The origin story of Leatherman's 'pocket survival tool'

In 1975, Tim Leatherman decided to put his engineering degree to use and see if he could somehow combine a pocket knife with pliers. His tinkering that forged a "multitool" would lead to Leatherman, a Portland, Oregon-based company that specializes in designing foldable jacks-of-many-trades (and many blades), churning out 10,000 a day, each assembled by hand. Correspondent Conor Knighton reports.

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[bennyboogenheimer]

My Daughter wasn't supposed to be born on the Pa. Turnpike
near Valley Forge, but that's where we were in 1988. My ex's
legs hanging out the door of our new Ford Taurus Station Wagon.
It was incredible luck when a Doctor from CHoP stopped to
ask if we were alright. He saw our Emily crowning, and said,
"It's On, right now!" It's just her head was to big, and my ex needed
an episiotomy. I pour a gallon bottle of vodka over the Leatherman, and the
doctor's hands, and 2 minutes later, I was a Dad forever.
I've never been without one, and never knew there was an actual
Mr. Leatherman. I keep it near the Swiss Army Knife,
my Daughter bought me in Switzerland in 2005, on a class trip.

[TralfazConstruction]

My daughter and my son-in-law gave me a Leatherman multi-tool about nineteen years ago for my birthday. I was touched by the sentiment of being given something so practical that I immediately scolded the both of them for putting-out that kind of money. My daughter's reply was that I was "worth it". I had no words then. I still find the experience very humbling. The Leatherman goes with me everywhere and is a special keepsake.

[clearviewtechnical]

Never thought that I needed a Leatherman tool. But then a funny thing happened. We had traveled from our home in Louisville to an air show at Willow Run near Detroit. And while on a jog I found a Leatherman tool on the road, caked with dirt and grit. It obviously had been run over by countless vehicles. I picked it up, took it home, cleaned and lubricated it. Now it's my 'go to' tool for small jobs around the house and garage.

[swahilijs]

I had a leatherman in Tanzania. I used it so much a piece broke and once Leatherman found out, they sent me another one.

[privategoldreception]

My fave has been a Leatherman WAVE for years....and then hurricane IAN destroyed my house. That Wave was with me every single day for all the repairs from the flooring all the way up to the ceilings. I would never ever be without one. We had to evacuate the home, because the hurricane caused catastrophic flooding and went to stay at the neighbor across the street. After getting halfway done on our house, that Leatherman was my miracle tool, redoing my neighbor's ducting in the crawlspace under his house. That thing cut through all the rigid coil wire of the Replacement duct, and the blade(s) were always ready to prep the duct. I used up the cutting blades on the wave plus pliers but it was worth it. So pleased to have that tool for that tight, dark place instead of so many other tools...strapped right to my side. Thx Leatherman for sticking with your invention....the best one for me !!

[lgarcia]

The ultimate persistent guy. 8 years without income is a true feat! Congratulations, hope you are enjoying your rewards

[captenhook]

Use my leatherman everyday at work. One time it broke I shipped it to them - they fixed it and sent it back- really hard to argue with that kind of service

[curtismarean]

One of the best every day carry ever made! Mine was gift from my son years ago, still on my hip, even as I type this. This tool has even saved weddings! If you don't have one- get one, you'll be glad you did!

[michaelhargis]

Good on CABELA'S for stepping up and taking a chance on Mr. Leathermans idea.

[rgsx]

Was walking on the beach in Maui when I saw something sticking up in the sand. A very corroded and broken leatherman tool. Sent it to the company and got a new one in return! It has severed me well for the past 20 years!

[danielmontoya]

This thing was a lifesaver when I was in the army. I still have my old Leatherman from 20 years ago!

[trevorhansen]

I have a Leatherman Surge with the bells and whistles. I've been using at work daily for the past 6 months torture testing it, the only time it failed me is when I dropped it. I took it apart, straightened a couple parts and it's been working great since. The file holder has held up after putting it in a vice to take out the bend without any problems. I'm very impressed with it.

[garysmith]

I 20 year old Leatherman stays with me on my rv travels. The knife is so sharp and has been used for a variety of tasks. Thank you Leatherman.

[hunterflorez]

My Dad still has his issued Leatherman from the Army from 1994! Fantastic tool!

[lalah]

LOVE ours!! It was such a perfect tool for our jobs in the Air Force, neither my husband nor I would go TDY or deploy without it.
Now we give them as a ‘rite of passage’ gift to every young person we meet.💖✨

[alexsystems]

I’ve had two leatherman over the last 13 years… they are great and get used quite frequently…

[Metered_Air]

I have a Leatherman Squirt. So sad they discontinued it as it is by far the best everyday carry tool.

[theseventhgeneration]

I own my father's Leatherman and it still works great. I carry it with me every day at work.

[Shaftley]

I’ve had a leatherman since I was 12 years old (33 years ago), and I’ve worn one to work and play everyday for the past 25 plus years. Hell, I think I own 5-6 different ones, but I also still have the original leatherman 2 my parents gave me on my birthday in 1991. Awesome tools!

[charlesgould]

My boss in 1996 showed me his. I immediately bought one. And have carried one every day since. I've even worn the Leatherman watch nearly every weekday since 2018.