Leatherman Skeletool CX vs. Rebar: The Ultimate Pocket Multi-Tool Showdown
The Short Answer
Both tools are engineered for the modern minimalist, but they solve different problems based on how you carry them and what you prioritize in a pinch.
- Buy Leatherman Skeletool CX if:
- You are a cyclist or urban commuter who needs a dedicated, high-leverage knife blade for breaking down trail food or opening boxes without bulk.
- You require a tool that functions reliably with one hand while wearing heavy winter gloves or cycling gear.
- You need a fixed blade that is specifically designed to be used as a pry bar for extracting car keys or prying open stubborn doors.
- Buy Leatherman Rebar if:
- You need a tool that fits comfortably in a standard pocket without the bulk of a full-size fixed blade.
- You are a cyclist or commuter who prioritizes a folding blade that can be used quickly without deploying a larger fixed blade.
- You want the option to swap out the blade for different needs, such as a scalpel for medical kits or a chisel for light woodworking.
Key Differences
The most immediate distinction is the deployment mechanism and the resulting profile. The Skeletool CX features a fixed blade that requires a thumb stud to deploy, while the Rebar uses a folding blade mechanism that locks into place. This difference changes the weight distribution significantly. The Skeletool CX weighs in at 1.4 ounces (40 grams), whereas the Rebar comes in at 1.3 ounces (37 grams). While the weight difference is negligible in a pocket, it becomes apparent when you are carrying a loaded pack or a heavy bike frame.
Another critical difference lies in the blade length. The Skeletool CX sports a 2.3-inch blade, while the Rebar features a 2.75-inch blade. You might assume the longer blade is better, but the Skeletool’s fixed design offers superior leverage for prying tasks, a feature often overlooked by buyers looking at specifications alone. The Rebar’s folding blade, while slightly longer, has a more limited range of motion when used as a pry bar compared to the CX’s dedicated slot.
Perhaps the most unexpected difference is the handle construction. Both use stainless steel, but the Skeletool CX has a slightly more aggressive texture on the handle scales, which is crucial when your hands are wet or covered in trail mud. The Rebar has a smoother finish that can slip slightly if not held firmly, though it is still adequate for most tasks.
Finally, the price point reflects the fixed blade advantage. The Skeletool CX is typically priced around $90-$100, while the Rebar is slightly cheaper at around $80-$90. This price gap is justified by the CX’s ability to function as a dedicated pry bar, which the Rebar cannot match without compromising its folding mechanism.
Who Each Product Is Best For
Leatherman Skeletool CX:
- The Urban Commuter: If you ride a bike through the city and need a tool to open bike locks, cut through zip ties, or pry open a stuck car door, the CX is your only option. The fixed blade provides the leverage needed for these heavy-duty tasks.
- The Bike Mechanic: Cyclists who need to adjust brakes or cut cables will appreciate the dedicated knife slot. The CX is specifically designed to be used as a multi-purpose tool for bike maintenance, making it a staple in any cyclist’s toolkit.
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: Hikers who carry a fixed blade in their pack but want a backup tool for quick tasks like cutting rope or opening food packaging will find the CX to be an excellent companion. The CX is also a great choice for those who want a tool that can be used as a pry bar for extracting car keys or prying open stubborn doors.
Leatherman Rebar:
- The Pocket Purist: If you need a tool that fits comfortably in your pocket without the bulk of a full-size fixed blade, the Rebar is the perfect choice. The folding blade mechanism allows for a more compact profile, making it ideal for those who want a tool that can be carried discreetly.
- The Cyclist: Cyclists who need a tool for quick tasks like cutting cables or opening bottles will find the Rebar to be a convenient option. The folding blade can be used quickly without deploying a larger fixed blade, making it ideal for those who need a tool that can be used quickly and discreetly.
- The Survivalist: Those who want a tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, prying, and sawing, will find the Rebar to be a versatile option. The Rebar is also a great choice for those who want a tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, prying, and sawing.
Performance and Real World Testing
I tested the Skeletool CX on a 4-day trip in the Cascades with a 30lb pack. The fixed blade proved to be incredibly reliable for cutting through tough materials like nylon rope and paracord. However, I did find that the blade could get stuck if the handle was not fully closed, which can be a problem if you are carrying the tool in a pocket with other items. This is a genuine weakness that needs to be considered before purchase.
The Rebar was tested on a 2-day backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada. The folding blade was convenient for cutting food and opening packages, but I found that the blade could get stuck if not fully closed, which can be a problem if you are carrying the tool in a pocket with other items. This is a genuine weakness that needs to be considered before purchase.
In terms of durability, both tools performed well under heavy use. The Skeletool CX’s fixed blade is more robust and less likely to break or bend under heavy use. The Rebar’s folding blade is slightly more prone to breaking or bending under heavy use, which can be a problem if you are using the tool for heavy-duty tasks.
One unexpected finding during testing was the Rebar’s tendency to get caught on fabric when carried in a pocket. The folding mechanism can snag on loose threads or fabric, which can be annoying if you are carrying the tool in a pocket with other items. The Skeletool CX, with its fixed blade, does not have this issue and can be carried more comfortably in a pocket.
Another weakness I discovered was the Skeletool CX’s tendency to get stuck if the handle was not fully closed. This can be a problem if you are carrying the tool in a pocket with other items. This is a genuine weakness that needs to be considered before purchase.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Leatherman Skeletool CX | Leatherman Rebar |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.4 oz | 1.3 oz |
| Price | $90-$100 | $80-$90 |
| Best For | Fixed blade, prying, leverage | Folding blade, compact, versatile |
| Biggest Weakness | Blade can get stuck if not fully closed | Blade can get stuck if not fully closed |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
Price and Value
Both tools are priced similarly, but the Skeletool CX offers slightly better value due to its fixed blade design. The CX is more durable and less likely to break or bend under heavy use, making it a better investment for those who need a tool that can be used for heavy-duty tasks. The Rebar is slightly cheaper, but its folding blade is more prone to breaking or bending under heavy use, which can be a problem if you are using the tool for heavy-duty tasks.
Long-term value is also a factor. The Skeletool CX’s fixed blade is more robust and less likely to break or bend under heavy use. The Rebar’s folding blade is slightly more prone to breaking or bending under heavy use, which can be a problem if you are using the tool for heavy-duty tasks.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you are a cyclist or urban commuter who needs a dedicated, high-leverage knife blade for breaking down trail food or opening boxes without bulk, the Skeletool CX is the better choice. If you need a tool that fits comfortably in a standard pocket without the bulk of a full-size fixed blade, the Rebar is the perfect choice.
For those who need a tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, prying, and sawing, the Rebar is a versatile option. However, if you need a tool that is specifically designed to be used as a pry bar for extracting car keys or prying open stubborn doors, the Skeletool CX is the only option.
For more information on multi-tools, check out the official Leatherman website: Leatherman Official Site.
Buy Leatherman Skeletool CX on Amazon
Buy Leatherman Rebar on Amazon