Let’s Talk About Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip
The Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip is Leatherman’s minimalist answer to everyday carry. It’s a single-blade knife with an integrated bottle opener, designed to be lightweight and easily accessible. This knife promises functionality without the bulk, appealing to those who value simplicity and convenience.
I was looking for a low-profile knife that wouldn’t weigh down my pockets. I needed something for simple tasks like opening boxes, cutting rope, and the occasional food prep on the trail. The Skeletool KB seemed like a good compromise between a dedicated folding knife and a multi-tool.
Upon unboxing, the Skeletool KB impressed me with its incredibly light weight and streamlined design. The partially skeletonized handle reduces unnecessary mass, and the blade arrived sharp. The BottleClip integration is clever, appearing functional without adding significant bulk.
Compared to my existing Gerber Paraframe Mini, the Skeletool KB feels more refined. It lacks the full-sized blade of my Benchmade Griptilian, but offers a more pocket-friendly profile. I chose the Skeletool KB for its blend of essential functions and minimalist design.
Initially, I was excited by the potential of the Skeletool KB. The light weight and simple design promised to be a welcome addition to my everyday carry. I was also cautiously optimistic about the BottleClip feature, hoping it wouldn’t compromise the knife’s pocketability or durability.
Real-World Testing: Putting Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip during a weekend camping trip. It was used for various tasks such as opening food packages, preparing kindling, and cutting cordage. The knife performed adequately in dry conditions.
The blade felt surprisingly robust for its size, although the thumb stud was a bit small for easy one-handed opening. The BottleClip worked as intended to open a few celebratory beverages around the campfire. I noticed the clip snagged slightly on my jeans pocket when drawing the knife.
The knife required minimal learning; its straightforward design made it intuitive to use. However, I realized the thumb stud placement made reliable one-handed opening difficult. The pocket clip also felt less secure than I prefer in a knife intended for EDC.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of everyday carry, the Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip has shown some wear. The black coating on the handle has started to fade in high-use areas. The blade, however, has maintained its edge well with occasional stropping.
There are no signs of mechanical failure. The blade lock remains secure and the BottleClip retains its spring tension. The knife is relatively easy to clean with a quick wipe-down, though I did notice some rust forming near the pivot point after prolonged exposure to humidity.
Compared to my Spyderco Delica, the Skeletool KB doesn’t offer the same level of cutting performance or secure grip. However, the Skeletool KB is lighter and less bulky, making it more convenient for everyday carry. It has neither outperformed nor disappointed, simply meeting my expectations as a lightweight, minimalist tool.
Breaking Down the Features of Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip
Specifications
- Blade Length: The Skeletool KB boasts a 2.6-inch blade. This length provides a decent cutting surface for everyday tasks without being overly cumbersome.
- Closed Length: Measuring 3.45 inches when closed, the Skeletool KB is compact. Its size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or attach to a bag.
- Weight: At a mere 1.3 ounces, this Leatherman barely makes its presence known. The low weight is a major selling point for those prioritizing minimal carry.
- Blade Material: The 420HC stainless steel blade offers a balance of hardness and corrosion resistance. 420HC is easy to sharpen and maintains an acceptable edge.
- Handle Material: The handle finish is black. It offers a streamlined design.
- Knife Application: The Folding Blade gives the product accessibility on-the-go. This feature makes it perfect for EDC.
- Blade Type: The Straight blade offers precision and ease of use. This provides an efficient cutting surface for varied tasks.
- BottleClip: The integrated BottleClip is both functional and part of the retention system. This feature offers a convenient way to open bottles.
These specifications contribute to the Skeletool KB’s core identity as a lightweight, convenient, and capable everyday carry knife. The blade is adequately sized for most common tasks, while the lightweight construction ensures it won’t weigh you down. The bottle opener adds a touch of utility for social situations.
Performance & Functionality
The Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip performs its core functions reasonably well. The blade is sharp enough for most everyday tasks, though the thumb stud makes one-handed opening a challenge. The bottle opener is functional and convenient.
The main strengths are its light weight and slim profile, making it easy to carry. The primary weakness is the difficulty of opening the blade one-handed and the less-than-secure pocket clip. Another weakness is the blade’s steel which can be prone to rusting.
The Skeletool KB mostly meets expectations. It’s not a high-performance knife, but it’s a practical and convenient tool for basic tasks. It delivers adequate performance in line with its minimalist design.
Design & Ergonomics
The Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip features a partially skeletonized handle that contributes to its lightweight design. The materials used, though not premium, feel adequately durable. While comfortable, the handle could benefit from improved texturing for a more secure grip.
There is a slight learning curve to the one-handed opening. The thumb stud is small and requires precise placement to deploy the blade effectively. Aside from the thumb stud placement, the design is user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip should last for several years of everyday use. The 420HC steel is relatively easy to maintain and sharpen. The knife is also easy to disassemble for cleaning and lubrication.
Rusting is a potential issue, especially in humid environments. Regular cleaning and oiling of the blade and pivot point is recommended. The Leatherman 25-year warranty provides some peace of mind regarding potential defects.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip comes with the integrated BottleClip. This acts as a pocket clip and bottle opener. There aren’t many official accessories for the Skeletool KB.
The knife is compatible with some aftermarket thumb studs and pocket clips. The minimalist design limits customization options. Users can replace the existing clip with a tighter fitting aftermarket part.
Pros and Cons of Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip
Pros
- Extremely Lightweight: Barely noticeable in your pocket, making it ideal for everyday carry.
- Slim Profile: Doesn’t take up much space, offering a comfortable fit in any pocket.
- Integrated Bottle Opener: Convenient for social situations and adds functionality without bulk.
- Affordable Price: Offers good value for a Leatherman product.
- Straight blade: Offers a solid, reliable cut.
Cons
- Difficult One-Handed Opening: The thumb stud is small and poorly placed, making deployment challenging.
- Insecure Pocket Clip: The BottleClip design doesn’t provide enough retention, leading to potential loss.
- Blade Steel Quality: The 420HC steel is prone to rusting and requires regular maintenance.
Who Should Buy Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip?
The Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip is perfect for minimalist EDC enthusiasts. It is ideal for those who prioritize lightweight convenience over high-performance cutting power. It would also be a good fit for college students who value a multi-functional every day tool.
Those who require a robust and reliable knife for demanding tasks should skip this product. Individuals who need easy one-handed opening or a secure pocket clip should look elsewhere. Those who work in a wet environment should also look into knives with more rust resistance.
A must-have modification is a more secure aftermarket pocket clip. This will ensure the knife stays securely in your pocket. Additionally, regular cleaning and oiling are essential to prevent rust.
Conclusion on Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip
The Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife w/ BottleClip is a decent minimalist everyday carry option. It excels in being lightweight and convenient, with the added bonus of a bottle opener. However, its shortcomings, such as the difficult one-handed opening and insecure pocket clip, need to be considered.
At a price of $39.95, the value proposition is reasonable. It provides a Leatherman quality blade with a unique, if flawed, design. The price is a good fit for its targeted user-base.
I would cautiously recommend it to those who understand its limitations and prioritize minimal weight and size. If you are willing to accept the trade-offs for its convenience, the Skeletool KB can be a useful addition to your EDC. Consider the pros and cons carefully before making your purchase, and be sure to maintain the blade to prevent rust.