I’ve been using the Leatherman Skeletool CX for the last year or so. It goes with me everywhere I go. I thought it was light weighing in at a mere 5 ounces. Now Leatherman has one-upped themselves again with the release of the Freestyle CX.
This little knife/tool hybrid is packing one heck of a material list. To start, the Leatherman Freestyle CX features DLC coating for scratch and corrosion resistance, making it great for those adventures that really put your gear to the test. Next the premium 154CM knife blade holds its edge three-times as long as traditional stainless steel. And finally with its powerful jaws, outside-accessible blade, and removable pocket clip, you can use it like a pocket knife, or a multi-tool. And while those last features aren’t really “materials,” we think you’ll agree flexibility and adaptability are pretty much priceless any way you look at it.
Since it weighs only 4.5 ounces the Freestyle CX will allow you to carry it in your pocket without feeling like you’re lugging a Samurai sword around. Although the Freestyle does not have some of the tools that its cousin the Skeeletool (the Skeeletool has a carabiner and a driver) does, it’s not without merit. Leatherman designed it as a minimalist tool in hopes that it would therefore be carried more often because its small size allows it.
The tool comes in two varieties. The Freestyle with 420HC straight/serrated combo blade and the Freestyle CX with 154CM straight blade. Both have stainless steel bodies with Zytel or carbon fiber (CX) handle inserts. The tools sell for $48 and $72 respectively.
SPECS
Tools:
- 154CM Stainless Steel, Clip Point Knife
- Needlenose Pliers
- Regular Pliers
- Wire Cutters
Hard-wire Cutters
Features:
- DLC-coated Stainless Steel Handles with Carbon-fiber Handle Insert
- Stainless Steel Body
- Outside-accessible Blade for One-handed Opening
- Locking Blade
- Removable Pocket Clip
- DLC Coating for Scratch and Corrosion Resistance
25-year Warranty
Measurements:
- 3.45 in | 8.76 cm (closed)
4.5 oz | 127.57 g
You can learn more about the Freestyle and Freestyle CX by visiting the Leatherman website.