When used properly, the Leatherman Skeletool Multitool is safe to use. It is important to follow the instructions provided by Leatherman and exercise caution when handling the tool’s sharp edges and blades. Keep the multitool away from children and use it responsibly to prevent accidents. There’s no getting around it though, the Skeletool isn’t really a full size multi tool. It has no saw, no scissors, and none of the features like can openers, corkscrews or a steel file. If you’re looking for a full size and fully functional multi tool you should look elsewhere. Yes, Leatherman offers a 25-year limited warranty on their products, including the Skeletool Multitool. This warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship, providing you with peace of mind and ensuring that you can rely on the tool for years to come.

With premium 154cm steel, the sleek Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, as sometimes that's all you need

The Leatherman Wingman is a full size multi tool designed for the value market. It includes a selection of the most in demand tools found in multi tools but built for occasional use. The Wingman has full sized pliers, a full size combo knife, and a large pair of scissors. There are several different variants of the Skeletool, including the Skeletool CX and Skeletool RX. You also have multiple color and pattern choices. Each variety folds out butterfly style and has a variety of different tools and types of blades. Leatherman Skeletool Original, CX and RX Tools

It honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. When it comes right down to it there’s almost no comparison between the Wave+ and the Skeletool. Of course, the Wave+ doesn’t fulfill the same niche that the Skeletool does. There are currently three versions of the Skeletool. The standard version which is available in a variety of colours with a knife blade that is partially serrated. The Skeletool RX is marketed as an emergency multitool which comes in a lovely red colour with a carbine glass breaking window bit attachment and a fully serrated blade. And then the CX version I own which has an upgraded non serrated blade. They will all do the job equally well.A multi-tool that optimizes ergonomics and portability by reducing the tool set to the most important ones for daily use and carry

The other half of deployment is the opening action of the handles themselves to access the pliers. Compared to something like the Charge, the pliers are quite stiff as they’re actuated by a series of slipjoints that hold the tool closed and open. I’ve had and used the Skeletool for several years now and it’s never even approached one handed opening for the pliers – although my Charge has loosened up to the point that I can flip it like a Balisong. I use both hands to open the pliers, grabbing the wing that covers the blade with my left hand and the carabiner/bottle opener section with my right to pull outwards. There is a very pronounced “snap” when the slipjoint drops into place in the open position on both sides, and this is not a tool that will unintentionally fold shut thanks to the strong tension. Also, both sides operate independently – which is important as we’ll get to in the next section. Features, Fit & Finish Plus it has a really sharp design. Its combination of smooth angles and long curves make it a delight to look at in your hand or on your belt. The cut out steel handles are easy to clean and help reduce the weight even further. There are several major variants for different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns, and engravings. The Skeletool Original, Skeletool CX, and Skeletool RX each have slightly different tool loadouts. The most noticeable difference is the type of knife blade included. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the pivot points and hinges periodically to ensure smooth operation. Part of the appeal of the Skeletool line is how stripped down they are. If you want to customize your Skeletool a bit there are plenty of accessories that can improve it.A very well made and beautifully engineered multitool. With its lighter weight, pared down tools and custom choice of bit attachments it’s a great choice for winter walkers, climbers and mountaineers. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside, or if you simply want to up your emergency-preparedness game, we also like the Leatherman Signal. At its core, the Signal shares many characteristics with the Skeletool CX: a stripped-down tool selection, the asymmetrical handles, and the carabiner-clip bottle-opener feature. Where the Signal differs is in the added emphasis on outdoor-oriented tools. In addition to the knife, pliers, bottle opener, and screwdriver, there’s a whistle, fire-starter rod, knife sharpener, saw, and awl. This multi-tool is larger than the Skeletool CX, but the additional tools—especially the whistle, fire-starter rod, and blade sharpener—are so nicely integrated into the design that it’s surprising how little bulk they add. They also work well! Because it’s more geared toward camping and survival, the Signal is more robust than the Skeletool, with larger pliers, replaceable wire cutter blades, and longer plier handles. We wish the main blade were not serrated. Yes, a serrated edge cuts a few things a little better than a straight edge. But that serrated edge suffers or completely fails to cut other things, especially when it is dulled. Once dull, a serrated edge is more difficult to sharpen, whereas the included sharpener on the Signal could be used to resurface an entirely straight-edged blade. The inclusion of a serrated portion on the blade seems like a marketing move more than a practical one. The Signal is unique and functional. It isn't too huge or too clumsy to use. With it, Leatherman comes another step closer to abandoning their proprietary bit driver interface. They built in the expected "squashed" bit driver, but they also included a standard 1/4 inch drive bit holder. We like this. The standard bit holder isn't oriented in an ideal fashion, but it is better than nothing. For survivalists looking for a multi-tool designed with bushcraft in mind, while also functional around the home, the Signal is a great piece of gear to add to the kit. Each type of Skeletool offers a different variety of knife. They come in straight edge, serrated or combo. Each blade is 2.6 in long and made from 420HC or 154CM stainless steel. 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.

The Gerber Center Drive Plus displaces its non-Plus predecessor for this specialized award. The Plus takes all we liked about the original Center Drive and adds scissors and a larger blade, which we deem significant and worthy upgrades. The screwdriver configuration has a long extension and a handle ready for more torque. This award-winning Gerber centers the bit along the handle's long axis, vastly improving ergonomics and making it feel like a true, single-purpose screwdriver. The 12 bits that come with this model fit inside the included leather sheath along with the tool. Don’t want a Leatherman? The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is an often overlooked option in this market. It’s much more feature-heavy – and weight heavy, being about 50% heftier at 7.4 ounces. It does have a great set of pliers as well as a full complement of tools including scissors, a saw, and dedicated bottle and can openers as well as dedicated straight and Philips drivers. The Skeletool cuts a lot of weight by having these features be multi-function, like the bit driver and the combination carabiner/bottle opener. It must be said that while they don’t grab all the headlines, the Victorinox multitools are arguably the best-made tools in this segment. Wrap-upThe Signal is Leatherman’s wilderness survival multi tool. It provides you with 19 different tools and is tailor made for hikers, campers, and other outdoorsman. It’s built on a slightly less beefy version of the Leatherman MUT frame and uses a butterfly fold design. And yet, it doesn’t. A full size multitool has much better pliers. A full size knife is much more ergonomic and useful. People like having options. All those useless gadgets on multitools are why people buy them and keep them around, in case they need to use an awl or a gut hook. A Multitool is meant to prepare you for “anything.”