Skeletool is a new addition to Leatherman’s full size tool family. At just 5 ounces it is stripped to bare minimum. I guess if you are a person who cuts of the handle of your toothbrush in order to save the weight when traveling than this tool is for you. In order to slim the tool down so Leatherman had to sacrifice few features. Things that are gone but not forgotten (or missed): can opener, serrated blade, file, saw, small screwdriver, and scissors. It’s really up to you to decide which feature you are going to miss the most. Skeletool has only few functions: pliers, wire cutters, screwdriver, bottle opener and of course a knife (plain blade for stainless steal model and partially serrated for carbon version).









It can be worn in a provided sheath, clipped to a pocket/belt with removable clip or using build-in carabineer hanged off loops/buckles/straps. Tool saves about 3 ounces over typical multitool like Charge. Tool is slimmer and feels lighter but seems bigger. Carabineer attachment makes a tool longer.



Screwdriver function can accept interchangeable bits from Charge line. It also features new way of securing the bits for use. Tension spring is used to secure the bit in place but in order to change it you have to press down on the lever to remove the bit. With older tools you just “yanked” the bit out. I guess this prevents the notch on the bit from wearing out. I’ve started to see this on bits I use and change quite frequently on my Charge multitool. Screwdriver on Skeletool can only be used in handles open position not giving you the best grip. One extra bit can be stored in the handle. Bit is held inside by friction and even after banging the tool on the table I couldn’t get it out but simple push with the thumb slides it right out.











For a slim tool, Skeletool is pretty comfortable. You will not get the “pinch” effect found with earlier Leathermans but with high pressure handles start to feel weird.

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/12.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/15.jpg[/img]

Bottle opener works in reverse way but it works. It also doubles as a carabineer. Now what I’m really missing from this tool is can opener. I guess all this weight saving was aimed at hikers, backpackers, kayakers, hunters or whoever has to hump their stuff on their back. Pretty good assumption could be made that most of those people will be using caned food at one point or another. Taking out the can opener made this tool little inconvenient but than again GI can openers don’t really weight that much either.

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/9.jpg[/img]

Tool carries easily by pocket clip and sits flat against the body. Clip can be removed if needed. Carbineer is a totally different story. Since the inside of the carabineer is flat (because it also serves as bottle opener) it doesn’t sit well with straps or fatter rings. It constantly rotates into vertical position causing obstruction. If the strap has little bit of slack and is made out of soft material than the tool will lie flat against the surface. Also using a small loop out of paracord, zip pulls or extra clip works just fine. I tried attachments to bunker gear, packs, med bags, pants, belts and it works. You just need to be creative about it.


Some examples:
[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/16.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/17.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/18.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/22.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/23.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/24.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/25.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/26.jpg[/img]

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/27.jpg[/img]

Case that comes with Skeletool is big. On the left you see a Charge with 2 sets of bits and Arc AAA on the right you see Skeletool. My guess is to ditch the case for Skeletool.

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/19.jpg[/img]

In the end it is a decent tool that I’m planning to keep. It is light and comfortable but lacking some features than you may find important. Again missing features can be improvised if needed so it might not be a big deal for some. Personally I see use of this tool in little different spotlight that Leatherman intended. It would be emergency work and it’s only due to its accessibility. Right now in emergency situation I might have to reach for a pouch to grab my tool but if stuff was hanging right of my turn out coat or vest I would have a tendency to use it more. One hand access plus if you get creative one hand opening can be accomplished if needed. But for outdoorsmen Skeletool saves weight but is not much change on the volume. If I needed one and only tool than I would carry extra 4 ounces of Charge and have everything I need. Cs4 at almost the same weight has 3 times the amount the tools that Skeletool has but is smaller and may not have the grip you want for your pliers and definitely coolness factor is not there either. Another option is Buck’s X-Track tool that for 1 ounce of weight extra might have extra function that you need. I would give Skeletool a 3.5 star rating out of 5. My dog gives it 1 and you go figure why.

[img]http://brunerdog.tripod.com/skeletool/20.jpg[/img]