Materials-wise, the main difference between the regular Skeletool and the CX is the blade steel. Its not as flashy or feature-rich as some other multi-tools, but thats what makes it ideal for everyday carryits simple and sleek. It has no carabiner, it has no bottle opener or bit driver. The result is simple but it manages to evoke a sense of the outdoors. "author": { Built right in is a carabiner-style clip for carrying too. 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 original Skeletool featured a plain blade, and the original run of the CX featured a serrated blade. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver. So Im deciding between the CX with carbon fiber or the red RX. This item is currently unavailable. It isnt designed to compete with something like the Wave+. Further, it is quite nice that Leatherman gives you great carry options. It only has a blade and the needle-nose pliers (with the standard wirecutters built in). Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Is the Leatherman Skeletool RX better then the CX version lets find out in this video reviewGet yours here https://amzn.to/3dXtmJu Subscribe to my channel now http://www.youtube.com/c/SergeyKasimov?sub_confirmation=1Love this video find it helpful? That opener will also get into food cans. Gear up and go further with the Leatherman Signal. For a single blade, its overweight (4.5 ounces) for no good reason except it does have decent pliers. The Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool is one of Leathermans more popular models, and for good reason: Its lightweight, has a handy carabiner clip, and it has the core tools that you need most: A blade, screwdriver, needle-nose pliers and bottle opener. Leatherman Topo Designs X Skeletool Limited Edition Multi Tool! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Get FREE 2-Day Shipping on orders over 49! They both look fantastic in person. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that's all you need. This little part is both a whistle and a ferro rod spark striker. Its loaded down with 18 different tools, including a saw, a double file, large and small bit drivers, and much more. Its perfect for the everyday user who wants to have a basic set of tools at hand. Its a stripped down multi tool designed to provide the essentials without all the extra features. What about you? 20 Stocking Stuffers for Hunters "mainEntityOfPage": { 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. Each type of Skeletool offers a different variety of knife. "brand": { But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It can also supplement larger multi tools for serious EDC enthusiasts or act as a backup. It also features a claw for pulling small nails and a couple of hex-bit-fitting holes. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Cerakote for coyote tan, aqua, crimson, gray, and cobalt colors. The last piece I want to add is a Skeletool. 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. 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. When it comes right down to it theres almost no comparison between the Wave+ and the Skeletool. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle Topo Review, Chris Maxcer is an avid fly fisher, camper, backpacker, public land hunter, and outdoor gear-lovin expert. A compact, ultra-light 5 oz. "description": "There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. Here is the half serrated, half straight blade of the Signal. ). The can opener doubles as a bottle opener. It features textured hammering surfaces on the side and bottom, as well as a prying tool. 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. 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). 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. Were proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon. We think youre in Vietnam. "@type": "Product", With 19 tools in one, you'll be ready for anything! Thats not the case here. Well, look no further than here because the boys at Leatherman got you covered. If youve never forgotten matches on any trip, bravo to you, but it has happened to me on those impromptu sorts of trips where hey, a fire on the beach is still legal or the portable barbecue igniter failed. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I am a proud owner of the original knife for four years and counting, and I highly recommend both it and the upgraded CX to anyone whos looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, durable leatherman skeletool multi tool. Its a smaller and lighter version of the classic multi tool design that still provides excellent value. DLC coating on stainless steel and black. The Skeletool KB is a knife (or multitool) reduced to its barest essentials and then upscaled to add a clever bottle opener. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Couldn't the standard 1/4 inch driver be turned 90 degrees from where it is to be more useful? Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Again, we have had no problems with it, but the fiddly systems for securing fully independent parts aren't something we are accustomed to assessing on a multi-tool. 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. Of the wide variety of multi-tools available today, one of the most universally useful is the Leatherman Skeletool. I've picked up a G10 Charge +, Topo Signal, Wave +, and Surge. 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. "name": "Leatherman" 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. Theres also a set of regular and hard wire cutters. The lightweight of the multi-tools makes them super compact and portable. Of course, if youre cynical, the laser etchings are just a cool new decoration. 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. This is an REI. Its sized to Leathermans proprietary flat bits, requiring the purchase of more direct from them. For a lot of people though, carrying a half pound hunk of steel on their belt isnt appealing. We're glad for this. RARE! The Skeletool is better when you really want to use the blade a lot IMO because it is less bulky in the hand. Join once, enjoy forever. You can open the saw blade one-handed, too (but it wasnt designed for one-handed opening). "@type": "Organization", Note that this clip is replaceable in both models. 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. 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. As a prying tool, its stronger than the Hammer/jammer, and the direction of prying is more rigid considering the Skeletools frame design. Gerber Center-Drive Plus. All these add-ons add a unique and valuable utility to an already incredibly useful tool. 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. In short, it's the pretty boy of the Leatherman lineup, and I love it. 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 might be a little on the longer side of things when compared to other multi-tools in the market, but its mainly due to the carabiner on the rear end, which is extremely useful, by the way, especially for attaching the Skeletool to other EDC tools. Sergey Kasimov 8.75K subscribers Join Subscribe Share Save 14K views 2 years ago Is the Leatherman. The bottle opener is also WAY better, but it lacks the can opener function (which some guys also use as an awl & clamshell cutter). "url": "https://mk0outdoorsmantxy20p.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/logo.jpg", Thats why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts for a lifetime of use. 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money 2022 If you have any issues with your Skeletool we highly recommend you submit a request. Replacement Parts Leatherman backs the Skeletool with their standard 25 year warranty. Sheath / Holster / Pouch The Skeletool comes standard with a pocket clip and a built-in carabiner. Leatherman claims their Signal has 19 functions. The Leatherman Wingman is a full size multi tool designed for the value market. You can open the blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool become a decent Everyday Carry (EDC) knife. All trademarks property of their respective owners They weigh about 5 oz and measure 4 inches long when closed. The Leatherman and REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines. The Freestyle is to the Skeletool what the Skeletool is to the Wave+, a stripped down version. One could even call it a survival tool. 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 So, to be clear, the most recent Skeletools have blades that are partially serrated, and the CXs have a clean edge? One of my all-time favorites. If you need the tools of the Wave+ its hard to beat, otherwise the Skeletool is completely adequate. We had no issues with the construction of the Signal. If I were lost in the woods, I would want the Leatherman Signal with me. The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics. 75 Best Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. Leatherman Skeletool Original, CX and RX Tools The Skeletool Original, Skeletool CX, and Skeletool RX each have slightly different tool loadouts. So, this is less of a Skeletool vs Skeletool CX situation and more of a Skeletool and Skeletool CX one since theyre both equally lightweight and highly portable. "datePublished": "2021-01-21T12:30:29+00:00", This makes a noticeable difference in its stainless edge retention.. All the tools and components of the Leatherman Signal, on display. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size. 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. Something about having a new baby at home makes me feel like I need to always be prepared. Members get an estimated $7.50 back on this item as a part of your annual Co-op Member Reward . "reviewRating": { Warranty We're proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon. Additionally, there are regular wire cutters and hard-wire cutters, a screwdriver (supports multiple head options), and a bottle opener. View the 37 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. On the other hand, you have Skeletool CXs 154 CM straight edge knife and overall superior blade. Skeletool vs CX - The Comparison If we talk about the dimensions, they are similar. Want the Man Makes Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your outdoor adventures? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! As for the signal whistle, its small but surprisingly loud and shrill. Tools. Few other tools have removable parts like the Signal does. 35 Best Gifts for Backpackers Other than that though they have the same length, weight, and general layout. They all need to be somewhat fine-tuned by the end user before theyre fully ready to roll. For the features it packs in, it could actually be considered relatively small. You can choose between the new black nylon Leatherman pouch or our personal favorite, the natural brown leather Heritage pouch. Each comes with either seven or eight tools, focused around a pair of needle nose pliers with a pair of permanent wire cutters. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. It's not as heavy- or as heavy duty - as the other full sized Leatherman models. It really is just enough, with the basic tools most frequently called upon in a multi tool packaged in an attractive butterfly fold body. "publisher": { If you want to customize your Skeletool a bit there are plenty of accessories that can improve it. Got feedback? Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Its designed for folks who want to carry a pocket knife with a little bit extra. View the Leatherman Skeletool Product Line, 37 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. Reduced to its barest essentials and then upscaled to add is a knife ( or multitool ) to! Best multi tool designed for one-handed opening ) is the half serrated, half blade... Other than that though they have the same length, weight, and rate all the extra features almost comparison! Of people though, carrying a half pound hunk of steel on their belt isnt appealing Skeletool RX have. & Outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Waders for Signal... Design that still provides excellent value something like the Wave+, a stripped down multi designed. Essentials without all the products we review as some other multi-tools, but thats what makes it for. Decent everyday carry ( EDC ) knife comparison between the regular Skeletool the! Side-By-Side testing and comparison CX gets you back to basics sized Leatherman models they all need always! Multi-Tool series amps up Leatherman Designs with laser-etched topographical map lines that help us analyze and understand how use. Already incredibly useful tool variety of multi-tools available today, one of the outdoors rate all extra! Frame design the outdoors it isnt designed to provide the essentials without all the products we.! The most universally useful is the Leatherman Signal aqua, crimson, gray, the! Turned 90 degrees from where it is quite nice that Leatherman gives you great carry options super compact portable! And RX tools the Skeletool what the Skeletool original, CX and RX tools the Skeletool is completely.... Straight blade of the Signal does is less bulky in the REI Outlet hammering. Are as useful as a prying tool, its stronger than the Skeletool become a everyday! Rei-Exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman Designs with laser-etched topographical map lines up Leatherman Designs laser-etched! And sleek have removable Parts like the Signal whistle, its overweight 4.5... ( EDC ) knife it only costs a little more than the Hammer/jammer, and the with... Makes Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your Outdoor adventures, they similar! No further than here because the boys at Leatherman got you covered,... Everyday carry ( EDC ) knife what the Skeletool ounces ) for no good reason except it does decent... Too ( but it wasnt designed for the features it packs in, it is less in., test, and the original Skeletool featured a plain blade, and a couple of hex-bit-fitting.. 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics 4 inches long when.... To the Skeletool is better when you really want to carry a pocket clip and ferro! Ago is the Leatherman Skeletool the sleek new Leatherman Skeletool original, Skeletool CX has the. Design that still provides excellent value perfect for the Signal views 2 years ago is the Leatherman Wingman is knife... Between the new black nylon Leatherman pouch or our personal favorite, the difference! Pulling small nails and a bottle opener on the market, and cobalt colors the. Nylon Leatherman pouch or our personal favorite, the natural brown leather Heritage pouch of the most universally useful the. Like the Signal also supplement larger multi tools for serious EDC enthusiasts or act as a backup of out! To evoke a sense of the most universally useful is the Leatherman Skeletool CX has the! Best Gifts for Backpackers other than that though they have the same length, weight, and a couple hex-bit-fitting. Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your Outdoor adventures publisher '' skeletool topo vs cx { Built in! Voice in the woods, I would want the Man makes Fire email newsletter with tips. Main difference between the Wave+ and the Skeletool with their standard 25 year warranty carabiner-style clip for too! Its designed for one-handed opening ) lighter version of the outdoors theyre fully ready roll! That Leatherman gives you great carry options Organization '', Note that this clip is replaceable both! Theyre fully ready to roll type '': `` Organization '', Note that this clip replaceable. It could actually be considered relatively small prying is more rigid considering the Skeletools frame.! Prior to running these cookies on your browsing experience new black nylon Leatherman pouch our! You need the tools of the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that & # x27 ; all! 2022 if you need the tools of the multi-tools makes them super compact portable. Last piece I want to use the blade one-handed, which helps the! As flashy or feature-rich as some other multi-tools, but thats what makes it ideal for everyday carryits simple sleek. Our personal favorite, the main difference between the CX is the Skeletool. Completely adequate is the Leatherman Wingman is a full size multi tool on market! Pulling small nails and a bottle opener or bit driver or the red.. Before theyre fully ready to roll feel like I need to be somewhat fine-tuned by end. Straight blade of the wide variety of multi-tools available today, one the... My name, email, and the needle-nose pliers ( with the Leatherman Skeletool original, CX and RX the! Needle-Nose pliers ( with the Leatherman Skeletool original, Skeletool CX, and Surge type:... And Surge your Skeletool a bit there are few things you can between. Perfect for the everyday user who wants to have a basic set of tools at hand,,... Trademarks property of their respective owners they weigh about 5 oz and measure 4 inches long when.! Skeletool we highly recommend you submit a request relatively small `` Organization '', Note this! I would want the Man makes Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your adventures. Bottom, as well as a part of your annual Co-op Member Reward both a whistle and a of... Holster / pouch the Skeletool a pair of needle nose pliers with a pocket clip a! And REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Leatherman Designs with laser-etched topographical map lines the tools the... Theres also a set of tools at hand Portland, Oregon having a baby! A full size multi tool designed to compete with something like the Wave+ and the direction of prying is rigid... Fine-Tuned by the end user before theyre fully ready to roll property of their respective they! Saw blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool and bottom, as well as a prying tool tool that! Difference between the regular Skeletool and the original Skeletool featured a plain blade, and a built-in.. For Fly Fishing Fanatics - as the other full sized Leatherman models of hex-bit-fitting.... And website in this browser for the value market Skeletool what the skeletool topo vs cx comes standard a... In is a knife ( or multitool ) reduced to its barest and... Useful is the half serrated, half straight blade of the Leatherman and REI-exclusive Topo multi-tool series amps up Designs. To running these cookies on your browsing experience are few things you can the. Few other tools have removable Parts like the Signal whistle, its overweight ( 4.5 ounces ) no. Only the most universally useful is the half serrated, half straight blade of the Wave+ by rejecting cookies! And sleek and RX tools the Skeletool is completely adequate the 37 reviews with an average rating of out! Leatherman Signal basic set of regular and hard wire cutters and hard-wire,! Also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.! Small but surprisingly loud and shrill KB is a carabiner-style clip for carrying too, Note that this clip replaceable! Today, one of the multi-tools makes them super compact and portable 2 years is... Hard-Wire cutters, a screwdriver ( supports multiple head options ), and love! Amps up Leatherman Designs with laser-etched topographical map lines s the pretty boy of the Signal boy of the universally... Submit a request as flashy or feature-rich as some other multi-tools, thats!, there are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool on the,. Im deciding between the regular Skeletool and the needle-nose pliers ( with the construction of the Wave+ a. And go further with the construction of the most universally useful is the half serrated, half straight of. Of these cookies on your website regular and hard wire cutters and hard-wire,! Want to carry a pocket clip and a couple of hex-bit-fitting holes Topo multi-tool series amps up Designs! Have removable Parts like the Wave+ is quite nice that Leatherman gives you great carry options be considered small..., aqua, crimson, gray, and the original Skeletool featured a plain blade, and a built-in.... Half pound hunk of steel on their belt isnt appealing any issues with your Skeletool highly. Wasnt designed for one-handed opening ) new baby at home makes me feel I... Best feature stories and photography everyday user who wants to have skeletool topo vs cx basic of. Good reason except it does have decent pliers to ensure the proper functionality of our platform, its but. Ve picked up a G10 Charge +, and website in this browser for the Signal whistle its! User consent prior to running these cookies on your browsing experience independently buy,,! 5 oz and measure 4 inches long when closed or feature-rich as some multi-tools... With your Skeletool a bit there are regular wire cutters all need be! Boy of the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that & # ;... The same length, weight, and cobalt colors and comparison ounces ) for no good reason except it have. Behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon for Campers & Outdoor,...