Skeletool -vs- SideClip

[J-sews]

I must say I'm pretty impressed with the new Skeletool. Like others have already said, the fit and finish is impeccable. It clicks open and clicks closed with the precision of a Vic Spirit. Even better than a stock Spirit though, the Skeletool has a one-handed knife blade and a pocket clip.

Speaking of pocket clips, I couldn't help but compare the minimalist Skeletool to Leatherman's old minimalist king, the SideClip. Folded, they are both about the same size, with the SideClip being somewhat narrower and thinner:




Unfolded, both tools cast a similar size shadow. I do prefer the SideClip's bigger (and pointier) plier jaws though:




The SideClip has more folding blades and drivers than the Skeletool, but does this really translate into more capability? In addition to its knife, the SideClip has three flathead screwdrivers, a phillips, and a combo can opener/cap lifter.

In response, the Skeletool has a knife of course, along with a two different flathead sizes and two different phillips sizes. The carabiner acts as a cap lifter, so the only feature missing is the can opener.




As regards the knife blade size, advantage Skeletool no question. (I was always miffed that they put an extra-short knife on the SideClip, quite a bit shorter than the PST)




Last comparison was somewhat of a surprise. I figured all those lightning holes and aluminum spacer would make the Skeletool lighter than air. Lighter than air it may be, but it's not lighter than a SideClip:





Other factors:

The Skeletool has a carabiner, the SideClip doesn't. How big of deal this is depends upon the owner's preference.

Old style Leatherman it is, but the SideClip's sharp handle edges are more comfortable when using the pliers than the Skeletool's strange curved ones.

The Skeletool has an outside opening, one-handed knife blade. That alone is enough to give it the advantage in my book.

 

[Tom Munch]

Good comparison, Bob!

[prime77]

Nice stuff Bob. So far I really like the Skeletool. The one-handed knife is of course a huge plus. In using mine I have found that I really like being able to just flip open the handle and have the screw driver ready to go. I have also found that using the pliers a little awkward at times.

[Spoonrobot]

Sweet pictures.

What year is the SideClip? It has the polished finish and what looks like the Pulse plier head, I take it the latter is beveled?

Also, where is the date code located on the Skeletool. I can't recall seeing any pictures of the location.

[BIG-TARGET]

One big negative. Sideclip is no longer on the market

[hawkchucker]

Well I dont have the Skele yet but I absolutely love the sideclip that Nomad sent me. I really think this is the perfect minimal tool. 

[NeitherExtreme]

Really interesting comparison! I'd thought that the two were kinda similar, but hadn't thought about the fact that all the sleletool is missing is the can opener... And I don't use that often at all- I'll be more likely to use the carabiner. Makes me feel a bit better about not having a sideclip. (Though I'd still love to get one someday of course!)

[J-sews]

What year is the SideClip? It has the polished finish and what looks like the Pulse plier head, I take it the latter is beveled?

Also, where is the date code located on the Skeletool. I can't recall seeing any pictures of the location.

That SideClip is the newer version, made in 2003 (four different date code months) Polished finish, stronger plier head, yes beveled on one side.


Skeletool date code? I can't seem to find one anywhere.....?   That would be a first for Leatherman.

 

[NeitherExtreme]

Skeletool date code? I can't seem to find one anywhere.....?   That would be a first for Leatherman.

Are there dates on Juices and Squirts? I can't find anything on my KF4...

[J-sews]

Skeletool date code? I can't seem to find one anywhere.....?   That would be a first for Leatherman.

Are there dates on Juices and Squirts? I can't find anything on my KF4...

Hehe, look again. 

[Benner]

Skeletool date code? I can't seem to find one anywhere.....?   That would be a first for Leatherman.

Are there dates on Juices and Squirts? I can't find anything on my KF4...

I've never seen one either.  I'm going to go have a look now!

[NeitherExtreme]

Hehe, look again. 

I found it!! Tricky little hidiing spot though. To think I've carried this thing all over the world and spent untold hours fiddling with it... I guess thats why I need the Forum.

I don't have my P4 with me at the moment, do those have dates too?

[J-sews]

Hehe, look again. 

I found it!! Tricky little hidiing spot though. To think I've carried this thing all over the world and spent untold hours fiddling with it... I guess thats why I need the Forum.

I don't have my P4 with me at the moment, do those have dates too?

They do indeed!

[NeitherExtreme]

They do indeed!

Thanks for the tip I'll have to go look when I get home.

But no date on the skeletool... You think thats a first-run thing or what?