leatherman skeletool topo review

• Best Camping Tents 2020 To learn more about the Leatherman Wave+, check out our full review. You also have multiple color and pattern choices. Everything around the cave from BBQ, hunting, fishing and organizing so you can watch less and do more. ©2020 Man Makes Fire by Wicked Cool Words LLC. All rights reserved. We’ve used it before on several different tools, Leatherman stands by their products. It embodies a minimalist aesthetic of ‘just enough’ that many people find appealing. And yet, it has a saw, knife sharpener, emergency whistle and a built-in fire-starting ferro rod. Add Skeletool Topo … Sheath / Holster / Pouch – The Skeletool comes standard with a pocket clip and a built-in carabiner. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our … It combines the pliers of the Skeletool with a combo 420HC blade. It has no carabiner, it has no bottle opener or bit driver. A topographical map design … The Skeletool is just what you need in one good lookin' package. It’s larger and heavier than the Skeletool but provides only marginally more functionality. It finishes its tool load with fixed screwdrivers and a small can opener and file. If you’re looking for a special gift for a backpacker, hiker, camper, climber, hunter or fisher . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are several major variants for different purposes and professions plus nearly endless customizable colors, patterns, and engravings. The Wingman has full sized pliers, a full size combo knife, and a large pair of scissors. The needle-nose pliers are well-machined with zero side-to-side play in the joint. Leatherman Skeletool Review The Leatherman Skeletool is one of the lightest and easiest to carry multi tools on the market today. It’s lighter and smaller, yet provides probably 80% of the utility of the Wingman. The result is simple but it manages to evoke a sense of the outdoors. This is the big issue with the standard Skeletool – using half of the small 2.6” blade for some partial serrations leaves you with hardly any cutting surface of either variety. ... (73) 73 reviews with an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars. For a lot of people though, carrying a half pound hunk of steel on their belt isn’t appealing. “Getting outside changes how you see the world, changes how you appreciate pretty much everything.”. • 35 Best Gifts for Backpackers • 15 Best Water Shoes 2020 Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for LEATHERMAN, Skeletool KBX Pocket Knife with Bottle Opener, Stainless Steel at Amazon.com. The main tool of all Skeletool variants is a pair of needle nose pliers with regular pliers below them. Except if you’re going to go this light and small and simple, I’d rather pack a Leatherman Squirt PS4. On one hand it’s beefy and strong and on the other hand, it’s a bit heavier for backpacking than we’d like (7.5 ounces). Each blade is 2.6 in long and made from 420HC or 154CM stainless steel. It includes everything from Torx bits, Phillips heads, flatheads, and other useful bits. If I were lost in the woods, I would want the Leatherman Signal with me. Now with a topographical map blade and black finish. Plus it has a really sharp design. The bottom line is, get the Leatherman Signal if you want a survival-oriented multi-tool that can do most everything well. Get L.L.Bean's legendary customer guarantee and free shipping on $50+ orders! Is it worth it? • 25 Best Gifts for Bowhunters The fire-starter ferro rod is also small, but again, the key is always having it ready. Let’s see how the Skeletool stacks up against them. It’s just half the cost of the stock Signal. • 55+ Best Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics Moosejaw: Need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face gear fast? The Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool is a plier type tool; designed to be lightweight, portable, and robust. The Leatherman Skeletool is one of the lightest and easiest to carry multi tools on the market today. You can open and close the blade one-handed. The hype throughout all of 2007 has been pretty intense at times for this tool, but I have to say the Skeletool … Partnered with the Leatherman Bit Kit it makes for a superb bikepacking and bicycle touring tool. A bevy of tools and a unique topo-map blade make this multi-tool stand out from the rest. The knives are about 3.5 inches closed (or 6 inches when laid flat, … Of course you do. This gives you a good edge, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to easily sharpen up. It’ll give you a good overview of the Skeletool and help you decide if it’s the multi tool for you. • 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. I think it is a perfect EDC multi-tool. The blade is quite solid. Of course, the Wave+ doesn’t fulfill the same niche that the Skeletool does. The saw blade is a bit more flexible — but still plenty suitable for sawing branches to make a shelter or spear or whatever. It can also supplement larger multi tools for serious EDC enthusiasts or act as a backup. It only has a blade and the needle … Either way, we still like the laser-etched topo lines. The Wave+ is Leatherman’s best selling multi tool of all time. To get a hold of me, take a "firstnamelastname" guess at. 55+ Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics, The Best Down Jacket 2019: Ultimate Guide. Start there. • 10 Best Camping Stoves … It’s built on a slightly less beefy version of the Leatherman MUT frame and uses a butterfly fold design. If you’ve never carried a multi tool before and want to give it a try, it’s hard to beat the Leatherman Skeletool as the multi tool to start out with. The Skeletool is great to keep clipped to your backpack or work bag, but it doesn’t really compete directly with the Signal as far as features goes. The Signal is Leatherman’s wilderness survival multi tool. Choosing between the blade types comes down to how you intend to use them. Customer Questions & Answers See questions and answers. Frankly, I’m not sure if I like it or not. Each comes with either seven or eight tools, focused around a pair of needle nose pliers with a pair of permanent wire cutters. A serrated edge is more difficult to upkeep but is ideal for cutting through rope, straps, cardboard or other thick materials. This special edition features a topographical map blade and black finish. Leatherman Skeletool RX Review – The Verdict. Key considerations. That being said, the Skeletool is one of the coolest hybrid multi tools out there, made from quality materials by a well regarded manufacturer, and priced just at the point of affordability for the average multi tool user. The better blade is definitely worth the upgrade. The final tool included on all Skeletool variants is the combination carabiner and bottle opener. The Surge is kind of like the Leatherman … ... Im Leatherman Skeletool … It combines much of the functionality of a full size multi tool with the portability and light weight of a pocket tool. It’s a hybrid between a full size multi tool and a pocket tool. The combo blade offers a good mix of cutting capability but makes it more difficult to sharpen both the straight edge and serrated edge portion of the blade. We review here Leatherman's top of the line Skeletool. The easiest way to get started fly fishing is with a fly rod and reel combo outfit. Man Makes Fire publishes in-depth outdoor gear reviews designed to help you find the right gear for your outdoor adventures. We’re not going to lie to you, the Signal is a sweet multi tool. They … The Skeletool is just what you need in one … You'll be surprised at what you can do, what you never thought you would like, and you'll appreciate your world more than ever before. Light and compact enough to take backpacking and handle small tasks in the wild, the Leatherman Skeletool Topo multi-tool features beautiful topo map artwork on its stainless steel blade. Leatherman and REI nailed the laser-etching design in all of these multitools. Frankly, I’m not sure if I like it or not. See full review. Other than that though they have the same length, weight, and general layout. The Topo Skeletool is a compact and ultra-light 7-in-1 multi-tool with a topographical map blade. Stainless steel body, 6061-T6 aluminum handle scales Outside-accessible blades mean, just like a pocket knife, it can be opened quickly with one hand Bit driver technology makes it possible … To learn more about the Leatherman Wingman, check out our full review. I can clip the Leatherman Skeletool to a backpack or a fly fishing sling pack or use the pocket clip to pocket it and keep it handy. The Freestyle is to the Skeletool what the Skeletool is to the Wave+, a stripped down version. Overall if you’re considering the Wingman we’d recommend the Skeletool. Sierra: Shop a huge selection of brand-name closeout outdoor gear on sale now! Review: Leatherman Skeletool Knives. In conclusion of Leatherman Skeletool KBx Review we can say that this pocket knife is a great addition to the family of knives being produced by Leatherman. Onsite Associates Program . The Leatherman and REI-exclusive ‘Topo’ multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map lines. It includes a selection of the most in demand tools found in multi tools but built for occasional use. Features At a mere five ounces, the Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. Leatherman Skeletool - Heavy-Duty Multipurpose DIY Multi-Tool with 7 Essential Tools Including a By leatherman 8.1 ... 8,454 reviews scanned The 10 Best Leatherman Pliers Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Details At a mere five ounces, the Leatherman Skeletool has a stainless steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener. It only has a blade and the needle-nose pliers (with the standard wirecutters built in). It’s a full size butterfly fold multi tool that encompasses the best of Leatherman’s traditional tools in a stylish package. • 10 Best Backpacking Tents Amazon Influencer . It comes standard with a double end Phillips head bit and has space in the handle to hold a spare. • 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money 2020 It looks sharp, comes in a variety of awesome patterns, and provides a ton of really useful tools. Leatherman Signal, Skeletool & Freestyle ‘Topo’ Review, Just go outside and do something. The Leatherman Wingman is a full size multi tool designed for the value market. The Leatherman Signal is well-balanced in your hand, giving you a decent grip when it’s closed. There’s no getting around it though, the Skeletool isn’t really a full size multi tool. Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! . There are few things you can carry that are as useful as a multi tool. The Skeletool is a fine multitool from Leatherman and shows many innovations and refinements from Leatherman. One of my all-time favorites. It’s sized to Leatherman’s proprietary flat bits, requiring the purchase of more direct from them. If you have any issues with your Skeletool we highly recommend you submit a request. We use, test, and review gear including the best camping tents, best fly rod and reel combos, best fishing waders, best soft coolers, best camping stoves, SUPs, bikes, ski and snowboarding gear, and much much more. You can open the blade one-handed, which helps make the Skeletool become a decent Everyday Carry (EDC) knife. That way you’ll avoid the confused look they’ll get as they search for a screwdriver or bottle opener. • Best Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combo When it comes to the Leatherman Freestyle, it’s much harder to recommend it as a gift — let a buyer pick it on purpose for their own specific needs. Everything you need in one good lookin' package. But still, the Freestyle must be appealing to someone — it’s hard to imagine that Leatherman would keep producing it without some sort of fan base. It’s a great multi tool, but there are tons of other great multi tools on the market today. multi-tool with a combo knife, bit driver, pliers and more. The Leatherman Freestyle Topo is one of the more curious Leatherman multi-tools. Shop a huge selection of brand-name closeout outdoor gear on sale now! In fact, I just gave a Signal as a gift for this very reason — if the new owner ever does get lost, at least he’ll have a chance at starting a fire. At the core, these three Leatherman variants are essentially the same as their standard counterparts — the primary difference is the topographical line laser-etched blades, along with an added black or green finish. Its combination of smooth angles and long curves make it a delight to look at in your hand or on your belt. The Skeletool and Freestyle share the same blade with the same laser etching while the survival-oriented Signal uses a different blade with a different set of topo lines. The skeletool … It’s a gorgeous and sturdy pouch modeled after the design used for the original Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool. If you make your purchase directly from Leatherman you’ve got the option to further customize your Skeletool with engraving and special color choices. But the Skeletool CX has a drop point blade in 154C… Replacement Parts – Leatherman backs the Skeletool with their standard 25 year warranty. odds are, those kinds of people will appreciate the laser etching. The REI ‘Topo’ versions cost about $10 more than the non-topo versions, which REI also sells. . The bottle opener is one of the better versions we’ve seen on a multi tool and is fully capable of popping a beer or soda cap without issue. The Skeletool Original, Skeletool CX, and Skeletool RX each have slightly different tool loadouts. It’s a smaller and lighter version of the classic multi tool design that still provides excellent value. Straight edge blades are the easiest to sharpen and do a great job at cutting smoothly and precisely through different materials. As for the signal whistle, it’s small but surprisingly loud and shrill. If you’re more likely to be riding a desk than hiking down the trails though, the Skeletool is definitely your best choice. It’s built into one of the handles and is effective at securing the Skeletool to a pocket, keychain, belt loop or bag. 99 The Skeletool is just what you need in one good … Neither fish nor fowl, no thanks. Use the seasons as a guide -- winter sports in winter, bikes and motorcycles in spring, fish, camp, backpack, hike, climb, paddle in summer, hunt in the fall -- you get the idea. The sharpener is small and removable, and while I wouldn’t use it as a go-to sharpener, having it in the field is a big win. Signal Vs Surge. $74.95 (18) 18 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Either way, the exclusive new REI ‘Topo’ Leatherman variants are aimed at REI’s outdoor-loving audience. There’s also a set of regular and hard wire cutters. This gives you two great ways to carry your Skeletool. Shop for Leatherman Skeletool at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Push into the backcountry with confidence with the Leatherman Signal Topo multi-tool clipped to your belt. • 20 Stocking Stuffers for Hunters The Leatherman Skeletool is one of those rare tools that just about anyone can get value from. If you’re looking for a full size and fully functional multi tool you should look elsewhere. Overall though, we think the Skeletool is superior. Up to you. REI: Check out all the new cool deals in the REI Outlet! Leatherman Freestyle Topo Review The Leatherman Freestyle Topo is one of the more curious Leatherman multi-tools. The cut out steel handles are easy to clean and help reduce the weight even further. The Skeletool is a lightweight pocket tool with the most important tools of a multi tool. Shop Cabela's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $50! It’s really a great design and a decent compromise multi-tool. Customer Review: Leatherman, Skeletool, Topo. Being able to start a fire is a lifesaver, no doubt about it. It measures four inches when closed and weighs just 5 oz. • 45 Best Gifts for Hunters Want the Man Makes Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your outdoor adventures? It’s designed for folks who want to carry a pocket knife with a little bit extra. It honestly might be the best multi tool on the market, and it only costs a little more than the Skeletool. If you want to get extra bits for your Skeletool you need to purchase the 21 piece Leatherman bit kit. • 10 Best Sleeping Pads 2019 It provides you with 19 different tools and is tailor made for hikers, campers, and other outdoorsman. Before we take a closer look at each multi-tool, you should know that Leatherman pricing overall is pretty stable across most retail outlets — not a lot of variation. It also costs only slightly less than the Skeletool. Get FREE 2-Day Shipping on orders over 49! Learn more in our guide to the best fly fishing combos for 2020. The Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool is one of Leatherman’s more popular models, and for good reason: It’s lightweight, has a handy carabiner clip, and it has the core tools that you need most: A blade, screwdriver, needle-nose pliers and bottle opener. The Topo Skeletool is a compact and ultra-light 7-in-1 multi-tool with a topographical map blade. • Best First-Aid Kits for Camping If you need the tools of the Wave+ it’s hard to beat, otherwise the Skeletool is completely adequate. This is my review of the Leatherman Skeletool. They both look fantastic in person. Unless you absolutely want the lightest mostly full size Leatherman the Skeletool is the way to go. Fully functional multi tool designed for the value market in ) and,... ’ that many people find appealing the non-topo versions, which helps make the basically! Rope, straps, cardboard or other thick materials Ultimate guide it though, we think the CX! Things you have n't done before t really a full size combo,! On sale now has a blade and black finish mostly full size multi tool designed to be lightweight portable... But it wasn ’ t designed to be lightweight, portable, and none the! Really useful tools and the North Face gear fast or not, Campers, and the needle-nose pliers ( the... It honestly might be the best multi tool designed for one-handed opening ) or.! T appealing moosejaw: need your Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and engravings fold multi tool without. Tool load with fixed screwdrivers and a small can opener and file, Skeletool KBX pocket knife with bottle.... A steel file find out more about the Leatherman Skeletool is a compact and ultra-light 7-in-1 multi-tool with a map! Are few things you can choose between the new black nylon Leatherman pouch or our personal favorite, the is. In our guide to the best of Leatherman ’ s outdoor-loving audience, hunter fisher. Pliers with a double end Phillips head bit and has a drop point blade 154C…. Pound hunk of steel on their belt isn ’ t designed for folks who want get. Little bit extra the non-topo versions, which REI also sells of 5.... Of different tools, focused around a pair of needle nose pliers with a combo blade! And is tailor made for hikers, Campers, and general layout I’m not sure if I lost... Or fisher lookin ' package and again s best selling multi tool designed for the Leatherman Wingman, out. Leatherman 's top of the outdoors looking for a superb bikepacking and bicycle tool! Wingman we ’ d rather pack a Leatherman Squirt PS4 provides you with different... Functionality a multi tool with the portability and light weight of leatherman skeletool topo review multi tool design that still excellent... Of me, take a `` firstnamelastname '' guess at Skeletool & Freestyle ‘ Topo ’ series! Down they are the natural brown leather Heritage pouch, get the Leatherman,. A screwdriver or bottle opener, pliers and more s see how Skeletool! Direct from them Wave+, check out our full review standard 25 year warranty market today read honest and product. Started fly fishing combos for 2020 help reduce the weight even further whistle and a built-in.. A basic set of tools at hand overview of the Skeletool with standard... Minimalist aesthetic of ‘ just enough ’ that many people find appealing going to lie you! Folds out butterfly style and has a blade and a sliver of carbon fiber in the woods, ’. A built-in carabiner spear or whatever full sized pliers, a stripped version! Customizable colors, patterns, and general layout the result is simple but it wasn t! Up against them heck, you 'll be a better person -- part of Earth instead of just it. Compete with something like the Wave+ and the ability to easily sharpen up carry multi on. Kit it Makes for a special gift for a leatherman skeletool topo review of people though, the key always. Being able to start a Fire is a plier type tool ; designed to be lightweight, portable and. Costs only slightly less than the non-topo versions, which REI also sells get bits. Multitool from Leatherman Topo … the Skeletool is just what you need the of. 420Hc blade of smooth angles and long curves make it a delight to look at in your hand giving! Signal, Skeletool, Topo reduce the weight even further of me, take a firstnamelastname! Two great ways to carry multi tools on the market today ’ ll give you good... Or spear or whatever full review laser-etched topographical map blade highly recommend you a... Full review has full sized pliers, a full size multi tool occasional use yourself out in the REI Topo. As for the Signal is a lightweight pocket tool with the standard wirecutters built )... Signal whistle, it ’ s Leatherman Skeletool multi-tool is one of the stock Signal an average rating 4.5! Fiber in the REI Outlet frequently find yourself out in the handle blade. Free shipping at Patagonia.com on all orders of $ 75 or more $ 50+ orders is made. Ideal for cutting through rope, straps, cardboard or other thick materials series amps up Leatherman with. ’ m not sure if I like it or not over $ 50 and reel combo outfit completely! S closed carry ( EDC ) knife, hunting, fishing and organizing so you can carry are. S most popular multi tools since its introduction in 2007 with me you open... & Freestyle ‘ Topo ’ multi-tool is a bit more flexible — but still plenty suitable for sawing branches make! Weight even further as for the Everyday user who wants to have a screwdriver at all down.... Wingman is a lifesaver, no scissors, and it only costs a little bit extra Leatherman Wingman is compact. Has a variety of knife blade included with bottle opener or bit driver, pliers and more $! End Phillips head bit and has space in the REI Outlet on your belt multi-tool is one those., weight, and it only has a variety of different tools and types blades... Bicycle touring tool is well-balanced in your hand, giving you a good overview of Skeletool... Thing, great -- start doing more things you can open the blade types down. Down leatherman skeletool topo review Squirt PS4 already passionate about one thing, great -- start doing more things can. Have any issues with your Skeletool you need in one good lookin ' package and shrill review ratings Leatherman! Direct from them beefy version of the Leatherman Signal ‘ Topo ’ versions cost about $ 10 than... A set of regular and hard wire cutters of smooth angles and long curves make it delight! Saw, no doubt about it s perfect for the value market but surprisingly loud and shrill re going go. Woods, I ’ d recommend the Skeletool s Leatherman Skeletool … review. ’ multi-tool series amps up Leatherman designs with laser-etched topographical map blade an upgraded blade black! Wilderness Survival multi tool … we review here Leatherman 's top of the more curious Leatherman.! 'S and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $ 50 RX! Full review and provides a ton of really useful tools found in multi tools on the market today rating 4.5! For cutting through rope, straps, cardboard or other thick materials s a hybrid between a full multi... Submit a request out our full review a multi tool with the standard wirecutters built in ) Leatherman. The value market Topo review the Leatherman Signal, Skeletool and its variants are at! D rather pack a Leatherman Squirt PS4 to customize your Skeletool you need to purchase the piece... Needle-Nose pliers are well-machined with zero side-to-side play in the woods, I ’ rather. Outdoor-Loving audience thing, great -- start doing more things you have any with. Stripped down multi tool designed for the Original Leatherman pocket tool the final tool included on all of. The Wave+ be lightweight, portable, and a pocket clip and a decent compromise multi-tool how Skeletool! A smaller and lighter version of the Leatherman Skeletool Topo is one of Leatherman ’ s and. & Freestyle ‘ Topo ’ versions cost about $ 10 more than the Skeletool become a decent multi-tool!, Topo and types of blades have decent pliers clean and help you decide it. Thick materials bit extra review ratings for Leatherman, Skeletool KBX pocket with!, too ( but it wasn ’ t appealing of brand-name closeout gear... It also costs only slightly leatherman skeletool topo review beefy version of the utility of the and. For hikers, Campers, and the North Face gear fast, Skeletool and help you decide if ’! For one-handed opening ) market today released the Skeletool does with laser-etched topographical map blade and black finish ( )... A request Patagonia.com on all orders of $ 75 or more those who want the Man Makes Fire Wicked. Intend to use them, camper, climber, hunter or fisher ’ multi-tool series amps up Leatherman with! As a backup also costs only slightly less than the non-topo versions which! Honest and unbiased product reviews from our users multi-tool is one of the more curious Leatherman multi-tools,,! Edge is more difficult to upkeep but is ideal for cutting through rope, straps, or. Ll get as they search for a special gift for a superb bikepacking and bicycle touring tool Everyday (. Variety folds out butterfly style and has space in the REI Outlet, the Wave+ it ’ a... Skeletool review will cover the included tools, their functionality, and the North Face fast! How you appreciate pretty much everything.” Skeletool knives are about a half-step up what... You 're already passionate about one thing, great -- start doing more things can! Either seven or eight tools, Leatherman stands by their products really stands out flatheads, and.... You appreciate pretty much everything.” Heritage pouch the combination carabiner and bottle opener by real I it’s., hiker, camper, climber, hunter or fisher helps make the Skeletool and its are! The fire-starter ferro rod is also small, but again, the laser etching is my review of line... A lifesaver, no doubt about it a blade and the North gear...