Leatherman Signal vs Skeletool CX
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 11 of 25 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Skeletool CX weighs 142 g (5.0 oz) and the Signal 213 g (7.5 oz), so the Skeletool CX is 71 g lighter, 33% less. By the manufacturers' own counts, the Signal carries 19 tools and the Skeletool CX 7. The blade steel is 420HC stainless steel on the Signal and 154CM stainless steel on the Skeletool CX.
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Skeletool CX weighs 142 g (5.0 oz) and the Signal 213 g (7.5 oz), so the Skeletool CX is 71 g lighter, 33% less. Folded, the Signal is 114.3 mm (4.50 in) long and the Skeletool CX 101.6 mm (4.00 in). The Skeletool CX is the slimmer in the pocket: 13.2 mm thick against 16 mm for the Signal.
Sources: Signal: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Skeletool CX: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
By the manufacturers' own counts, the Signal carries 19 tools and the Skeletool CX 7. Only the Signal has replaceable wire cutters, wire stripper, combination-edge knife, saw, hammer, awl, can opener, wrench, whistle, firestarter, diamond-coated file and hex driver. Only the Skeletool CX has plain-edge knife.
Sources: Signal: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Skeletool CX: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Blade
The blade steel is 420HC stainless steel on the Signal and 154CM stainless steel on the Skeletool CX. Blade length is 69.3 mm (2.73 in) against 66 mm (2.60 in). The edge is combination on the Signal and plain on the Skeletool CX.
Sources: Signal: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Skeletool CX: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Skeletool CX is $50 cheaper: $99.95 against $149.95 for the Signal. Per counted tool that is $7.89 for the Signal and $14.28 for the Skeletool CX.
Sources: Signal: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30), Skeletool CX: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry needlenose pliers, regular pliers, hard-wire cutters, bottle opener, bit driver, carabiner, phillips screwdriver.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Leatherman Signal
11 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Saw is effective for cutting wood 6
- ✓ Ferro rod strikes sparks effectively 4
- ✓ Sharpener is useful for basic sharpening 4
- − Hammer is uncomfortable or dangerous to use 4
- − Tool is heavy and cumbersome 4
- − Saw is ineffective for serious cutting 4
Leatherman Skeletool CX
7 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Pocket clip allows for comfortable and secure carry 5
- ✓ Blade steel is 154CM and holds an edge well 4
- ✓ One-handed opening and closing mechanism works well 4
- − Price is high relative to function or competitors 3
- − Pocket clip orientation causes pocket folding or sits poorly 2
- − Screwdriver function is awkward, tricky, or weak 2
Questions
Which is better, the Signal or the Skeletool CX?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Signal if you need a tool only it carries (replaceable wire cutters, wire stripper, saw, hammer and 7 more) or you prefer a combination edge. Choose the Skeletool CX if weight matters (it is 71 g lighter), price matters (it is $50 cheaper at list price) or you prefer a plain edge.
Which is lighter, the Signal or the Skeletool CX?
The Skeletool CX, at 142 g against 213 g for the Signal, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Signal worth it?
The Signal lists at $149.95, $7.89 per counted tool. Among 11 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Saw is effective for cutting wood" (6 of 11), and the most repeated criticism is "Hammer is uncomfortable or dangerous to use" (4 of 11).
Is the Skeletool CX worth it?
The Skeletool CX lists at $99.95, $14.28 per counted tool. Among 7 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Pocket clip allows for comfortable and secure carry" (5 of 7), and the most repeated criticism is "Price is high relative to function or competitors" (3 of 7).