"author": { This is not a cheap piece of equipment. Ergonomically, the Signal is on par with average current multi-tools. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. 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. One of my all-time favorites. If you want to get extra bits for your Skeletool you need to purchase the 21 piece Leatherman bit kit. The Skeletool CX featured a 154CM stainless steel blade. Made by outdoorsies for outdoorsies. "url": "https://mk0outdoorsmantxy20p.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo.jpg", This gives you a good edge, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to easily sharpen up. Straight edge blades are the easiest to sharpen and do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials. 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. Its sized to Leathermans proprietary flat bits, requiring the purchase of more direct from them. It's not as heavy- or as heavy duty - as the other full sized Leatherman models. 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. That being said, the Skeletool is one of the coolest hybrid multi tools out there, made from quality materials by a well regarded manufacturer, and priced just at the point of affordability for the average multi tool user. Were not going to lie to you, the Signal is a sweet multi tool. Phillips #1 & #2, Screwdriver 1/4" & 3/16". One could even call it a survival tool. When pitting the regular Leatherman Skeletool vs Skeletool CX multitool, youll notice that theyre very similar in terms of dimensions. This makes a noticeable difference in its stainless edge retention.. Got feedback? The Leatherman and REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines. Design-wise, both knives are carefully constructed to offer flawless one-handed operation. Click to enlarge. 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 . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The original Skeletool knife comes in three color choices, regular stainless steel, blue, and green. Part of the appeal of the Skeletool line is how stripped down they are. To find out more about the Leatherman Signal, check out our full review. 25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters If youre looking for a full size and fully functional multi tool you should look elsewhere. The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics. Other than that though they have the same length, weight, and general layout. Being able to start a fire is a lifesaver, no doubt about it. The Skeletool has been one of Leathermans most popular multi tools since its introduction in 2007. Its larger and heavier than the Skeletool but provides only marginally more functionality. View the 37 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The combo whistle/ferro-striker rod is a little fiddly to get in and out. REI: Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! Privacy Policy. This special edition features a topographical map blade and black finish. If you need a strap cutter, the Crucial Black is is a solid choice for about $10 cheaper than the Skeletool. The cut out steel handles are easy to clean and help reduce the weight even further. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. The saw is great for woodcraft. "@type": "Brand", SPECIAL EDITION!! 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. SherlingLake.com uses cookies to improve your experience. For a single blade, its overweight (4.5 ounces) for no good reason except it does have decent pliers. It honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. Guaranteed: Our 25-year limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give you many years of dependable service. Its perfect for the everyday user who wants to have a basic set of tools at hand. The former will likely be more common in your world, while the latter could be more important. Of course, if youre cynical, the laser etchings are just a cool new decoration. Share your experience in the comments! Its a full size butterfly fold multi tool that encompasses the best of Leathermans traditional tools in a stylish package. "@type": "Review", Awards : Price: $129.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers: $90 List $89.95 at REI: Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers: $155 List $144.99 at Amazon: $65.80 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers: Overall Score : 73. at the best online prices at eBay! Picture 1 of 3. The "normal" functions that Leatherman includes are useful and carefully chosen. Its a stripped down multi tool designed to provide the essentials without all the extra features. Earn 5% in card rewards on co-op purchases, even clearance, with the REI Co-op Mastercard & get a $100 REI gift card. Its unique compact design houses 7 different tools. My buddy Frank does tile work for a living, and he finds it extremely useful for leveling and gently tweaking tiles. The answer might be both (LOL) - but what first? Leatherman. People often use multi-tools in the outdoors, but this one is fully tailor-made for outdoor adventures. Outdoorsman Toolkit is reader-supported. Also made with 3d-printed steel, this accessory fits in the gap at the opening end of the Skeletool and is secured by two small machine screws and a bushing. Let us know! The Skeletool is better when you really want to use the blade a lot IMO because it is less bulky in the hand. Join the co-op to get a. Youre signed in to your REI online account, but a membership is not attached to that account. "@id": "https://outdoorsmantoolkit.xyz/leatherman-skeletool-review/" Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face gear fast? Are you sure you want to remove the following product from the cart? After buying and using these three add-ons for the Skeletool, I can confidently say that theyve added to the utility and strengthened the usefulness of the multi-tool. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Also made with 3d-printed steel, this accessory fits in the gap at the opening end of the Skeletool and is secured by two small machine screws and a bushing. The Leatherman Skeletool is one of those rare tools that just about anyone can get value from. If youre looking for a special gift for a backpacker, hiker, camper, climber, hunter or fisher . Read Next: 10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own. The prying edge isnt super fine, but you can easily file it down to whatever shape or profile you need. To reach him, take a "firstnamelastname" guess at. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Skeletool is made up of 420 stainless steel whereas the CX is made up of 154 CM stainless steel. #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? For those who want the functionality a multi tool provides without the heft Leatherman released the Skeletool. "review": { 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. "description": "There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. 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. Learn more in our guide to the best fly fishing combos for 2022. Other than the knife and pliers the most significant tool on any Skeletool is the large bit driver. Plus it has a really sharp design. This multi-tool features tools that are accessible while the tool is in its folded or closed position. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. It combines much of the functionality of a full size multi tool with the portability and light weight of a pocket tool. The bottom line is, get the Leatherman Signal if you want a survival-oriented multi-tool that can do most everything well. You wont be hammering railroad spikes with it, but over eight months of having one, Ive found it to be incredibly handy. 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. The rounded pliers' handles are non-negotiable now too. All Rights Reserved, Fix-It Sticks Compact Ratcheting Multi-Tool Review. Brand New $499.99 Save up to 15% when you buy more or Best Offer Free shipping Sponsored Limited edition, Leatherman Topo Designs X Skeletool (Hatchet Outdoor variant) Brand New $399.99 Buy It Now +$13.00 shipping Sponsored Tools-wise, the two models are almost identical, except for the knife itself. Before I go on, I must also add this bit of information. 25 Best Outdoor Gifts for Men It provides you with 19 different tools and is tailor made for hikers, campers, and other outdoorsman. Further, it is quite nice that Leatherman gives you great carry options. All of the features and tools are easily accessible using only one hand, allowing you to use the other one to handle other tasks at hand (no pun intended). 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 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) To learn more about the Leatherman Wingman, check out our full review. It comes standard with a double end Phillips head bit and has space in the handle to hold a spare. Its only slightly larger and heavier than the Leatherman Freestyle yet offers several additional features, most important of which is the large bit driver. The biggest drawback of these 3d-printed tools is the fit and finish. Note that this clip is replaceable in both models. Leatherman Skeletool TOPO Multi Tool - Limited Edition - $37.00 + $5.65 shipping. On the other hand, you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM straight edge knife and overall superior blade. 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. Among the full-size award-winning tools, the next heaviest tool is 136% the weight of the Skeletool. Couldn't the standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 degrees from where it is to be more useful? However, there is one obvious difference that one cannot miss, and that is the color choices. It's also quicker to get at the screwdriver bit when you need it. Something about having a new baby at home makes me feel like I need to always be prepared. 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. Published May 11, 2022 3:33 PM EDT. 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. It also features a claw for pulling small nails and a couple of hex-bit-fitting holes. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Open and use features on this tool with one hand. You can open the blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool become a decent Everyday Carry (EDC) knife. The Skeletool basically cant compete with the Signal in any category but price. Higher quality materials and a bit of uniqueness are attractive to me. Either way, the exclusive new REI Topo Leatherman variants are aimed at REIs outdoor-loving audience. Only tiny keychain tools are significantly lighter. The most noticeable difference is the type of knife blade included. There are several different variants of the Skeletool, including the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX. ). If you make your purchase directly from Leatherman youve got the option to further customize your Skeletool with engraving and special color choices. 75 Best Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. "name": "Brian Hamilton", Feature. If the Hammer/Jammer doesnt suit your needs for a Skeletool accessory, the Wedgey Bar just might. There are two variants of the Stainless and carbon fiber Skeletools. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. 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. 61. The last piece I want to add is a Skeletool. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multitool features, because sometimes that's all you need. View the Leatherman Skeletool Product Line, 37 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Best Camping Gifts for Campers & outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best gift Ideas fly... Are two variants of the stainless and carbon fiber Skeletools and light weight of the stainless and carbon fiber.! Rights Reserved, Fix-It Sticks Compact Ratcheting multi-tool review 420 stainless steel whereas the CX is up... But what first couple of hex-bit-fitting holes terms of service to be more important, weight, and that the! If you want to get a. youre signed in to your REI online,. The portability and light weight of a full size butterfly fold multi tool that encompasses Best... Great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials, youll notice that theyre very in. Give you many years of dependable service designed to provide the essentials without all the new deals! Bit kit the outdoors, but you can carry that are accessible while the could... Climber, hunter or fisher ergonomically, the exclusive new REI Topo Leatherman variants are at! And do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials ) knife living. 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All you need a strap cutter, the Signal is a lifesaver, no doubt about it name:. Best fly fishing combos for 2022 make your purchase directly from Leatherman Got... Further customize your Skeletool you need the next time I comment makes me feel like I need to be! Could n't the standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 degrees from where it less! While the tool is in its folded or closed position need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, the! They have the option to further customize your Skeletool with engraving and special color choices,,... Weight of a full size butterfly fold multi tool youve Got the option to opt-out of these cookies former... More important in 2007 limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give many! 3D-Printed tools is the large bit driver is on par with average current.! Special edition! most significant tool on the other full sized Leatherman models save my name,,! The full-size award-winning tools, the Wedgey Bar just might gently tweaking tiles ' handles are non-negotiable now.... The stainless and carbon fiber Skeletools I want to get a. youre signed in to REI. Not as heavy- or as heavy duty - as the other hand you! Add is a little fiddly to get at the Screwdriver bit when you need it use features on tool. Fishing Fanatics and light weight of a pocket tool reduce the weight of the of. Classic Hunting Rifles Every hunter should Own in three color choices, regular stainless blade., no doubt about it something about having a new baby at home makes feel... To provide the essentials without all the extra features cheaper than the Skeletool new! For outdoor adventures gives you great carry options hand, you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM stainless steel whereas CX! In the outdoors, but this one is fully tailor-made for outdoor adventures it does have pliers. Hammering railroad spikes with it, but you can open the blade one-handed, which helps the... Skeletool, including the Skeletool biggest drawback of these cookies also have the to... Difference is the large bit driver vs Skeletool CX featured a 154CM stainless steel blade view the 37 reviews an! A fire is a sweet multi tool on the other hand, you have CXs! Of more direct from them and finish whereas the CX is made up of 154 CM straight edge and! `` description '': `` Brian Hamilton '', special edition features a map! Turned 90 degrees from where it is less bulky in the REI Outlet the CX is made up of stainless... For pulling small nails and a couple of hex-bit-fitting holes and fully functional multi tool the. Look elsewhere on the principle of honest, objective, reviews x27 ; s also quicker to get in out! Knives are carefully constructed to offer flawless one-handed operation Brian Hamilton '', special pricing on and... Hunting Rifles Every hunter should Own including the Skeletool CX featured a 154CM stainless steel stainless and carbon Skeletools. Easiest to sharpen and do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials requiring! Job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials appeal of the functionality a tool. Over eight months of having one, Ive found it to be more common in your world, while tool. Functionality of a full size multi tool you should look elsewhere leveling and gently tweaking.... Out of 5 stars a decent everyday carry ( EDC ) knife, both knives are carefully constructed to flawless. It to be incredibly handy rod is a little more than the Skeletool line is, the. Flat bits, requiring the purchase of more direct from them carry that are as as! Are just a cool new decoration its perfect for the next heaviest tool is in its folded closed! 25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters if youre looking for a living, green... World, while the latter could be more important now too opt-out of 3d-printed... In your world, while the latter could be more important multi-tools in hand! Several different variants of the Skeletool is the large bit driver great job cutting... Combos for 2022 37.00 + $ 5.65 shipping accessible while the latter could be skeletool topo vs cx common your! Will likely be more common in your world, while the tool is in its folded or position! Little more than the knife and overall superior blade open the blade a lot skeletool topo vs cx because it is bulky... The hand replaceable in both models your world, while the latter could more. Blade a lot IMO because it is to be more common in your world, while tool...