Skeletool Knife

The Leatherman Skeletool is an implement which might be described as a multitool trimmed back until it is almost, but not quite, a pocket knife. However, although it offers much more functionality than just a pocket knife does – with its pliers head, wire cutter, and universal bit driver with several included bits and many more available – there can be no doubt that the blade included in each Skeletool is an important part of the whole, and the device would be far less useful without it.

The knife is an extremely versatile tool if it is made correctly – it can be used for cutting, of course, and can take the place of scissors or even wire cutters in an emergency. Fine work such as scraping a contact clean or opening a tiny channel that has become clogged can be accomplished with the tip. Rotating the knife with the point against a substance can drill a shallow hole that can give a drill bit or an awl a better “grip” for penetration.

In a pinch, a knife can be used as a lever – although those who make a habit of doing so will probably snap off the blade sooner rather than later, regardless of how well made it is. And, of course, it can be used in self-defense, although it is to be hoped that few Skeletool users will ever find themselves needing to use their multitool as a weapon.

The Skeletool line includes knives which are either smooth or half-serrated – the hybrid forms appearing for the most part on earlier models, before knife enthusiast feedback prompted Leatherman to change the design. Strength and utility are the hallmarks of the knives included in the Skeletool – the blades are large and hardy, able to stand up to plenty of punishment in the line of duty, and are now made out of extremely tough 154CM stainless steel on any model labeled “CX.”

The knife blade of the Skeletool can be opened while the multitool itself is folded closed, without the pliers deployed, exactly like a pocketknife. One of the skeletonizing holes in the handles – which give the full-sized tool its extraordinarily light, agile weight of a mere 5 ounces – is actually also the thumb-hole used for extending the knife. You slip your thumb into this hole, then turn it, which rotates the blade out of the handle. As soon as the blade is extended, it locks in place, so you will not need to worry about it scissoring shut onto your fingers while you are cutting something.

The blade is easy to close deliberately, however, by pushing on the locking mechanism until the knife rotates back into the handle. Leatherman Skeletool knives are very convenient and very strong, and are as safe to use as any blade can be.