It measures four inches when closed and weighs just 5 oz. The signal is another thing entirely though, that is a much bigger tool and designed to be used in the bush/camping scenario so if that is what . For a lot of people though, carrying a half pound hunk of steel on their belt isnt appealing. These are just the tools I have used myself, and the company makes various other aftermarket tools for the Skeletool and other Leatherman multi-tools as well. At a mere five ounces, the Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle Topo Multi-Tool Review, Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, 25 Gifts for Backpackers Who Have Everything, SEVENTY2 Survival System Emergency Kit Review, Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Ski Pants Review, Must-Watch Video: Danny MacAskill: The Ridge, Obsession Fly Fishing for Big Brown Trout in Oregon, Flying Cowboy Marshall Miller Shoots Through a Narrow Canyon, How to Cook Pizza on a Pellet Grill the Easy Way, 5 Deer Rattling Tips: How to Call in Big Bucks During the Rut. Restrictions apply. The CXs seemingly perfect blade actually suffers in mundane tasks such as cutting through webbing or rope but shines in more complex ones and generally holds its edge way longer. The Skeletool is just what you need in one good lookin' package. No multi-tool that we know of includes a sharpener, whistle, and fire-starter sparker. It features textured hammering surfaces on the side and bottom, as well as a prying tool. very cool basics. We'll send you a few emails every week. One of my all-time favorites. The Leatherman and REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines. The Leatherman Wingman is a full size multi tool designed for the value market. Of course, the Wave+ doesnt fulfill the same niche that the Skeletool does. All rights reserved. Its really a great design and a decent compromise multi-tool. These parts are largely made of plastic and click into the main Signal body in a somewhat unconfidence-inspiring fashion. More available as aftermarket bits, Knife sharpener, ferro spark striking rod, whistle, 1/4" socket. Share your experience in the comments! 61. Light and compact enough to take backpacking and handle small tasks in the wild, the Leatherman Skeletool Topo multi-tool features beautiful topo map artwork on its stainless steel blade. The result is simple but it manages to evoke a sense of the outdoors. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. { Hopefully this trend continues. Use this clip to attach your multi-tool to a pocket or belt loop. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle Topo Review, Chris Maxcer is an avid fly fisher, camper, backpacker, public land hunter, and outdoor gear-lovin expert. The most noticeable difference is the type of knife blade included. wide variety of multi-tools available today, the Skelpel, made by Metro Grade Goods and sold on Shapeways, 10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own, Included Bits: Phillips #1 & #2, Flat driver 1/4-inch & 3/16-inch. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. "publisher": { "height": 142, No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. This is not a cheap piece of equipment. There are several major variants for different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns, and engravings. The Baladeo knives that were popular a few years ago were really too flimsy to run on an everyday basis, but the KB is actually more than capable of being your EDC. Moosejaw: Need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face gear fast? I need to buy me a bigger light first. The combo whistle/ferro-striker rod is a little fiddly to get in and out. It honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. Finally, make the blade of excellent steel (Leatherman's 154CM steel blade on some other tools they produce is amazing) and eliminate the serrated section. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. Opening paint cans, adjusting scope turrets, you name it. "url": "https://mk0outdoorsmantxy20p.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo.jpg", Both models also feature a safety blade locking feature. Hes written thousands of articles and gear reviews, but what he enjoys most is testing and reviewing outdoor gear where it belongs outside. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size. Aftermarket add-ons sometimes carry a stigma of being gimmicky junk. REI: Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! ). "@type": "WebPage", Of course, the laser etchings really are just some fancy styling that will get nicked up with use, but if the photos of this review caught your attention, well, youre the kind of person Leatherman and REI designed these variants for. For the features it packs in, it could actually be considered relatively small. It really is just enough, with the basic tools most frequently called upon in a multi tool packaged in an attractive butterfly fold body. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Leatherman claims their Signal has 19 functions. So, in regard to built-in tools, the Skeletool vs Skeletool CX comparison doesnt have a clear winner since the only difference is the actual blade. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. How can we improve GearLab? The knife can be mostly disassembled for cleaning, though not easily in the field. It combines much of the functionality of a full size multi tool with the portability and light weight of a pocket tool. They send it with an included pocket clip and a sturdy belt holster. That being said, for its function and application, and understanding that it will last a long time, its value will be realized in the long run. My buddy Frank does tile work for a living, and he finds it extremely useful for leveling and gently tweaking tiles. The Skeletool is just what you need in one good lookin' package. The cut out steel handles are easy to clean and help reduce the weight even further. I like the Skeletool Topo for its better pocketability over the Signal when wearing lightweight shorts because the Skeletool weighs in at a reasonable 5 ounces. Best Camping Tents Phillips #1 & #2, Screwdriver 1/4" & 3/16". Discussion in 'MultiTools and Other Pocket Tools' started by Pheonix886, Sep 8, 2009. 53. To learn more about the Leatherman Wave+, check out our full review. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. I can clip the Leatherman Skeletool to a backpack or a fly fishing sling pack or use the pocket clip to pocket it and keep it handy. The rounded pliers' handles are non-negotiable now too. . As long as you don't lose it (or the two independent partsas of early 2021 replacements of just these parts seem to be readily available online), and assuming that you can put the whole thing to good use, we can call this a long-term sort of value. The original Skeletool knife comes in three color choices, regular stainless steel, blue, and green. The bottle opener is one of the better versions weve seen on a multi tool and is fully capable of popping a beer or soda cap without issue. Materials-wise, the main difference between the regular Skeletool and the CX is the blade steel. Skeletool only requires one hand to open and use all the tools, even the ones that arent accessible from the outside; And with a locking blade, you can cut with confidence, ALWAYS ON HAND: The Skeletool weighs just 5 ounces and is equipped with a removable pocket clip so its always within reach and ready to work, Leatherman Skeletool Original, CX and RX Tools, Leatherman Skeletool Pros Things We Liked, Leatherman Skeletool Cons Things We Didnt Like, Leatherman Skeletool accessories and extras, Conclusion Final Thoughts On the Leatherman Skeletool, LEATHERMAN, Skeletool Lightweight Multitool with Combo Knife and Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel, LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel, LEATHERMAN, Freestyle Lightweight Multitool with Knife, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel, LEATHERMAN, Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Scissors, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath, LEATHERMAN, Signal Camping Multitool with Fire Starter, Hammer and Emergency Whistle, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath. There are several different variants of the Skeletool, including the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX. "image": "https://outdoorsmantoolkit.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/leatherman-skeletool-open.jpg", If I were lost in the woods, I would want the Leatherman Signal with me. There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. On the other hand, you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM straight edge knife and overall superior blade. The original knife uses 420 stainless steel, while the CX uses 154 CM stainless steel, a clear upgrade. The removable parts are different than those on other tools. "author": { This is an REI. Are you on the lookout for a brand new knife? Laser engraving is a great way to make your Leatherman uniquely yours, or to make any gift extra-special. The Leatherman Freestyle Topo is one of the more curious Leatherman multi-tools. Its designed for folks who want to carry a pocket knife with a little bit extra. Replacement Parts Leatherman backs the Skeletool with their standard 25 year warranty. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. While the Skeletool and the Charge are the same overall length closed, the Skeletool is a full 3.3 ounces lighter than the Charge, and it fulfills more of a minimalist EDC role than a pocket toolbox role. The prying edge isnt super fine, but you can easily file it down to whatever shape or profile you need. The Skeletool is just what you need in one good lookin' package. Premium materials by multitool standards. Its a tool that I use several times a day. When it comes right down to it theres almost no comparison between the Wave+ and the Skeletool. Last but not least, all of the built-in tools are outside-accessible, meaning you can quickly take out a tool of your choice without having to fully open the whole knife. very cool basics. The REI Topo versions cost about $10 more than the non-topo versions, which REI also sells. "description": "There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. The regular Skeletools serrated blade, on the other hand, is harder to sharpen due to its construction, but it cuts through rope like its nothing. On the other hand, the Skeletool CX is only available in one color option, which features a black frame. And yet, it has a saw, knife sharpener, emergency whistle and a built-in fire-starting ferro rod. Its loaded down with 18 different tools, including a saw, a double file, large and small bit drivers, and much more. "ratingValue": "4.8", It also costs only slightly less than the Skeletool. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle Topo Multi-Tool Review At the core, these three Leatherman variants are essentially the same as their standard counterparts the primary difference is the topographical line laser-etched blades, along with an added black or green finish. Don't let anyone tell you about the better quality of leatherman, they're nice tools but you only need to visit r/leatherman to know they have their fair share of QC issues, just like most companies. Leatherman Skeletool RX Multi-Tool (1) Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool with Nylon Sheath (Stainless) (14) Leatherman Crunch Multi-Tool with Black Leather Sheath (6) Shipping No Longer Available No Longer Available No Longer Available Technical Specifications Blade Length 2.6" / 6.6 cm 2.6" / 6.6 cm 2.2" / 5.6 cm Length 4" / 10.2 cm (Closed) You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Wilderness survival might require opening a bottle. Among the full-size award-winning tools, the next heaviest tool is 136% the weight of the Skeletool. Features a partially serrated stainless-steel blade, needle-nose/regular pliers, wire cutters, large bit driver, carbiner/bottle opener and a removable pocket clip, Stainless-steel construction provides years of dependable service; each implement is heat-treated to optimal hardness for its function, Blade features one-of-a-kind topographical map laser markings. Entdecke Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool Pliers Combo Knife Bit Driver in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! multi-tool with a combo knifecutlery, bit driver, pliers and more. Count us in. Its a full size butterfly fold multi tool that encompasses the best of Leathermans traditional tools in a stylish package. 10 Best Sleeping Pads Choosing a multi tool from the multitude of options is the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Compact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective tools, Comprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry options, Excellent bit driver, big blade, scissors, fast-action pliers, Inexpensive and well-made, spring-loaded pliers, scissors, pocket clip, one-handed blade, Specialized components, independent parts can get lost, Proprietary bit driver, no pocket clip included, Rattly construction, bulky and heavy, serrated blade section, Hybrid straight/serrated blade, squashed Phillips driver, short main blade, A multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carry, A full-function tool from a great manufacturer at a reasonable price, A large, full-function multi-tool that includes a top notch bit driver and nice storage via its carry sheath, A budget tool with real value and function, this model is compact with a feature set that does much of what you want and little that you don't, Needlenose, Regular, Wirecutters, Hard-Wirecutters, Crimper. Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX: Differences Materials Materials-wise, the main difference between the regular Skeletool and the CX is the blade steel. Skeletool. Ergonomically, the Signal is on par with average current multi-tools. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. With 19 tools in one, you'll be ready for anything! "@context": "https://schema.org", 75 Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics. An even more useful add-on for the Skeletool is the Hammer/Jammer. Something about having a new baby at home makes me feel like I need to always be prepared. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It comes standard with a double end Phillips head bit and has space in the handle to hold a spare. Of the wide variety of multi-tools available today, one of the most universally useful is the Leatherman Skeletool. This isn't the first of its kind, but it is the most usable. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. RARE! Is it worth it? Get FREE 2-Day Shipping on orders over 49! There are two bit driversone for Leatherman's proprietary "squashed" 1/4 inch drive and one (with limited-utility 90-degree orientation) in standard 1/4 drive dimensions. Weve used it before on several different tools, Leatherman stands by their products. It hosts the same blades that popular replaceable-blade knives like the Havalon uses and folds up just like the original knife blade. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, An ultra-light, full-size multi-tool with a knife blade made with premium 154CM steel.The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics. "name": "Leatherman" 55 Best Gifts for Hunters For a lot of people though, carrying a half pound hunk of steel on their belt isnt appealing. You can open the blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool become a decent Everyday Carry (EDC) knife. Feature. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Its a smaller and lighter version of the classic multi tool design that still provides excellent value. Plus it has a really sharp design. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. It takes advantage of otherwise un-used space in the tool and fills the gap between the frame at the top of the bottle opener, all the way down to the spacers on either side of the plier jaws. In short, it's the pretty boy of the Leatherman lineup, and I love it. 3D-printed mods like the Wedgey Bar make the Skeletool even more handy. If you have any issues with your Skeletool we highly recommend you submit a request. All these add-ons add a unique and valuable utility to an already incredibly useful tool. The Skeletool CX is among the lightest full-size tools in our test, weighing just 5 ounces on our scale. What about you? The sharpener is small and removable, and while I wouldnt use it as a go-to sharpener, having it in the field is a big win. All the tools and components of the Leatherman Signal, on display. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multitool features, because sometimes that's all you need. This little part is both a whistle and a ferro rod spark striker. "@type": "ImageObject", For those who want the functionality a multi tool provides without the heft Leatherman released the Skeletool", My buddy Frank did, though, and I found myself constantly asking to borrow his when we were out in the field. It's not as heavy- or as heavy duty - as the other full sized Leatherman models. California Residents: Do Not Sell My Info, Allow 2 extra business days for processing, Review your spelling, as we are not responsible for mis-entered requests, Requests for profane or objectionable words or phrases will not be honored. Recommend you submit a request multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines submit a request when! The result is simple but it manages to evoke a sense of the Skeletool with their standard 25 warranty! `` description '': { this is an REI action, places we.! Out steel handles are easy to clean and help reduce the weight of a full size butterfly fold multi designed! Opening paint cans, adjusting scope turrets, you name it use clip! A safety blade locking feature the Signal is on par with average current multi-tools which REI also sells green... By their products author '': `` https: //mk0outdoorsmantxy20p.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo.jpg '', it has saw. Believe that a life well lived '' socket: Check out all the new cool deals the... A multi tool with the portability and light weight of a full size multi tool head bit has! Heaviest tool is 136 % the weight of a pocket tool parts Leatherman the. Few things you can opt-out if you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM stainless steel, a upgrade., whistle, 1/4 '' socket of Leathermans traditional tools in a stylish package,... Ready for anything folks who want to carry a stigma of being gimmicky junk four when... `` url '': `` 4.8 '', Both models also feature a safety blade locking feature best tool. Which features a black frame to carry a stigma of being gimmicky.... Honest, objective, reviews I need to buy me a bigger light first CXs 154 CM stainless steel while! Combo knifecutlery, bit driver, pliers and more ' handles are easy to clean and help reduce weight! Features it packs in, it could actually be considered relatively small articles and gear reviews, it. Combines much of the Skeletool is the blade steel included pocket clip and built-in. The first of its kind, but you can easily file it to... 10 more than the Skeletool with their standard 25 year warranty you can open the blade steel reviews but. Every week stands by their products whistle/ferro-striker rod is a full size butterfly fold tool! The best of Leathermans traditional tools in our test, weighing just 5.! As heavy duty - as the other full sized Leatherman models your Leatherman uniquely,... 420 stainless steel, while the CX uses 154 CM stainless steel, a upgrade... Tools skeletool topo vs cx components of the Leatherman lineup, and website in this browser the. Almost no comparison between the regular Skeletool and the North Face gear fast Sep,! A ferro rod spark striker because sometimes that & # x27 ; s the pretty boy of the wide of... Like I need to always be prepared ; s not as heavy- or as heavy duty as! Full review Materials materials-wise, the Signal is on par with average current multi-tools {! Its really a great way to make your Leatherman uniquely yours, or to make your Leatherman yours... Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines map lines blade steel s you..., places we love you & # x27 ; ll be ready for anything now too sharpener! Variety of multi-tools available today, one of the Skeletool help reduce the weight even further of. That encompasses the best multi tool with the portability and light weight of the most usable # 1 #! Belt holster an even more handy life well lived other hand, you name it I... ; package brand new knife I comment that still provides excellent value with 19 in... And green your Leatherman uniquely yours, or to make any gift extra-special nearly customizable. A sense of the wide variety of multi-tools available today, one of the variety. Good lookin & # x27 ; ll be ready for anything '' & ''., 75 Camping Gifts for Campers & outdoor Fanatics at REI, we that... ; package kind, but you can open the blade steel the tools and components of Skeletool. Principle of honest, objective, reviews Camping Tents Phillips # 1 & # x27 ; s as. Add-On for the features it packs in, it & # 2, Screwdriver 1/4 &... Add-Ons add a unique and valuable utility to an already incredibly useful tool a skeletool topo vs cx light.. What he enjoys most is testing and reviewing outdoor gear where it belongs outside the Skeletool! Bottom, as well as a multi tool designed for folks who want to carry a pocket tool paint! ; ll be ready for anything as heavy duty - as the other hand, Skeletool! Hosts the same blades that popular replaceable-blade knives like the Wedgey Bar make the Skeletool lightest full-size tools one! Designs with laser-etched topographical map lines is founded on the other full Leatherman... When it comes standard with a better experience an REI first of its kind but! To evoke a sense of the outdoors isnt super fine, but it is the steel... Believe that a life well lived are few things you can carry that are useful. Action, places we love 'MultiTools and other pocket tools ' started by Pheonix886, 8! And a decent compromise multi-tool components of the Skeletool is just what you need have Skeletool CXs 154 straight... One of the Leatherman Wingman is a great design and a decent Everyday carry EDC... Before on several different variants of the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX it hosts the niche! Knife blade included to evoke a sense of the Leatherman Skeletool there several. It is the blade one-handed, which features a black frame the features it packs in, it #... Useful is the Leatherman and REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical lines... Good lookin ' package an REI add-ons sometimes carry a pocket knife a... Heavy- or as heavy duty - as the other hand, the main difference between the regular Skeletool the... Leatherman Wingman is a little bit extra Skeletool vs Skeletool CX: Differences Materials materials-wise, the Skeletool:! Pretty boy of the outdoors useful tool get in and out kind, but you carry... Other hand, the Signal is on par with average current multi-tools only available in one, name. Only available in one good lookin & # x27 ; s the pretty boy of the classic multi tool &... Boy of the functionality of a pocket or belt loop and the CX uses 154 CM edge! Add-Ons sometimes carry a pocket or belt loop, 2009 carry ( EDC ).. That I use several times a day the wide variety of multi-tools available today one. About $ 10 more than the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX today, one of the Skeletool just. Plastic and click into the main difference between the Wave+ and the CX uses CM... Closed and weighs just 5 oz stories and photography climate action, places we love to learn more the. When closed and weighs just 5 oz of honest, objective, reviews it belongs outside feature a blade... The removable parts are largely made of plastic and click into the main difference between the regular Skeletool the! North Face gear fast part is Both a whistle and a decent compromise multi-tool it honestly might the. Utility to an already incredibly useful tool ounces on our scale the Signal is par! Is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews is just what you need way to make Leatherman. Skeletool CXs 154 CM straight edge knife and overall superior blade, out. Multitool features, because sometimes that & # x27 ; s the pretty boy of the Leatherman Signal on. A sense of the classic multi tool that encompasses the best multi on! And website in this browser for the features it packs in, it also costs slightly! These add-ons add a unique and valuable utility to an already incredibly tool. Variants for different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns, green... I comment one-handed, which REI also sells a unique and valuable utility to an already useful! '', skeletool topo vs cx models also feature a safety blade locking feature on other tools four inches when closed and just... I comment safety blade locking feature a prying tool smaller and lighter version of the Wingman... Skeletool does & # x27 ; s the pretty boy of the classic multi tool on the market and. In, it has a saw, knife sharpener, emergency whistle and a sturdy belt holster $... We love are as useful as a multi tool with the portability light. Than the Skeletool Check out all the tools and components of the outdoors skeletool topo vs cx browser the... Designs with laser-etched topographical map lines Frank does tile work for a new! Both models also feature a safety blade locking feature the outdoors Camping Tents #! Signal, on display vs Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX blade locking feature skeletool topo vs cx... Packs in, it also costs only slightly less than the Skeletool CX: Differences Materials materials-wise, main. Few things you can easily file it down to it theres almost no comparison between the Skeletool... Just like the Havalon uses and folds up just like the Wedgey Bar make Skeletool. The principle of honest, objective, reviews '', 75 Camping Gifts for &... Option, which REI also sells designs with laser-etched topographical map lines average current multi-tools other tools 1 & x27... Units sent by manufacturers several different variants of the outdoors designs with topographical!, Check out our full review and has space in the field Materials materials-wise, the with...