Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool

Product Description
The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics... very cool basics. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. With a 154CM combo stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you're set. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size. The Skeletool CX: Who says more is better? Tools: Large Bit Driver Bottle Opener Carabiner Clip INCLUDED BITS - Phillips #1 and #2 Bit, Screwdriver 3/16 and 1/4 Bit

Leatherman packs the full-size Skeletool with the tools you're likely to use most often.

Introducing the Brand New Skeletool CX from Leatherman
Get back to basics -- the very cool basics -- with Leatherman's Skeletool CX. Today’s outdoor enthusiasts want to keep weight and volume to a minimum without sacrificing quality and true functionality, and that's what the Skeletool is all about. Many multitools have multiple options, but they’re often heavier -- and they're loaded with more features than most people actually need on a regular basis. Conversely, pocket knives are light and streamlined, but they render themselves useless when the task calls for a more versatile tool. Enter the new Skeletool platform, offering minimal weight, compact size and endless capabilities.

Key User Features
The Skeletool CX has a large knife blade that can be accessed while the tool is closed; to open it, just place your thumb in the thumbhole at the base of the blade and rotate it out until it's fully extended -- which will engage the safety lock. This locking mechanism is noted with a padlock symbol on the tool. To unlock the blade, press the locking mechanism towards the handle until the blade slides past the lock.

Equipped with a universal bit driver, the Skeletool offers real utility options like no other multitool. To change the tool bits, simply unfold the tool and remove the bit from the bit driver -- and pop it out. And replacing bits is just as easy. Just press a new one into position and you're good to go. There's even a spare bit located in the handle side opposite the knife blade. This tool includes the following bits: Phillips #1 and #2, screwdriver 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch.

In the plier jaws you'll find a hard-wire cutter and a regular wire cutter. The regular wire cutter is great for softer grades of wire, but the hard-wire cutter is excellent for heavier jobs -- like cutting and bending fishhooks.

Multitool Capabilities:
The Skeletool keeps it simple -- and light, and compact, and easy to transport. Why waste time with pointless, heavy add-ons when all the basics are right at your fingertips? With its open hardware, skeletal design and hardy appearance, the Skeletool boasts a premium stainless steel blade, pliers, a universal bit driver, and a carabiner/bottle opener ... and that's it.

Key Tech Specs:

• Length: 4 inches/10 cm closed
• Weight: 5 ounces/142 grams
• Materials: Stainless steel, Tungsten DLC coating, 154CM, carbon fiber (handle scale)
• Included Bits: Phillips #1 and #2, Screwdriver 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch

Leatherman makes a full range of complementary accessories and add-ons for this and other Leatherman products.

Optional Accessories (not included)
Spice up your Skeletool with genuine Leatherman accessories. Options include a bit kit that offers 21 double-ended bits for real versatility. From new belt sheaths to t-shirts and caps, genuine Leatherman accessories are durable, fun and show that you're a part of Leatherman World. With such a wide variety available, it's easy to find just the add-on that's right for you.

Warranty
All Leatherman products are covered by a 25-year limited warranty. If within 25 years from the purchase date of your genuine Leatherman tool you find any defect in material or workmanship, you can count on the manufacturer to make it right with fast warranty service. To obtain warranty service, return your tool to Leatherman Tool Group. Depending on the tool defect, they will decide whether to repair your tool or replace it with a product of equal or greater value. No variations, upgrades or refunds are offered.

The Leatherman Tool Group and its History of Quality
In 1975, Leatherman Tool Group founder Tim Leatherman was inspired by leaky pipes and a cranky car on a budget trip to Europe -- and thus the idea for his first pocket survival tool was conceived. Since then, Leatherman has become an internationally recognized company with hundreds of employees and a wide variety of durable, versatile, stylish products. Created with bold designs and truly rugged construction, Leatherman products are a perfect addition for tool kits, emergency sets, and glove compartments everywhere.

Everything I need packed into a tiny, yet sturdy and well built tool.
Alright, so before I purchased this multi-tool, a lot of the reviews mentioned the carbon fiber being there for fashion and nothing else. I found that that is absolutely incorrect. The carbon fiber scale doesn't really minimize the weight, but it makes the grip much more comfortable when holding the carbon fiber side in the palm of you hand while doing some heavy duty plier gripping. They also mentioned that it was just trim, but in fact, there's a fat piece of carbon fiber being in the HAND SCALE! Say for instance how some knives have wooden scales (or what look like handles), but the main components are steel. They are just placed there for both the way tool or knife looks, but also the comfort and gripping.

Another complaint that I recently saw a video review about mentioned how the bit driver grinds into the palm of your hand, that's not much of a problem, even for my big hands, the mutli tool was made to hold the knife from the carbon fiber side! So, its actually quite comfortable in your hand.

I must admit though, the knife is smaller than I expected it to be in proportion with the tool, but alas, it's still a good size. The blade is really sharp and quality made, I'd say up in the league with Benchmade and Emerson. Although the carbon fiber serves no purpose while holding it in the knife function, the handle is still incredibly comfortable and stable to handle. The bit driver finally has a quick release locking mechanism which prevents play when the bits are in use. On my Charge XTi, it wasn't really practical to use for high torquing on my bikes Allen bolts. But the Skeletool CX is much stronger and can handle getting all your bike equipment securely screwed down. The bottle opener is amazing, I used to use a lighter to open a bottle of beer before I broke my arm, but for the time being, I'll have a nice bottle opener with me at all times.

Lastly, the whole plier mechanism. What a lot of reviewers mentioned the needle nose pliers having the ability to use them as tweezers is very true. This the first day of having my Skeletool, and my father already used it to remove a sliver in his finger. The needle nose is still slim enough (and better reinforced) to get into the tight areas where needle nose is applicable. The regular pliers seem just right, I haven't gotten a chance to use them yet, but they look like they'll be able to tackle most jobs you'd need them for. Then there's the wire cutters... Something no one has really mentioned in any review yet, and I have to say they work much better than on my Charge. I was able to cleanly cut and bend a paper clip with the hard wire cutter and cleanly cut a hollow q-tip with the soft wire cutter. The Charge always messed the cuts up >_>.

All in all, this is a great all around tool. It's for that minimal survivalist utilitarian in all of us. Its ultra light, it has only the tools that you'd actually use on a regular basis, and if you use your imagination it can fulfill many other applications. It's great for survival, every-day occurrences, a light tool for your bike (if your hubs and many other parts on your bike use Allen keys), and if it's the only knife you carry around for protection, it can still save your life in hand to hand combat. One more thing I'd like to address from a past review, someone was complaining that it's way too heavy for a hike or camping. This thing is barely noticeable and if anything, as I keep saying throughout this review, has the bear essentials.

Exactly what I need!
So after searching reviews for a good all around multi-tool for use at work I decided to go with the Skeletool CX. Now I am not a handyman but I do find myself needing a screwdriver or knife often during a regular work week. With that said this skeletool is exactly what I need, knife, flat/philips head screwdriver bits and pliers. It is not so much a stripped down version of other Leatherman models (I already own a PST, Wave and a mini-tool) but an enhanced version of the most commonly used tools in those models. It was a little stiff out of the package but after opening and closing it about 100 times it has a smooth operation. I also like that you can use the knife without having to open up the pliers. In short, if you are looking for a well balanced multi-tool with essential components look no further than the Skeletool CX!

Good multi-tool - great knife
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RNDH5DLKS65H1 The Leatherman Skeletool is an expensive but very usable multi-tool. The Skeletool features a very sharp 154CM stainless steel blade that is often featured on more expensive knives.

Positive Features-

- Super sharp (and durable) 154CM blade
- Solid and functional pliers
- Philips and flat-head attachments are usable - not great but usable.
- Add on features can be seen Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath
- The CX comes with a Tungsten scratch resistant coating
- Lightweight - makes it very easy to carry


Areas for improvement

- Graphite insert is strictly cosmetic
- Screwdriver feature can make the pliers a bit uncomfortable
- Not as many features as other multi-tools
- If you do not need a high quality knife - the Skeletool is a bit pricey for the features

Final verdict - A very solid multitool that may be a little light on features but it makes up for it in quality.

4 1/2 stars

McGyver fans
A real hit with the "McGyver types." Seems well built and sturdy, although I didn't use it (it was a gift.)

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