Leatherman Skeletool CX

I described my multi tool collection in a previous article and mentioned that I wanted to check out the newly released Skeletool CX.  I received one for Christmas, but it turned out to be on backorder at Amazon.com until March.  I finally got it and have had a chance to test it out a little so here are my impressions of it.  It is very light weight and has a nice knife blade.  The screw driver bits are surprisingly functional for a multi tool.  I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with it though.  For the price, this tool does not have too many different functions, and that is the first thing that struck me - "we paid how much for this!?".  As I've used it, one thing I find annoying is that when you unfold it the location of the screw driver bit makes the tool uncomfortable to hold.  Of course you can remove the screw driver bit and that helps, but the tool has storage room for only one bit, and the other bit is already in there so when you remove the active bit you have no where to put it.  I think it seems like a pretty cool tool, and has worked great for the limited uses I've had for it so far.  I'm anxious to take it camping next fall for a more thorough test.

I also came across a web site devoted to reviewing and providing information about different multi-tools called multitool.org.

Another thing that I came across the other day was a very expensive multi tool from Victorinox Swiss Army called the Swisschamp XAVT.  This tool is a large pocket knife but it also has all of the following functions: pliers with wire cutters, magnifying glass, pen, wrench with certain hex drive sizes, LED light, watch opener, digital clock, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, plus many many more.  Cost is $425!  I really see a lot of possibilities for the combination of the multi tool and electronics, and it seems like Victorinox is on the cutting edge of implementing this.  I noticed that many of their lower end products also contain things like thermometers and timers, and of course I have one of their USB memory stick pocket knives as well.