Skeletool vs OHT

[Ging]

Hi

I would like a bit of advice on my next tool purchase.  I want a tool with a nice knife (i.e. one hand opening with a good lock) that has enough tools to look 'tooly' rather than 'knifey'.  I want to carry it when a lock knife would useful but just a knife would get too many odd comments etc. 

My thoughts at the moment are the LM Skeletool and the Vic One hand trekker.  These both have enough tools to look very 'tooly' but are not to bulky for pocket carry. 

My big question is, apart from you're general thoughts, is which one is the most comfortable to use as a knife and which has the stronger/better made lock. 

Thanks 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't think you can go wrong with either, but they are pretty different tools.  Since you are in the UK, you may want to be careful with the OHT as it is beyond the legal limit in addition to the "illegal" locking mechanism.  The OHT has a few more options, but it is bulkier than the Skeletool and it lacks pliers.  So, if you think you may need pliers, get the Skeletool- if you think you are more likely to require a can opener, go for the OHT.

My problem is, given the choice, I'd get both!   

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think the OHT is a far better knife, but as Def pointed out, it does exceed 76mm and locks , add that to the length of the thing and I'd say unless you've a watertight reason for having it, leave well alone

I'm not sure what the blade length on the skeletool is, but it does look aggresive and could land you in hot water with the ole bill , it's frustrating I know.

[Thargor]

The Leatherman bits and bitholder are way better and better positioned than the OHT drivers anyway, on the OHT the philips sticks up from the middle of the knife so you have to hold it like a corkscrew, plus it slips and strips screws the way the Swisstool does, even if it was okay the pliers makes the Skeletool the way better option in my opinion, I dont really like either tool though.

[Ging]

I think the OHT is a far better knife, but as Def pointed out, it does exceed 76mm and locks , add that to the length of the thing and I'd say unless you've a watertight reason for having it, leave well alone

I wasn't thinking of getting anywhere near EDC with this, more camping/DIY where I would have a reasonable reason but I want to avoid NKP's comments more than the law/police.

[Grant Lamontagne]

If you want something that will be less threatening to the general public, then I'd say go with the Skeletool.  The blade isn't nearly as big, and the pliers lend a more "tool-ish" air than the OHT does.

Def

[Benner]

I think Def hit the point earlier, do you need the pliers?  If so, there is a clear winner.  If you are not too fussed then IMO I would rather have a OHT but this is only from what I have seen as I do not own a Skeletool.  The OHT is a really nice tool and I am very fond of mine.  I would EDC it if the law allowed. 

[Mike]

Maybe something like the Zilla Jr and/or Get-away driver would work for you, when they come out. Seems to me there were a couple of guys that have actually seen and fondled these two tools and might be able to give you some insight as to how they compare to the OHT and Skeletool. I only bring it up because I'm debating the Skeletool or Zill Jr myself. I like the idea of being able to team up the Zilla Jr and Get-away driver though.

Mike

[Grant Lamontagne]

Yes, no, maybe and twice....

You will and won't be able to pair the Get-A-Way Driver with the Zilla Jr.  As two separate that work well as a team, the bits on the Get-A-Way Driver are going to be standard 1/4" hexagonal bits, while the bits and driver mechanism on the Zilla Jr will not be standard sized bits.  The bits will work fine in their respective tools, but the Zilla bits won't fit in the Get-A-Way Driver and vice versa.

To me the use of non-standard bits is going to be the biggest drawback to the Zilla Jr and Li'l Guppie.  As with everything else on these tools, the bits have been scaled down by (I think) 14%.

Def

[J-sews]

Yes, no, maybe and twice....

You will and won't be able to pair the Get-A-Way Driver with the Zilla Jr.  As two separate that work well as a team, the bits on the Get-A-Way Driver are going to be standard 1/4" hexagonal bits, while the bits and driver mechanism on the Zilla Jr will not be standard sized bits.  The bits will work fine in their respective tools, but the Zilla bits won't fit in the Get-A-Way Driver and vice versa.

To me the use of non-standard bits is going to be the biggest drawback to the Zilla Jr and Li'l Guppie.  As with everything else on these tools, the bits have been scaled down by (I think) 14%.

Def

BUT, the driver that comes with the Get-A-Way is also an adapter that allows the Zilla Jr to drive full-sized bits.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Right- I forgot all about that... please disregard my earlier post! 

Def

[Mike]

DOH!

Ok, now that the experts have collectively chimed in and we are all now headed down the right path.

Take two .... quiet on the set! How would the Zilla Jr and/or Get-away driver stack up against the Skeletool?

Dramatic pause with un-nerving music inserted here.

Experts elaborate ...... now.



Mike

[J-sews]

Hmmm, that is a good head-to-head comparison. Keep in mind that we only were able to handle the new CRKT tools for a short time. For knifing and pliering duties, I should think the Zilla Jr would stack up quite well against the Skeletool. (Again, more time with the Zilla would be needed to say for certain)

Clearly though the Zilla/Get-A-Way combination would have the advantage in the screwdrivering competition. Whereas the Skeletool is rather awkward to drive screws with, the Zilla has its bit driver on the tool centerline. My full-size Zilla-Tool is perhaps the best multitool I own for driving screws. Only disadvantage to the Jr model is its proprietary bit size, which again is partially offset if you have Get-A-Way adapter on hand, allowing any 1/4" bit to be used.

For opening bottles, the Skeletool carabiner would be pitted against the Get-A-Way's opener on the underside. Probably a draw in that category.

Yah, the CRKT combo should do quite nicely. 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think the OHT is a far better knife, but as Def pointed out, it does exceed 76mm and locks , add that to the length of the thing and I'd say unless you've a watertight reason for having it, leave well alone

I wasn't thinking of getting anywhere near EDC with this, more camping/DIY where I would have a reasonable reason but I want to avoid NKP's comments more than the law/police.

In that case go for the Oht , not only is it in my opinion a more sensible tool, but its got the the right tools for camping, and as far as sheeple go, well it's a sak innit

[ducktapehero]

A rule of life I live by is, if I am looking at two or more knives and/or tools, and one of them is a Victorinox. Get it 1st.

[Grant Lamontagne]

My rule is to get them both.... 

Def

[ducktapehero]

My rule is to get them both.... 

Def

Not all of us are rich owners of websites. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'll bet there aren't any of those around here!

Just some of us don't waste money on so called fulfilling things like family and children!

Def

[Ging]

My rule is to get them both.... 

Def

I am liking that idea, I think I might get the OHT first as it is much cheaper (I can get one for around £20/$40).  I really like the Skeletool but it seams to cost around £60/$120 here, I might wait a while to see if it comes down in price.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

My rule is to get them both.... 

Def

I am liking that idea, I think I might get the OHT first as it is much cheaper (I can get one for around £20/$40).  I really like the Skeletool but it seams to cost around £60/$120 here, I might wait a while to see if it comes down in price.   

Well if you come to the UK MT.O meet, you'll be able to play with both before deciding

[Grant Lamontagne]

What's that?  You guys are going to have a Skeletool at the UK meeting?  COOL!   

Def

[Roadie]

What's that?  You guys are going to have a Skeletool at the UK meeting?  COOL!   

Def

Are we? I have no idea! Who's got/getting one Mike

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

What's that?  You guys are going to have a Skeletool at the UK meeting?  COOL!   

Def

It's been specially couried over just for the event, I'd tell you who the kind soul thats lending it was, but he's the shy retiring type that doesn't like to make a fuss

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

What's that?  You guys are going to have a Skeletool at the UK meeting?  COOL!   

Def

Are we? I have no idea! Who's got/getting one Mike

Me, God no, have you seen the price of them

[Roadie]

Me, God no, have you seen the price of them

I try not to look at the price of these things, makes me feel all woozy and light walleted!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Me, God no, have you seen the price of them

I try not to look at the price of these things, makes me feel all woozy and light walleted!

Ain't that the truth

[Grant Lamontagne]

With the Skeletool making a surprise visit, I hope the other tools you guys are bringing don't feel neglected!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

With the Skeletool making a surprise visit, I hope the other tools you guys are bringing don't feel neglected!

Def

I wouldn't worry about that too much

[Grant Lamontagne]

No, I'd imagine you wouldn't!

Def