Future developments / models of the Skeletool / Freestyle...

[Raukodur]

What do people see leatherman doing in the future with the skeletool? In what directions do you think leatherman will take it? How do you think the freestyle will differ from the skeletool?

And of course, what would you like the answer to be to the above questions?

Personally I am not going to consider purchasing one of these tools until an all titanium version is available. So I do hope LM produce at least one such model of the skeletool or freestyle. I would also like to see some sort of ratcheting bit driver working its way into one of the higher end models.

[joebw]

Hi,

I expect you'll not see an all titanium verson.  Titanium probably won't be a very good blade material.

Joe

[Raukodur]

I am sorry I did not clarify my meaning, I mean all titanium frame, not the blade, which I suspect might be S30V steel on the most expensive models such as a Ti version.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I can see there models becoming more job specific as time goes by, ie more allen key's and less screwdrivers perhaps?

Maybe more high tech steel for the wow factor

[J-sews]

I think the emphasis should continue to be on minimal tools/minimal weight. Pliers, knife blade, screwdriver, nothing else. A pocket clip so no sheath is needed. Okay to keep the carabiner on some models, but please offer at least one version without it. Then, within those guidelines, okay to offer basic all-stainless models along with high-end titanium/carbon fiber/super knife models.

[gadgetman7]

I would like to see one without the carbineer and a folding bit holder. I too think they should keep it minimal but maybe add more options for the bit holder like an awl or saw blade if the handle could store them.

[Spoonrobot]

I'd like to see the saw/file-exchanger from the Surge imported to the Freestyle but moved to a three blade system with knife/saw/file.

Multi-tool companies really need to make different minimalists tools geared towards certain users (me) who want a pocket tools with the "other big 3."

If you're going to go different, really go different.

[trickknife]

They always seem to come out with the high end ones with a few middle range ones.  They haven't ever come out with a Higher end tool after their first release.     O0  My bet is that the Freestyle will be the Kmart version of the Skeletool with basic steel (no S30V or 154cm).      Another thing, they don't tend to come out with variations of their tools after the first release, so the Freestyle won't likely be much different than Skeletool unless maybe they add colored aluminum to the handle.     I agree that the Titanium handle would kick butt though.  I'd love to have that.     It would feel very light.  I hope I'm wrong about the Freestyle.  My wife would say that is a very likely possibility.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think the emphasis should continue to be on minimal tools/minimal weight. Pliers, knife blade, screwdriver, nothing else. A pocket clip so no sheath is needed. Okay to keep the carabiner on some models, but please offer at least one version without it. Then, within those guidelines, okay to offer basic all-stainless models along with high-end titanium/carbon fiber/super knife models.

Im a bit of a noob were the newer leatherman;'s are concerned, but don't they already do minimal models with the Fuse and the kick plus some of the juice models

I stand to be corrected obviously

[Raukodur]

In that case you can consider the skeletool to be 'ultra-minimalist'

Basically they say their research has shown that the most often used tools are the knife, pliers and bit driver. So they decided to make a tool based around just those three to attract people who might not like the concept of carrying around lots of tools on a multitool which they do not use, but which adds to the bulk and size of the tool, as well as wrecking its aesthetic appeal.

In doing so LM have created quite a stylish looking tool, and have added a carabineer which has the benefit of hiding the bit driver (which doesn't fold, and so uses a locking mechanism to hold in its bits) when the tool is closed, and can be used as a bottle opener.

Oh, and it has a pocket clip.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

In that case you can consider the skeletool to be 'ultra-minimalist'

Basically they say their research has shown that the most often used tools are the knife, pliers and bit driver. So they decided to make a tool based around just those three to attract people who might not like the concept of carrying around lots of tools on a multitool which they do not use, but which adds to the bulk and size of the tool, as well as wrecking its aesthetic appeal.

In doing so LM have created quite a stylish looking tool, and have added a carabineer which has the benefit of hiding the bit driver (which doesn't fold, and so uses a locking mechanism to hold in its bits) when the tool is closed, and can be used as a bottle opener.

Oh, and it has a pocket clip.

Thanks for the quick reply mate, I like the look of the skeletool, but for me personally i prefere to have a multi more loaded with tool's, saw, file ect ect.

If I'm going for a more minimal tool I'll just grab one of my sak's

[665ae]

I'm really interesting in the minimal styling of the Skeletool... that is, if the pliers are worth a crap.  The other two "minimal" tools I have (Xtract and Paradox) both fall short of my expectations when it comes to the pliers.  If LM can put a decent set of useable pliers on the Skeletool, I think I'm going to like it!

[J-sews]

I guess it hadn't occurred to me, but my new Zilla-Tool has the same "big three" tools as the Skeletool: pliers, knife, and bit driver.

But for some reason I just cannot consider a tool that is almost 7" long as "minimalist."