I tested a Leatherman Skeletool CX, a compact, lightweight multitool that does not compromise features for pocketability.
A premium multitool that fits in your pocket
The Skeletool has been out for a few years. The CX is the premium version of the Skeletool, packing seven of the essential features everyone wants in a multitool. What’s the difference between the Skeletool CX and other multitools? That’s easy: mine’s in my pocket 24/7. Bigger multitools are probably on the duty belt or (worse) in the patrol car.
I had to get a Skeletool CX in Nightshade, which is a two-tone blue. This is a great contrast to the bright 154 CM stainless blade. The handles fold around the combo jaws, just like the originals. They’ve been using the wire cutter/hard wire cutter jaws for a few years now. The crescent-shaped opening of the pliers extends to a full 1.25 inches, and the tips of the jaws narrow to a precise needle nose. This is one of the most imitated designs in the history of tools.
Designed for one-handed convenience
The 154 CM blade is similar to a clip-point design, with a skeletonized backbone. Using the cutouts, it’s capable of one-handed operation. A liner lock spring pops out when the blade is fully extended. Because the frame is designed for reduced weight, the liner lock is exposed, allowing for one-handed opening and closing. On my worst days on patrol, I can think of a dozen times I would have paid extra for this feature.
Opposite the jaws, on the same handle as the knife, is a locking bit holder. Leatherman provides two bit sets, flat and Phillips. The extra bit is stored in a recess in the other handle. The handle with the extra bit also has the carabiner end, which doubles as a bottle opener. I didn’t think much of this until I began clipping it to belt loops and key chains. This is another feature that allows for one-handed operation.
A tool for every scenario
I started carrying an original Leatherman tool early in my career. It was a PST, and one of my kids still has it. It was handy the first day I had it on patrol when I had to pick up a bloody object at a crime scene. I figured out:
- There were crime scene items I DID NOT want to touch, even with gloves.
- I could move things around while honoring Locard’s principle.
For a while, I was preoccupied with “rolling stolens,” during which I learned that an investigator may need to crawl under a car with a flashlight and a can of WD-40 to gather evidence. A Leatherman tool was the thing in my hand for scraping underbody VINs and removing plates.
When I got busy with drug lab investigations, I was also armed with a new Leatherman SuperTool. There are so many caustic and explosive hazards in lab work, and the SuperTool allowed me to maintain all of my digits sans burns.
What was my most exciting Leatherman patrol day while doing street-level drug ops? I had to cut free a very upset dog that had wrapped itself in a long cable around several thorn bushes. The dog, cable and thorn bushes were all capable of inflicting punishment on me while I cut away with the SuperTool. It’s no secret that dogs somehow do not like me, although the feeling is far from mutual.
Built for duty and everyday carry
The Skeletool CX is designed for serious work. It is a full-sized pair of needle-nose pliers with full-sized grips when extended. The screwdriver bits are on the handle ends, which allow the whole tool to rotate. Similar products look good, but human hands can’t actually use them. One of the strongest assets of this tool is the pocket clip. It’s not just for show. The Skeletool CX is actually handy enough to clip into the pocket like a “tactical” knife. It’s only 4 inches long and 5 ounces.
I found that the Skeletool CX is not just a duty tool. It is an iconic design mashed down to EDC size. It comes in other colors, but Nightshade is the best because it’s, well, you know, TBL. MSRP is $89.95.
