The Gerber Multitool is one of my favorite tools. When I started this Multitool blog, I even used a picture of it in the header. Until recently, you really couldn't beat the cool looking skeleton design of the Gerber Multitool.

Now that the Leatherman Skeletool is out, the Gerber isn't the only Skeleton Multitool on the market anymore. But the Leatherman is over $50. That's not a lot of money but if you're looking for a bargain, you can get the Gerber for well under $30.

The actual product name is the Gerber Suspension Butterfly Opening Multi-Plier but no matter what you call it, you won't be fumbling around for a tool when it's in your pocket. It comes fully loaded with the following:

• Needle-nose Pliers
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Wire Cutter/Stripper
• Straight Blade
• Serrated Blade
• Large and Medium Flathead Screwdrivers
• Scissors
• Lanyard Ring
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• Saw
• Awl

One of the most exciting new trends in tools is the Skeleton Multitool. How much a multitool weighs is an important selling point for consumers so companies like Leatherman and Gerber have tried to reduce the weight of their tools as much as possible. The technique most often used is to replace the solid metal shells with a skeleton shell. Not only do the "holes" lighten the total weight of these multitools but they also look really cool.

Two of the most popular skeleton multitools are the Leatherman Skeletool and the Leatherman Skeletool CX.

Both multitools have a lockable blade that can be opened one handed with a little practice. The usual pliers that most multitools feature are also found on both the Skeletool and the CX. And the universal bit driver is always a welcome feature on both of these multitools.

The only real difference between them is that the Leatherman Skeletool CX is made with some carbon fiber and that gives it a more aggressive looking handle. You would think that the carbon fiber would make it lighter than the regular Skeletool (all stainless steel) but they both weigh in at 5 oz.

So whether you should opt for the multi colored CX or the completely stainless steel Skeletool, really comes down to taste. Which one do you like better? You really can't go wrong with a Skeleton Multitool.

Here's the Leatherman Biker TV commercial.



And here's the geek version.

Did you ever wonder how they made the Leatherman Multitool? Well then check out this video of the factory where they make them.

It's pretty interesting how they're manufactured but wouldn't it be cool if they used multitools to build more multitools?

The Leatherman Skeletool Multitool is the lightest full size multitool currently on the market weighing in at a mere five ounces. Wow, that's light. One problem I have a lot during the summer is that when I'm working outside in the heat, my Leatherman Wave makes my shorts droop down because it's too heavy. So for me the biggest benefit of the Skeletool is that it eliminates plumber's crack. Maybe my neighbors should chip in to get me this multitool.

You can get a great look at the Skeletool in this really well done review video. It's got a cool name, it looks really cool and your pants won't fall down if it's in your pocket. Looks like Leatherman has another winner on it's hands.

Now here's a Leatherman Multitool video that was made by a kid named Brad. It looks like Brad needed some toothfairy money in a hurry because he used his Leatherman Charge to pull out one of his teeth. Ouch. Hurts just thinking about it.

Brad is very brave but he's a terrible cameraman. Even if pulling a tooth with a multitool doesn't make you queasy, his camerawork just might.

Here's a review for the Leatherman Surge Pocket Multi-Tool that was done by ATV Television. I believe it's some kind of ATV show, hence the pre-roll commercial for the ATV.

But despite adding a commercial to the video, the review is quite good and worth watching if your in the market for the Leatherman Surge.

I really like the interchangeable blades and bit drivers on the Surge. They give you even more flexibility on the job site.