A Legacy of Engineers: Leatherman

Many thanks to everyone at Leatherman for helping make this video happen - we have wanted to do something like this for several years and are very grateful to have had the opportunity. Leatherman is a fantastic company full of great people and it was a real privilege to work with them on this video. Leatherman Free review here: • Leatherman FREE P4 Review
Special thanks to Matt Brown, Billy Meiners, Karlin Reiter, Adam Lazenby, Peter Parker, Alex Silleck, Ben Rivera, Andro Purnomohadi, Lee Leatherman, and anyone else directly or indirectly involved who made this possible for us.
www.leatherman...
Learn about Leatherman Garage Here www.leatherman...
Want us to make a video like this with your company? Let's chat!
Enjoy EC? Join Essential Craftsman Academy!
essentialcraft...
This is the best way to support Essential Craftsman and you get a LOT of perks as a bonus.
Check it out.
Did you know we have a podcast?
Spotify spoti.fi/39ezy3d
Apple apple.co/33dbrJQ
Stitcher bit.ly/3NWy8sY
KZbin bit.ly/2n4HCLG
Second Channel (Podcast video, family, misc content) bit.ly/2n4HCLG
If you are going to hire a contractor for a big project PLEASE read our ebook first!
amzn.to/2v6qZ6j
T Shirts, Hoodies, and other Merch: bit.ly/2C7JFRv
Instagram / essentialcraftsman
Twitter / ecnatwad
Facebook / essentialcraftsman
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Amazon Store amzn.to/2pcUk8G
Makita 18v Impact amzn.to/2R9uamN
4 ft level amzn.to/389qsQa
Utility Knife amzn.to/2RjVRJL
Palm Nailer amzn.to/2LhvTTd
Spencer Tape amzn.to/2EQWxPy
Carpenter Bags amzn.to/2XeBaC1
Belt bit.ly/3MsdijV
Hammer amzn.to/31y4q66
Tape Measure amzn.to/2WYg23Q
Skil Saw amzn.to/2UcQyLi
Video Equipment and Misc.
Main Camera amzn.to/2WG9qSC
Secondary Camera amzn.to/32tS2Vx
Microphone (for narration from office) amzn.to/2WquPnM
Wireless Microphone amzn.to/2IGpNto
Other Wireless Microphone amzn.to/397VmxJ
Tripod amzn.to/2XOJcOd
GoPro amzn.to/3znHgTA
GoPro Tripod amzn.to/3aL8pFH
Battery Bucket amzn.to/3GVR9cV
ActionPacker amzn.to/2l7Msqv
Learn more about Essential Craftsman
www.essentialcraftsman.com

[@LeathermanToolGroup]

Very happy to share a behind-the-scenes look into our factory. Essential Craftsman is welcome anytime!

[@TheTarrMan]

If I may bother you while we have your attention. On the first generation of the Surge it had a micro screwdriver which was perfect for safety-glasses/glasses repair. . . . But when it was upgraded to the second generation (with the replaceable plier incerts) you swapped it out for a "small screwdriver" which is redundant because there already is a "large bit driver". Fortunately I was able to mix and match with parts on eBay and do a slight modification to add that back. My Leatherman Surge is now the perfect multi tool (which is to say it's a larger version of the Wave) but I can't help but feel it should've came that way from the factory. Please consider adding that back so I can recommend it to other people because right now I'm just recommending the Wave.

[@teabee44]

Please bring back the squirt e4.

[@TheBrewjo]

I got one for the Garage- a Leatherman for high climbing rope access technicians. The Peter Parker.

[@davidthompson04]

keep it made in the usa

[@ivaland7265]

Please listen to Dominic from Maxlvledc and you'll trive.

[@o0julek0o]

Over the years, Peter Parker went from being Spiderman to being a Leatherman.

[@MikeHeath]

So you're saying that Peter was bit by a radioactive cow and that's how he became Leather-Man? I don't know. I'm skeptical...

[@markusayt]

My thoughts exactly 😂. You just typed faster. 😊

[@MichaelBestMusic]

I always figured he’d be a web designer 😏

[@mitchdenner9743]

Thats what happens when you don't moisturize.

[@p4inmaker]

@@MikeHeath Nah, he got pinched by his wave.

[@s.e.wagger3888]

I'm 62 and I've had my Victorinox since I was 40. But watching this has made me want to buy a Leatherman.

[@ShainAndrews]

Stick with Swiss or Gerber.

[@ADBBuild]

Out of all the factory tour, how-it's-made style videos about Leatherman, this one is my favorite. It's not the same, typical, watered down step-by-step of how the tools are physically made, but more a video showing off the company. Great job! -Andrew, the "more engineer" on the left at 2:32

[@Stephen7475]

I was in the same engineering class as Tim Leatherman. He was also the top table tennis player at Oregon State University. I was no match. He was always nice and kind to everyone. When he became successful, everyone in the table tennis circle was happy for him. His picture here looks not much different than 50 yrs ago.

[@narlycharley]

Their 25-year warranty is what won me over. I had a pliers cutter blade break on a 19 year old Wave and sent it in and got a brand new Wave + sent back to me. I'm a lifetime customer and wear it every day.

[@danw1030]

I'll second what narlycharley said. I had an Ultimate Leatherman. Used and abused that tool every day. I broke the pliers cutting something I shouldn't have. I sent it back with a letter explaining what happened. I fully expected to pay for repairs. They warrantied the broken part plus tightened and sharpened everything. I used it another 5 years and broke something else and sent it back. They sent me an entirely new tool because the Ultimate I had was no longer made. Awesome company and product!

[@tylersmith293]

I love leathermans. Not a fan of portlanders.

[@orion7741]

yeah, but you sent in a really really great tool, and got a crappy modified model back..... the old wave was better in every way!

[@RazsterTW]

I had a different experience with my Wave. Bought mine back in 03' lasted about 6months and had a bad customer support response. Haven't bothered sense. Still a neat video.

[@davidbutler3661]

I've got 3 waves. Bought the second one when I sent the first back for warranty because I felt naked without it. They repaired the first one and sent it back. I wear one at work and have the other for days off. I found the third one out in the bush .sent it in for repair and got a brand new one back.so it sits in the cupboard as a back up. Never a day goes by when I don't use them for the last 22 years

[@JoshuaFoy]

My buddy just got his first home and I got him a wave to help out with everyday tasks. First day he had to install a baby gate and the Leatherman truly showed its worth and why I think he will value it for life. Great product.

[@raincoast9010]

For the price you pay for a knife you would think they would put it in a quality sheath but no, they rip you off and give you garbage!

[@FootballerUSA]

Huge fan of the Leatherman tools. I didn’t have a good idea of the engineering that goes into them until this video, but now I know just how much work went into the only tool I carry 365 days a year!!

[@mezamichael]

Same. I have used them for over 20 years and didn't know the behind the scenes details I learned in this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrbyamile6973]

I don't know daily life without my Leatherman, bought my first one, mail order from some catalog in about 1988 or 89. I was only 14 at the time. I didn't go anywhere without that thing on my hip, not even school as you could have them in school back then. I have had a Leatherman on my hip for around 33 years, I'm lost without it such as when I fly on an airplane. It is in my check luggage so it will be back on my hip as soon as possible. I remember when it was OK to fly with it on me.

[@felixcat9318]

Your video got you this subscription. For 47 years I've daily carried a Victorinox Swiss Champ, and since the mid 1980's a Leatherman. I began with the original Pocket Tool, and then got the original Super Tool. A Micra and a Crunch followed. I've gifted six Leatherman tools and the same amount of Victorinox Swiss Army Knives over the years, and the recipients still have and use them. Perfection is my Swiss Champ and Super Tool, enabling me to carry out tasks small, fine and precise and large, heavy duty and tough. These two phenomenal tools and the torches/flashlights of your choice enable you to do whatever, whenever, wherever, irrespective of lighting conditions. With these tools, you're limited by imagination only!

[@Cheez1979]

I’m a huge leatherman fan .. carry one every day. For the last 20 years!! Awesome insight!!

[@jayjays3592]

A company that hasn't sold out to China. Great to see. I own a Leatherman, a newer one than I originally bought. I broke the tip off my plyers, I took it back to the shop and it was replaced no problem at all, they also stand by their warranty. I applaud the customer service of Leatherman

[@keithreay]

NATE! It’s wonderful to have you narrate a video… keep coming out of that shell kid, you’re doing just fine 😎

[@AlanTheBeast100]

I've used my Wave for occasional quick electrical repairs, but have to say I don't like using non-insulated tools when approaching a circuit no matter how "dead" it is. Love my Wave. Tempted to get the Free - but I do like that I have a lot of interchangeable bits for the Wave.

[@patricknorton5788]

Great video! I love Leatherman tools. Never been an early adoptor, but I bought the original Leatherman tool in about 1993 in Virginia by mail order. Used it every day for years. Then I moved to Portland (before they did factory tours), but it was one of the reasons- no kidding! I met a man at my first job in Portland. He was wearing a Leatherman t-shirt and I commented on it. He said "I'm Tim Leatherman's dad". Pretty cool. I actually wore out my original Wave tool working as a bicycle mechanic... I kept using the needle-nosed pliers for crimping cable ends etc. because they were more effective than our shop pliers, but I did wear out the bushings and also wore out the sheepsfoot blade from resharpening. I used it many times a day. Still in the car as a backup. Now I carry the new Wave tool (not the latest?). Wonderful tool, made in my hometown of 28 years. The only area of consumer products where I have brand loyalty. I use this one every day too, without thinking about it most times.

[@mojosdad68]

This was great. Impressive facility, much larger than I would have guessed. Everyone should have at least one Leatherman. I have the G10 Charge +, but I might have to pick up a Free P4 as well.

[@johnkaspar462]

Had a leatherman since about 96

[@praiseYAHalways]

I used to be a Heavy Drop Parachute Rigger in the Army and Leatherman was my (and many Riggers) tool of choice. When you saw a Rigger you could safely bet that he would always have two items on him...his red hat and a Leatherman.

[@americannomad513]

Right on Chris. Former paratrooper here. I think I may qualify as a heavy drop these days. 😄

[@praiseYAHalways]

@@americannomad513 lol, I hear ya friend! 'ye ole T10' just might not cut it these days lol🤣

[@bnwww]

There needs to be a "love" icon for this. My Leatherman Surge has been serving me daily for more than 15 years, the last 10 of which in an emergency service. I would carry nothing else as a replacement.

[@LeathermanToolGroup]

Glad to hear the Surge has been treating you well over the years!

[@praetorxian]

@@LeathermanToolGroup My first Leatherman was a “Blast”, issued to me by the EOD/UXO (bomb disposal) organization I was working for, long before the MUT came out. I loved that thing. It finally died after many years of faithful service, I sent it for warranty (discontinued) and got a Wave + I still have as my off-duty EDC (hunting/fishing/camping/travel, etc.) My back-up is an OHT because I usually need a free hand and am multi-tasking. Finally, I switched careers and became an Advanced Care Paramedic (11 years and counting… ;) I had a student, who, after a long and difficult preceptorship, gifted me a pair of Raptors engraved with my badge number (#20148). Just last night I used the carbide breaker to punch out the windows of mangled car to gain access to the driver. Thank you Leatherman, you literally give us the tools to help save lives.

[@userscott]

Honestly just thought Leatherman would just be yet another big faceless organisation punting this stuff out cos it’s trendy. My heart was warmed by seeing it was OG engineers and designers keeping it all in house and doing such a lovely job! Bravo!

[@jetttskiman]

And in the good old USA

[@BuzzingGoober]

They are faceless, look at those masks.

[@Taskforce1]

"punting this stuff out cos it’s trendy" huh?😂you think multi-tools are trendy?

[@userscott]

@@Taskforce1 no, as a matter of fact I can’t stand multitools. 😂

[@Aggnog]

Fascinating to see Spider-Man has a hand in making these tools.

[@Nickelbackfan_12]

came here for this thankyou

[@leevee85]

Same here. Bet he’s their lead web designer too.

[@Evan-rj9xy]

Poor guy, he's probably beyond sick of these jokes lol

[@praiseYAHalways]

@@leevee85 lol

[@HondaRiderX17]

I absolutely hate commercials trying to sell you on a product but when you tell me Peter Parker is making leatherman's I'm going to buy 10.

[@keithpegg7825]

I got my leatherman in 85 and still have it, great tool. They rebuilt for free about 10 years ago with a new blade and other tools. Great.

[@bobkozlarekwa2sqq59]

What perfect timing with this video! My son just gave me my first Leatherman tool ….. it’s time to see exactly what this marvel has to offer. Thanks for another great video.

[@LeathermanToolGroup]

Which multi-tool did you get?

[@bobkozlarekwa2sqq59]

@@LeathermanToolGroup Surge

[@backachershomestead]

Lost my leatherman a couple weeks ago. Saddest day of my life. I use it everyday. Could hardly wait to get a new one.

[@robinburkey2466]

I've carried a leatherman since the first one when the advertising was a black and white add in popular mechanics magazine! Love them all and have one in hand every day! Thankyou everyone at team leatherman

[@michaelpitman9491]

I've told my new fellow Techs that the best tool is the on you have "in your pocket" not what's in the toolbox in the shop. Leathermans are one of the few tools fitting that description.

[@yohojones]

Love Leatherman. Thank you for making this.

[@walterkersting1362]

The perfect Leatherman is the one you carry everyday and if you forget it one day you go back and get it. The one you buy again. The one you are so very thankful to find it again if you ever lose it.

[@SolasChristusMinistry]

One of man’s most useful inventions! As a machinist, I am so jealous of your employees running state of the art CNC! Open a factory in Buffalo, NY please.

[@SuperYellowsubmarin]

Once on vacation in Greece, I found a Leatherman wave buried in the sand, in perfect condition. It still serves me to this day.

[@omarrahal8288]

ياله من حظ

[@randymyers5086]

My dad had a leatherman in his pocket every day of his life. I still have it in my draw.

[@ac1143]

Still have the Wave my dad bought me 20 years ago. Still the best

[@xalvist]

I love my Surge! Made 11.2009, looks awesome to this day. Nothing broken. I made a chisel out of wide screwdriver (dont need it doubled, since you have a bit holder with it) and I would love to have something more usefull than this second serrated blade (which I hate tbh since plain edge IS the way) - even a hair comb with more precise scale would be a better EDC option, not to mention tons of other stuff you can fit in. Also I would make it lighter but the main knife blade better - something like s30v or so - not expensive but just way better. So yea - thats my "Perfect multitool" - "Surge" but lighter, better steel on knife blade and someting else instead of serrated blade, even second "bosch holder" or watever it is would be a great options since I find myself using different saws and files quite often. Thank you for your awesome work guys!

[@wynter-wainuigross3995]

I have owned a free p4 for almost a year. Best multi tool I've ever had in terms of backpack EDC/EDC.

[@MiladJP]

I love my Leatherman so much. I saved my life. It was my only companion when the rest of the world was not there. When I moved to my new apartment after being homeless, I only had my Leatherman in my pocket to put all the furniture together, and used is a hammer, to cut my meat...it was everything to me, and it will be always by my side.

[@threeriversforge1997]

Bought one of the original Leatherman's back in the day. Carried it on my duty belt opposite the weak hand reloads. Used it so much that everyone in the family ended up getting their own Leatherman tool of one kind or another. Sadly, the saw blade snapped clean in two on mine and I lost confidence in the tool, always wondering what might snap next. That saw blade was great as a wood scraper, lemme tell you. You could smooth down a hammer handle in no time flat with the spine of the blade! No idea where it's at nowadays, and never picked up any more of them just because they always seemed like they were trying to fit too much into the tools. Might have to give them another look.

[@zjaklana]

I am very happy to have seen this video. Thank you. I have a wave and a charge TTI. I live in RSA and here they are expensive 😭 so I am taking good care of mine. I use them lots and even wear them to church. I sent in my old charge and got the new one but it is also not sold in SA no more. My next one will be the knife with the fire striker 🔥😁. If I can ever come to Origan I will definatief come visit the Leatherman factory, might even buy a few knives to bring back home 👍

[@jum5238]

That end segment with your son was VERY helpful. I don't have much for fingernails, and it's been my BIGGEST frustration with Leatherman tools, so when the one exec said you didn't need fingernails to use it, I was VERY intrigued. And seeing your son operate it was wonderful! EXCELLENT video Nate!

[@alexanderkupke920]

That makes me actually wonder and I have to check the models sold here in Germany. May be the blade is under a certain length, because knifes that allow for one handed operations (butterfly knifes, spring loaded knifes, blades with a thumb hook,...) are restricted here by weapon laws after in the nineties incidents with such knifes hit a high (a mixture of violence, robbing and what not). There are actually only very limited exceptiuons for rescue knifes and who can have them for official duty.

[@royshaul2392]

Ive carried a leatherman multi tool for years …. worth every penny. Quality made and well thought out.

[@anthonymarino4260]

THANKS FOR SHOWING. MENT A LOT TO. ME MADE. IN U. S. A.

[@josephchromemirrors5829]

I'm a heavy equipment mechanic and i bought a Leatherman wave+ a few years ago, just because i noticed all the old guys whip them out all the time, and can have something done before i get back from my service truck with other tools. I loved it so much once i bought it, i went and got another right away, to have one as my everyday pocket knife outside of work. That tool has made, and saved me way money then it cost me to buy. Best thing to have in your pocket by far.

[@dagwood1327]

The camera work, edit and voiceover is a notch better than your normal. 2 notches over everyone else.

[@joefrazzini4246]

Well done Nate.

[@papapetad]

Tell you what...I want one more than I've wanted one before. Came close once or twice but didn't bite the bullet. Now, I'm seriously thinking about it again haha...

[@williamcox8491]

I’ve had one on my person for 20 years and it always comes in handy. Skeletool CX for me, currently.

[@vlogerhood]

The machine you show them exiting at 2:35 is from my employer! We build industrial washing machines and that is the exit of our drum washer!

[@urishima]

Having a Manager or CEO who started out in the actual field is huge. I do networking support in the steel industry and until recently our division head was someone who had no IT background at all, and there was just no appreciation or understanding for topics like getting certified for Cisco and the like. "Just read a couple of books and take the exam, how hard can it be?". Now we've had a merger between actually 3 different companies and our new division head studied IT, worked in the field, had his own IT company, and it's like night and day. You tell the guy something and he gets it. He's been there, done that, and got the lousy T-Shirt. Completely different thinking regarding professional training, how we need to develop our services, and all the rest of it. Not to dump all over the old guys, a lot of them came from the steel industry and of course their main concern was that at the end of the day the furnaces and coil lines and what have you need to spit out product. But with that line of thinking you are very prone to "just fudge it so it works and we can produce stuff", and anyone working in IT who has experienced such an environment knows that it's just a matter of when, not if, when a problem in such an "organically grown environment" pops up that is so deep in the guts of it, it's like trying to continue playing a jenga session that is already half an hour in. No one knows how that thing is still standing, and no one wants to touch anything because it's for sure going to topple over.

[@ForgedClanUK]

It's such a struggle with non engineering based directors in a company. You spend so much time selling your ideas. It's refreshing to see that leatherman have that upper management with the knowledge to just let engineers get on with it. Wish I worked for such a company!

[@onesadtech]

When my pop (dad's dad) passed when I was 18, he left me a little bit of money, and I wanted to get something I would have forever with it. So of course I set out to find a Leatherman. Although my pop never carried one, he always had tools and knives around, and my dad has had a Leatherman as long as I can remember. So I got myself a shiny new LM Surge. Not quite as shiny these days, and the leather case needed a repair (which actually inspired me to get into leather work myself) but the Surge has been on my hip for 90% of my standing time for 11 years now, not a broken tool. Thanks Leatherman, and thanks Essential Craftsman for this awesome look inside such a cool company!

[@LeathermanToolGroup]

Very happy to hear your Surge has been serving you well over the years!

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great video. Great product. Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisallen2005]

I got a Chinese knock off Leatherman for 20 years with my previous employer. The message was pretty clear how they felt about their employees. It went into the metal recycling bin and I hope it is now part of a piece of rebar.

[@JosephHHHo]

I got a real Leatherman for 5 years at my company.... But it's a Micra...

[@TheTitaniumSkull]

I only have the Original Leatherman tool and it is still in use today with minimal wear, Its at that point it can be flicked open and closed like a butterfly knife. It has outlasted the pouch that came with it. I also have the first Gerber version as well and it has also outlasted the pouch it came with. Both are great and each one has its own specific features that make them great, except one issue with the Gerber. Gerber being lock pin forward deploy it is a palm pincher when the pliers slip and the handles slam together. Have no plans to replace either one with any new version considering mine have lasted 30+ years each.

[@michaelc.3812]

I’m a degreed engineer, and I appreciate your appreciation of other engineers. 🤓

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

I am a NON-Degreed Engineer and having spent my entire career in precision metal fab., (and tooling design almost exclusively in my last 5 to 10 years), I also appreciated the emphasis given to the engineers.. The un-sung heros who actually make it happen...

[@aaronmcclain1279]

I like that they included the guys and gals on the floor . Who knows what may and may not work. It takes all of us.

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

I appreciate your appreciation of their appreciation...

[@heywoodjablowme8120]

@@billymacktexasdetective5827 Do you know exactly what the facts is? Do you make your livin' off of the people's taxes?

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

@@heywoodjablowme8120 You must be older like me, everybody always thinks I'm an actual Texas detective🤔. Younger people need to get some Steve Miller Band in their lives...

[@johnfisher4910]

The problem with Leatherman is, they last too long. I've had my same Leatherman since 1995. It's an amazing tool that I can always depend on. Brilliant documentary; thanks for sharing, and keep up the good work!

[@sprky777]

I use mine every day to extreme limits. Definitely stress testing. I break them. I swap out broken tools on the donor until it is almost entirely used up then send it back for warranty work. Then when the repaired or new one arrives I swap out. Carry the newer one and move the most worn to be the donor. I won't go anywhere without my 300. I've bought at least 13 not counting warranty repairs. Sometimes I buy new ones just to keep ahead of warranty repairs or to have upgrades or backups.

[@southernfarmer8526]

Love my leathermans! Saw my first one in cabelas magazine when I was a little kid and wanted to get my dad one. Worked all summer on the farm saving my extra cash and got my grandmother to order it for me for his Christmas present. Almost 30 years ago and he still has it and uses it but mainly keeps it up as a keepsake. I think besides the first one we have about 5 between us. Great quality products!

[@michaelc.3812]

I have a SOG tool as well, which is excellent, and yet my Leathermans (I have several) are terrific.

[@dbag57]

What a great video!

[@petereriksson4405]

I tried several multi tools, but leatherman is the only one that is even comparable to real quality tools. Gerber and SOG has nothing on Leatherman! Well designed and great manufacturing!

[@oldtimefarmboy617]

The biggest problem with most corporations is that the top management have never had to work making or doing what the company makes or does. They are book learned and have no idea what it is like on the production floor.

[@andrewpinson1268]

I was not in the boy scouts, but I have the mentality of "being prepared for anything". Leatherman satisfies that need in me, and it is just cool to have on you. I have four of them, and have given away countless of them. One is almost always on my belt.

[@zil6470]

Peter Parker ??? Spiderman??!!! :DDDD

[@meadowviewlawncarellc8079]

I’d be lost without my leatherman super tool 300. I use it everyday.

[@louispoulain]

Now I want one...thank you !

[@Hanz5000]

Carrying Leatherman for almost 20 years

[@hansangb]

Awesome video! Leatherman was as important as my Tobasco carrier in the army. Such an ESSENTIAL tool!

[@DWGuitar111]

I have a handful of tools I carry to work everyday. A Leatherman will never be among them.

[@Dansplains]

i had a generic multitool for about 15 years until the blade folded on my finger, and I shelled out for a wave and its so good. scissors broke, but oh well. its still very handy.

[@Dansplains]

@@LeathermanToolGroup I use it all the time I don’t want to send it in. Could you just send me a new scissors piece?

[@ElPilosure]

Wow! 25ish engineers? And appreciate a video giving kudos to the profession.

[@44R0Ndin]

I love my Leatherman multi-tool. I carry it with me wherever I go, and I run out of fingers remembering the number of times I've had need of it when I didn't expect it. It really is the next best thing to carrying an actual toolbox around with you, and obviously it's much more compact than that. The knife blade does leave something to be desired, but that's to be expected as it has weight and size constraints on it to fit the small package of a Leatherman tool. Then again, when compared to what I consider to be the previous "revolutionary" design for pocket multi-tools (the Swiss army knife), the knife blade is indeed superior, largely due to the size of it. And mine comes with both a straight and a serrated blade, which is a nice touch. Aside from the knife blade, everything else about the Leatherman I have is a thing that I consider to be perfectly up to the task, provided you keep your expectations in check, you're not gonna cut a whole large tree down with the saw that's provided for instance. Mine even has hardened steel wire cutting jaws in the pliers section nearest to the fulcrum (maybe these jaws are carbide, not quite sure, they're inserts that seem like they would be able to be replaced if damaged in any case). Going back to the knife blade, the fix is quite easy, and there's probably a fair few people who already have the fix even if they don't have a leatherman of their own yet. I simply carry a locking pocketknife with me, mine is capable of saving my life if I get in certain kinds of automobile accident, provided I"m not very injured (it has a seatbelt or nylon webbing cutter, and a tungsten carbide point for breaking tempered glass, these combined are designed to allow you to quickly exit a vehicle in an emergency, for example if the vehicle you are in went off the road and into a river or pond and is sinking, this knife's additional features would let you have a few more chances to live even if you can't force the door open against the water pressure and the windows don't work because the electrical system has shorted out). Additionally, since it's primarily a pocketknife it's both small enough to be able to carry with you wherever you go, and you'll likely have a reason to be carrying it, because even if you don't intend to use a pocketknife as a weapon the frequency of need of "a knife as a tool" is higher than most people realize, for example most of the time I bring out my knife to open up Amazon pakcages that don't have an apparent easy method of opening them included, or to cut down cardboard boxes for recycling, or to help open those AMAZINGLY frustrating heat-fused plastic clamshell packages that so many things come in these days. And yes, I do keep my pocket knife sharp. I was a boy scout long ago, and there were 2 large lessons I took with me for the rest of my life: A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife, and "Be Prepared". Perhaps that last one is why I feel an instinctual need to carry my Leatherman, my pocketknife, and a very bright LED flashlight with me whenever I leave the house, as well as the more normal cellphone, wallet, and keys. The number of times I've thought "Maybe I should stop carrying one of these things" only to have something arise THAT SAME DAY that requires the very thing I was considering no longer carrying is not large, but it's enough times that I've stopped trying to think of something to stop carrying. EDIT: Oh yeah, and you know what the best part of my Leatherman is? The price. I think I paid about $50 for mine, and yes that's not a small price. However, you get what you pay for in spades when you buy a Leatherman, but it's also cheap enough that I wouldn't even bother looking for the receipts for it to make a warranty claim (I've had mine for I think over 5 years now in any case). I'd simply buy another Leatherman that has as close a feature set to the one I have as possible. And that's no matter what goes "wrong" with my Leatherman, aside from things that could be fixed by replacing parts (about the only thing I can see where I'd be able to fix it myself is the hardened steel (or carbide) cutting jaws for cutting things like (thin) piano wire or guitar strings). Aside from that, I'm pretty sure I'd just get a new one (and recycle the old one) because there's probably a new version of the one I have that either has more features or is easier to use or is otherwise improved in one or more aspects.

[@forestcityfishing4749]

Better Leathermans have better blades.

[@44R0Ndin]

@@forestcityfishing4749 Well I was already carrying the pocketknife anyways, so that's what I'll continue to do. I might upgrade the Leatherman at some point, but I'll still have the pocketknife in any case.

[@bryan55622]

I had my leather men for a whole 2 days before I lost it, and in those 2 days it was be best tool I had

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

I live in the Portland Oregon area and I carry a leatherman p2free in my job as a contractor. It’s never a great tool for the job but unlike the other guys at least I have a tool to do the job in my pocket

[@DavidWilliams-tr9gt]

I have the original Leatherman I purchased in the early '80's. Just as good today as then.

[@pepoqoio7973]

Maybe Leatherman could make a edition for electrician with insulated handle. I got very nervous when I saw the guy working on a light with a all metal tool.

[@RayStarbirdHome]

Wonderful video, Nate. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look. I would imagine the overlap of EC fans and multi-tool carriers is 95%+, and I'm certainly one of them. Love my Leatherman Signal, with the knife and pliers easily operated by one hand, a surprisingly efficient saw, a bit driver, and a hammer on one end that I use all the time. My kids think that I can fix nearly anything with that tool. Love to see more of these manufacturer videos. Thank you!!

[@jontheroofer1968]

Thank you so much for taking us into the Leatherman factory! I have been using Leatherman tools in various forms for the last 35 years. For about the last ten years, the Skeletool has been my primary. I carry it literally every single day and use it every single day. I don’t know how in the world I would accomplish the things that I accomplish without it. If I had to choose one thing to absolutely never be without. It would be my Bible. Number two would be my Leatherman :-)

[@climberdad]

Best multi-tool is the one that you have with you. In most cases for me it is a Leatherman wave or supertool 300 and my wife carries the leatherman juice in her purse.

[@livefree1030]

The Free P4 is my EDC. It's my everything. The best part is I am a balisong (Butterfly) flipper by hobby. And the P4 I have learned how to roll combos, and transfer combos.

[@-fazik-3713]

Spiderman woks for Leatherman. Damn!

[@ozarksethic]

Interesting video. Thanks! I started carrying a Leatherman in the Army in the mid 80s and have carried one pretty much daily since. I don't know how many times per day I reach for my Wave but I do know I'm naked without it.

[@leonkane8240]

Great video, I have had Leathermans for 20 years, had a few waves, on my 3rd surge now. Even when I have damaged my Leatherman & was willing to have it replaced or repaired @ cost, Leatherman replaced it free of charge in several instances, which I never expected, given it was my fault. All the more when I have damaged or lost one, I experience a significant sadness & makes me3 more careful to look after it. Not because of its dollar value but because of its intrinsic value of a well designed & made tool from a company that cares about its customer & about making a great tool. A Leatherman will never leave you, take your kids, the house & the car. Melbourne Australia

[@SolasChristusMinistry]

Please design a leatherman for CNC operators. We need torx wrenches for insert change, maybe dykes for cutting away pesky, stringy chips wrapped around the turret, etc.

[@natevanness]

As a Leatherman Tool owner since way back (1980's?) I was impressed with the number of young people in this video making decisions. Looks like the company is in very good hands.

[@Ninja-ct1qs]

My grandpa gave me my Leathermen sidekick when I move out of state. He always said that you always had to have a Leatherman on you in your pocket ready to use. he passed away 1 year ago I will always carry the Leatherman he got me.

[@ry6346]

I don't leave the house without my Leatherman

[@jdkgcp]

Leatherman...the military multi-tool you will never actually need besides the knife blade for cutting open an MRE or some 550 cord, yet everyone buys one and if you do actually need one just ask any random guy standing next to you because they are all carrying one. Even then 9 times out of 10 it's just the blade you need. The military made this company successful. This was almost the start of "EDC".

[@OlivierFaber]

Cool video, thanks. If anyone at leatherman reads this: Europe wants access to the garage too!

[@grantgoldpenny6124]

Very interesting! I’m an emergency department nurse and have used their raptor shears to help get many a critical patient out of their clothes in a hurry.

[@gerardbarraball1]

Bought my Supertool 15years ago.used with care kept it clean,but it has wear on the file,serated knife blunt and the saw also blunt.the knife i have been sharpening myself.i live in Cape Town South Africa and decided to take it to my local leatherman agent.i was very dissapointed.told the guy my file was a bit worn.he tested the file edge with his fingernail and told me it was fine and did not need replacement.i asked him if it was a file or a nail file.his reply was it doesnt matter,that is how they test it.treid to explain that i use it as a file on ally and some plastics and rarely on mild steel.he persisted that file is ok and does not need replacement.then he said it also doesnt matter as they dont have new parts to fit and will do what they can,as the knife is not under garuantee anyway.he said the design is 30 years old and not covered anymore as warranty only 25years.i bought the knife from my neighbers son who was a rep for Awesome tools,the leatherman agent here in Cape town.his father was also involved in Leatherman in management capacity.i asked how can the product be out of warranty if it was bought new 15 years ago.that doesnt seem to matter.told me they might have some second hand components they can try to make it work.Like i said i am very dissapointed,i am believe in the product and have bought various leatherman products as gifts for friend and family.this all transpired this morning and now await the call to collect my Supertool.good product let down by poor service.wanted to spoil myself with a new leatherman tool this December,but think i will buy Victorinox multitool.

[@alexvpaq]

I have a small Leatherman rebar that I've been carrying around for years. That damn knife repaid itself a few times over and endured every possible thing I threw at it. Would not hesitate to get another one if I had to.

[@TheTranq]

Cool video. I personally love leatherman

[@DarkIllusionsxX]

I carry an 80s Leatherman as my EDC, love it to death, really cool to see the factory make such amazing products.

[@mrdddeeezzzweldor5039]

Great story. When Leatherman tools first started to show up on the belts of tradesmen and DIY dads, I thought it was a gimmic which would eventually fade and be replaced by something else. Not the case. An admirable committment to the Leatherman product, a rarity in a cheap and throw-away world.

[@gilgarcia3008]

I spent 25 years working in the water industry in Southern California, and always had a Leatherman tool with me on the job, and about twenty years ago we finally got the company to stock them in our company stores. G Garcia Metropolitan Water District retired!

[@Traderjoe]

I wish they would experiment with making the handles out of aluminum instead of steel to lighten the thing up. I doubt anyone is squeezing the grips so hard that they are exerting enough pressure to come anywhere near the failure point of aluminum. It would shave a lot of weight off the tool.

[@zekeabercrombie3583]

My first Leatherman was the Sideclip back in the late 90's. I used and abused it for years. Replaced it with a Wave. Very innovative, but a pain to carry around. Like another comment I just keep a Swiss knife and pliers close. I wish Leatherman would make a basic tool like my Victorinox Cadet that I can actually carry with me every day. They've become too gimicky and expensive.

[@markadams7597]

Interesting video, Ty. Everywhere, here in south Texas (with a purchasing population twice the size of the Pacific NW) where I shop for multi-tools, Leatherman counter displays and availability is disappearing. Perhaps their ideas have saturated the market, or their concepts are no longer innovative or inviting. Of course, rising costs of product also invite customer exit. The cost of the new Surge selling at Bass Pro Shop on Houston's west side, for example, has increased from $99 to $130 (2019-2022!). I don't know anyone who has purchased the expensive Free system. Here's hoping Leatherman survives its competitive environment.

[@michaelcarroll991]

Peter Parker.

[@Radio_Zombie]

I'm maybe (and hope for everyone else) the "monday model owner". but the leatherman multi-tool I own (and don't use) is of terrible quality. So much that I don't want to use it. All (exclusively) edges are razor-sharp and everything is stiff and extremely unpleasant to use. Yes I could file them down and polish it, take it apart, put some copper-paste in it... but I don't have fun using that tool. it just sits in the bottom of my toolbox as a last resort. Seems like the thing is pressed out of the sheet-metal and no polishing process and love afterwards at all. I purchased a victorinox a while after, and I have to sadly say the quality is 100x better. I really wanted to like the leatherman, but sadly I can't.

[@giuliogemino6407]

Nope. I'm definitely very happy with my Victorinox SwisstoolXplus on board of vehicles completed with a 4"adjustable wrench and with my trusted Victorinox Outrider in my pocket for the outdoor. Lifetime warranty and a top notch swiss company ready to do the extra mile to make me happy. Used and abused in ages and never experienced a problem.

[@mentone35984]

As an outdoor writer I attended an event at a SHOT show many years ago. Tim Leatherman was there and we had a good conversation. Yes, I have purchased several Leatherman tools.

[@esper2142]

I have been tremendously disappointed by the 'Leatherman Garage'. Their marketing budget seems to be taking up most of their funds these days. Even their new 'Tool Maintenance Kit' is simply other products with the Leatherman Logo rebradned onto it. They have a long way to go if they want to catch up to tools like the Swiss Spirit Tool MX. Fix your shit, Leatherman! We miss who you used to be!

[@starclawsgaming]

Really? Swiss Spirit Tool MX sucks. Saw is worse. Blade is worse. Grip and function is funky. The pocket clip isn't held on very well and tends to break. The tapered ends stick out and make the form factor too wide IMO. Too much slop in the pliers. Weak pliers. They tip has a pretty massive gap as well. Plus the tool is just plain ugly. Ugly enough that they feel they have to photoshop it to make it look even more pretty for some reason. Looks so fake.

[@esper2142]

@@starclawsgaming lol worst take ever. I own 10 Leathermans and it smokes them all. Even own the Darkside.

[@absolarix]

I recently got hired on by Canadian Pacific as a Train Conductor. In our first week of classes, our instructor told us to go get ourselves a good quality multitool, such as a Leatherman. When I got out onto the railroad, I started asking my new co-workers what stuff I should get as part of my everyday kit. Just about every time I brought up tools, the name "Leatherman" came up.