Cons: No scissors? May not have enough tools for enthusiasts. For medium or light-use only.
The Bottom Line: This tool will get lots of use and not simply sit in a nice sheath in your garage. It's a step-up from having a basic pocket-knife on your person.
I received this multi-tool for free through a promotion, and I can say that it has exceeded my expectations for a free tool. I checked online prices just to see how far back I would have been set if I had purchased it instead. Despite the Leatherman craftmanship and quality, I don't think that I would have wanted to spend more than $60 for it (I guess it used to cost around $100 when it first came out). Not when I could purchase one of their other multi-tools for less or the same price but have more tools built in. But for $50 or less, I feel that the Leatherman Skeletool is definitely worth the price and space in my pocket.
UTILITY Knife: I really love the full-sized blade, especially one that is not springloaded. Single-handed opening is easy with the right hand, though it's possible (and not as fluid) with the left as a two-step process. The blade came sharp straight from the package and slices open boxes and plastic packaging with ease. The Skeletool has a good grip contour when the knife is deployed. The knife lock is strong, and even after months with almost daily use it still holds it's tension. The blade is stiff and thicker than many other pocketknife blades I've seen. The Skeletool knife is not flimsy and has safely handled every task I've set it at.
Pliers / Wirecutter: It's strong and good for everyday use, but it may be on the small side for heavier or larger jobs. The handle opens stiff, but it loosens with time (or some lube if you're impatient). I like how it's not springloaded. Unfortunately, the pliers can't be deployed single-handed. Other than that, the pliers aren't so bad and the handle provides a firm, ergonomic shape that smoothly contours the palm. Constant, heavy pressure/force will make using the pliers uncomfortable, but anything less than that won't have the handle dig into your palm. I've found that using the pliers on anything larger than 7/8 inch makes it hard to get a firm grip, since the handles open pretty wide (e.g. trying to twist off a stuck cap on a small jar of polish). The pliers are definitely better for smaller jobs. Watch your index finger and thumb when closing down on the pliers - they may get caught in the middle and pinched if you're not careful (I almost got myself). I haven't needed to cut or strip wires yet, but I found some to try it out on anyway. It works fine, nothing exceptional. I don't make a distinction between the large/small pliers or cutters. They're just one tool each to me.
Bottlecap Opener / Carbineer: Sort of lame. The opener is almost as good as a regular bottlecap opener. It takes a few tries to rip off bottlecaps quickly, but it's fine with deliberate use. I guess it's better than nothing while saving space on my keychain for an opener. I've used it for a couple of 6-packs and it's not so bad. The carbineer clip is just ok. It just seems redundant because of the pocket clip, and it feels silly to hook the Skeletool on a belt or backpack loop when it fits in the pocket better. At least it's accessible from the outside. I could see myself using the carbineer as a keyring instead. This could easily have been a can opener and really given the Skeletool a unique edge.
Screwdriver: Using the screwdriver isn't completely fluid like a regular screwdriver that twists easily with the fingertips. It is awesome for half-turns and anything that might require using the open handle to leverage a bit more torque. Unfortunately, it isn't the easiest to use in cramped spaces. The interchangeable bits have had the dark coating scuffed off a bit through use, but they're still unbent and intact. The slot holding the spare bit keeps it snug and requires a firm press of a finger to slide it out; it hasn't gotten loose let alone fallen out. I've been able to tackle every day-to-day screw with the Skeletool. The bits themselves appear slim, but they've been doing the trick. I keep the flat-head bit in the spare slot since the tip will catch on cloth if it stays in the driver; a finger only slides flush around the carbineer with the Phillips-head in.
CONSTRUCTION It does not feel cheap. It may be lightweight for the size, but it's definitely compact and sturdy. Even after months of use my Leatherman Skeletool is still in near-perfect condition.
The knife has kept it's edge very well, but then I haven't been abusing it either. I mostly use it for opening packages and cutting off small things. I've also used it to trim fat off of chicken and dice up vegetables. It worked well enough for the kitchen, but I certainly do favor my proper cutlery.
The pliers' teeth have not worn down and still have a sharp bite. I have used it like a wrench for small nuts (toys, equipment, electronics, etc.) and it's still strong like a little alligator.
The screwdriver has been excellent, even under moderate torque. I haven't tested anything requiring heavy torque yet, but I am unsure if the plier head's thickness would support it either. The bits haven't bent or chipped. So far they've either done their job or bored the heads of junk-quality screws. The bit driver's internal spring [that keeps the bits locked in] hasn't lost any strength and still clamps the bits tight.
The bottlecap opener doesn't get as much use as the other tools, so it still does what it does best (not much). I don't use the carbineer clip for what it's meant to do.
VERDICT It lets you add the basics to your person without adding so much weight, bulk, or tools you wouldn't really need. It's very comfortable to wear and easy to use. It slides easily in and out of any of my pants pockets. I am right handed and keep my Skeletool in my right pocket (the smaller, inner pocket). When I pull it out with my thumb and first two fingers, it is naturally in the position where I can flick my thumb and immediately open the blade. It's as quick as pulling out a razor-loaded boxcutter (e.g. for those who may work retail stocking store shelves).
People can nitpick the design. I like it since it's different, interesting to stare at, and yet still functional. The style can be considered sleek, but people expect more tools from it at first glance. Either way, the look really doesn't matter as much as the utility I get from it. I had to put some chicken wire along our gates in the backyard to prevent the dogs from crawling underneath to get out and explore. The Leatherman Skeletool let me open the package, cut the chicken wire, and bend & twist it in the shape I needed. Simple stuff, but I didn't have to scurry off to the garage for tools to get it done.
It really could have used scissors. Scissors and/or a can opener would have been perfect.
The Leatherman Skeletool is better than a basic pocketknife and best for everyday light to medium use. It's great as an all-around, dependable tool for the minimalist who mostly needs a knife, pliers, and screwdriver handy. It's not ideal for putting computers together, but it works in a pinch. If you do lots of professional projects or outdoor activities, you'll definitely want a different Leatherman brand that packs in more tools for the same bulk. I don't need a saw, file, or a leather punch, but I only live in a city too.
The Skeletool gets four stars if you spent anything more than $30. It gets five stars if you spent less or none.
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