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Leatherman’s Under-the-Radar Affordable EDC Knife Gets a Well-Timed Update

This ultralight, compact, purpose-driven device, sadly, rarely gets the spotlight. But this reissue warrants a bit more attention.

Hand holding a partially open Leatherman folding knife with a turquoise handle.Leatherman
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By Sean Tirman

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Leatherman is best-known for its wide array of often-overbuilt multi-tools. In fact, the brand’s offerings could be said to be the bar by which all other EDC multi-tools are judged.

But that’s not all the brand makes, even if it does overshadow Leatherman’s more purpose-driven products.

Right now, however, one of those oft-overlooked offerings is finally taking its chance to shine. The Leatherman Skeletool KB’s new updates make it even more interesting than before.

Hand holding a Leatherman folding knife slicing a piece of salami on a wooden board.
While not nearly as jam-packed with functions as the brand’s other offerings, the Leatherman Skeletool KB can still very much hold its own in an EDC context.
Leatherman

Skeletal slicer

For all intents and purposes, the Skeletool KB is a dedicated pocket knife, which is, admittedly, a bit unusual for Leatherman. Still, it does share some things in common with parts of the brand’s ecosystem.

Specifically, its styling is derived from the original Skeletool and shared with the Skeletool CX, RX and more. This naming convention, of course, comes from the fact that the tools’ frames, scales and even some implements have been skeletonized — reduced to their basest parts, leaving only the most functional elements behind.

Even for the Skeletool family, the KB is pretty stripped-down, to the point where I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling it a multi-tool, as mentioned. (Again, it’s a pocket knife.)

Hands opening a glass bottle with a blue multi-tool bottle opener outdoors.
Along with its blade, the Skeletool KB also has a bottle opener integrated into its pocket clip, adding some extra, useful functionality.
Leatherman

It features a drop point 420HC stainless steel blade measuring 2.6 inches, an aluminum handle and a replaceable pocket clip (with an integrated bottle opener, so it’s not entirely free of alternate functionality). And yes, the knife locks via a liner lock.

It’s also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 1.3 ounces, and it measures only 5.87 inches long, making it exceptionally compact, discreet and easy to carry.

Hand holding a closed Leatherman Skeletool KB multitool partially inside a dark blue zippered bag.
At just 1.3 ounces and 5.87 inches total, this is a positively compact and ultralight EDC knife.
Leatherman

Looks good, performs better

All of those aforementioned features were already present on the Skeletool KB. So, what’s different? Well, the brand has introduced a trio of new colorways ahead of the spring season.

Nightshade is a dark and light blue combo; Paradise is teal and salmon pink; and Verdant is light green and dark blue. And while these vibrant new colors are certainly exciting new additions, they’re not just lookers; they also have some functionality.

Light blue Leatherman Skeletool BK folding knife with a partially serrated blade on a wooden cutting board with sliced bread.
The new colors aren’t just vibrant; they’re also durable, courtesy of a Cerakote finish.
Leatherman

All three of the new colorways are managed via a Cerakote finish on the frame. While not expressly new (the brand rolled out Cerakote coatings a while ago), this does mean they’re a lot more durable and scratch-resistant than ever before.

And that’s not even the best part of this whole, spectacular package. That distinction is owed to its absurdly low price point of just $40. This remarkably affordable, formidable, useful pocket knife is a veritable steal.

Person holding a folding knife with a silver blade and cutting a green lime.
This knife’s skeletal appearance, like its multi-tool counterpart, gives it a signature style while reducing weight.
Leatherman

Availability and pricing

The Leatherman S26 Skeletool KB is now available on the brand’s site for just $40.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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