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
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Our Verdict
The Leatherman Skeletool CX is surprisingly effective. Admittedly, at first glance and “on paper,” it underwhelms. It sure doesn't have the flash and bang of other top-scoring products we've tested. In fact, it took us years to give the Skeletool CX the props it deserves in our larger pool of best multi-tools on the market. It is an average-sized device with fewer than half the features of every similar-sized tool. But it grows on you. In many ways, it is in a class of its own as a great everyday carry tool – all due to its prominent carabiner-style pocket clip. The pliers, blade, and bit drivers are purpose-built, comfortable to use, and 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 |  Best Overall Multi-Tool for Everyday Carry |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best on a Tighter Budget |  Best One Piece Multi-Tool | Best Keychain Multi-Tool |
| Price | $89.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $95.89 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $55.89 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $23 List $21.99 at Amazon | $24.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry | All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a palatable price point | A compact budget tool with excellent construction and a reasonable set of features for daily use | The Geekey Multi-tool crams an impressive amount of useful tools in a compact, one piece frame | For daily carry and occasional use, this tiny and mighty tool is just the ticket |
| Rating Categories | Leatherman Skeletoo... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Geekey | Gerber Dime |
| Functions (40%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Leatherman Skeletoo... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Geekey | Gerber Dime |
| Number of Functions | 5 + bits | 18 + bits | 10 | 16 | 9 |
| Closed Dimensions (Measured) | 4.3"L x 0.6"D | 4.0"L x 0.7"D | 3.8"L x 0.7"D | 1.2"L x 0.2"D | 2.8"L x 0.6"D |
| Weight | 5.0 oz | 8.5 oz (9.5 oz w/ case) |
6.8 oz (7.8 oz w/ sheath) |
0.8 oz | 2.3 oz |
| Blades and Type | 1 straight drop point | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 hybrid serrated/straight drop point | 1 serrated | 1 straight |
| Full Length w/ Primary Blade Open (Measured) | 6.8" | 6.9" | 6.4" | N/A | 4.1" |
| Primary Blade Effective Edge Length (Measured) | 2.6" | 2.8" | 2.4" | N/A | 1.4" |
| Pliers type | Needlenose with 2 wire cutters | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper | Spring-loaded, regular, needlenose | None | Spring-loaded, needlenose |
| Full Length w/ Pliers Open (Measured) | 6.2" | 6.3" | 6.2" | N/A | 4.0" |
| Locking Tools? | All but pliers | All but pliers | Scissors and blade | N/A | None |
| Scissors? | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Number of screwdrivers | 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 5 included/integrated, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| File? | No | Yes, wood/metal & diamond-coated | Yes | Yes | No |
| Saw? | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Openers | Bottle | Can, bottle | Can, bottle, a unique box opener | Bottle | Bottle, package |
| Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers? | Blade | Blades, saw, file | Blade, scissors | Yes | All |
| Other Important Features | None | Ruler | Very small ruler | Smoking bowl | Tweezers |
| Sheath Included? | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Other Carry Options | Carabiner style clip, pocket clip | Pocket, pocket clip | Lanyard hole | Key ring attachment |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Leatherman Skeletool CX departs from the many other tool-proliferating devices we've tested. It is simply pliers, a blade, and Leatherman's proprietary bit driver. In such a distilled package, Leatherman has optimized the function of these few tools. Also, 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. Its portability and ergonomics are elegant and clean; the few features are well executed. If those are the features that matter to you, it might be the best option, period.
Performance Comparison
The Skeletool CX's prominent clip is its defining feature. Use it to access tools lightning-quick.
Credit: Kyle Hameister
Functions
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.
On one level, the Skeletool CX has the fewest functions of any of the tools we tested. It has pliers with a blade and bit driver, but it conspicuously lacks scissors or a secondary serrated blade. However, a singular feature becomes the obvious standout at a second look. The pocket clip is the biggest differentiator here. The clip also functions as a bottle opener, which is more easily accessible than any other models we've tested. Beer, cider, and craft soda drinkers certainly 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 scrutinization. On the one hand, Leatherman's proprietary quick-change bit system allows for virtually unlimited accessorization. The system here, the same as 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, 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 far more comprehensive set of bits, including hex and Torx style drivers, which is the system's main appeal. However, because the Leatherman receptacle is smaller than a standard 1/4 inch bit set you'll use in almost every other setting, you'll need to use Leatherman's proprietary bit set, and the bits are very obviously slim. It doesn't matter for a flat head bit, but Phillips bits more easily slip out, and you won't have many hex bits available.
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
There is a certain baseline quality to everything we review. We scour the market and choose only the best to evaluate. In addition, the multi-tool manufacturers seem to take great pride in making good products. The Skeletool CX, coming from the most established multi-tool company, is an excellent piece of equipment. We had no problems with construction quality or durability.
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 the upgraded blade here is definitely worth it. The premium 154CM stainless steel is fashioned into a full straight edge, which we like. The other main Skeletool options have hybrid straight/serrated blades. 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 plastic, which is a bit disappointing because this part used to be carbon fiber. 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, easy grabbing, 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. Among the other full-size tools, the closest we get is still 136% the weight of the Skeletool CX. It is not even close. Weight and bulk are the primary 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. 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+.
—
Jediah Porter & Kyle Hameister
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