I've been looking around at some multitools. The Leatherman Skeletool cx is really catching my eye, and seems like a good setup. I was wondering how hard it would be to pocket carry. I'd rather not be strapping on a sheath to my belt if at all possible. Also welcome to other suggestions if something may be more pocketable, but not miniature sized. If it's to much of a hassle I have the option to just throw it in my bag I carry to work, but would like to carry it.
Thanks,
Jon
Carried a Skeletool CX for over a year and still do off-and-on. It's a nice compromise Leatherman: WAY lighter than a Wave/Charge but at the cost of less gadgets. If you decide you really want one, shop around first. A few months ago they changed production in-line and removed the serrated edge from the blade. Many shops still carry old stock with the serrated edge knife and I'd highly recommend you pick one up while you can - the serrations make that blade infinitely more useful in my experience.
It has a pocket clip on the side which isn't bad all things considered, but doesn't hold extremely well on slick materials. So if you clip it to the corner of your khaki pocket, it WILL slide to the middle. I'd still recommend clipping it because:
- it sits heavily and awkwardly at the bottom of a pocket, rotating so it's sideways and jabbing you
- it scratches everything else in that pocket something fierce if allowed to rub against it
- it has a somewhat large blade on it and depending on local laws, clipping it could be mandatory (this varies widely depending where you are)
One thing I disliked about carrying it clipped to a front pocket: it's a long tool. When climbing into a car it jabs against your leg and when you tie your shoes, you sit down because it simply will not let you bend all the way over at the waist. I definitely noticed it restricting movement while in my front pocket.
I replaced it a few months ago with a Spyderco Dragonfly G10 that I carry clipped to my back pocket. I did this mainly because:
- I didn't use the pliers enough (maybe twice in 13 months) and they're the main reason for carrying a Leatherman
- the screwdriver is handy in a very tight pinch, but it's awkward to use and hurts your hands if the screws are hard to get out. Any time I really needed a screwdriver, I had real one close at hand that I'd use instead
- I used the knife constantly, multiple times a day. That is the CX's best point - that knife is solid and the serrations are plenty sharp. You'd grimace if I told you all the things I cut with that blade - it's absolutely the tool's best feature imo
To answer your question though: yes, it can be carried in a pocket and I did so for a long time with minimal discomfort. In the end, the blade got the most use and that didn't justify the constant weight pulling down my pants, so I bought a nice, compact and sharp Spyderco and now carry that instead. I don't really miss the CX as daily carry and still bring it clipped to my backpack whenever I go somewhere. It's the one I'd recommend over all others for pocket carry.