It’s a lot like having a flashlight. But once you start carrying one, you use it all the time. We have been testing multi-tools for years. We have used over 30 different models in real-life applications. We fixed fences on a farm. We cut tough twine from hay bales. We even helped a lamb be born on a cold morning.
For years, it has been our top choice. We think this is the best choice for most people, and we’ll compare it directly to classic options like the Swiss Army Knife Huntsman. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is our choice. The design of the Leatherman Skeletool CX is a work of art. We only needed the Skeletool CX’s main tools. The pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and bottle opener were able to handle all of the small repairs we gave them. We kept reaching for this tool even after our official testing was over. We still carry it every day, three years later.
Important Things That Make the Skeletool CX Better
1. Tools You Need, Done Right
The Skeletool CX doesn’t try to do everything. Instead, it gets the basics just right.
- Needle-nose pliers: They open up easily and are very accurate. You can easily pull out a small splinter or get a grip on a stubborn nut. The handle’s uneven shape makes it easy to squeeze.
- Knife Blade Gate: This is a big deal. The 154CM steel blade is of high quality and stays sharp longer than most multi-tool knives.
- Screwdrivers: These can handle almost all the screws you’ll come across.
- Carabiner/Bottle Opener: The carabiner clip that comes with it is very useful. You can attach the tool to a belt loop or backpack with it.
2. Access to a knife with one hand
This changes everything. You can use one hand to deploy and lock the Skeletool CX’s knife. You don’t have to open the pliers first. This is a big plus over a regular Swiss Army Knife, where you need two hands to get to the main blade.
3. Lightweight and easy to carry
A lot of multi-tools are big and heavy. To carry them comfortably, they need a belt sheath. The Skeletool CX is not the same. It is light and thin enough to fit in your pocket without making it heavy. The pocket clip is another safe way to carry your things if you don’t want to use your pocket space.
- The size when closed is 4.13 by 1.25 by 0.5 inches.
- 2 ounces of weight
- Length of the blade: 2.63 inches
4. It comes with a 25-year warranty and is built to last.
People know that Leatherman tools last a long time. We’ve used other Leatherman models for more than ten years without any problems. The Skeletool CX is just as strong. Still, it comes with a great 25-year warranty. This should make you feel better, but we don’t think you’ll ever need to use it.
The Swiss Army Knife
The famous Swiss Army Knife is a must-have for any conversation about multi-tools. The little red knife has been a symbol of usefulness for more than 100 years. A lot of people look for a Swiss Army Knife on Amazon or ask how much it costs. The Swiss Army Knife Huntsman is a very popular model. Let’s see how it stacks up.
A Different Way of Thinking About the Swiss Army Huntsman
There are a lot of tools on the Huntsman knife Victorinox model that are like Swiss Army knives. It has:
- Big Blade
- Little Blade
- Corkscrew
- Can opener with a tiny screwdriver
- Sewing Awl, Punch, and Reamer
- Key Ring
- Tweezers
- Pick for your teeth
- Scissors
- Hook for many things
- Saw for Wood
The Swiss Army model of the Huntsman knife is a great set of tools. But this way of thinking has its pros and cons when compared to the Skeletool CX.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it to buy a Swiss Army Knife?
Can you legally carry a Swiss Army Knife in Australia?
Is it okay to carry a knife in Canada?
In Germany, is it okay to carry a knife?
What is a good first knife?
Should a man have a knife?
Is a knife from Switzerland a weapon?
Some of the popular Swiss Army Knife models
The Classic SD
The Classic SD is the small knife that you often see on keychains. It is very useful, small, and light. A small blade, scissors, a nail file with a screwdriver tip, tweezers, and a toothpick are all on its list of tools. It’s a good tool to have with you, but it’s not made for hard work.
The Tinker
The Tinker is a Swiss Army model pocket knife that is very popular and medium-sized. It looks like the Huntsman, but instead of a corkscrew, it has a Phillips screwdriver. This makes it more useful for fixing things in general. This is another example of a set of specialized tools.
The Swiss Champ
The Swiss Champ is one of the biggest models. It has more than 30 functions. It has pliers, but they are much smaller and weaker than the ones on the Leatherman. The SwissChamp is an amazing piece of engineering, but it’s too thick and heavy to fit comfortably in a pocket. The tools on the list of Swiss army knives for these models show a clear philosophy. They are made to do a lot of small, specific jobs. The Leatherman Skeletool CX can do fewer things, but it does the most common ones much better.
How to Pick the Best Multi-Tool for You
The best multi-tool for you will depend on what you need. For everyday use, the Skeletool CX is our top choice. But your needs may be different.
1. What issues do you need to fix?
Think about what you do every day.
- Do you work with your hands, on a farm, or in a trade? You will probably need good screwdrivers and strong pliers. The Skeletool CX is the best tool because it has pliers.
- Do you have a job in an office? You may only need to open boxes, tighten a screw on your glasses, or cut a thread.
- Do you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors or camping? It might be helpful to have a tool that has a wood saw and other outdoor tools.
2. Weight and size
How will you carry your multi-tool?
- If you want to carry it in your pants pocket, look for something thin and light. The Skeletool CX (5.2 oz) and the SAK Huntsman (3.4 oz) are both great for this.
- Belt Carry: A sheath is often included with bigger, heavier multi-tools. This is a good choice if you need a lot of tools but don’t want to carry them in your pockets.
- Keychain Carry: The Victorinox Classic SD is a great keychain tool because it is so easy to carry around. You won’t even notice it’s there.
3. Access with One Hand or Two Hands
This is a big difference between the Skeletool and a regular Swiss Army Knife.
- One-Handed: It’s very helpful to be able to open the knife blade with just one hand. When you have something on your other hand, it’s safer and more effective.
- Two-Handed: To open a traditional pocket knife, you need both hands. This is fine for planned tasks, but it can be slow in a hurry.
4. Blade with a Lock
A locking blade is an important safety feature. It keeps the knife from closing on your fingers while you use it.
- The blade on the Leatherman Skeletool CX locks.
- Most models of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife do not have blades that lock. This means they can be used in more places, but they aren’t as safe for heavy-duty cutting.
What is a knife for gentlemen? A Look at Style and Class
People often talk about “gentleman’s knives.” This type of pocket knife puts style, slimness, and discretion ahead of heavy-duty use. A gentleman’s knife is usually a classic Swiss Army Knife can sometimes do this job, but it’s more of a tool for doing things. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a tool and not a gentleman’s knife. This knife is for someone who cares about how it looks as much as how it works and only needs a simple blade for the day.
How to Take Care of Your Multi-Tool
Cleaning
Make sure to dry your tool well, especially in the joints. Using compressed air is a great way to get rid of any extra water.
Oiling
- Put some drops of lubricating oil on the pivots and joints after you clean and dry them.
- 3-in-1 oil or mineral oil are both good. Victorinox sells special multi-tool oil for Swiss Army Knives.
- To work the oil in, open and close all the tools a few times. Get rid of any extra.
Sharpening
Use a good sharpening system when it needs to be sharpened. The blade on a Swiss Army Knife is softer and easier to sharpen. A simple sharpening stone or a pull-through sharpener can do the job.
Where to Get Your Multi-Tool
It is easy to find the right multi-tool.
- Online: There are a lot of choices on sites like Amazon. If you search for “Amazon Swiss army knife” or “army knife Amazon,” you’ll find hundreds of results. It’s easy to read reviews and compare prices on Swiss Army knives.
- Outdoor and Sporting Goods Stores: Your local outdoor store is a great place to start if you want to find a “Swiss Army Knife near me.” You can feel how the tools feel by holding them. This is a big plus.
- Authorized Dealers: Both Leatherman and Victorinox have lists of authorized dealers on their official websites. When you buy from them, you know you’re getting a real product with a real warranty.
Conclusion: The Best Tool for Your Wallet
The Leatherman Skeletool CX is just a better, more useful tool for everyday problems. It is much more useful for everyday use because it focuses on important, high-quality functions, has a better one-handed locking blade, and has strong pliers. The Leatherman Skeletool CX is the best multi-tool to carry if you want to be ready for the little problems that life throws at you. You can buy it and the army knife on Amazon or at a store near you that sells outdoor gear.
