Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool | The best purchase I made this year

Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool | great multi tool to own

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Leatherman 830850 ...

	Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool Leatherman Leatherman, 2008 average customer review:based on 114 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The best purchase I made this year

I purchased a Leatherman Skeletool CX earlier this year after being hesitant to buy one since it was introduced. Six months later, I can say that I am completely satisfied with my CX purchase. It has turned into an indispensable tool- I have it in my pocket or in my hand all day long. At night it stays next to my keys and wallet.

Earlier this year I started researching both Skeletool models to possibly supplement my fancy/expensive type folding knife that I have carried for 4 years. I looked at many reviews on Amazon and on different web forums to answer two questions: 1.) Would the Skeletool be useful enough to justify carrying it? and 2.) Should I get the regular Skeletool or spend more on the CX model? I spent an embarrassing amount of time looking into these issues. In the end, I bought the CX. Six months later the CX has NOT supplemented my everyday carry knife, it has completely replaced it.

I finally decided on the CX over the regular model for a few different reasons. First, I really wanted the 154CM blade over the 420 steel version on the regular model. The properties of the steel were a bonus but the real reason I prefer the CX blade is the addition of serrations. While serrations can be a pain to sharpen I prefer this type of blade for cutting rope and other kinds of cordage. This isn't a hunting knife and I find the serrations to be a benefit for the added utility. Finally, I just plain liked the way the CX looked. The two tone light and dark contrast is striking, and the dark coating Leatherman uses has held up really well. Does the CX's carbon fiber make it lighter? No, but it's nice to look at as well.

Here are some impressions/concerns I've had about the Skeletool CX:

1.) The CX is an incredibly beautiful object. You wouldn't expect a plier with a knife on it to be emotionally moving but the CX pulls it off. The design seems organic to me. It gives the impression that rather than being built it might have magically appeared this way in nature - it has so many curves blended together in just the right way. At the same time it is very well thought out ergonomically. I have large hands and the curve of the plier handle when opened makes it both easy and comfortable to use. It's a great design. You may find yourself simply admiring the details of the CX after you get it.

2.) The pocket clip concerned me at first. I was worried that the CX rode high enough in the pocket that it would snag on things and fall out. This has not been the case. It holds securely and this has not been a problem.

3.) Part of the usefulness question for me was about weight and the CX turned out to be just right. I have owned a Leatherman Wave for several years. The Wave is fantastic in its own right but I wouldn't use it for every day carry. I have this personal issue with hanging techno-gear or gadgets on my belt. Sans leather case and without a pocket clip, the Wave was heavy enough that it didn't work for me in my pocket. My concern over the possible heft of the Wave carrying over to the Skeletool held me back from the purchase. After examining the CX at a retail store I decided this would not be an issue. The CX securely clips inside my pocket and has the same feel as the folding knives I am accustomed to. It is light- but not too light that it could go missing without taking notice.

4.) Compared with other multitools the Skeletool has a more limited tool set. While I anticipated this to be a negative I am very happy with the compromise the CX offers. Leatherman pared it down to the tools I use most frequently. On the rare occasion that I get to a point where the CX won't address the task at hand, I find I'm better off going for the "real tools" anyway. I use the bottle opener a lot more than I expected and it works well. The carabiner clip has also been handy. There have been a few times when I was using the CX and I needed both hands. I simply left the CX open and clipped it on to my belt loop.

5.) The blade on the Skeletool CX is thicker than I expected. While I haven't done so, it gives me the sense that I could pry things with it. The secondary bevel is steeper than I'd have guessed yet out of the box the knife is surprisingly sharp. The edge is great for a utility blade (it is not razor blade sharp) and the edge holds well with the 154CM steel. If i need to "shave" something I have successfully used the shallower grind on the serrated portion of the blade.

One complaint I have with the Skeletool CX is the way the extra screw-driver bit is stored in the handle. As my CX was out of the box the second bit wasn't very secure. I was thinking: this extra bit is going to go missing and I was right, it did. Luckily, I found my lost bit on the garage floor after a few days. In the time it was missing I learned a few things after contacting Leatherman directly. First, you cannot buy just one bit to replace the one you lost. You have to buy a "9 piece Replacement Bit kit" and doing so costs more than someone wants to pay to fix their 4 day old Skeletool. Second, there is something you can do to prevent this from happening.

According to Leatherman Customer Service's instructions:

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If the spring is still [sic?] you will want to remove it from the holder and follow these steps:
a. Utilizing the thumb, press down in the center of the spring slightly to increase the pre-bend, then check fitment to bit. Take caution not to push too hard and collapse the spring cavity. If this occurs, the spring can be bent back until the proper amount of clearance and tension is achieved. This process is very quick and simple.
b. Repeat process until bit retention.
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I followed the instructions and they worked. I haven't experienced a bit retention problem since. Do yourself a favor and take care of this right away before you use your new Skeletool.

I'm going to be giving a few Skeletools as gifts this Christmas since mine served me so well this year. It's lightweight, incredibly useful, and a joy aesthetically. If you're not on my Christmas list, you might want to look at getting one.

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great multi tool to own

I bought one of these over the summer and it was quickly "borrowed" by Brother#1. Ordered 3 more, one for me and two others for Brother#2 and my Dad. Brother#1 carries his everywhere. This past weekend Brother#2 was celebrating his birthday. The family dog Oscar found his way into some chicken wings. Needless to say, we found out why people say "Never give a dog chicken bones"... Oscar was choking on a bone that was stuck in his throat. Brother#1 provided his CX and I pulled the bone out. I rinsed the blood off my hand and the CX and everyone was thankful that Brother #1 had his CX handy. I keep mine in my car, but accidents like this make me think I should carry it with me.

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Great tool, simple and effective

I can't say enough good things about this tool. It's meant to be kept simple and lightweight. It doesn't have 50 different tools, just the ones you are most likely to need. For a minimalist like me, it's perfect.

The main blade is big. I choose the CX version with serrated edge. I think it's worth the extra few bucks. Screwdriver with an extra bit holder works great. The whole system is compact. You can carry it with carabiner clip or removable belt clip. It doesn't feel bulky and heavy.

I've used multi-tools that had whole bunch of tools on it. Most of them you don't need or use. This streamlines it into a compact lightweight system. You still get the great durability and quality of a Leatherman. I recommend it!

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Great Multitool

This is a great tool. It is light and easy to carry around, but does everything you would expect of a Leatherman. I work in IT and have used this to cut wire and wire-ties, and to fasten servers in and out of racks.

I have purchased these for all my IT support staff.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, page 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

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