Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool

Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool | Excellent multitool

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Leatherman 830850 ...

	Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool Leatherman Leatherman, 2008 average customer review:based on 91 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Love Mine

I've always wanted a leatherman, but am not the type of person to carry one on my belt. The Skeletool is as light as the pocket knife I used to tote and a lot more functional. Basically, there's just about everything I need on here except a lighter and flashlight. The fact that the blade opens from the outside of the handle is a great step forward for Leatherman and the factory edge is razor sharp. I now realize how handy it is to have a wire cutter and screw driver with you at all times. Normally my key ring always had a bottle opener on it ever since college, but after the years, I finally wore it out. Having one on the Skeletool makes it a necessity to keep in my pocket wherever I go. I don't make a living using this tool, but as someone who just likes to be prepared, I'm really happy with the purchase.

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Excellent multitool

I had been looking for a new Leatherman to replace my old original, which I lost recently. I never used all of the tools, and was looking for something basic but just as versatile. The Skeletool CX is perfect for my lifestyle. I especially like the large, locking blade and the comfortable handle in all configurations. The clips make it easy to carry and not lose. This is a winner!

Good design, good build quality

The Skeletool is an excellent niche tool that falls comfortably between Leatherman's larger outings and simple folding knives. At 5 oz., it is not exactly featherweight, but it is considerably less bulky and less heavy than most other multi-tools.

It has a couple of downsides which are immediately apparent or become apparent quickly. 1) No saw. Although the blade is 50/50 smooth/serrated, the serrations would be a poor saw substitute. 2) The "extra bit" slot in the handle is not secure enough. In my first week, I lost the stored bit in the handle. I've been more careful in how I handle it, but I think they could have tightened up the tolerances a little. 3) Bad initial bit selection. My Charge TTi came with a reversible phillips/flathead bit in the kit. The Skeletool comes with a phillips/phillips and flat/flat. I generally find the mixed phillips/flat bits to be useful because then I can carry an allen bit as well. Finally, 4) bad for lefties. Unfortunately, as a conscious design decision, the tool is not reversible for lefties, in particular this means that you have to open the knife blade by flicking it out with your middle finger instead of your thumb (and close the lever lock the same way). This is neither as safe or as comfortable as thumb operation. But, if you're used to left-handed opening of folding knives, then it's nothing new to you. As I rightie, it doesn't matter to much to me, so I'm just putting this issue out there.

One the plus side: everything else. Good ergonomic design for such a lightweight and minimalist tool. The build quality is high, with steel support bands and brass bearings for smooth action. Probably the best pliers you will find in a multitool of this size/wight, and a well designed blade. Lightweight package, but still sturdy enough to see some serious duty, and a good selection of tools (pliers, wirecutter, knife, bit driver, bottlecap lifter, and carabiner tool).

I would point out tool two issues in particular. 1) The "carabiner/bottlecap lifter" is really mislabeled and should be just called a tension clasp. While it has the limited functionality of being able to attach your Skeletook to a belt or gear loop, you should not overlook the fact that it can assist you one-handed openings. I found it to be very difficult to open the pliers with one hand (after a lot of practice I found an unintuitive way of doing pretty consistently), until I realized that if I snapped the clasp to my belt loop, I could use that as an extra hand of sorts. Also, while the bottlecap lifter is neat, it can also operate as a parcel hook.

2) The knife blade on the CX model is 154CM stainless. I believe the blade on the other model is 420HC stainless. I've had great luck with the 154CM steel, and I think it is a worthwhile upgrade for the relatively modest difference in cost. 420HC is more of a tool grade steel. Easier to sharpen, but it won't hold an edge as long.

All in all, a great multitool if weight and size are an issue.

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Lost my bits

This item is so close to perfect. I use the carabeaner to attach it to my belt loop or just clip it to the band on my shorts. Very light weight. Great knife with one handed opening and closing.

FLAW!: The bits don't stay in place. I lost 3 bits in a week so I just saudered the #2 phillips in place since I use it the most. If the bit holders would have worked, this would be the perfect light weight knife/pliers/driver.

Not Lefty friendly, but still a great tool.

I just wanted to note that, because the thumb hole is hidden behind the Leatherman, the knife on this tool cannot be folded out with your left hand only.

Having said that, it is still a great tool that I would highly recommend. It has the tools you will actually use in a multi-tool, and got rid of all the ones you don't.

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