Leatherman is unrivaled when it comes to multitools. With over 37 years of providing excellent products and millions of satisfied customers.
They were created in 1983 by Tim Leatherman and Steve Berliner, who recognized a need for a lightweight, portable, and durable multitool. That same year, they debuted their first product, the Pocket Survival Tool (PST), which became an instant hit.
They have offices in Portland, Oregon. The company has grown to sell over 50 products that are sold in more than 80 countries.
Are Leatherman Tools Made in China?
No, Leatherman’s tools are still produced in the United States. However, not every component of their famous multitool is made in the United States.
According to the documents from a 2006 lawsuit filed against them, Leatherman was accused of intentionally misleading customers with claims that the company’s multitool was made in the United States. While this is mostly true, 5 of the some odd 30 parts of their product are made internationally. These countries include Europe and Mexico.
With over 80% of the components still made in America Leatherman can still claim to be “made in America”. To be noted the minimal requirement is 70%.
You can’t blame a company for outsourcing at least some of the cost of production. As long as the quality is maintained then manufacturing internationally is a smart move and can allow companies to grow and created even more great products.
It’s when companies focus solely on profits and outsource almost everything at the cost of the consumer, that’s when you should consider no longer supporting them and their products.
Check out the various products they sell HERE or one of their best sellers below.
The Leatherman Wave is the best tool for most people almost universally. Of course, I’m referring to the New Wave, which replaced the original Wave in 2004 and has since dominated the multitool kingdom.
The Wave is a full-sized multitool with 17 tools crammed into a wonderfully created body that is small enough to carry without a burden.
With 2 pliers, wire cutters, two 420HC knives with one of them being serrated, a saw, scissors, a wood/metal file, a diamond-coated file, and drivers and bits all included.
The Wave is made of 100% stainless steel and comes with a lanyard and leather/nylon sheath. This multitool’s dimensions are 4in long and 2in thick, and it weighs 8.5 ounces. The Wave is available in plain stainless steel or with what I think is a very cool black oxide finish.
There’s a reason why Leatherman’s most popular model has been the Wave for over a decade – the design is fantastic, the quality is great, and it’s an unbeatable value for money.
Don’t get me wrong; Leatherman has more expensive versions for people with a lot of money to spend or have very specific needs. At the end of the day, the Wave’s balance between features, quality, and the price is the perfect combo.