Leatherman Skeletool Aluminum Scale Multitool - Leatherman 830845 Review

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(More customer reviews)-Backstory-
One of the criterion for a great multitool is versatility, and for the longest time I thought that meant more blades, attachments, and enhancements.While that's partially true, that also means a bigger, heavier footprint.When I finally upgraded to the heavyweight behemoth that is the Leatherman 830160 Surge Pocket Multitool with Leather Sheath and found myself leaving it at home more and more often because of its weight, I realized something was wrong.

The reality is most blades/tool-blades seldom see the light of day outside of camping, and the added weight and size only serve to discourage daily carry.Barring camping or novelty, when was the last time you used your pocket-knife's can-opener? Wood saw? Awl? Corkscrew?? Is there anything you absolutely need scissors for that can't be accomplished with a blade or wire cutter?Do you unconditionally NEED eyeglass-sized screwdrivers on you 24-7?

Most daily applications can be accomplished with a simple blade, a couple drivers, a good set of pliers, and a bottle opener ;). And that's exactly what the Skeletool standard and CX multitools offer.

-Carryability-
What makes the Skeletool great isn't the *number* of tools, it's the *versatility* of its few, well thought out tools, allowing for a 5 ounces overall weight, slim form-factor, and not one but two carry clips.The standard side-clip is removable (thought cannot be installed in any other positions on the tool)while the carabiner turns out to be far more useful than I'd imagined -- I find myself hanging it on my belt loop most of the time, keeping my belt free of pouches and my pockets comfortably empty. This negates the need for a holster, though there are versions of the tool which come with one should you desire it.

-The Blade-
Like most modern multitools, the Blade rotates open easily, one-handed, without having to open the tool itself.This is a MUST HAVE feature for an Every Day Carry tool, and feels right at home on the Skeletool.The 2.5 inch blade is a perfectly functional length for everyday use (again, this is an EDC tool, not a survival knife, and anything longer would only make it heavier).The CX model has an upgraded 154CM steel blade and is *reason enough* to choose the CX over the standard model - 154CM is a far better, more modern steel which holds is edge VERY well while providing moderate corrosion resistance and takes nothing more than a good ceramic stone to sharpen.Over the past year I've used it for everything from prying and scraping to box cutting and (in a pinch) cooking, and despite never having sharpened it once the tip is still there (which is saying a lot for my knives) and it's still plenty sharp.The blade's liner lock does a noticeably firm job of holding the blade in place with NO WOBBLE.Quality!When closed, the blade is held in place via a blade-retention bump on the liner lock that mates with one of the skeletonizing holes near the base of the blade.Both Skeletools I've used had a ramp cut into the base of the blade near the joint, automatically depressing the retention-bump and allowing safe closure of the blade.One reviewer has proven that his Skeletool does not have this ramp, forcing him to grind off the bump or risk placing him thumb in danger every time he closed the blade.It is yet unclear as to why his knife didn't get the ramp.

-Half Serrated vs. Full Straight Blade-
NOTE: In mid 2009, Leatherman added half-length blade serrations to standard model and REMOVED them from the CX model. Confusingly, the model numbers were not updated to match the new configurations.Some online retailers may still have the 'old version' still in inventory, but as the model numbers are the same, there's no way of knowing what you'll receive. I contacted Leatherman about this and this is the reply I received:

"Thank you for your email and your interest in Leatherman Tools. Originally our Skeletool had a "straight blade",and the Skeletool CX had a "combo blade".The Skeletool CX has a higher grade of steel in its blade and those in the `knife world' came back to us, and stated that we should not use the combo blade with 154cm material.Therefore, in mid year of last year, we made a design change. ... All Current models of the Skeletool CX now have the straight blade. All current models of the Skeletool have the combo blade. ... There are some retailers out there, who have both in inventory. We did not change the item numbers when we made the blade change. Unfortunately, you will have to just check to see who has what in stock."

-Bit Driver-
This is THE tool to replace them all and one of the reasons the Skeletool can do so much while still being so thin and light.You can carry two double-sided bits with you (one in the driver and one in the spare bit slot).I got the Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath bit kit with my Skeletool and found that the two bits I use most are the [#0 & #3] Philips bit, and the [#1-2 & 3/16] Philips & flat-blade combo bit.I can attack any pretty much any screw-head and pry at anything without risking damage to the blade.The rest of the bits are stowed in my backpack.

One word of warning: make sure your spare bit slot is tight before clipping your Skeletool onto your pack while hiking.A friend of mine had his spare bit fall out!Nothing the aforementioned Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath couldn't replace, but you still might want to bend it a little to tighten it up.Mine was fine, so this may not be a problem for you.

-Pliers-
I admit, the jaws are a little thinner than I'd like, but have so far held up to everything I've thrown at it (including an accident with a Dremmel).It also would have been nice if the integrated wire cutters were a little harder as they developed a little "bump" after nibbling through a particularly tough strip of metal.For a while there was noticeable resistance when closing the pliers, but over time it's worn itself back in.My only lasting complaint is that, despite being so thin (3/16ths" at its widest point) the tip is just a tad too blunt to fit in the AR-15's firing-pin retaining-pin recess.It would have been nice if the "needle-nose" was a bit more "needle" ;)

-Bottle Opener-
A definite nice to have.Am I ashamed to admit this alone gets as much use as the rest of the tools combined?Nah ;)

Also, when I contacted Leatherman about the mid 2009 blade change, I was lucky enough to get a full list of all Skeletool models.Maybe it'll help you, maybe not.Here it is anyway:

Skeletool (Standard) - manufactured with a combo blade after mid '09
830845: 420HC No sheath, box packaging
830846: 420HC No sheath, Clampackaging
830847: 420HC No sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830865: 420HC Nylon sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830948: 420HC Nylon sheath, Box packaging

Skeletool CX - manufactured with a straight blade after mid '09
830849: 154CM No sheath, box packaging
830850: 154CM No sheath, Clam packaging
830851: 154CM No sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830866: 154CM Nylon Sheath, Gift Tin packaging
830950: 154CM Nylon Sheath, box packagingSo that's it.Don't let the Skeletool's small size and feature list deter you; The Skeletool is an extraordinary EDC tool!

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Product Description:
Leatherman Skeletool Aluminum Scale Multitool 830845 Phillips #1 and #2 Screwdriver 3/16 inch and 1/4 inch.

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Leatherman 8613140 Expanse e55 Straight Blade Knife Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a quality knife with some nice features.The lockback system works great and the clip is very nice.The quality of steel makes sure that this knife stays sharp for long.

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Product Description:
Lightweight yet sturdy enough for demanding jobs, the Leatherman 8613140 e55 Straight Blade Knife is a versatile tool that's easy to store in your pocket, pack, or toolbox. A slim, folding knife with a reinforced handle, the e55 is a perfect choice for the rugged minimalist and do-it-yourselfer. Whether you're setting up camp in the wilderness or working on a project in your garage, this precision-crafted Expanse Series knife is packed with design elements that you'll appreciate.
The Leatherman e55 Straight Blade Knife offers:

Tough, US-made 154CM steel
A large, 3.1-inch blade
Lock back design for safety

It's easy to clip Expanse series knives to your gear. View larger.

The e55 is a sleek, dependable folding knife. View larger.

The convenient carabiner doubles as a bottle opener. View larger. Simple, Lightweight, and Reliable
Sometimes, you don't need a multi-tool packed with gadgets or a heavy-duty hunting knife. You just need a strong, sharp, reliable cutting blade. The Expanse Series e55 is a streamlined, folding knife with a sturdy, locking blade. Its 60-percent glass-filled nylon handle is reinforced with stainless steel to provide exceptional durability along with a stylish, contemporary look.
This handle is shaped and balanced to sit comfortably in your hand, whether you're chopping wild onions to flavor a meal or splicing rope on the high seas. And weighing in at just 5.43 ounces, the e55 isn't bulky or awkward in your pocket.
The in-handle storage system means you won't have to carry a sheath, and a folding carabiner clip makes it simple to attach your knife to a belt loop or the side of your pack, so it's always on hand when you need it. Mariners who keep their tools on lines will have a special appreciation for this clip. It also does double-duty as a bottle-opener. You can also opt to secure your knife with the included removable pocket clip.
Premium, US-Made Steel for Performance
A sharp knife is not only more useful than a dull knife, it's also safer, since you're less likely to slip and cut yourself. A good edge means you make the cuts you want to make quickly.
Expanse Series knives are crafted out of US-made 154CM steel from Crucible Metals. 154CM is used because it has exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Leatherman compared 154CM steel to 420HC, another durable, reliable steel used in knife blades, and found that 154CM holds an edge approximately three times longer. This means your knife will be sharp and ready to use when you reach for it.
When it does come time to sharpen your knife, you'll appreciate that Leatherman knives can be re-sharpened using the standard methods. There are many effective ways to sharpen a knife, so you should be able to find one that works for you. Sharpening stones, round files, and special kits (not included) all provide a nice edge.
Locking, Drop-Style Blade for Safety
A lockback system is used to secure the large, 3.1-inch blade of your Expanse 55 Series knife, so you don't have to worry about it closing on your hand while you cut. This safety feature is especially important when slicing through tough materials like nylon webbing or braided rope. The lockback system is stronger than the liner lock system, which is used on knives with smaller blades. It typically requires two hands to open a lockback knife, encouraging you to use this larger knife safely.
Leatherman uses blades shaped in a drop-style for all their e55 knives because they fit nicely in the handle of your knife when not in use. Plus, a drop-style blade is stronger than a clip point blade, which you might see on other pocket knives. This means you can rely on the e55, whether you're cutting rope to build a litter during a mountain rescue operation or carving your name on a bunk at Scout camp.
About Leatherman: Time-Tested Survival Tools
The original Pocket Survival Tool, devised by mechanical engineer Tim Leatherman, hit the market in 1983. By 1993, Leatherman was selling more than one million of them a year. In the blockbuster movie "Speed," Keanu Reeves used a Leatherman to save the passengers on a doomed bus. Even MacGyver has been seen with one of these trusty tools. But their best reviews come from everyday people. The Leatherman survival tool is a mainstay of travelers, sailors, fishermen, hunters, backpackers, and scouts.
The simple, durable Expanse Series knives draw on Leatherman's legacy. While the e55 knife doesn't feature the signature Leatherman pliers design, it is available in several multi-tool variations. If you work with rope or clean fish often, you might enjoy the versatility offered by the e55x, which has a combination straight and serrated blade. Similarly, Leatherman offers the e55B, a multi-knife with an integrated bit driver, and a full series of e33 knives with smaller blades.
All Leatherman tools, including the e55 Straight Blade Knife, are backed by a 25-year warranty.

Comparison of Expanse Series Knife Features
e33L e33Lx e33T e33Tx e33B e33Bx e55 e55x e55B e55Bx Blade Length: 2.6 in | 6.6 cm



Blade Length: 3.1 in | 7.9 cm





154CM Stainless Steel Blade Straight Edge Blade




Straight/Serrated Combo Blade




Glass-filled Nylon Handles Stainless Steel Reinforced Handles Blade Launcher®



Thumb Stud Locking Liner



Lockback





Phillips Screwdriver







1/4-inch Flat Screwdriver







Bit Driver





Included Bits: Phillips #1 and 2 & Screwdriver 3/16- and 1/4-inch





Removable Pocket Clip Carabiner/Bottle Opener
What's in the Box
e55 Straight blade knife

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Leatherman 934860 Removable Pocket Clip for Kick Review

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(More customer reviews)I got one of these so I wouldn't have to wear the sheath everywhere I go. It seems that it would always get hung on something. The only problem that I have with this is that there is a little too much play when it is attached. This isn't a huge problem, because the screw is in tight and it does not affect the way it fits onto your pocket. I like this better than the sheath and it was a good investment....it's a more low-profile carry and does not get in the way. I only wish that LM would have packed a small washer that fits between the clip and screw to solve the play problem...but once again it does not affect how well it clips to your pocket. I also have not had any problem with the tool coming open in my pocket. It does have a pretty good tension and It is held closed by the edge of my pocket..(I wear it on the right side, this could be a problem if worn on your left.) The clip is relatively inexpensive and works as a good alternative where a sheath isn't that practical.

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Product Description:
Leatherman 934860 Leatherman Removable Pocket Clip & Screw for Kick.

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Leatherman 831144 Monarch 500 LED Flashlight, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned some pretty decent, pretty expensive lights in my time, this is one helluvva light. What sets this light apart is its relatively inexpensive cost combined with the fact it uses standard batteries to achieve exceptional output. Those batteries I'll add, that have been in my light for over a month now and although I'm not using it constantly I do use it more than the average bear in my line of work. If you're looking for a good bang for your buck, don't want to deal with a rechargeable unit, and need something small(this light fits in one of the pen slots of my vest) and incredibly bright, you might want to consider this before one of the more expensive alternatives. Thanks and good luck.

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Product Description:
When you're on the job you need a flashlight that's tough and bright, but doesn't get in the way. The Leatherman Monarch 500 LED light is constructed of hard-anodized aluminum so it's as durable as stainless steel but only weights 3.5 ounces - fitting easily in a pocket or belt system. The 500 provides a powerful 100 lumens that run on two common-size batteries (AA) and the machined reflector produces a clean light pattern for reading detail without causing eye-fatigue.

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Leatherman 70108001K Juice C2, Storm Gray, Pocket Multi-Tool Review

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(More customer reviews)Why the Juice C2 -- I got the Juice C2 in gray recently... was attracted to this particular Leatherman since I wanted a smaller multi-tool (near "Swiss Army knife"-sized) that had pliers but that I'd be more likely to carry routinely. Also wanted only those kinds of tools that I'd actually use on an everyday basis.For me, the C2, with its combination of pliers, knife, corkscrew, bottle opener, and variety of screwdrivers was just what I needed and no more.

Size -- To give you a feel for size, the C2 is the width two small pocket knifes and finger-length/thickness -- put your two middle fingers together and you'll peg the overall size pretty closely. Plier handles are just long enough to wrap 4 fingers around them for good leverage.

Appearance -- The gray color seems to be a durable coating that is unlikely to show nicks and scratches."Leatherman" and "juice C2" are lightly embossed in white on opposite sides of the tool faces.

Mechanism -- The action of the tools is superb, with the plier-handles snapping into place with a resounding click for example (as do all the screwdrivers as well).When closing the pliers the two halves of the tool snap together -- no need to compress each side together by manually squeezing the tool closed.There are fingernail hooks to get the screwdriver blades out.Only difficulty I've had is extracting the lanyard loop (which is something that you'd presumably leave either out or in semi-permanently).Knife blade comes to a very thin sharp point, which might be brittle if used to pry something open using the dull side (should probably use a screwdriver blade instead).Corkscrew diameter is a bit on the small side but with the "assist" (end of the can/bottle opener serves as a bottle-top prop for the corkscrew)) I believe it will be possible to ease out even the driest of corks.Needlenose section of the pliers is perfectly aligned with hairline precision at the tip.

Overall this multi-tool exceeded my high expectations for the Leatherman brand and if it weren't for the 25 year warranty I'd probably buy a second one as a backup.

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Product Description:
Leatherman 70108001K Leatherman C2 Storm Gray Multitool in Box.

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LEATHERMAN Wave - Pocket Survival Tool Review

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(More customer reviews)I own both the Wave and PST II.Whenever I am doing a job I like to use the Wave because it is stronger and has more tools.The three locking blades and file are accessible without unfolding the tool.The rounded edges on the handle are much more comfortable when using the pliers.

The Wave is a little bigger and heavier than the PST II, so I tend to leave it off my belt for everyday use in favor of the PST II, but if it was the only one I had, I'd happily wear it everywhere.

The knife blades, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, strippers, and especially the scissors are very convenient, handy, and work well.Since the blades are independent of the other tools (and they lock), this is a safer tool than some of the other Leatherman wannabe's.

My only complaint, and this covers the Wave and PST II, is the can opener.For some reason they make it thick and put the bevel on the wrong side (at least if you are right-handed and cut turning CW).It works, but it makes a sloppy cut.I like the can opener on my Swiss Army knife much better.

I had to use the warranty once and it was a quick and totally satisfying experience.I broke the pliers and they replaced the tool with a brand new one (PST II).Don't waste your money on a cheap knock-off.In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Leatherman.They are very well built and worth the money.

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Product Description:
Needlenose pliers, regular pliers wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, clip-point knife, serrated knife, diamond-coated file, wood saw, scissors.You also get - An extra small screwdriver, small screwdriver, medium screwdriver, large screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, can/bottle opener, wire striper, & lanyard attachment.

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Gerber 22-41770 Artifact Pocket Keychain Tool Review

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(More customer reviews)SAVE THE THUMBS. I love my Gerber Artifact tool, but there's one issue. The blade arm is difficult to swing out from its safety position for use. After weeks of daily use, I learned the hard way and sliced my thumb to the bone trying to open it. As I type this, my thumb is hovering unused and bandaged over the keyboard. Since then, I think I've figured out a safe way to open the blade arm and I wanted to share it to try to spare the thumbs of others -- use a coin to pry the blade arm out from its safety position. A quarter fits perfectly in the slot near the key chain loop on the tool. Stay safe.

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Product Description:
The Gerber 22-41770 Artifact Pocket Keychain Tool is a pocket-sized companion, offering plenty of functionality in a minimalist package. With a #11 hobby blade, flat and Phillips drivers, wire stripper, pry bar, and more, the Artifact Pocket Keychain Tool helps you be prepared for almost anything, everywhere you go.

The Gerber 22-41770 Artifact Pocket Keychain Tool includes:

EAB #11 hobby blade
Cross driver
Small flat driver
Medium flat driver
Bottle opener
Wire stripper
Pry bar
Lanyard

A portable frame with a titanium nitride coating provides years of use.View Larger.

Small Device Holds Eight Tools
The most useful tool is the one you have when you need it--and with the Artifact, all you have to do is reach for your keychain to find what you need. At just 3.5 inches closed, the Artifact is barely larger than a cigarette lighter, but Gerber still managed to pack eight different functions into its compact, easily portable form.
The Artifact includes a Phillips screwdriver, two flat-head screwdrivers, a bottle opener, pry bar, wire stripper, a knife that uses standard #11 blades, and a lanyard.
Durable Construction
Although it features a small profile, the Artifact is built for durability. It features stainless steel construction and has a titanium nitride coating for long-lasting durability.
What's in the Box
Gerber 22-41770 Artifact Pocket Keychain Tool

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