The making of a legendary product: Leatherman multi-tools
When Tim Leatherman found himself plagued with problems like leaky hotel plumbing and a temperamental Fiat on a trip around Europe, little did he know his frustration would be the inspiration for a whole new product category – the multi-tool. An engineer by trade, Tim’s experience led him to decide there was a need for an easily portable tool based around pliers that had multiple functions. He built a prototype back home in his garage in America, then set out to sell his concept. “I was pretty sure once I developed my prototype then the sale would be very easy.” But it wasn’t as straightforward as Tim had anticipated. “Knife companies said this isn’t a knife, this a tool. So then I went to the tool companies, and they said sorry this is not a tool, this is a gadget.” Tim was left with no other option but to manufacture and sell the tool on his own. He planned to build 4,000 tools, but in the first year he found himself overwhelmed with more than 30,000 orders and the iconic Leatherman brand was created. In an ironic twist, many of the knife manufacturers who initially turned Tim’s idea down, went on to create their own version of a multi-tool, once they saw the popularity of Leatherman tools.
Leatherman Today
35 years later and the Leatherman factory in Oregon, USA produces over 8,000 tools per day, selling to over 120 countries worldwide. Despite the massive growth since 1983, quality is still a huge focus. Every Leatherman is hand-checked by a Quality Department member before being sent to packaging and all tools are supported by a 25-year warranty. The Leatherman range now includes 38 tools, preparing people for both the expected and the unexpected in a wide range of activities and adventures including outdoor, DIY, professional, action sports, trades and more.
Looking to the future
Leatherman continues to spend millions in research and development, staying at the cutting edge of innovation. In 2015 they released the Tread, the world’s first multi-tool that you can wear on your wrist. Released last year was the Tread Tempo, a unique watch that combines a Tread multi-tool with a premium, Swiss-made timepiece with precision quartz movement. Like the original Tread, the Tempo features stainless steel links with 30 tools including screwdrivers, SIM card picks, and hex wrenches.
Who knows what Leatherman will think of next?
