features most of those days, the price is worth it. 4.7 out of 5 Customer Rating. Here is a review of the tool. The better blade is definitely worth the upgrade. 2. The Skeletool CX also uses 154CM, but the regular Skeletool uses 420HC. Got feedback? Now, that was a useful video to introduce you to the tool, but let’s get real and see how the Skeletool stood up the the pains and tribulations of real-life, every-day use (credit RoyalMarc Reviews). You can get many products from our roster, with more features, for far less money. 4.1 out of 5 stars. Also, the Skeletool is lighter than its competition. The Skeletool and Skeletool CX also feature a LM flattened bit driver and a storage slot for an extra bit. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Skeletool knives are about a half-step up from what I would call a keychain blade. (The Skeletool is available in other versions in which the handle inset is plastic or metal). Finally, the bit driver is at the end of a narrow handle allowing for long reach, easy grabbing, and access to tight quarters. The ergonomics, durability, and portability are where the value lies. The CX model has some styling differences (black handles with a carbon fiber insert) however the main advantage is the over the plain Skeletool is the blade is made from 154CM stainless steel. In addition to that, the manufacturers of multi-tools seem to take great pride in making good products. First, the main blade is large, well-oriented, and accessible with a smooth, modern one-thumb swipe. The Skeletool CX weighs a paltry 5 oz (142 g) and is 4 in closed (10 cm). There is something subtly (completely in our heads?) With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. All trademarks property of their respective owners While Leatherman doesn't specify the type of steel they use for the rest of the multi-tool, it is entirely … The "CX" version includes better steel and an entirely straight-edge. The "CX" designation indicates an upgraded blade and a sliver of carbon fiber in the handle. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Skeletool CX Multi-Tool, "Black Ninja Edition" with Damascus Steel Blade - TxTC Custom Tools at Amazon.com. Among the tools this size, the Skeletool has fewer than half the features. Premium materials by multitool standards. We had no problems with construction quality nor durability. One can purchase an upgrade pack with a far more comprehensive set of bits, including hex and Torx style drivers. Our one complaint, if we had one, would be that the slot for storing an extra bit is a little tight and finicky. Product Names Product Images Check Price The Torture Test. more comfortable about non-metal rounded edges when squeezing pliers hard. I have had to replace my Skeletool as the retention clip failed and I fell out of my pocket with out my knowledge. If you choose a sheath, it is sturdy and simple. Other than that though they have the same length, weight, and general layout. All these attributes together earn the Skeletool CX a high ergonomics score. Leatherman build quality leaves a lot to be desired, pricey, pliers uncomfortable for long term use, a multitool that’s not ideal for hard use seems like an oxymoron. We have tested a few over the years, and some came with a nice button-close sheath and others didn't. It is elegant and clean in both its portability and ergonomics. With one double ended bit in the driver itself, and a second double ended bit riding on board, there is a significant amount of versatility in what appears to be an otherwise simplistic and minimalist design. Top 10 Best Skeletool Cx Serrated Blade On The Market . 5 star 53% 4 star 13% 3 star 23% 2 star 10% 1 star 0% (0%) 0% Leatherman 830851 Skeletool CX Multi-Tool. If you have ever owned a Skeletool, then you would know why you would like the Skeletool CX multitool better. Skeletool CX Review: Using a Multi-Tool for EDC By Jon Bao 4 years ago . The Skeletool gets an early lead. Read honest and unbiased product reviews … Sure, you get "two for one" with a hybrid blade, but you also get (in our opinion) "the worst of both worlds". It carries better than any other full-size device we've tested. Proprietary bit driver, Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry, The sky-high standard by which other multi tools are compared, All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a forgiving price, Typical feature set packaged in a fundamentally different hinged package, This tool pulls no punches: it optimizes for function at the cost of portability, Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper, 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point, 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver, 1 integrated. This covers most applications. 4.1 out of 5. If those are the features that matter, it might be the best option for you. It is a minimal tool set, but each is carefully tailored and readily used. As it is, the steel is the very definition of meh. The Skeletool Original, Skeletool CX, and Skeletool RX each have slightly different tool loadouts. We do wish that Leatherman would "grow out of" their proprietary "squashed" bit configuration. I always liked the blade shape on the Skeletool CX's knife and translating that over to a knife-only tool hasn't changed that opinion. Skeletool CX Review: Using a Multi-Tool for EDC By Jon Bao 3 years ago . Next, in pliers mode, the handles are rounded and include a sliver of accenting carbon fiber. By real I mean it’s made with an EDC-worthy stainless steel and it’s not partially serrated. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a multi-tool that fulfills this purpose to the max. Leatherman 830851 Skeletool CX Multi-Tool › Customer reviews; Customer reviews. The Skeletool comes with two double-ended bits for a total of four functions (flat and Phillips screwdrivers, in two sizes each). There is a certain baseline quality to everything we review. They give you better materials (154CM steel) and a full straight edge. Most notably, with a smooth, one-thumb swipe, the knife blade is large, well-oriented, and easily accessible. Among the full-size award-winning tools, the next heaviest tool is 136% the weight of the Skeletool. We have said this for a while and they persist. The Skeletool does not always come with a sheath. Our review claims it to be not only highly portable, but also caters to a top notch standard of quality! The handle of the Skeletool has a friction fit slot for a spare, proprietary bit. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Review. The Skeletool and included features. Only about the last half-inch is a plain sharpened edge. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. After it became possible to use the Leatherman Skeletool CX, the multitool turned out to be a great companion for the daily … The Skeletool CX has been optimized for ergonomics due to its lean feature set. Replacable wire-cutters. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The Skeletool CX is among the lightest full-size tools in our test, weighing just 5 ounces on our scale. Per function, the Skeletool is by far the most expensive tool in our test. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. My Kershaw Cryo II next to my Skeletool CX. In scoring portability, weight and bulk are the primary considerations. This is a tool you can and will reach for at every turn, for as long as you can keep from losing it. Like here, on a glacier in wild Alaska. However, each feature is useful and cleverly designed. We review here Leatherman's top of the line Skeletool. September 5, 2020 August 20, 2024 Jack Sparrow Leave a Comment on Top 10 Best Skeletool Cx Serrated Blade Reviews Of 2020. The only thing I wish this tool had is a spring for the pliers. This alone sets the pliers apart from the closest competition. The Skeletool CX measures in at a closed length of 4 inches and a weight of 5.08 ounces. This could go head to head with the better performing standalone pocket knives. In a nutshell, it features a knife blade, multiple essential drivers that are interchangeable through a universal bit driver, a carabiner which doubles as a can opener, and multi-use pliers. Quick View. Blade Shape: 2. You can purchase the Skeletool with or without a sheath. We keep liking Leatherman products, despite the weird "solution without a problem" that their squashed bit driver provides. 20 customer ratings. We scour the market and choose only the best of the best to evaluate. A KB with the 154CM of the original Skeletool CX would be very cool. My first pocket knife was a Swiss Army Classic that would make MacGyver proud. Only tiny keychain tools are significantly lighter. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. GearLab is reader-supported. They give you better materials (154CM steel) and a full straight edge. The same weight as a lot of full sized knives but the added benefit of pliers, a bit driver, and a bottle opener/carabiner. Key considerations. Its few features are very well executed. The other main Skeletool options have hybrid straight/serrated blades. That’s the “meet” of what we really need to know, we’re sure you’d agree. Many bits included, with more available aftermarket for proprietary driver, 5 included/integrated. by … The Skeletool has a carabiner style clip for this sort of portability. $79.95 Compare. Most will carry their Skeletool clipped to the inside of a pants pocket. A multi-tool for every demand. In such a distilled package, Leatherman has optimized the function of these few tools. How can we improve GearLab? The "CX" designation indicates an upgraded blade and a sliver of carbon fiber in the handle. Let us know! If this is important to you, check your order carefully to see if the sheath is included. Lastly, some will carry their tool clipped to keys. One can purchase an extensive collection of these purpose built bits, and store whichever you want in this slot. The Leatherman Skeletool is a departure from the tool-proliferating devices we've tested. Looking closer, however, a few more things stand out. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Compact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective tools. Leatherman Skeletool CX Review: A Small 7-in-1 Multi-Tool, and an Attractive Price Tag * This site contains affiliate links to products. Its in my pocket and gets used most days. Leatherman produces four sizes of what we all recognize as a multi-tool: keychain, pocket, full, and heavy-duty.Each is fitted with anywhere from 6 to 21 tools, from scissors and bottle-openers to rulers and screwdrivers, and, of course, a wide variety of blades. The pliers and knife blade are made of 154CM stainless steel, which is pretty hard steel and fits right into this price range. Here are the Amazon reviews with 4.37 stars out of 5 with 371 (!) Most of these weight savings can be attributed to the tool selection (which we’ll talk about farther down), … On one level, the Skeletool has the fewest functions of any of the tools we tested. My version is the original run of the CX and it has a partially serrated blade. Finally, the bit driver allows virtually unlimited accessorization. With the Skeletool CX Multi-Tool, the functions are simplified. The Kershaw Cryo II with a deep pocket clip is much more concealed than the beefy Skeletool CX despite being similar in size when laid on the table Skeletool CX Cons. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Because of its svelte feature set, the Skeletool has been optimized for ergonomics. 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