Leatherman
Multitools and EDC tools - concept inventor, 100% Portland manufacturing since 1983
Philosophy
Leatherman was born from a real need: Tim Leatherman, broken down with his Fiat on a European road trip in 1975, imagined a compact tool combining pliers and knife. After 8 years of development, the Pocket Survival Tool became the world standard. Everything is made in Portland, Oregon with a 25-year warranty.
History
1975. Tim Leatherman's Fiat 500 keeps breaking down on a European road trip. He has a Swiss knife but no pliers. Imagines a foldable plier with tools in the handles. Eight years of development. Patent 1980. Company founded 1983 in Portland with Steve Berliner. First order: 500 Pocket Survival Tools from Cabela's.
Creates an entire category. The name becomes generic like Kleenex. The Wave+ is the world's most sold multitool. On enthusiasts: 10-20 year daily use testimonials. 500+ employees, Portland-made, 25-year warranty. Family-owned. The tool that invented the multitool, still made where it was invented.
Iconic Products
Wave+
World's best-selling multitool. 18 tools, pliers, blades, saws, screwdrivers, external blade access. The reference. On 애호가들: 10+ year daily use testimonials. 'The one to get if you only get one.'
Surge
The heavy-duty, biggest Leatherman. Wide handles, longer blades, overpowered pliers. For professionals using their multitool as primary tool. A specialist forums user documents 6 years of intensive use without failure. Heavy but indestructible.
Skeletool
The minimalist. Pliers, blade, screwdriver, bottle opener, that's it. 142 grams. The Leatherman for those who don't want a heavy multitool daily but still want pliers and a blade. Clean design, built-in pocket clip. Perfect EDC for normal people.