Leatherman Skeletool
A Leatherman is one of those tools you will use if you have it with you; and with the thinner, lighter Skeletool, you will always have it with you. I carried the Wave for years. In fact, I've carried many of the Leatherman's since the original. Each new model was always bigger and heavier than the previous, especially my most recent, the Charge Ti. Since I wear business casual clothes most days, a belt-mounted case wasn't an option. I always keep mine in my pocket. The Skeletool is small enough for your pocket, but retains the best features of the Wave and Charge Ti: externally-accessible blade for one-handed operation, built-in interchangeable bit driver with spare bit holder, and of course, the pliers. But it's lighter and slimmer. Its reduced size is the result of eliminating what many people find to be the marginally-useful tools (second blade, saw, file). It also has a convenient carabiner/bottle opener! I now keep my Wave in my car, and my Charge Ti stays in my computer bag (just in case!). For the last six months, I've kept the Skeletool in my pocket for daily use: opening boxes/envelopes/packaging, removing splinters from kids fingers, cutting everything from rope to stray threads on my wife's clothes. Having multiple screwdrivers comes in handy when opening the case on a computer -- the pliers are great for reaching in a tight spot to grab something. They also sell a more expensive CX model of Skeletool. According to the specs, the CX adds carbon fiber, but the weight doesn't change. Since it's not lighter, I'm less inclined to try to justify the additional money.
-- Todd Seaborn
(also recommended by Cormac Eubanks)
Leatherman Skeletool
$50 from Amazon
Manufactured by Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
Related items previously reviewed on Cool Tools:
Favorite (15)
Myles
It is a very nice tool. The carbon model also has a better blade made of 154CM steel. Not sure it's worth the extra cost, but it is a difference.
josh
i got the cx carbon version w/ the better blade. that's one heck of a sharp blade. beautifully designed an executed. my one critique is the flat screwdriver bit. it's held the storage slot by pressure. my first unit was a little bit off on tolerances and the blade slid out. i exchanged it for a new one which seems better but to be on the safe side, i've wrapped a small piece of transparent tape around the bit and handle. everything else on the skeletool is overbuilt to perfection. unlike any othe multipurpose tool that i've tried, the skelitool feels good in my hand.