Leatherman: the multi-tool pliers in all its forms

Leatherman is a renowned brand for its multi-tool pliers. From the first multitool that appeared on the market in 1983 to the latest innovations, the American brand has brought to life the vision of its founder, Tim Leatherman.

   

Table of Contents:

• History of the Leatherman brand
• How to choose your Leatherman multi-tool pliers?
• The different ranges of Leatherman multi-tool pliers
• Our selection of Leatherman multi-tool pliers

   

   

Leatherman was born in Oregon, United States. Tim Leatherman, the founder who would later give his name to the brand, was traveling in Europe in 1975 with his wife Chau. It was during this trip that the young mechanical engineering graduate had the idea to design a multi-tool equipped with pliers. Indeed, during his stay on the European continent, he had to repair his car several times or even fix water leaks in hotels. At the time, he only had a scout knife to perform all these small jobs and repairs. And what he missed most was pliers!

Upon his return, it took him nearly three years to design the first prototype of his multi-tool pliers and file a patent. This "American Swiss Army knife" would take another three years to find a buyer. It was by partnering with his friend Steve Berliner that the future "Leatherman Tool Group" received its first order of 500 tools in spring 1983 for the company Cabela. It was thanks to this company specializing in fishing, hunting and camping that the first Leatherman multitool was marketed: the PST.

  

    

  

  

  

Leatherman classifies its multi-tools by size, which is one of the first selection criteria:

• Pocket format multi-tools "Pocket Tools";

• Keychain format multi-tools "Keychain Tools";

• Pocket format multi-tool pliers "Pocket Size Tools";

• Full-size multi-tool pliers "Full Size Tools";

• Extremely durable multi-tool pliers "Heavy Duty Tools".

  

Among the other criteria to consider when choosing the Leatherman multi-tool pliers that suits you best, we find:

• Weight;

• The number of tools;

• The type of activity targeted (DIY, hunting, camping, mechanics, professional, medical, military, ...);

• Durability;

• The price.

  

The first two ranges are not strictly speaking multi-tool pliers, but only multi-tools, so we will focus on the last three ranges.

   

    

  

Pocket Size Tools

  

The multi-tool pliers in this category, as their name suggests, fit easily in the pocket. They are often equipped with a pocket clip. In the Pocket Size Tools range, we notably find the Wingman, Sidekick and Skeletool CX multi-tool pliers.

   

Full Size Tools

   

Literally translated, the Full Size Tools range groups together Leatherman's large-size multi-tool pliers, which therefore includes the brand's most popular models like the Wave+. Versatile, the models in this range appeal to both professionals (military, rescue services, law enforcement, security agents, technicians, ...) and individuals who enjoy DIY, outdoor sports or those who want to add a tool to their EDC bag. While some of these pliers can also slip into a pocket, it is more comfortable to carry them in a holster, attached to the belt for example.

   

Heavy Duty Tools

   

The Heavy Duty Tools range is not there for show. It includes the most imposing and most robust models from the Leatherman brand like the Surge or the supertool 300. These multi-tool pliers cannot slip into a clothing pocket.

   

   

All Leatherman multi-tools are still designed, manufactured and tested in Oregon, United States. While the Wave+ multi-tool pliers remains the American brand's best-selling product, other pliers are also making their mark.

  

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