Some marketing exec at Leatherman is sitting around one Saturday morning, probably stoned, watching Masters of the Universe and eating a third El Capitan-sized bowl of Crunchberries. Because stoned, because Colorado because legal now. "Skeletor," s/he thinks after watching the evil villain be defeated by yet another dumb do-gooder trick, "is a Skeletool!" Hmm, s/he thinks, I could use that...
Luckily the product engineers are sober (ish) and able to convert, and the result is the best backcountry multitool available. It's light at 4.9oz, and it's efficient, with just what you need: blade, needlenose/regular pliers, wire cutters, four double-sided bits (Phillips #1 and #2, flathead 3/16 in. and 1/4 in.), removable pocket clip and wiregate 'biner clip that doubles as a bottle-opener. A $12.95 bit kit available separately gives you a chromosome's worth more double bits (40 total) including Pozi #1 and #2.
The feature set is impeccable, the quality typical Leatherman high-bar, and the usability great with an adjustable. The fine blade is a versatile drop-point with a thumb-hole for one-hand opening. The CX version costs a worthwhile $20 more over the full stainless version and adds four things: a scratch-resistant coating (nice), a 154CM blade (very nice), a piece of carbon fiber in the handle (um, OK, subtract 1 gram in weight - no, I'm not kidding) and a serrated bottom half of the blade (best for cutting cord and webbing). Kudos to Leatherman, this is the perfect backcountry companion.
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