Skeletool Carry but I want scissors

[Sphene]

Hi everyone!
First, I'm new here. But I was drawn here (and have been snooping around for a bit before registering) because I daily carry a Skeletool CX. I've had it a while, and I consider it a decent carry. I originally began carrying it as an alternative to a folder or a long Victorinox (something like a Forester or Locksmith, but not quite, I think the exact model may be out of production). For this, it is great, and offers excellent additional utility with the bit driver and the pliers. It also honestly had a better blade than my folder, for similar weight and width. I don't care about the carbon fiber or the styling, but avoiding half-serration was important when I purchased it. I'm a big fan of my Skeletool. It pocket carries easily, where larger multitools are just past the threshold into awkwardness. For me, the ergonomics are actually great for using the blade, and although the pliers have to be held in one orientation, they work great too.

That said, I'd love to have scissors. I've seen tools (admittedly crappy Chinese, like the Nextool Flagship) that have big scissors on them, on the outside. I've used a Micra, eyeballed a Style CS, and wondered if a Signal could accommodate the addition of scissors. I've even debated getting a New Wave (or Wave+) to carry (I own a first-gen Wave), but decided against it. The scissors inside Waves (old and new) are really fantastic, but a bit of a pain to access. I feel like a signal is close, if I had scissors over the saw blade. But then I lose the better knife blade, and I get a bunch of things I don't care about. I'd want scissors on the outside, in the style of the Style PS/Juice S2/Wingman/Surge. The Surge also looks pretty good except it's enormous. So I don't actually want a Surge or Signal.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd prefer to avoid a second carry item (like carrying a Micra in addition), and I'm open to mod suggestions that aren't destructive to the host tool. It could be destructive to the donor tool (or especially to the parts being modified to fit the new host), but I'd want to be able to put the host tool back to stock configuration. For me, the must-have list is: Pliers, PE blade, outside-access scissors, and a bit holder. Everything else extra for me. Some of the other tools I wouldn't mind, some I kind of hate, and I'd probably trade most of them for size/weight savings.

[SteveC]

Hi and welcome to the forum   

People have put scissors in the Signal . The Blade on the Signal might not be as good as the CX but you could probably add a better blade to it while you are at it.

[Happy Gilmore]

Hi and welcome to the forum   

People have put scissors in the Signal . The Blade on the Signal might not be as good as the CX but you could probably add a better blade to it while you are at it.

Actually I find it to be the best blade that Leatherman makes because of how robust it is. Yes its still 420HC, but the tip is so strong I can send it straight through a car hood.



If you want info on these mods, let me know.

To do the scissor mod, all you need to modify is a Bit exchanger to make it able to be up on the left rather than the right side. If you get the Scissor and exchanger from a wave donor for instance, it is completely reversible. The only irreversible mod I did was add the Surge exchanger over the saw. The Signal is still VERY slim and light which is one of the big advantages of the Skeletool as well.

Cheers,
H.G.

[Aloha]

First of all welcome.   

Being a Skeletool CX fan I can totally relate up to a point.  Let me first ask why you wont consider a separate scissor carry?  What in particular do you use scissors on? 

When I considered the Skeletool I was put off for similar reasons.  I wanted scissors and the Skeletool seemed "lacking" in a few areas I had considered important.  It took me a long while to bond with my Skeletool but I now consider it a wonderful tool.  Needing scissors I turn to a SAK.  My reasoning is no matter how convenient having a pair of scissors on a MT is they seem to fall short of my SAK scissors YMMV.  The only MT that I have that is terrific scissor wise is my Surge, well that and my modded Wave with SAK scissors. 

Adding a Leatherman Style CS might be an option.  They'd look great together and you get tweezers, small file/flat driver, scissors, and small blade. 


I am not sure if a SAK scissor would fit with the blade on the Skeletool? 

Others will be by to share their thoughts so good luck in your search.   

[Aloha]

OR THAT ^^^^^ 

[rewsio]

Hi Sphene and welcome!

There's a couple of mods that have managed it, but it's fairly destructive to the host tool

Evil510's Project Skeletool:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,20842.0.html

Demel's modded Skeletool:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,58438.msg1074485.html#msg1074485


Here's some Skeletool mods that replace the knife with Scissors:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,44135.msg712991.html#msg712991

https://www.edcforums.com/threads/scissors-in-skeletool.113354/


I'm in a similar boat to you -  I have a Skeletool CX on the way for EDC. I plan on pairing it with my Alox Pioneer X SAK or depending on the day, my Alox Minichamp. These gives a fairly feature rich tool set combined with a Skeletool.  I know that you want to avoid a second carry item, just giving you options, good luck!
 

[Happy Gilmore]

even though I carry something modified like the tool above...can I suggest a Victorinox Manager? Unlike any other tool they make, the manager has a tool set that really can't be matched for its size (or any size for that matter). I find that the Philips is small enough for glasses and big enough for up to a #2, the pen is a great backup, and the scissors...are unmatched, even from its larger counterparts. Even when you mod with a scissor...adding access to tweezers, a small file, and a pen is surprisingly useful.

[Aloha]

The 58mm SAK are underrated for no reason at all.  My Managers scissors are second to only dedicated scissors.  While I have adjusted my Style CS scissors so they cut more difficult material they are great for paper and such.  The PTC and Salesman are excellent.  I added my Style PS because the scissors are good but notorious for the spring breaking.  I like the tool a lot regardless.  I consider these tools excellent keychain tools with the exception of the 84mm SAK ( Salesman ).  They do open up a lot of possibilities as well     

Again I know you said you wanted to avoid secondary tool so  . 

[Happy Gilmore]

The 58mm SAK are underrated for no reason at all.  My Managers scissors are second to only dedicated scissors.  While I have adjusted my Style CS scissors so they cut more difficult material they are great for paper and such.  The PTC and Salesman are excellent.  I added my Style PS because the scissors are good but notorious for the spring breaking.  I like the tool a lot regardless.  I consider these tools excellent keychain tools with the exception of the 84mm SAK ( Salesman ).  They do open up a lot of possibilities as well     

Again I know you said you wanted to avoid secondary tool so  .

VN, I always wanted to get a style PS to modify. I just get really annoyed (or am I spoiled?) that the scissors aren't as good as the 58mm SAK. Are ANY scissors that good? nope..

Plus I can carry the Vic manager in my wallet..



Sorry for getting off track. The scissors in a MT has been one of my biggest contentions and frustrations. 

If I could take Vic scissors and drop them into a leatherman I would. And yes I love vic but they are never going to do OHO tools because of legal issues.

[SteveC]

Vic scissors will work with modification.

[Sphene]

Does anyone know, is there a chance of Surge or Wingman scissors fitting the Signal? I haven't had any Leathermans in pieces before, but I'm going to assume swapping a CX blade into a Signal doesn't work, or at the least requires heavy modification to the pivot-end of the blade. Have I read correctly that the Signal doesn't quite work right with the plastic bits abandoned?
Or, an alternative: Is there a good way to make something like a Surge or Charge significantly thinner? I don't care about the weight so much as the size. I'd even consider a MUT if I could be sure to get a PE blade and scissors into it (instead of the combo blade and saw).

[Sam Lim]

Does anyone know, is there a chance of Surge or Wingman scissors fitting the Signal? I haven't had any Leathermans in pieces before, but I'm going to assume swapping a CX blade into a Signal doesn't work, or at the least requires heavy modification to the pivot-end of the blade. Have I read correctly that the Signal doesn't quite work right with the plastic bits abandoned?
Or, an alternative: Is there a good way to make something like a Surge or Charge significantly thinner? I don't care about the weight so much as the size. I'd even consider a MUT if I could be sure to get a PE blade and scissors into it (instead of the combo blade and saw).

The whistle/fire rod on the signal works as pliers stop. Without that, the pliers tip will go through the handle when closing.
I know a skeletool blade ( get a PE) have sufficient material to grind to fit a Mut and a Vic 91mm scissor with enlarged pivot hole can fit nicely into scrapper bay.

[Happy Gilmore]

Does anyone know, is there a chance of Surge or Wingman scissors fitting the Signal? I haven't had any Leathermans in pieces before, but I'm going to assume swapping a CX blade into a Signal doesn't work, or at the least requires heavy modification to the pivot-end of the blade. Have I read correctly that the Signal doesn't quite work right with the plastic bits abandoned?
Or, an alternative: Is there a good way to make something like a Surge or Charge significantly thinner? I don't care about the weight so much as the size. I'd even consider a MUT if I could be sure to get a PE blade and scissors into it (instead of the combo blade and saw).

I'm kind of confused what you are asking. Are you trying to put a Skeletool blade in the Signal? No idea why anyone would do that since the Signal blade is amazing. I'd argue its significantly tougher than even the blades on the ST300 and Surge. I understand that you might not like the combo blade (and I am with you there). But the Signal blade can do things that the skeletool can't even consider because of the durability of the tip. If you want a PE blade just use one from the Charge TTI, and its S30V which is even better.

As far as thickness is concerned, the Signal is probably the sweet spot as far as pocket carry, very flat in comparison to even the Leatherman Wave. Have you considered the P2? It also seems to be very similar in size to the signal and already comes with the scissor included.

The wingman scissors as well as the surge Scissors are problematic because their spring mechanism is dependent on a near perfect lock alignment. The wingman scissor would also need a pivot enlargement. Furthermore, I've considered the Surge scissors in the past on the Signal and it wont fit the frame (too beefy).

Wave Scissors are by far the easiest way to add them and you still keep the saw and most of the rest of the tool intact. You can also get the same scissors from the Blast.

[Sphene]

I'm kind of confused what you are asking. Are you trying to put a Skeletool blade in the Signal? No idea why anyone would do that since the Signal blade is amazing. I'd argue its significantly tougher than even the blades on the ST300 and Surge. I understand that you might not like the combo blade (and I am with you there). But the Signal blade can do things that the skeletool can't even consider because of the durability of the tip. If you want a PE blade just use one from the Charge TTI, and its S30V which is even better.

I'm trying to get a PE blade into the Signal, and bonus points for upgrading the steel quality. Good point about the Charge TTi blade. As far as the Signal blade's strength, I understand what you're saying. I want to avoid the combo blade, and the Skeletool blade shape suits me a bit better than the Signal's in general. I've always avoided heavy use of a blade's tip, kind of as a rule, for as long as I've owned knives. I guess I'd go for either the Skeletool or Charge blade, depending on ease and price of both acquisition and adaptation.

a Vic 91mm scissor with enlarged pivot hole can fit nicely into scrapper bay.

This kind of information is just gold. The MUT is enormous, though. I've noticed from snooping around here that the 91mm Vic scissors seem quite popular for mods. Is this because they're better than others, easier to get hold of, or easier to mod (or some combination thereof)?

I almost think I want a Wingman with an upgraded PE blade. And better ergonomics, and a bit driver. But that mod might be easier than alternatives.

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions and food for thought so far.

[zoidberg]

Does anyone know, is there a chance of Surge or Wingman scissors fitting the Signal? I haven't had any Leathermans in pieces before, but I'm going to assume swapping a CX blade into a Signal doesn't work, or at the least requires heavy modification to the pivot-end of the blade. Have I read correctly that the Signal doesn't quite work right with the plastic bits abandoned?
Or, an alternative: Is there a good way to make something like a Surge or Charge significantly thinner? I don't care about the weight so much as the size. I'd even consider a MUT if I could be sure to get a PE blade and scissors into it (instead of the combo blade and saw).

Wingman scissors to Signal works, I enlarged the scissors pivot for them to fit a Charge and they also fit the Signal.
Surge scissors to Signal is probably messy, I haven't done it, would need a fair amount of outer pivot work, widening the channel and they would still overhang into the carabiner area.
CX blade to Signal, sorry I'm not a Skeletool person so can't help you there.
Ditching the plastic bits isn't an issue, plier tip just slightly pokes through the handle during closing depending on your closing technique.
Thinning down the Surge or Charge is possible by removing the outside tools on one side, typically known as a skinny mod around here.

[zoidberg]

Charge blade to Signal, you might need a washer to make up the thickness to keep the blade off the awl.

[Happy Gilmore]

Charge blade to Signal, you might need a washer to make up the thickness to keep the blade off the awl.

4 copper spacers is the magic #. and the lock up is perfect.

Check my instagram or Pinterest page for a video of the Switch

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[Poncho65]

Welcome to   Sphene hope that you can get in a MT what you want

[Sphene]

4 copper spacers is the magic #. and the lock up is perfect.

Thanks for that. It looks like a great fit. May I ask, though, what are the copper spacers you're referring to?

It looks like I'll probably want to try a Signal with Wingman scissors and a PE blade. I've seen the S30V as well as 154CM Charge blades for sale in a few places, so I know that's an option - and for the Wingman, it looks like the scissors aren't far off in cost from an entire used Wingman. I've got a buddy that owns a Signal; I'm going to play with it some and make sure it'll be acceptable for me.

I was surprised to realize the Skeletool has one of the shortest blades of the multitools I was looking at - apparently tied with the Wingman and Sidekick, while Leatherman lists the tool as nominally the same length as the Wave/Charge.

[Happy Gilmore]

Thanks for that. It looks like a great fit. May I ask, though, what are the copper spacers you're referring to?

It looks like I'll probably want to try a Signal with Wingman scissors and a PE blade. I've seen the S30V as well as 154CM Charge blades for sale in a few places, so I know that's an option - and for the Wingman, it looks like the scissors aren't far off in cost from an entire used Wingman. I've got a buddy that owns a Signal; I'm going to play with it some and make sure it'll be acceptable for me.

I was surprised to realize the Skeletool has one of the shortest blades of the multitools I was looking at - apparently tied with the Wingman and Sidekick, while Leatherman lists the tool as nominally the same length as the Wave/Charge.

Yep, although I would possibly suggest using the wave scissors in the bottle opener slot rather than going through the hassle with wingman scissors. I have a spare set of wingman scissors if you need, but you have to make sure the lock engages the spring just right or it wont work. A wave scissor is much easier to deal with and you keep the saw.

Cheers,
H.G.

[Faddy Daddy]

I know, I know, you mentioned you don't want to carry an extra tool but I thought I'd take this opportunity to chime in on how much I like carrying the Skeletool KB (straight blade knife only), along with the Squirt PS4. The handle on the KB is a bit small, but I do like the blade a lot and it's super light. The Squirt (which honestly I carry mostly just for the scissors), does have the scissors mounted outside which is convenient. And the pliers, albeit small, are somewhat useful from time to time.
Happy 4th to everyone!

[Sam Lim]

I was surprised to realize the Skeletool has one of the shortest blades of the multitools I was looking at - apparently tied with the Wingman and Sidekick, while Leatherman lists the tool as nominally the same length as the Wave/Charge.

You know.. They say length isn't everything.. 

[ReamerPunch]

4 copper spacers is the magic #. and the lock up is perfect.

Man, four washers. What a shame. A PE Signal is a lot more appealing.

[Happy Gilmore]

Man, four washers. What a shame. A PE Signal is a lot more appealing.

I hear you, but I've been using the signal a lot lately with the combo blade. The shape of the blade is perfect and the thickness is incredible. Unless they make the same blade with a PE, I'd rather have the combo blade than the S30V one. That is how good I think the signal blade is. The signal, which has a sharpener, can make up for the softness of the steel easier than other tools.

[kingofswords]

Does anyone know, is there a chance of Surge or Wingman scissors fitting the Signal?

some posted theirs on youtube

[Happy Gilmore]

some posted theirs on youtube

I saw this one one point, but I realized its incredibly had to keep the OHO part of the tool if you do this. I would still have done the Wingman scissors....but if I can be blunt...they cut like garbage, even worse than the Wave, or Squirt/Style scissors imo.

[zoidberg]

I would still have done the Wingman scissors....but if I can be blunt...they cut like garbage, even worse than the Wave, or Squirt/Style scissors imo.

Agreed, stock Wingman scissors are not great.
However they work much better when modified.
I'll dig up some old pics or take new ones when I get some time.

[Happy Gilmore]

Agreed, stock Wingman scissors are not great.
However they work much better when modified.
I'll dig up some old pics or take new ones when I get some time.

oh?? I'd be interested in how you modified them.

[Alex]

Actually I find it to be the best blade that Leatherman makes because of how robust it is. Yes its still 420HC, but the tip is so strong I can send it straight through a car hood.

(Image removed from quote.)

If you want info on these mods, let me know.

To do the scissor mod, all you need to modify is a Bit exchanger to make it able to be up on the left rather than the right side. If you get the Scissor and exchanger from a wave donor for instance, it is completely reversible. The only irreversible mod I did was add the Surge exchanger over the saw. The Signal is still VERY slim and light which is one of the big advantages of the Skeletool as well.

Cheers,
H.G.

I know it's an older topic but this is exactly what I want to try. So to confirm please, I just need the bit holder and the scissors from the wave+ and this would work with no further mods?  Thank you.