REASONS TO BUY
Compact
Light
Multiple carry options
Useful tools
REASONS TO AVOID
Few features
Leatherman Skeletool CX Review
A multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carry
There's a second dual-driver bit hidden in the handle.
Credit: Kyle Hameister
By Kyle Hameister ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 15, 2023
Contributions From: Jediah Porter
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Our Verdict
The Leatherman Skeletool CX is surprisingly useful for how few functions it purports to have. Admittedly, “on paper,” it underwhelms. It is an average-sized tool with fewer than half the features of any similar-sized tool, but it grows on you. In many ways, it's in a class of its own as an everyday carry (EDC) tool – all due to its prominent carabiner-style pocket clip. The pliers, blade, and bit drivers are purpose-built, comfortable to use, and easy to clean. The Skeletool CX has proven its worth over the years, and we tend to recommend this tool to many of our friends for the price, function, and daily-driver practicality.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Leatherman Skeletool CX | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Basic Tools for Everyday Carry |  Best Customizable Multi-Tool | Best for Most People |  Best Bang for the Buck | Great Value on a Tight Budget |
| Price | $100 List Check Price at REI | $88 List Check Price at Amazon | $130 List Check Price at REI | $50 List Check Price at Backcountry | $30 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carry | This multi-tool is proof that innovation is alive and well, and available today in a quality build | A full-function multi-tool from a great manufacturer at a very reasonable price | A compact budget tool with excellent construction and a reasonable set of features for daily use | An affordable multi-tool in a familiar form that punches way above its weight class |
| Rating Categories | Leatherman Skeletool CX | Roxon Flex | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Mossy Oak 27-in-1 |
| Everyday Utility (40%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Leatherman Skeletool CX | Roxon Flex | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Mossy Oak 27-in-1 |
| Basic tools included | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors) | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors) |
| Blades and Type | 1 straight | 1 straight | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 hybrid serrated/straight | 1 straight |
| Number of Functions | 7 | 19 | 18 | 10 | 27 |
| Locking Tools | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | Scissors and blade | All but pliers and ferro rod/ whistle |
| Carry options | Carabiner clip, pocket clip | Sheath, pocket clip | Sheath (sold separately), lanyard loop | Sheath (sold separately), pocket clip | Sheath, pocket clip, carabiner clip |
| Closed Dimensions (Measured) | 4.2 in (L) x 1.3 in (W) x 0.5 in (D) | 4.2 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.7 in (D) | 4.0 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.7 in (D) | 3.9 in (L) x 1.3 in (W) x 0.6 in (D) | 4.8 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.6 in (D) |
| Weight (Measured) | 5.0 oz | 9.0 oz (10.5 oz w/ sheath | 8.5 oz (9.5 oz w/ case) |
6.8 oz (7.8 oz w/ sheath) |
8.2 oz (10.0 oz w/ sheath & bits) |
| Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers | Blade | All | Blades, saw, file | Blade, scissors | Blade, saw |
| Full Length w/ Primary Blade Open (Measured) | 6.8 in | 6.9 in | 6.9 in | 6.4 in | 7.6 in |
| Primary Blade Effective Edge Length (Measured) | 2.3 in | 2.4 in | 2.8 in | 2.4 in | 2.7 in |
| Pliers type | Needlenose and regular, with wire cutters | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with replacable wire cutters | Needlenose and regular, with replaceable wire cutters | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with wire cutters | Needlenose and regular, with replacable wire cutters |
| Full Length w/ Pliers Open (Measured) | 6.2 in | 6.4 in | 6.3 in | 6.2 in | 7.0 in |
| Number of screwdrivers | Swappable proprietary squashed bit driver (2 double-ended bits included) | 3 | 1 included + swappable proprietary squashed bit driver & swappable jewelry/ eyeglasses bit driver | 3 | 2 + additional swappable double-ended bits |
| File | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Saw | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Openers | Bottle | Can, bottle | Can, bottle | Can, bottle, package opener | Can, bottle |
| Other Important Features | Carabiner clip, swappable bit driver | Awl, chisel, rope cutter, and swappable tools | Ruler, 2 swappable bit drivers (squashed 1/4" hex, and jewelry) | Ruler, package opener | Whistle, fire starter (ferro rod), awl, carabiner clip, hammer |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Skeletool CX departs from the other tool-proliferating devices we've tested. It is simply a pair of pliers, a blade, and Leatherman's proprietary bit driver. In such a distilled package, Leatherman has optimized the function of these few tools. Also, for its size, the Skeletool CX is lighter than its competition, which is evident in the numerous cutouts, casing, and tools. It carries better than any other full-size device we've tested.
The Skeletool CX's prominent clip is its defining feature. Use it to access tools lightning-quick. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Everyday Utility
Among multi-tools of this size, the Skeletool CX has fewer than half the features. However, each feature is useful and cleverly designed. It has just what you need in most day-to-day situations and nothing more.
Ostensibly, the Skeletool CX has the fewest functions of any multi-tool we've tested. It has pliers with a blade and bit driver, but it conspicuously lacks scissors or pry tool. The carabiner clip does hide a secondary function as a bottle opener, which is more easily accessible than many models we've tested. Beer, cider, and craft soda drinkers alike will appreciate this elegant feature.
You can make easy work of the quick-change bits in this model. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The bit driver does deserve a bit of scrutiny. On the one hand, Leatherman's proprietary quick-change bit system allows for virtually unlimited accessorization. The system here, as seen on most of Leatherman's offerings these days, is a proprietary “squashed” 1/4 inch format. In this case, it comes with two double-ended bits, a No.1 and No.2 Phillips, and 1/4 inch and 3/16 inch Flathead hidden in the handle.
The Skeletool CX can and should be with you through all your daily excursions. For simple, routine tasks you'll find no better tool that can be on your person all the time. Credit: Rosie De Lise
One can purchase an upgrade pack with a more comprehensive set of bits, including hex and Torx style drivers, which is the system's main appeal. However, you'll need to stay within the Leatherman ecosystem of bits.
Though it makes more sense in the svelte Skeletool CX lineup, we wish Leatherman would grow out of their proprietary “squashed” bit configuration. It would change the form of their multi-tools very little to include a full-size, 1/4 inch bit driver and would greatly enhance each product's utility.
The clip on the Skeletool CX makes this multi-tool inherently more functional thanks to its ease of access. Credit: Ashley DiRuggiero
Construction Quality
The Skeletool CX, coming from such an established multi-tool pedigree, does not disappoint. Its all-metal construction is rock solid and should hold up well to the test of time.
The “CX” designation indicates an upgraded blade. It's a safe bet that the knife will be the most used tool on a multi-tool, so having an upgraded blade here is definitely worth it. The premium 154CM stainless steel alloy it's fashioned from is a simple, full straight edge. Other Skeletool options have hybrid straight/serrated blades, which we don't prefer due to their difficult sharpening. Sure, you get two knives for the price of one with a hybrid blade. But it is, in our opinion, the worst of both worlds.
The proprietary squashed driver bit common among Leatherman's product offerings. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Ergonomics
Because of its svelte feature set, the Skeletool CX has been optimized for ergonomics. First, the main blade is large, well-oriented, and accessible with a smooth, modern, one-thumb swipe. In pliers mode, the handles are rounded, and the concave side is made from a nice matte-textured plastic, which is a bit disappointing because this part used to be carbon fiber in past generations. The plastic edge feels nice in the hand, whereas the majority of other tools we tested, even those with nice rounded edges, have metal contact points.
Finally, the bit driver is at the end of a narrow handle, allowing for long reach and access to tight quarters. All these attributes together earn the Skeletool CX a high ergonomics score. Our one complaint, if we had one, would be that the slot for storing an extra bit is a little tight and finicky.
A knife that is easy to open is a really nice feature in a variety of situations for quick access, or when your other hand is full. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Portability
The Skeletool CX is among the lightest full-size tools in our test, weighing just 5 ounces on our scale. Only tiny keychain tools are significantly lighter. Weight and bulk are certainly important considerations when scoring portability. The Skeletool CX gets an early lead in this regard.
Next, we considered carrying options. People may carry their tools loose in a pocket, in which case smooth edges are a primary concern. The Skeletool CX has a relatively smooth profile. However, it no longer comes with a sheath.
The Skeletool CX has few tools, but they're the ones you need. Credit: Ashley DiRuggiero
Most will carry their Skeletool CX clipped to the inside of a pants pocket or onto a belt loop. This multi-tool has an excellent pocket clip, which we love. It's how we choose to carry this tool and find it to be a very convenient option. The clip is useful, however, if you prefer to keep your keys on a carabiner clipped to a belt loop and want your multi-tool to carry the same way. This option also allows you to clip it into a backpack loop easily. The options, size, and weight of the Skeletool CX combine to give it high scores regarding portability.
Pocket clipped, low profile, and lighter than most full sizers. The Skeletool CX is very portable. Credit: Jediah Porter
Should You Buy the Leatherman Skeletool CX?
Per function, the Skeletool CX is by far the most expensive tool in our test. It's an enigma — a multi-tool with few tools. It wasn't until after extensive testing that the elegance and sophistication in the design became apparent to us. Only the most useful tools are included, which strikes us as thoughtful rather than neglectful. Not everyone walks around in Carhartt overalls on a daily basis, which allows you to easily carry a heavier or less ergonomic multi-tool at all times. The Skeletool CX's clip alone makes it a great everyday carry for all users.
What Other Multi-Tools Should You Consider?
The Skeletool CX, as great as it is for slimming down while staying very useful, will not compete with the full functionality of other similarly sized models. Consider the spring-loaded pliers and largest-in-class scissors of the Leatherman Wingman or the practical tool kit of the Leatherman Wave+. If you want additional functions without a high price, check out the budget-priced yet well-made Mossy Oak 27-in-1, which also features the built-in carabiner clip.
—Kyle Hameister & Jediah Porter
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