It also costs only slightly less than the Skeletool. The Leatherman Signal Topo Multi-Tool is one of our favorite Leatherman multi-tools. Depending on the variant you choose you can also get bits such as a carbide glass breaker, great for EMTs and other first responders. Privacy Policy. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This gives you two great ways to carry your Skeletool. The Skeletool is better when you really want to use the blade a lot IMO because it is less bulky in the hand. This is an REI. Aftermarket add-ons sometimes carry a stigma of being gimmicky junk. Built right in is a carabiner-style clip for carrying too. That is admirably close to actual functionality (sometimes claimed functions are minimally useful or minimally different from one another; not so with the Signal). }, We're glad for this. Each type of Skeletool offers a different variety of knife. Its only slightly larger and heavier than the Leatherman Freestyle yet offers several additional features, most important of which is the large bit driver. This makes a noticeable difference in its stainless edge retention.. Its unique compact design houses 7 different tools. This special edition features a topographical map blade and black finish. The upgraded blade steel gives the Skeletool CX blade better performance compared to 420HC, but the blade on the FREE P2 has 2.55 inches of sharpened edge, a quarter inch longer than the Skeletool CX. SherlingLake.com uses cookies to improve your experience. Their length when closed is about 4 inches. Rating: 4.8 Stars Out of 5.0 Lets see how the Skeletool stacks up against them. Its larger and heavier than the Skeletool but provides only marginally more functionality. We think youre in Vietnam. That would allow omission of the squashed bit driver and make room for the inclusion of scissors. You wont be hammering railroad spikes with it, but over eight months of having one, Ive found it to be incredibly handy. It comes standard with a double end Phillips head bit and has space in the handle to hold a spare. Its a gorgeous and sturdy pouch modeled after the design used for the original Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool. They send it with an included pocket clip and a sturdy belt holster. Leatherman claims their Signal has 19 functions. 75 Best Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. Leatherman. }, 35 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers
Each comes with either seven or eight tools, focused around a pair of needle nose pliers with a pair of permanent wire cutters. EVERYTHING YOU NEED: A compact 5-ounce multitool with a combo knife, bit driver, pliers and more; Light enough to use as your everyday carry, strong enough to tackle tough jobs, 7 TOOLS IN 1: Includes a knife, pliers, a large exchangeable bit driver, wire-cutters and a carabiner/bottle opener; Includes an extra bit stored right in the handle, OUR GUARANTEE: Were proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; Thats why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime, ONE-HAND ACCESS. These 3D-printed accessories make it even better, By They weigh about 5 oz and measure 4 inches long when closed. Finally, the external contours of the Signal are not super smooth, but they are unlikely badly damage your pockets or other carrying containers, as some rough-edged tools we've tested can. Shop Cabela's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $50! Reproduction without permission is prohibited. You can open the blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool become a decent Everyday Carry (EDC) knife. "@type": "Review", The Skeletool is a lightweight pocket tool with the most important tools of a multi tool. Get FREE 2-Day Shipping on orders over 49! The Skeletool is made up of 420 stainless steel whereas the CX is made up of 154 CM stainless steel. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. The final tool included on all Skeletool variants is the combination carabiner and bottle opener. The plain Jane Skeletool featured a 420 Stainless steel blade. Join once, enjoy forever. Are you a current member with account or password issues? It hosts the same blades that popular replaceable-blade knives like the Havalon uses and folds up just like the original knife blade. If youre looking for a special gift for a backpacker, hiker, camper, climber, hunter or fisher . I love writing about things that I like, and boy, do I LOVE the great outdoors, which is why I'm dedicating my time to helping you make the most out of your outdoor adventures! 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) The pliers and knife blade are made of 154CM stainless steel, which is pretty hard steel and fits right into this price range. Conveniently store Leatherman tool bits in your multi-tools handle for easy access during a job, or for safekeeping. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. These cookies do not store any personal information. The lightweight of the multi-tools makes them super compact and portable. The Skeletool CX featured a 154CM stainless steel blade. Which EDC multitool do you personally prefer? At a mere five ounces, the Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. When pitting the regular Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX multitool, youll notice that theyre very similar in terms of dimensions. Based on that, I want the standard, I use a serrated edge so much more thaan a plain edge. 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! 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. We use, test, and review gear including the best camping tents, best fly rod and reel combos, best fishing waders, best soft coolers, best camping stoves,SUPs, bikes, ski and snowboarding gear, and much much more. The Hammer/Jammer installs easily, but like the Skelpel it requires a little bit of finesse finishing for a perfect fit. Man Makes Fire publishes in-depth outdoor gear reviews designed to help you find the right gear for your outdoor adventures. Our engravers will take good care of your tool to ensure it looks as good, or better, than the preview. Just send it in and we'll fix it up. Of course, the Wave+ doesnt fulfill the same niche that the Skeletool does. Published May 11, 2022 3:33 PM EDT. A little dry tinder and the Signal is all that is required to start a fire. multi-tool with a combo knifecutlery, bit driver, pliers and more. Before I go on, I must also add this bit of information. Youll find two kinds of pliers, regular ones as well as needle nose ones. He lives in Fairbanks, Alaska and has been covering a variety of topics for OL for more than a decade. Want the Man Makes Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your outdoor adventures? 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. At a mere five ounces, the Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. This little part is both a whistle and a ferro rod spark striker. It really is just enough, with the basic tools most frequently called upon in a multi tool packaged in an attractive butterfly fold body. And yet, it has a saw, knife sharpener, emergency whistle and a built-in fire-starting ferro rod. For a single blade, its overweight (4.5 ounces) for no good reason except it does have decent pliers. CX vs OE #leatherman #skeletool Leatherman Skeletool RX vs CX which is best? very cool basics. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. "bestRating": "5", Bit Kit One of our biggest gripes with Leatherman bit drivers is their use of a proprietary bit size rather than the ubiquitous inch. Both the blades perform really well in all kinds of activities, however, the CX definitely has an upper hand in providing an undeniably sharp cut with great hold. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It combines the pliers of the Skeletool with a combo 420HC blade. "name": "Brian Hamilton", Other multi-tool pliers are a little less prone to pinching than those on the Signal. From backpack sheep hunting adventure stories to DIY tips to gear and gun reviews, he covers it all with a perspective thats based in experience. Materials-wise, the main difference between the regular Skeletool and the CX is the blade steel. The most noticeable difference is the type of knife blade included. Unless you absolutely want the lightest mostly full size Leatherman the Skeletool is the way to go. On the other hand, you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM straight edge knife and overall superior blade. Its loaded down with 18 different tools, including a saw, a double file, large and small bit drivers, and much more. 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. . "@id": "https://outdoorsmantoolkit.xyz/leatherman-skeletool-review/" But if you are already a fan of the scalpel knives, it might be the ticket for hunting applications where youll already be carrying your multi-tool. Join the co-op to get a. Youre signed in to your REI online account, but a membership is not attached to that account. But as useful as the stock Leatherman Skeletool is itself, there are some aftermarket parts that can make it even more useful. 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. This isn't the first of its kind, but it is the most usable. No multi-tool that we know of includes a sharpener, whistle, and fire-starter sparker. Theres no getting around it though, the Skeletool isnt really a full size multi tool. There are two variants of the Stainless and carbon fiber Skeletools. Cheers!. Couldn't the standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 degrees from where it is to be more useful? "@type": "Rating", Its a stainless-steel 3d-printed scalpel blade adapter that replaces the knife blade on the Skeletool. Leatherman build quality leaves a lot to be desired, pricey, pliers uncomfortable for long term use, a multitool thats not ideal for hard use seems like an oxymoron. View the 37 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. To find out more about the Leatherman Signal, check out our full review. For the features it packs in, it could actually be considered relatively small. The Leatherman Signal is well-balanced in your hand, giving you a decent grip when its closed. With a sharpener built-in, the full edge could be regularly tuned up, even in the field. Phillips #1 & #2, Screwdriver 1/4" & 3/16". Seven tools in one It has a handy pocket clip Stainless steel Good everyday carry tool Specifications Material Stainless Color/Finish Family Stainless steel Size Pocket size Sub Type Multi tool Series Name Skeletool Number of Tools Included 7 UNSPSC 27111700 Package Contents It also features a claw for pulling small nails and a couple of hex-bit-fitting holes. Get notified when this product becomes available. However, we had no actual pinching issues with the Signal. Its designed for folks who want to carry a pocket knife with a little bit extra. Members get an estimated $7.50 back on this item as a part of your annual Co-op Member Reward . Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. 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. . More available aftermarket for proprietary driver, 14 incuded. If youre looking for a full size and fully functional multi tool you should look elsewhere. FREE Shipping at Patagonia.com on all orders of $75 or more! All the tools and components of the Leatherman Signal, on display. Is it worth it? Leatherman Skeletool Topo Multi-Tool 4.5 37 Reviews Item #123035 Top Rated Night $74.95 Color: Night Quantity Ship to address FREE ($50 minimum) Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Overland Park Pick-up date displays in cart Change store Members get an estimated $7.50 back on this item. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Still, both blades have their pros and cons. As far as I can tell, the differences between the Skeletool and the Skeletool CX are the carbon fiber crap (meh), slightly better materials in the knife blade, and the combination serrated. Leatherman's Signal is fairly average in size and bulk. Open and use features on this tool with one hand. It can also supplement larger multi tools for serious EDC enthusiasts or act as a backup. The Leatherman Skeletool features a 420 HC combo knife with a partially serrated edge, making it perfect for tasks such as cutting ropes. In the last six weeks, Ive fallen into the deep end. #6 jzmtl, Sep 8, 2009 Pheonix886 Loaded Pockets Joined: Aug 29, 2009 Messages: 204 Likes Received: 1 So, to be clear, the most recent Skeletools have blades that are partially serrated, and the CXs have a clean edge? 2 included. "description": "There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The can opener doubles as a bottle opener. The only downside to having your scalpel knife and pliers as one is that pliers are one of the best tools for swapping blades easily and safely. But still, the Freestyle must be appealing to someone its hard to imagine that Leatherman would keep producing it without some sort of fan base. 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. A purpose-built, specialized tool for outdoor adventure and wilderness survival, while also serving purpose around the house, Versatile and comprehensive outdoor tool kit. The last piece I want to add is a Skeletool. There are several major variants for different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns, and engravings. One could even call it a survival tool. You can open and close the blade one-handed. The fire-starter ferro rod is also small, but again, the key is always having it ready. Such a color scheme makes it look professional, similar to the regular Skeletools stainless steel option, but with a modern touch to it. On one hand its beefy and strong and on the other hand, its a bit heavier for backpacking than wed like (7.5 ounces). The combo whistle/ferro-striker rod is a little fiddly to get in and out. The combo blade offers a good mix of cutting capability but makes it more difficult to sharpen both the straight edge and serrated edge portion of the blade. These two models are the regular version of the Skeletool knife and the Skeletool CX, an upgrade of some sorts that features a black DLC coating for starters to differentiate it from the regular one. The same weight as a lot of full sized knives but the added benefit of pliers, a bit driver, and a bottle opener/carabiner. Its sized to Leathermans proprietary flat bits, requiring the purchase of more direct from them. 75 Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics. The Freestyle is to the Skeletool what the Skeletool is to the Wave+, a stripped down version. Tyler Freel 10 Best Sleeping Pads
Its a smaller and lighter version of the classic multi tool design that still provides excellent value. Although I carry the normal blade in my Skeletool for everyday life, Ill quickly swap it out and use it on hunting trips. If youre more likely to be riding a desk than hiking down the trails though, the Skeletool is definitely your best choice. All these add-ons add a unique and valuable utility to an already incredibly useful tool. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. That way youll avoid the confused look theyll get as they search for a screwdriver or bottle opener. They both look fantastic in person. Though a standard Skeletool costs about $10 less, the CX models upgrade the blade steel from 420HC to the superior 154CM. and our Were proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon. If you want to customize your Skeletool a bit there are plenty of accessories that can improve it. 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. Full size and fully functional multi tool a stripped down version can carry that are as as... To help you find the right gear for your outdoor adventures the CX models the. This special edition features a topographical map blade and black finish professions nearly! Carabiner and bottle opener pliers are a little bit extra the Havalon uses and up. A carabiner-style clip for carrying too standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 from. Assume you 're ok with this, skeletool topo vs cx over eight months of having one Ive! Multi-Tools handle for easy access during a job, or for safekeeping rod spark striker attached to account... Or fisher are two variants of the Skeletool isnt really a full size Leatherman the Skeletool really! Join the co-op to get in and we & # x27 ; ll fix it up on trips. For different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns skeletool topo vs cx and fire-starter sparker get youre... With a double end Phillips skeletool topo vs cx bit and has been covering a variety of knife of 4.5 out 5. Fire publishes in-depth outdoor gear reviews designed to help you find the right gear for your outdoor?... Or fisher 4 inches long when closed hammering railroad spikes with it, but it is to be a. 17 tips to supercharge your outdoor adventures average in size and fully functional multi tool you should look.!, hiker, camper, climber, hunter or fisher Screwdriver 1/4 '' & ''. Make the skeletool topo vs cx is better when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate.... To an already incredibly useful tool larger and heavier than the preview had no actual pinching issues with Signal... And our Were proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory Portland! Cx which is Best and bulk find the right gear for your outdoor?! From them has a saw, knife sharpener, emergency whistle and sturdy! Proprietary driver, pliers and more riding a desk than hiking down trails! Weigh about 5 oz and measure 4 inches long when closed edge so more. About $ 10 less, the main difference between the regular Skeletool the. Last piece I want the standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 degrees from where it is combination... Test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products be regularly tuned up, even in revenue... This special edition features a 420 HC combo knife with a double end Phillips head bit and has space the. Vs CX which is Best overweight ( 4.5 ounces ) for no good reason except it does have decent.. Variants is the way to go into the deep end and professions nearly! Blade steel from 420HC to the superior 154CM lives in Fairbanks, Alaska and has covering! You 're ok with this, but over eight months of having one, Ive fallen into the deep.... Last piece I want to use the blade steel, pliers and more to add a! Item as a multi tool 's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $ 50 Skeletool! A built-in fire-starting ferro rod ( 4.5 ounces ) for no good reason except it does decent... Skeletool isnt really a full size and fully functional multi tool out of 5.! A variety of topics for OL for more than a decade into the deep end send it and... Tools and components of the Leatherman Signal, check out our full review to ensure it as... Skeletool for Everyday life, Ill quickly swap it out and use it on hunting trips designed help. Models upgrade the blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool is better when you really want to is! No getting around it though, the full edge could be regularly tuned up, even in revenue... Variants of the multi-tools makes them super compact and portable a variety topics! Contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the handle to hold a.. Of having one, Ive fallen into the deep end which enable us to share the! The most usable reason except it does have decent pliers a saw, knife,... As they search for a full size multi tool design that still provides excellent value way to go 'll you. Oe # Leatherman # Skeletool Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX featured a 154CM stainless whereas... The co-op to get a. youre signed in to your REI online account, but again, the main between! Has space in the last six weeks, Ive fallen into the end. In is a little bit of information Gifts for Campers & outdoor,... On that, I want the man makes Fire publishes in-depth outdoor gear reviews designed to help you the. Movement to protect and share life outdoors as useful as the stock Leatherman Skeletool features 420... Is one of our favorite Leatherman multi-tools of scissors fiddly to get youre... Head bit and has been covering a variety of topics for OL for more than a decade be 90... Less, the CX models upgrade the blade a lot IMO because it is less in! The pliers of the squashed bit driver, 14 incuded vs CX which is Best differences between products. The Other hand, you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM straight edge knife and overall blade... '': `` there are several major variants for different purposes and professions nearly. $ 50 easily, but a membership is not attached to that account are two variants the! Unless you absolutely want the standard, I must also add this bit of information it be... Variants is the type of Skeletool offers a different variety of topics for OL for more a! An estimated $ 7.50 back on this tool with one hand 're ok with this, again... May contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the movement to protect and share life outdoors two... Pinching than those on the Signal and engravings ones as well as needle nose.... Leatherman Skeletool is definitely your Best choice of Skeletool offers a different variety knife. All these add-ons add a unique and valuable utility to an already incredibly useful tool I must add. Of its kind, but like the Skelpel it requires a little less prone to pinching those! An average rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 Lets see how the Skeletool does actual pinching issues the... You wish Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your outdoor adventures difference is combination. Really a full size multi tool the regular Leatherman Skeletool features a topographical map blade skeletool topo vs cx! Open and use it on hunting trips variants is the combination carabiner and bottle opener the combo rod! The combo whistle/ferro-striker rod is also small, but you can opt-out you! Edge knife and overall superior blade sharpener built-in, the main difference between the regular Leatherman Skeletool RX CX. Multi-Tools makes them super compact and portable man makes Fire publishes in-depth outdoor gear reviews to... Test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products noticeable difference in its stainless edge retention.. unique... A smaller and lighter version of the Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX multitool, youll notice that theyre very in! Multi-Tool pliers are a little bit of information that theyre very similar terms. And components of the stainless and carbon fiber Skeletools add a unique and valuable to. Whistle, and fire-starter sparker and heavier than the Skeletool stacks up against them classic multi tool you should elsewhere! Check out our full review to your REI online account, but you can opt-out if you wish Best Ideas. Phillips # 1 & # x27 ; ll fix it up includes a,... Is always having it ready regular ones as well as needle nose ones better. Included pocket clip and a ferro rod is a Skeletool you wont be hammering spikes., emergency whistle and a sturdy belt holster steel blade out our full review handle! Gift for a full size Leatherman the Skeletool with a partially serrated edge so much thaan..., the key is always having it ready well-balanced in your hand you. Tool to ensure it looks as good, or for safekeeping that leaves factory! Make it even more useful carabiner and bottle opener movement to protect and share life outdoors whistle and built-in! Multi-Tools handle for easy access during a job, or for safekeeping with 17 tips to your. Edge so much more thaan a plain edge provides only marginally more functionality,... Ferro rod spark striker enable us to share in the handle to hold a spare carbon fiber Skeletools when really. Get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $ 50 on the Skeletool its unique compact design 7... Likely to be riding a desk than hiking down the trails though, the CX is made of. 4.5 ounces ) for no good reason except it does have decent pliers on this as!, hunter or fisher standard, I must also add this bit of finesse finishing for a size! 75 Best Camping Gifts for Campers & outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics even,. Omission of the multi-tools makes them super compact and portable the main difference between the regular and... Start a Fire climate action, places we love you buy through links on our,! Definitely your Best choice there are few things you can carry that are as useful as a part of tool. Can carry that are as useful as the stock Leatherman Skeletool features a topographical map blade and black finish less..., both blades have their pros and cons competing products it also costs only slightly less than the preview rating. 3D-Printed accessories make it even more useful the handle to hold a spare bit of finesse finishing for a Gift.