Leatherman Skeletool CX

K knifeknowledge.com Chris Turner · reviewer · Dec 2025

For the person who wants to be prepared but hates the weight and bulk of a traditional multi tool, the Leatherman Skeletool CX is one of the best options on the market. It’s a brilliantly designed piece of equipment that gives you the essentials: a fantastic knife blade, solid pliers, and a versatile bit driver. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated toolbox, but it’s arguably the perfect multi tool for everyday carry. It’s built for the 90% of small tasks you run into, not the 10% of heavy duty jobs.

Today we're going to take a look at the Leatherman Skeletool CX. And I'll tell you why I think it's an amazing tool for everyday urban use.

O Outdoor Life Tyler Freel · reviewer · Jul 2026

The Leatherman Skeletool CX is a multi tool made for everyday carry. Its build is slender, and the pocket clip makes it feel like you’re just carrying a normal knife. In fact, at 4 inches long and just over half an inch thick, it’s about the same size as a medium-sized folding knife. It functions as such, but also offers key tools that fill the major roles of a multi tool for many users. The driver is well designed and is located at the end of one handle. That handle can be snapped open independently for a longer functioning driver or held half open for more leverage. It uses Leatherman’s slim driver bits and carries an extra bit securely in the handle. You want to carry it with the Phillips bit installed though, as the flat head bit will dig into your hand while using the pliers.