Leatherman Skeletool CX Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re tired of fumbling with a bulky toolbox or separate gadgets that weigh down your pocket, grab the Leatherman Skeletool CX right now. This sleek multitool packs essential power into a featherlight frame, perfect for everyday fixes on the go.

Trust me, once you clip it on, you’ll wonder how you managed without it—it’s the upgrade your routine desperately needs.

My Experience With Leatherman Skeletool CX

You know that moment when you’re out hiking, your boot lace snaps, and you’re digging through your pack for something—anything—to tie it back up? That’s exactly where I was last summer, knee-deep in a muddy trail in the Cascades, cursing my luck because my usual pocket knife felt too clunky for the job. I’d just picked up the Leatherman Skeletool CX a week earlier on a whim, after hearing a buddy rave about how it replaced his entire EDC setup without the bulk.

I clipped it to my belt loop that morning, half-expecting it to be another gadget that promised the world but delivered meh.

Boy, was I wrong. As I fumbled with the pliers—those needle-nose jaws gripped the frayed lace like they were made for it—I felt that rush of “why didn’t I do this sooner?” The tool unfolded smoothly in my hand, no fumbling with locks or extra steps, and within seconds, I had the lace restrung and was back on the path, grinning like an idiot.

That wasn’t a one-off. Fast forward a few months, and this thing became my shadow. At work, I’m in construction, dealing with everything from stubborn screws on job sites to stripping wires for temp lighting. The Skeletool CX’s bit driver? Game-changer. It comes with a Phillips and flathead bit tucked right into the handle, but I grabbed Leatherman’s extra bit kit for those oddball Torx sizes that pop up on newer fixtures.

One afternoon, we’re rushing to finish a deck install before rain hits, and a loose bracket has us all swearing. I pop out the driver, swap in a Torx bit—takes maybe 10 seconds—and torque it down tight. My crew started calling it my “magic wand” after that, and yeah, I leaned into it. You feel capable, like you’ve got a secret weapon that doesn’t scream “tool nerd” but delivers when it counts.

But let’s talk about the real test: travel. I took it on a cross-country road trip last fall, from Portland to the Smokies, hitting national parks and sketchy motels along the way. Packed light, as always, but emergencies don’t care about your minimalist vibe. At a campsite in Great Smoky Mountains, the fire starter flint I’d brought fizzled out halfway through setup. No problem—the Skeletool’s 154CM steel blade sliced through kindling like butter, that straight edge holding sharp after whittling a dozen twigs.

And the weight? At just five ounces, it rode in my pocket without a bulge, unlike my old Gerber that felt like carrying a brick. One night, in a downpour, the tent zipper jammed on a stray thread. Out comes the pliers again—delicate enough not to shred the fabric, strong enough to yank the thread free. I slept dry that night, and you better believe I high-fived myself in the dark.

Of course, it’s not all heroics. Early on, I pushed the pliers too hard prying open a paint can lid—nothing broke, but it reminded me this isn’t a sledgehammer. The carbon fiber handle scales gave a premium grip, though, even with sweaty palms, and that outside-access blade flips out one-handed for quick cuts, like trimming a sandwich bag at a picnic.

Over coffee one morning in a diner, I used the bottle opener (which doubles as a carabiner) to crack a cold one for a roadie—smooth as silk, no dents on the cap. And the wire cutters? Handled some fence repair on a buddy’s ranch without flinching, shearing clean through 12-gauge like it was string.

What surprised me most was how it fit into quiet moments too. Fixing a loose eyeglass screw while waiting for my oil change, or tightening the strap on my backpack during a layover—small wins that add up. After six months, it’s got that lived-in patina, a few micro-scratches on the blade from real use, but it still snaps open with authority. I’ve loaned it to a friend for a quick bike chain fix, and he texted me later: “Dude, this thing is nuts—light but tough.”

That’s the Skeletool CX in a nutshell: it doesn’t overwhelm you with 20 tools you never use; it hones in on what matters, making you feel prepared without the hassle. If you’re like me, always one minor annoyance away from frustration, this tool turns those moments into “no big deal.” It’s not just gear; it’s that quiet confidence boost you carry every day. And yeah, I’ve already got my eye on the RX variant for wetter adventures—because why not level up?

Read More: My Thoughts On Toughbuilt 30″ Modular Tool Tote

Pros Of Leatherman Skeletool CX

• Ultra-lightweight design: You slip this five-ounce wonder into your pocket, and it vanishes—no more sagging jeans from heavy tools that promise versatility but deliver backache. I remember hiking eight miles with it clipped on, forgetting it was there until I needed to trim a blister bandage mid-stride. That skeletal frame with all the cutouts isn’t just aesthetic; it’s smart engineering that shaves weight without skimping on strength, letting you focus on the trail, not your gear load.
• Premium 154CM blade steel: This straight-edge knife holds an edge like a champ, slicing through cardboard, rope, or even tough steak on a camping trip without dulling after a dozen passes. Unlike cheaper steels that fold under pressure, the 154CM resists corrosion too—perfect if you’re sweating it out in humid spots or near saltwater. I’ve used it to carve trail markers in damp pine, and it came out sharper than my kitchen knives, making every cut feel precise and effortless.
• Outside-accessible tools for quick deployment: No unfolding the whole plier assembly just to grab the blade or driver; everything you need flips out one-handed, saving precious seconds when you’re juggling a flat tire or a jammed drawer. Picture this: you’re at a concert, cork pops off your water bottle awkwardly—bam, the blade’s out, slicing a new one in a flash. It’s that intuitive access that turns potential headaches into smooth sails.
• Integrated bit driver with swappable bits: Forget fumbling for separate screwdrivers; this bad boy stores Phillips and flathead bits right inside, and it’s compatible with Leatherman’s full kit for whatever hex or Torx sneaks up on you. I tightened my laptop’s loose hinge on a flight (checked bag version, of course) using an extender bit—compact power that fits in your palm, turning minor tech glitches into five-minute fixes.
• Durable needle-nose pliers with built-in cutters: These jaws grip like vices for pulling staples or bending wire, and the hardened cutters shear through electrical cable without nicking. On a wiring job, I stripped insulation from 14-gauge without a single slip, feeling that satisfying snip every time. They’re precise for splinter removal too, a lifesaver after thorny bushwhacking.
• Versatile carabiner/bottle opener combo: Clip it to your pack or keys for hands-free carry, then flip it to pop a brew after a long day—dual duty without extra bulk. I hung mine from a tree branch to dry after a stream crossing, and later used it to open a stubborn jar back at camp. It’s those thoughtful touches that make you smile mid-use.
• Carbon fiber handle scales for superior grip: Even with oily hands from engine work, these textured scales lock in, preventing slips during torque-heavy tasks. The matte finish resists fingerprints too, keeping it looking sharp longer than glossy alternatives that show every smudge.
• Lifetime warranty backing reliability: Leatherman’s got your back—if the pliers ever give (and they won’t if you treat it right), send it in for a free fix or swap. I’ve seen friends get full replacements after years of abuse, which gives you that “use it hard” confidence without second-guessing.
• Compact closed length for discreet EDC: At four inches shut, it tucks away like a pen, not a hammer, ideal for urban carry where you don’t want to announce your preparedness. I pocketed it through a crowded market, pulling it out to fix a vendor’s loose display rack—subtle heroics at their finest.

Cons Of Leatherman Skeletool CX

• Limited tool selection for complex jobs: With just seven functions, it shines for basics but leaves you wanting when you need scissors or a file—I’ve borrowed a separate pair mid-project for trimming wire insulation finer than the cutters allow. If your day’s packed with varied tasks, like crafting or heavy electrical, you’ll reach for a fuller kit like the Wave more often.
• Plier handles can pinch under max pressure: The slim profile means less hand room when cranking hard on nuts; my knuckles brushed the jaws once while twisting a rusted bolt, leaving a light scrape. It’s comfy for most grips, but if you’ve got larger hands like mine, that occasional bite reminds you it’s built lean, not for all-day vise duty.
• Proprietary bit system requires extras: Those squashed bits work great out of the box, but for deeper reach or odd sizes, you shell out for Leatherman’s kit—universal drivers don’t fit without adapters. I hit this snag installing cabinet hardware, fumbling until I swapped bits mid-stream, which slowed my roll.
• Blade tip vulnerability to hard impacts: That fine point excels at piercing, but it chipped slightly after prying a staple from wood—nothing warranty won’t fix, but it dulled the edge temporarily. You learn quick not to treat it like a screwdriver substitute, though it stings when precision work goes sideways.
• No serrated edge option on CX model: The full straight blade is a dream for clean cuts, but if you’re chopping fibrous rope often, the lack of teeth means more strokes—my old combo-edge knife handled that better on sailing trips. It’s a trade-off for edge retention, but you’ll notice in rope-heavy scenarios.
• Pocket clip position exposes tool slightly: The deep clip keeps it secure, but the exposed end can snag on fabric or print through thin pockets, drawing unwanted eyes in formal settings. I switched to belt carry after one awkward restaurant moment where it poked out like a telltale bulge.
• Higher price point than basic competitors: At around $90, it’s a step up from entry-level Gerbers, and if you don’t need the premium steel, that cost hits harder—especially when you’re just starting your collection. I justified it after heavy use, but budget folks might balk initially.
• Lanyard hole placement limits options: The carabiner spot works for basics, but threading thicker paracord feels fiddly without tools—I’ve scratched the frame trying. It’s minor, but in wet conditions, a more versatile ring would prevent slips.

Maintenance Tips For Leatherman Skeletool CX

• Regular cleaning with mild soap solution: Every couple of weeks, or after sweaty hikes, soak it in warm water mixed with dish soap to flush out dirt from joints—use a soft brush for crevices, then rinse thoroughly. I do this post-job site, and it keeps the action buttery, preventing grit buildup that grinds down pivots over time.
• Thorough drying to prevent moisture traps: After any wash, pat dry with a microfiber cloth and air it out fully—leave pliers open overnight if needed. Skipping this led to faint spots on my first tool once; now, I shake off water like a dog after rain, ensuring no hidden dampness invites rust.
• Apply light machine oil to pivot points: Dab a drop of 3-in-1 or similar on hinges and the blade axle monthly, working it in by opening/closing repeatedly—it displaces residue and smooths operation. I keep a tiny applicator bottle in my glovebox; one flick, and it’s gliding like new after dusty drives.
• Use WD-40 sparingly for stuck debris: If gunk hardens, a quick spray of WD-40 loosens it—let sit five minutes, wipe excess, then re-oil. It’s not ideal long-term but saved my pliers from a tarry mess once; just avoid overdoing it, as it can attract more dust if not cleaned after.
• Sharpen the blade with diamond rods: For the straight edge, run a fine diamond hone at 20 degrees along the bevel 10-15 times per side—keeps that 154CM screaming sharp without removing much metal. I touch it up bi-monthly after whittling; it’s quick, and the edge bites like day one.
• Inspect and tighten hardware periodically: Check pivot screws for looseness every few months—use the included Torx bit to snug them without over-torquing, which preserves smooth flips. Mine loosened after a drop; a 30-second tweak, and it’s rock-solid again.
• Rinse immediately after saltwater exposure: Hit beaches? Dunk in fresh water right away, dry, and oil—salt accelerates corrosion on stainless steel. I learned this the hard way on a coastal trip; now, it’s ritual, keeping the carbon fiber scales pristine too.
• Store in a dry, ventilated sheath: When not clipping it, toss it in a nylon pouch away from humidity—prevents handle scratches and joint exposure. My desk drawer setup with silica packs works wonders; no more foggy mornings stiffening the action.
• Avoid harsh chemicals on finishes: Skip acetone or brake cleaners; they etch the coating—stick to mineral spirits for sticky spots like sap. One accidental splash dulled a friend’s; now, I spot-test everything, preserving that matte black allure.

Comparison With Other Brands

Facing Off Against Gerber’s Center-Drive

When you pit the Skeletool CX against Gerber’s Center-Drive, it’s like comparing a sports car to a reliable truck—the Leatherman wins on sleek portability, but Gerber fights back with raw utility.

That center-axis driver in the Gerber? It’s a beast for deep screws, letting you apply torque without the tool twisting in your grip, something the Skeletool’s end-loaded bit struggles with on longer fasteners.

I’ve twisted in lag bolts with the Gerber during fence builds, feeling the inline power reduce slip risk, while the Skeletool shines brighter for quick pocket jobs like eyeglass tweaks.

Gerber’s heavier build—around seven ounces—adds stability for heavy prying, but it bulks up your pocket in ways the featherlight Skeletool never does. The Leatherman’s 154CM blade edges out Gerber’s 420HC in retention, staying sharper through rope cuts on trails, though Gerber’s combo edge handles fibrous stuff better without extra strokes. Pliers on both are solid, but Gerber’s broader jaws excel at clamping larger wires, pinching less under load than the slimmer Skeletool noses. Price-wise, Gerber undercuts at $70, making it tempting for budget hauls, yet Leatherman’s lifetime warranty feels more ironclad after I’ve seen Gerber returns drag. If you’re wrenching daily, Gerber’s your workhorse; for agile EDC, Skeletool pulls ahead with that effortless clip and minimal heft.

Squaring Up to Victorinox SwissTool Spirit

The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit brings Swiss precision to the ring against the Skeletool CX, emphasizing finesse over brute minimalism—you get buttery hinges and a polished feel that the Leatherman can’t quite match in elegance. Victorinox packs in extras like fine pliers and a chisel, ideal for delicate electronics work where the Skeletool’s pared-down set leaves gaps, like needing an awl for leather punching on the fly. I’ve used the Spirit to thread needles in sail repairs, its slim profile slipping into tight seams effortlessly, while the Skeletool’s pliers feel chunkier for sub-millimeter tasks. Weight creeps up to six ounces on the Victorinox, but that translates to better balance during extended use, less fatigue than the ultra-slim Skeletool on all-day carries. Blade-wise, Victorinox’s 115mm steel corrodes less in humid climes, holding up through monsoon hikes without the pitting I’ve eyed on stainless after sweat sessions. Yet, the Skeletool’s outside-access blade deploys faster for snap cuts, beating Victorinox’s nested design that requires full deployment. Gerber—wait, no, Victorinox’s spring-loaded plier action snaps open smoother, a joy for one-hand grabs, though the Skeletool counters with a carabiner for versatile hanging. At $80, Victorinox feels premium without flash, but Leatherman’s carbon inserts grip sweatier palms better. Choose Spirit for refined multi-tasking; Skeletool for no-fuss speed.

Taking On SOG PowerAccess

SOG’s PowerAccess throws compound leverage into the mix against the Skeletool CX, amplifying plier force for stubborn jobs where the Leatherman relies on pure grit—you feel that assisted squeeze crush nuts that’d tax your wrist on the lighter tool. I’ve torqued down bike pedals with the SOG, the gears multiplying effort so my hand didn’t cramp, a edge the Skeletool lacks in high-torque scenarios like rusted lug removal. SOG’s 21 tools cram in saws and files, covering bases the minimalist Skeletool skips, like trimming branches during overland treks without switching gear. At eight ounces, it’s chunkier, riding heavier in pockets than the Skeletool’s airy frame, but that mass adds reassuring solidity for abuse-prone trades. The SOG blade, in AUS-8, dulls quicker than 154CM through abrasive cuts like packaging marathons, forcing more hones, while Leatherman stays keen longer. Pliers on SOG boast replaceable cutters, a pro for frequent wire work that outlasts the fixed Skeletool jaws before warranty calls. Yet, the Leatherman’s bit driver swaps faster for screw variety, edging out SOG’s nested bits in urban fixes. Priced similarly at $85, SOG appeals to tool hoarders, but the Skeletool’s clip and opener combo wins for casual carry. Go PowerAccess for power users; Skeletool for streamlined savvy.

Also Read: Comparison Of Leatherman Free T2 And Victorinox

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You’ve got the stories, the fixes, and the edge—now snag the Leatherman Skeletool CX and make every day smoother. It’s not just a tool; it’s your pocket partner for whatever comes next. Clip it on, and own the adventure.