Skeletool Release Date?

J-sews · **Reply #60 on:** November 27, 2007, 03:35:11 AM

Quote from: WhichDawg on November 27, 2007, 03:25:12 AM

omg J-sews, they have a belly buster and giant cones and tons of flavors, bring the family, don't eat for days because your gonna feel it! and to top it off their reasonable (prices) compared to other places of similar quantity. They are the best, I'll give you your money back if you don't at least like it a lot!

Just checked their website: http://www.shermanicecream.com/dairy.html

Well you damn tease you!!

It says they are closed for the season! Now I have to WAIT!

WhichDawg · **Reply #61 on:** November 27, 2007, 04:05:29 AM

South Haven gets tons of lake effect snow, they have too!

WhichDawg · **Reply #62 on:** December 06, 2007, 12:02:45 PM

no hurry just wanted to keep this front and center, I'm still excited about it

J-sews · **Reply #63 on:** December 07, 2007, 02:10:12 AM

I need to get one of these Skeletools on order. Lots and lots of different internet sites list them for sale, but I'm anxious; I want mine first

Not a month or two after everyone else already has one.

You guys got any advice as to which distributor will receive theirs from Leatherman first?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #64 on:** December 07, 2007, 02:48:40 AM

Marc at EDCDepot.com is well aware of the rabid bloodthirstiness of the average multitool collectors and I believe he is doing his best to try and make certain we are first.

Def

WhichDawg · **Reply #65 on:** December 07, 2007, 10:24:49 AM

I'm the opposite, I can wait for the deal the boss got us (it was/is shweeet) so a few weeks/month or so would be fine with me.

ducktapehero · **Reply #66 on:** December 29, 2007, 05:18:18 PM

Sorry for bringing up a dead post but I would like to comment on the new Skeletool. IMHO it's an overpriced gimmick. Yeah it looks neat but the only advantage I can see it has over the kick is the outside opening knife. It has similar tools and I'm sure it won't be any heavier duty than the Kick, in fact I'd bet it'll be a touch less. The carabiner clip is ok but it also adds to the length of the tool.

I wonder what the final cost of this will be. Probably at LEAST 60 bucks. I can pick up a Kick at Wally World for 25. Slap a 5 dollar pocket clip on it and you have pretty much the same amount of tools, plus a can opener at less than half the price.

If Leatherman wanted a new "light" tool they should have tried to reengineer the Kick to be smoother, smaller and lighter without losing any of it's strength. A new and improved Sideclip. THAT was a great multi-tool that I'm sure died because of piss poor advertising. I doubt that the Skeletool will be a hot seller. I might buy one and other multi-tool junkies will but the average working man won't. Not when he can get a tool with a buttload more features at a similar price, or a similar tool at less than half the price.

CQC-7 · **Reply #67 on:** December 29, 2007, 05:37:26 PM

I can kind of agree with that. I will probally end up buying a skeletool for the sake of having one. I agree that it is definately unique not as pretty as your average multitool. The caribiner in my opinion is not needed because it has a pocket clip. I too wish that they would bring back the sideclip I would like to have one.

ducktapehero · **Reply #68 on:** December 29, 2007, 05:42:46 PM

Quote from: CQC-7 on December 29, 2007, 05:37:26 PM

I too wish that they would bring back the sideclip I would like to have one.

I had one but my ex-wife took it. With just about every thing else that I owned. But you know what? It was worth it.

CQC-7 · **Reply #69 on:** December 29, 2007, 06:43:41 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on December 29, 2007, 05:42:46 PM

Quote from: CQC-7 on December 29, 2007, 05:37:26 PM
I too wish that they would bring back the sideclip I would like to have one.
I had one but my ex-wife took it. With just about every thing else that I owned. But you know what? It was worth it.

Worth it to get rid of her or get rid of the Sideclip?

ducktapehero · **Reply #70 on:** December 29, 2007, 06:59:42 PM

Losing the Sideclip to get rid of her was worth it. If she had stayed I'd probably be in prison because I killed her.

CQC-7 · **Reply #71 on:** December 29, 2007, 07:02:18 PM

Thats probally for the better then. They dont allow multitools in prison.

Viking · **Reply #72 on:** December 29, 2007, 09:41:52 PM

I'm getting one for the outside opening knife. It'll be handier then dropping whatever's in my left hand and opening my multi. Right now I carry a Charge TTi and a Benchmade Mini-Grip. If the Skeletool works out, I may just carry that in my front right pocket. This would be only when I'm going out on the town. For work, I would continue to carry the Charge and Grip.

joebw · **Reply #73 on:** December 30, 2007, 01:32:24 AM

Hi ducktapehero,

Well, we are all entitled to our own opinions. While you think the Skeletool is a bit silly, I'm looking forward to it and its partner the Skeletool CX along with the forthcoming Freestyle. Will these be the ultimate MT - probably not. Will they be yet another attempt to find out what the market wants - yes!

Looking at the number of MT folks that are unhappy with the delay in these, I can't help but wonder about your view on these. Oh, by the way, your $60 number is a bit weak. Look at the various retailers sites through Google.

Yes - I am a serious Leatherman collector.

Have a great New Year - Joe

ducktapehero · **Reply #74 on:** December 30, 2007, 06:48:01 AM

There's no need to take what I said personally. I hope it does work out for Leatherman. I have several Leatherman tools and I will probably buy several more. It's a great company that seems to really care about its customers. From my experience their customer service is excellent.

Quote

Looking at the number of MT folks that are unhappy with the delay in these, I can't help but wonder about your view on these.

Well if you're talking about us on the boards that's one thing. We LOVE these things and look forward to ANY new ones. I may even buy one because I too like Leathermans. However, the average person who only looks at multi-tools at the store probably doesn't even know about it yet. And when they see the price of it and how few tools it has for the price there's a good chance they may pass on it. And if the 60 dollar quote is too low then it will only be worse for it.

I sincerely hope it IS a success for Leatherman but when a person can get a LM kick(which has just as many tools and weighs about the same) for 25 bucks at Wal-Mart or the Skeletool for upwards of 60 what do you think the average person is gonna do?

Sea Monster · **Reply #75 on:** December 30, 2007, 07:59:17 AM

Quote

I might buy one and other multi-tool junkies will but the average working man won't. Not when he can get a tool with a buttload more features at a similar price, or a similar tool at less than half the price.

You seem to be acting under the magical fairy-land impression that the "Average Man" (or rather, the Average Shopper) is not affected by gimmicks, cool factor, or the reputation Leatherman has carved for themselves in the brandname department, and that he is a rational thinking individual who carefully considers his options, researches the market, and follows all leads before whipping out the plastic and running it through the slot.

WhichDawg · **Reply #76 on:** December 30, 2007, 08:12:11 AM

"Sentimental Multi-tool-Wash!"

ducktapehero · **Reply #77 on:** December 30, 2007, 04:26:24 PM

Quote

You seem to be acting under the magical fairy-land impression that the "Average Man" (or rather, the Average Shopper) is not affected by gimmicks, cool factor, or the reputation Leatherman has carved for themselves in the brandname department,

Yep, just like "new" Coke. I'm sure they researched the heck out of that and see what happened. Companies make mistakes. Even Leatherman. Look at the Leatherman Flair. But I'm not gonna argue about this. Obviously you're taking this personally. What? Did you help design it? If not, why does my opinion matter so much to you that you accuse me of basically not having a grip of reality.(The magical fairy land crap) I just posted my opinion. Only time will tell if I'm right.

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #78 on:** December 30, 2007, 04:38:59 PM

I can't think of any tool that has created as much heat and passion as the Skeletool;and ,except for pics,sight unseen.I've taken the stance to hold back and reserve my opinions until I either have one in my hands,or have read a review from those whose judgment I trust.

CQC-7 · **Reply #79 on:** December 30, 2007, 06:56:26 PM

There are tools the look ugly at first but then they kind of catch on and take off. I was not a big multitool fan until I bought and started carrying one then I loved them and learned to appreciate them as great implements for everyday use.

ducktapehero · **Reply #80 on:** December 30, 2007, 07:33:11 PM

I want to clarify so that people aren't taking me wrong. I hope it IS a success for them. I hope I'm wrong about what I said about it. I will probably buy one even if for no other reason that top have it. Just like my LM Mini. I didn't really need it but it's still fun to play with it. I've only dealt with LM's customer service once but I was treated great and I hope for the best for the company.

J-sews · **Reply #81 on:** December 30, 2007, 10:14:23 PM

If nothing else, the Skeletool will be a success for Leatherman because of the buzz it has created. No tool intro since the Vic Spirit has had people chattering so much about it. Whether it is a big sales success or not remains to be seen.

Thinking about it though, from a marketing strategy standpoint for Leatherman, what else can they do? The wide open marketplace of the 1980's and 1990's is gone. Nowadays, everyone already has a "standard" multitool or three. This forces them to innovate and come up with something entirely different. The Skeletool concept certainly is that. Sure, it only has three major functions (pliers, knife, screwdriver) but it looks different. People don't already have one of those.

Leatherman is hoping this fact will be the key to selling millions. And keep in mind, they first need to convince their distributors to buy millions. (Which they most certainly have already done) I'm sure buyers for Wal-Mart and Target and Costco and hundreds of internet retail sites have already placed orders for untold thousands of these tools, before the first one has even reached an end user.

ducktapehero · **Reply #82 on:** December 30, 2007, 11:28:25 PM

Quote

If nothing else, the Skeletool will be a success for Leatherman because of the buzz it has created. No tool intro since the Vic Spirit has had people chattering so much about it.

That's true, and companies HAVE to take risks now and then or else they will get passed by. Some fail, some succeed but it is true that it has people talking about it. And even if it does fail it may point new people to look at Leatherman's other products.

I applaud LM for going "smaller" when the rest of the market is going bigger and/or heavier. I am one of those who likes smaller/lighter tools. I don't like to wear sheaths. If you want a huge tool with a lot of tools you have plenty to choose from.

However, if you want a REAL pocket(as opposed to a sheath) tool it's a much smaller market. The mini tool wasn't all that great, they've discontinued the Side Clip so now we've got the Kick with a pocket clip. And the Juice models. They're OK but I'd like more selection. Most of what I've seen from Gerber and Victorinox is too big to pocket carry for most people. I consider anything over 4" and 4-5oz to be too big for pocket carry. Also, the tool companies haven't offered too many with pocket clips which still confuses me. Leatherman has a few but I don't recall Gerber or Vic. offering any that way.

Like I said before, I hope it does work for them, if not maybe at least it will make other manufacturers take a second look at the smaller tool market. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants a pocket Multi-tool with the basic tools. Of course the pliers then maybe a Phillips screwdriver , a couple of straight ones, a can and bottle opener and a locking blade. All of this around 4" long and under 6oz. Is someone who can make this happen listening?!?!?!?!

Anthony · **Reply #83 on:** December 31, 2007, 12:01:44 AM

This tool might win over lots of people who carry folders already, but didn't want a pair of pliers on their belt. I know over at edcforums.com there are a lot of guys who carry the bare minimum stuff and consolodate a lot of things. The Skeletool with a higher end blade steel, pocket clip, and caribiner might have these guys as buyers.

gadgetman7 · **Reply #84 on:** December 31, 2007, 01:14:26 AM

I guess I'm one of the guys it might win over. Right now I have a Leatherman Wave in my coat pocket and a SAK in my pants pocket. (Fine for winter but not summer in the south.) I tend to use the pliers and screwdrives, knife and not much else. A small SAK Classic on my keychain handles small chores. Don't get me wrong - I have a Swisstool CS Plus and CRK Sebenza in my kit but at work or running to the store the Skeletool might be perfect. Then again maybe not. I like the idea and want to give it a try to see if I can lighten the load and leave the heavier options in my bag for when I really need them.

One other thought. The skeletool might be good to take along when I shoot pictures at the beach. I need the bits if I adjust my equipment anyway so I hope I can just load that bit in the extra holder, clip the Skeletool to my shorts and not have the extra weight or bulk.

Sea Monster · **Reply #85 on:** December 31, 2007, 03:01:04 PM

Ducktapehero -I'm a bit bewildered that "Fairy land" can be considered insulting, but as these things are by the receiver, I'm happy to apologise for any offence you've taken.

As for the Skeletool. I have no idea what the costs of design, marketing, and establishing new manufacturing processes are, but I see no reason why the Skele would be a flop. It may not be as big a hit as the Wave, but LM has been dabbling in the Blade-based Multis for a bit now (The 500 series with 3.1" blades are possibly illegal carry in some countries).
Either they've got enough money to bandy about on daft ideas, or we, BobConsumer, have shown an interest in combining a "full size" folder with pliers, perhaps without the bulk of the Surge.

It doesn't personally appeal to me, it appears to have more "ass than class" as they say, but that just means it won't have a legacy in 25 years, not that it won't sell well now - however it could very well be one of those "Stepping Stone" tools, on the road between the Wave - One handed outside opening blades, and whatever the next good idea is (I'm not sure than carabiners will become an industry standard, but one can never tell)

ducktapehero · **Reply #86 on:** December 31, 2007, 07:55:18 PM

Quote

As for the Skeletool. I have no idea what the costs of design, marketing, and establishing new manufacturing processes are, but I see no reason why the Skele would be a flop.

I hope you're right.

CQC-7 · **Reply #87 on:** January 01, 2008, 06:56:56 PM

Quote from: ducktapehero on December 31, 2007, 07:55:18 PM

Quote
As for the Skeletool. I have no idea what the costs of design, marketing, and establishing new manufacturing processes are, but I see no reason why the Skele would be a flop.
I hope you're right.

If they are putting a premium steel blade in the skeletool I doubt that it would be a flop. However, stranger things have happened. For the record, I am going to buy one when they come out. Whether or not I like it only time will tell. It does have appeal to those who carry a folder but dont want to carry a larger pliers based tool on the belt. I will have a hard time overcoming the caribiner thing though. If it has a pocket clip why then must the caribiner be a permanant part of the handle. I guess I will just buy one to find out.

J-sews · **Reply #88 on:** January 01, 2008, 08:59:42 PM

We've been wondering what the difference between the Skeletool and the Freestyle might be. Maybe they drop the carabiner on the Freestyle?

Benner · **Reply #89 on:** January 01, 2008, 09:46:08 PM

Quote from: J-sews on January 01, 2008, 08:59:42 PM

We've been wondering what the difference between the Skeletool and the Freestyle might be. Maybe they drop the carabiner on the Freestyle?

I think I'd prefer it without the Carabiner.

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Skeletool Release Date?

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