Leatherman has partnered with Topo Designs, a bag, apparel, and accessory maker, to offer a new limited edition Skeletool multi-tool.
The new Leatherman and Topo Designs Skeletool features black-finish tools and a bright red, yellow, and blue color scheme. It also comes with a matching tool pouch.
The Leatherman Topo Designs Skeletool features the same tools and functions as Leatherman’s standard Skeletool multi-tool.
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Tools and Functions
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Hard-Wire Cutters
- Wire Cutters
- 420HC Combo Knife
- Bottle Opener
- Large Bit Driver
- Carabiner
Skeletool Specs
- 2.6″ blade length
- 4″ closed length
- Weighs 5.0 oz (142g)
The Leatherman Skeletool is a fantastic compact and minimalist multi-tool. Check out my reviews of the original Skeletool multi-tool and Skeletool CX multi-tool. The latest version is very similar, except with a partially serrated knife blade instead of the plain edge blade on the original model.
The included pouch measures 2″ x 5″ x 0.75″ and weighs 1.4 oz. The Leatherman and Topo Designs co-branded pouch features 1000D nylon exterior and 420D nylon interior construction. It has a YKK zipper, 550 paracord zipper pull, and a carabiner attachment loop with an included aluminum carabiner.
Topo Designs Multi-Tool Pouch Specs
- 2″ x 5″ x 0.75″
- Weighs 1.4 oz
- 1000D nylon outer fabric
- 420D nylon inner fabric
- YKK zipper
- Woven label
- Aluminum carabiner
The pouch looks to be more than large enough for the Leatherman Skeletool, and could probably accommodate other multi-tool sizes as well.
Price: $99.95
This is a limited edition, with only 2,500 units made.
If the bright color scheme doesn’t appeal to you, Leatherman also has the Skeletool in silver, blue, green, and coyote tan options. They also have one with a Topo (topographical pattern).
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Jared
I really like the Skeletool. That new SOG you mentioned recently looks like it might be a compelling alternative, but I think it’s the default for a pocket-carry multitool.
I’m on the fence about the color pattern, might be handy for visibility though. I do wish they’d offer the plain edge blade – though I have the partially serrated version and it works pretty well.
Stuart
The SOG Flash MT? (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/sog-flash-mt-multi-tool/%3C/a%3E%29%3C/p%3E
The Skeletool CX still has a plain edge blade with upgraded 154CM steel.
I’m not sure the Topo Designs colors are for me, but there are visibility benefits (as you mentioned), and the pattern will work for some.
New Signal colors were introduced in 2019 (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/leatherman-signal-outdoors-multi-tool-is-now-available-in-more-colors-2019/%3C/a%3E%29, and they seem to have sold well enough, otherwise Leatherman might have discontinued them by now.
Jared
Yep, that’s the SOG I was thinking of. On paper, I like that it’s even lighter, has a plain-edge blade, a deeper pocket carry clip and SOG’s compound pliers.
The Skeletool isn’t new – but this SOG is the first alternative I think looks like it might actually be better. I haven’t seen it in person yet though.
I would definitely upgrade to the CX if I were doing it over again! The Skeletool has become the multitool I use most. I just haven’t bothered since I already have one.
Andy H
I bought a SOG Flash MT after reading Stuart’s take on it.
If you clip the Flash MT inside the rear edge of your front, right-hand pocket, the serrations on the *back* of the blade will cut the heel of your hand when you reach into your pocket for other things. (The serrations on the back of the blade seem to be an unnecessary aid for folding in the blade.)
After shredding the heel of my hand a few times, I went back to my Skeletool CX.
Stuart
Good to know, thank you for sharing!
I can see how SOG’s Flash MT knife jimping could be intrusive.
The consensus seems to be that jimping can be functional, giving your finger a tactile reference point during use. But a lot of times it’s decorative.
Andy H
*Jimping*
Learned a new word today. Thanks Stuart!
Frank D
Coming from a time when all Swiss Army knives and Leathermans looked alike, I intentionally bought a limited edition different color Swiss Army knife to try to ensure I could keep track of mine.
I’m not usually for bold colors, and I’m plenty stocked up with two traditional models, but I’d get that Leatherman, because the colors stand out and will make it easier to see and retrieve after a drop, if placed somewhere, …
Jay Mueller
I guess that I look at the color scheme of this limited edition Skeletool as a theft deterrent system for your tool. It looks like something a kindergartner would design, doesn’t offer anything different as far as the toolset goes, and the bright primary colors ensure that no one will be envious of your tool and take off with it. The sheath confuses me as well. Why is there even a need for a sheath with a carabiner when the tool itself has one integrated into it? Maybe you can clip it on your kids backpack and they can use it as a pencil box or to hold sunscreen, bug spray or hand sanitizer. Despite all of this, they will no doubt sell out to collectors and be on eBay for double their value, but it’s going to be a hard pass for me. I love my Leatherman tools, but would really like to see some real innovation.
ball_bearing
That thing is pretty. It reminds me about Bauhaus style abstract paintings.
Koko The Talking Ape
I happen to know one of the founders Topo Designs a little. It’s based in Colorado. I’d call the designs old-school outdoorsy, with premium materials. They have a repair program too, which is a little rare.
They happen to have a Memorial Day sale today until tonight, 5/31.
https://topodesigns.com/collections/memorial-day-sale
Matt C.
This looks like a tool for people that don’t use tools. I do like the original skeletool though. I have one that I keep in my car.
Skyy
Who knew toolguyd would be sending me investment opportunities?!
I plan on using one for myself, and holding onto two more for a possible flip sometime in the future. Worstcase, they’re a neat gift.
PW
I find this weirdly appealing. I love my Skeletool – it’s the perfect size and weight for EDC, love the versatile carabiner/clip carry options, and it has most of the tools I actually use, without the dead weight of the ones I don’t.
That said, I don’t understand why this premiumish special edition tool has the downmarket blade option? If you’re making a special, limited edition collector’s item, wouldn’t you want it to be the best version of the tool? In my mind, that’s the Skeletool with the 154CM blade, not the base serrated blade.
OTOH maybe that doesn’t matter, if this is one of those “collectables” that gathers dust instead of getting used.
Stuart
I see this more as a Leatherman for Topo Designs fans. Bag and apparel shoppers can be fiercely loyal, and this could bring the Skeletool in front of multi-tool beginners.
Bruce
These seemed pretty reasonable for a what is supposed to be a ‘good’ tool. But 420 blade steel? Now I know why I’ve never been impressed with my leathermans. I always wondered why the edge was constantly rolled. Crappy steel just won’t survive my work day.
Max
Never understood the appeal of a half serrated blades – they have none of the utility of either a full straight or full serrated.
I actually used my Worksharp to turn a couple of half-serrated blades on multitools into full straight blades, although they are a hair narrower now (one was already close with how much it had been used and sharpened)
In reality, the only real benefit of serrated blades are that in working with tough materials they stay functionally sharp for longer than straight blades, even though straight blades can be much sharper, but you have to keep them there. This is why restaurants have serrated steak knives but most home sets are straight – restaurants are not going to take the time to sharpen them as much as they should be sharpened.
David VandeBerg
What did the Heritage go for back in the day? They were issue for Air Force Heavy Equipment, Pavements maintenance guys.
John
Skeletool CX every day! Finally they put a decent blade on it so that I can ditch my lockblade and carry one tool! Yes, it is a bit of a compromise compared to a whole tool bag but seriously… You don’t really need that tool bag very often with a decent knife, P1, P2 and pliers.