Feb

There’s nothing better than having the correct tool for the job. For the past year, I’ve been using a Leatherman Squirt, which is a tiny multi-tool that is small enough to attach to some car keys. It has served its purpose quite well with its built-in screwdrivers, file, scissors, knife, and bottle opener. Here’s a link to the Make store for their engraved “Warranty Voider” version of it (but you can find it cheaper at Frys or Costco). Late last year Leatherman announced it would be releasing a new tool for 2008 called the Skeletool, which gave me a bad case of upgraditis.

The Skeletool comes in 2 varieties: a steel handled one with a straight blade for $59.85 and a carbon fiber model with a serrated blade called the CX for $79.85. I don’t know what everyone’s obsession is with carbon fiber and prefer a straight blade for easier sharpening so I picked up the steel one (for sharpening tips and tricks, be sure to check out this blog: Knife Sharpening Tips, which has everything from the correct way of sharpening your kitchen knives, to pointing out that the razor stropping (sharpening) technique that Johny Depp used in Sweeney Todd was all wrong, now that’s hardcore).

The Skeletool is an incredibly sexy tool with an almost Steampunk design (if only it came in brass). I was extremely pleased with the construction and design that went into every little detail of it. It gets its name from the skeletonized handle and blade, which makes it lighter than other similar-sized multi-tools. There’s a belt clip and carabiner-like clip for easy transport, which doubles as a bottle opener!). The blade can be opened with one hand using just your thumb and has an ingeniously designed locking mechanism so it won’t accidentally fold back in.

It can take the place of a small toolbox since it includes: needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, wire strippers, screwdrivers, straight blade, and a bottle opener. If the included Phillips and straight head screwdriver bits aren’t enough, you can also get this bit set for $14.99. I love how it is a barebones tool (har har) that is reduced to only the tools that are used the most compared with other bloated multi-tools. I highly recommend getting this for any hobbyist that may need all the essential tools available on the go. At $60 with a 25 year warranty, it’s a decent value too.