Made of Mettle: The Leatherman Documentary
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Made of Mettle is the unlikely success story of Tim Leatherman, who spent years in his garage engineering and designing the world’s first pliers-based multi-tool. Persevering through skeptics and hundreds of rejections, he finally brought to market the Leatherman PST, and changed, not only his life, but the lives of countless others around the world.
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I've had my Leatherman for decades and a couple years back lost it. My wife found it in our pasture this spring and it was a mess.
I cleaned it up and got most of it working, but could not get the pliers to work. I knew it was probably past it's 25 year warranty, but sent it in to Leatherman for repair with a note that said if there was a cost, to please let me know what it was so i could send them a check. I also said that if it could not be repaired, to send it back, as it was not just some tool, but an old friend. I received it back yesterday as good as new. They not only fixed the pliers, but also all the tools that had been worn from years of use.
I was going to send Tim a personal letter, but when i saw this TH-cam, i could not resist posting so not only he, but others could see what it means to have a company that stands behind their products. Tim, my thanks for the great tools you have created as well as the people in your company who support your fine products. You've a Customer for life....
That dude is a class act and he stands behind every tool that comes out of his shop.
For 25yrs 👍
I never thought a multi-tool could make me cry
I worked at LTG from 97-02 in my late teens to early twenties. I’ll never forget that place. Big monthly production bonuses, year end bonuses, full benefits, 401k, on and on and on.
I’ll always remember him coming down on the floor in his red apron and walking past every machine and talking with every operator. When I got hired on Tim gave every new employee every tool in the line up with our names engraved on the tool.
Every time we would release a new tool we’d all line up in the lunch room by department. Tim would hand us the new tool “with name engraved” and thank you by name. It was really cool.
What a great product and a great man to work for. Thank you LTG.
Thanks for your time with the company!
A job at that factory would probably save me a lot of money... I'm starting to collect Leatherman tools. Lol.
Wow! That’s awesome.
I wanna work there !
What a generous man...amazing
God made the Humans, And Tim Leatherman Makes it Easier for the Humans
"Humans made gods and multitools" - There, I fixed it for you.
@@impact0r Hahaha LMAO
Aye, I agree with you!
I met Tim and Chau at the 35yr anniversary tour, Christchurch NZ this weekend. What a lovely, genuine guy. So down to earth. I used my new leatherman wave to assemble my BBQ the next day.
The man who started the multitool craze! Thank you Tim. I own almost every Leatherman model and have been carrying one daily for 26 years!
I'm cleaning my 20 year old Supertool right now, and after 20 hard years at sea, it's still as good as new. If it is possible to love an object, I love this tool that has been literally at my side during some of the best, and worst, days of my life.
Are you going to try a Surge?
Did it have any rust when you were in sea ?
@@suganraaj2998 no rust ever
I’m surprised you got one to last that long.. after 3 years and lots of freshwater fishing I were them out, gets to the point the pliers no longer work because they’re so loose. Not to mention the rust I get on the knife and pliers. (My fault on that one)
@@marceinthemountains How do you clean it and how frequently, if I may ask? Thanks!
Tim's honestly one of my heroes. I have such huge respect and appreciation for his work.
Same here, Tim is the nicest guy ever. He is a true hero
Same I have a leatherman wingman and I love it feels nice in my hand I use it almost everyday I dont knowbwhat I would do without it
I agree with you.
he seems like a great guy. very modest and unassuming
You guys are devaluing the word "hero" here with these posts. A hero is someone that sacrifices body, limb and life to save others. I believe low testosterone types would find someone geeky like Mr. Leatherman a hero. Get a life boys, the Leatherman is a tool and Mr Leatherman makes money selling tools.
Thanks to Tim perseverance today millions of people with millions of stories around the world around a multitool,(me included) from gilling a barbecue , to fixing my bike in the dessert , With my Wave in my pocket i feel problems less challenging . Thank Tim for dont giving up
dogs eating
@@karlasteel8925 what the dog doin
America 🇺🇸 Happy to spend the money on a great product.
I enjoy watching video's like this. Another classic story of The American Dream. A man with an idea and the vision, determination and work ethic to see it into reality. I am the proud owner of the original Leatherman that I bought at Eddie Bauer back when both companies were getting started. I have since bought about a half dozen Leatherman multi-tools.
As a teacher what I take away from this is something I try to remind my students of every day....Never do the easy thing, all the satisfying achievements in life are hard. It is the hard that makes it great.
Cheers.
FIX THE DAMN BOND!!!!
@@JadeGeminiM390 He did.
Had so many leathermans. Always had it in my backpack. Left so many at airport security. Still got one in my backpack.
The first early models looked rough like iron man Mark 1. Tim is the Tony stark of multi tools
Very nicely put!
I love Swiss Army Knives for their collectibility, but it's a pliers-based Leatherman that's always clipped in my back pocket.
I've got 4 Leathermans....lol
I'm a woman, have three Leathermens tools and a Leatherman knife. Been using them for years. Couldn't live without them.
Don't you have a husband or something? Gosh you must live out in the woods if you can't live without your survival tool. I am curious how are you posting comments on here since you live in the woods?
I've never been without a Leatherman since I was 14... I'm now 34.
Bought a Super Tool in the 90s. It's 2 feet away from me now. It looks like the day I bought it. I am emotionally attached to it. These tools -- some of the best money you'll ever spend. They may last a thousand years.
Over 10 years ago my Mitsubishi broke down in the desert of the Isl Rep of Mauritania 400 km away from the nearest shop and my old Leatherman saved the day and my life probably , thank you for a tool that is never "without power" stands always ready, never needs "an update" with the quality it stands for this wil save many more life's or just for fun in the drawer`s of the office people .
This is how a great company is made, with a very meaningful story that touches the customers hearts so they can continue the legacy of stories with their own Leatherman multi tools.
My grandfather was huge on tools; I can vividly remember seeing around 3 tool boxes in the trunk of his Volvo 240d. At the time, I didn't understand why he carried so many tools. Whenever I had found a weekend project for us to work on, he was always prepared.Why? Because he had the right tools for the job! At 19 years old, I had decided I wanted to follow in his footsteps and save towards a tool collection. My first thought was to buy a swiss army knife, as a replacement for my Leatherman Style CS. Brand speaks for itself, and I knew I could count on a Leatherman tool. So for my 20th birthday, I treated myself to a Wave + finished in Black Oxide. This was my best investment yet! the only thing I wish I had was my grandfather who I would have loved to get a Leatherman tool for. Thank you Tim Leatherman, for your hard work and determination! You've made a huge contribution to our planet! Much love from Jamaica!
Awesome story
We are bombarded with marketing videos everywhere we look, but this documentary has a level of genuineness that I truly appreciate. Great job on the storytelling and videography.
Only have had two Leatherman's lost the first one, the other is almost 20 years. Great for all uses including Aircraft. Used to take it everywhere when I traveled but after 9-11 it now gets a break and stays home. Good design and it doesn't rust like a tool from China.
Such a great and emotionally packed documentary! God bless you Tim.
Please Please Please bring back the PSTII. No other tool does so much in such a small format! I own at least 4 of them, and its my edc tool of choice.
I fixed my body part with Leatherman. I had metal spikes put in my foot in a surgery and they were supposed to stay there forever. However later one started coming outwards and got painful enough to prevent me walking. Surely i reserved a surgery to remove it, but thought i don't want to wait for it, i'm gonna get it done NOW. So i took a scalpel, made a minor cut to skin and pulled out the spike with Leatherman pliers. I believe it was Wave, though i had the original PST before. The relief was instant and i could walk again!
Wow, not sure if thats amazing or crazy but quite a testamonial.
Holy shit! That takes guts!
I can’t recommend anyone perform a surgical procedure on themselves like that, but I am glad it worked.
OMG! Leatherman surgery? You should have been with the group at the cabin telling your story!
Hands down, best Leatherman story, save the one guy that pulled himself from the icey water
My dad bought me my first leatherman (squirt ps4) when I was 10, I can remember working on his car with him and if I could use my leatherman even if it wasn’t necessary i would, I would find any excuse to use it like cutting fruit or carving trees, It brought me so my joy, I am now 19 and it is still going strong and I have added just a few more (6 😝) and I recommend everyone one.
THANKS TIM 😁!!!
Wow. I've carried, loved, relied on, and have my own tales...I could never be without at least one Leatherman every day.
This additional detail of the backstory is amazing. It really fills in a lot. Thank you!
I love my leathermans. I am a ordinary worker in Brasil, and in here leathermans multitools are Very Very expensive. But i prefer to pay that much to have a trusty tool.
My Wave is always ready in my pocket for any situation. Such as my Surge and the bit kit on my hip. Little ideas may become useful thru time. A Leatherman is a pure piece of genius art. Thank you Mrs and Mr Leatherman. Amen. :)
Best multitool and best company to deal with!
Hi from sunny South Africa! Thank you for your perseverance, innovation and great business ethics!
Ps: I use mine multiple times a day in my auto mechanical business and have done so for over 15 years.
Another South African! Howzit :)
Just wondering if you're ever sent a Leatherman in to be serviced locally? And if so, where did you send it?
@@Dandalf42
Howzit
They're in Cape Town and yes they've done about 4 repair/replacements for me on the Leatherman brand.
Look up Awesome Tools... Best service I've ever received!
Noted :) Thanks so much.
How's it choms here I am a year later I have the wave model best damn thing ever neh?
As an avid motorcyclist my favorites are Honda's and Yamahas from the 70's and 80's. While riding my 1974 Honda CB 550 it started to buck and surge then finally died at the side of the road. I did all the troubleshooting I could without disassembly with no success. I then took out my Leatherman, an early style one but not the full sized one, and proceeded to disconnect the throttle and remove the full bank of 4 carburetors. I took my shirt off and, at the side of the road, took apart all 4 carbs and laid all the jets and needles onto my shirt to keep it all clean. I was able to completely remove, disassemble, clean, reassemble, and reinstall all 4 carbs with just that one tool. I canaries it for years before gifting it to a young guy I was working with. Oh, and the bike? It had a dead battery! But damn were those carbs clean!😅😅
Great story telling! I had a good laugh! :)
I'm rebuilding a 1971 CB350, my first bike. Also ordered a Leatherman Surge for my backpack and a Leatherman Wingman for my pocket 🔥
And at the end of the day, the nerds made the world a better place. Who’s laughing now?
Merci leatherman
Merci leatherman
Ça fait 30 ans que j’utilise leatherman et leatherman fait partie de ma vie !
Leatherman fait partie de moi
Merci
Should've kept the name "Mr. Crunch" :-D
in my first year of engineering we had a course called engineering drawings, i remember having to create a simplistic version of a Leatherman tool using a software called solid edge for my final practical exam, the work that goes into designing and creating something like this is extremely thought out and tedious.
I have been a big fan of leathermans for years and interesting to see the back story. Glad I stumbled onto this documentary.
We stumbled upon Leatherman multi tools a while back in London UK. We loved the functionality, style and especially the orange coloured Skeletool. Since then we’ve bought and used a range of their knives and multi tools. It’s really inspirational to see how Leatherman became a world wide name. Great work on putting the documentary together!
I have one Leatherman knife really kept it safely, The Leatherman knife was Safety give by Offshore Rig for Safety Archived. That was a Pride to have a nice beautiful knife by bearing Leatherman mark.
Brilliant, Inspirational and Touching. Well done Tim, Chau and Steve!!!!
Your perseverance & commitment to the products you produce is nothing short of inspiring Tim. I use a wave plus daily in my line of work as a rigger and I look forward to the day I can pass it down to my son.
I was introduced to Leatherman in 1995 by get this "an X girlfriend". and have since owned over 15 (lost a few along the way) . I have owned different models from the orig. to every Juice made. I Even bought a pair of the garden type cutters that were discontinued a few years back. MY FAV.. I love the WAVE.
I have 4 different models of it. And NOW the FREE P4 comes out. My wife is gonna poop her pants when I buy this one. Oh Well, I'll get her some depends and we will all be happy down here in Mississippi
I wish this was longer, and more about the making of the product than about testimonials for it.
@@Gfls00 For some, perhaps. For me, they're just marketing. I can get that anywhere.
I'd rather see more about the process that made the thing, and that's a story only the company can tell properly. I was hoping something titled "Documentary" would go into that background more than it did.
@@moeskido same, don't really want to watch people trying to sell me a product.
I know what they mean exactly about the emotional attachment. I carry my Leatherman Charge TTi daily at work as a Paramedic and on days off. I have had it 10 years and there are so many times it has been the game changer just sitting there on my pocket ready to go. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mr. Leatherman.
Why do I love this so much? Good question I’ve watched it 4 times
Much better than a tic tok. Deeper than a puddle.
Since I got my Wave Plus it has lived with me daily. Thank you Mr & Mrs Leatherman. The only comment I will make about this video is that it is too short. I would like to hear more of the stories both from customers and the Leatherman's.
Love reading all the Leatherman stories here.
If you could be sure to copy your stories and upload them to Leatherman’s website so your story can be preserved and retold indefinitely.
P.s. Add any pictures you may have regarding the story.
I claim to be fan number 23! From my first PST II, to the Signal (that at this moment reach CT from OR)! I have at least a dozen models, even my wife carries two models in her Jeep! Love this tool and have NEVER even looked at the wannabe brands. Not once!
Tim you are my hero. And saver. I have been using leatherman for over 20 years. God bless you and the family.
I'd be lost without my Original Leatherman Supertool. Next to my tractor it is my most important tool. Recently I found a PST with a broken knife blade. After sending in for repair, I received it in like new condition, no charge. Thanks Tim. God bless you and the business.
My father in law passed away one year ago. He was a tradesman, a miner, a hunter, and a "tool guy". As we later cleaned out his belongings we discovered two Leatherman tools. They were very dirty and rough. My wife said he carried them all the time. I worked hard to clean them up... and they both have treasured spots. One sits in our kitchen drawer and gets used for all sorts of repairs. I think of the man that made my wife who she is every time I use it. The other sits in my "go bag"... and I know that in an emergency it would always be 100% ready to go to work. Thanks for a great product!
This is such a Wonderful video of my Favorite company! Thanks so much to those who put this together and for posting!
The only problem with the Leatherman multitool is that every model they produce convinces you that you have to have it! My original model was issued to me while in the Marine Corps in the 1980’s. Not sure if it had a model name, but I think it was the very first version. Served me for 15 years or so, all over the world, in ‘every climb and place’.
Newer versions came out, and I have spent all the years since, buying every new model, with the thought that, “This one is the perfect one!”...which usually lasts for a few months, before I see another model I don’t have...but “Need”.
In the end, I have just about every model ever made, I am pretty sure...But for one!...The very first one that the Marine Corps gave me. It was lost, misplaced, abandoned...and I regret it every day...because, it WAS the perfect one.
I carry a Rebar and/or a Supertool 300 for work. My favorite for casual and recreational is the PST II. Sad to see it is no longer in the line up. Great tools.
I worked at Kodak Company at Brazil. Once a new equipment came and American Technicians came to install it. I am mechanical Engineer. When I saw both guys using it, I asked what is that. They showed me and said it was standard tool for them. Next day I was looking for it. Lucklly I found it on Import Store. I bought A Leatherman Supertool with a Light MagLite . Since then, this tool was on my belt. Some guys from my work made a joke like if I was Scout. But after using so much, my colleagues always came to ask to use it. Formidable, reliable and pretty tool . Thanks for that. My son will have a new one, that's for sure.
This is the most boomer video I have ever seen...and it's beautiful.
What a story?! 👍🏻👏🏻
Great tool! I once helped an elderly woman to not carry her groceries while walking her bike with a back wheel lifted... She'd lost her lock key while shopping, and I ripped the horseshoe-lock off with my Wave! 💪😎
Amazing such a simple idea & nobody decided to do the Leatherman multi tool except this guy, & actually tears are still flowing and started when the passed army guy gave a Leatherman to a relative and said your going to use it & the receiver said for what ? Uncle said for life ,at work in the early 1990's harvesting Japan purchased Alpha in a Huge Field on a quite moment was walking away from the tractor and trailer and looked down and a shiny object was laying there under the stubble it wasn't a Leatherman tool but a finger crunching knock off with Actual Engraving on it Compliments of Aurora Field Services and I've lost a lot of things in my life But not this Tool ,So after finally taking the time to actually come here look Up Leatherman I'm buying the Serge for Life Reasons & be very happy about owing a Real Leatherman tool finally , kinda like the Elvis of Multi tools. Thanks very much From Grande Prairie Alberta Canada.
Thank you for sharing the history Mr and Mrs Leatherman. From an old traveling asian user.
Nothing but respect for Tim Leatherman and his wife. A story of grit and determination.
It blows my mind that microtransactions in a mobile game can cost $100 easily, and they don't give you that much of a benefit in the game.
OR you can buy a leatherman. The effort to create artwork and code some features vs the machinery and knowledge required to create tools.
As a games programmer, I do not understand how it is possible that prices in mobile games are the way they are, when you can get a wonderful piece of engineering like the leatherman instead.
love my original PST such a perfect size to edc and legal to carry in the UK, is it me though or do the more modern tools rust a lot quicker than the old mirror finished ones?
That's a good question. My "Wingman" had some surface rust on it from just sitting in my drawer. I have a PST in a "covert" location underground, but haven't checked on it in years
Bà Châu rất phúc hậu. Thật sự cảm thấy tự hào khi vợ 1 thiên tài là 1 người phụ nữ Việt Nam.
Lúc trước mình sử dụng Leatherman Wave + và hiện tại rất ưng ý với Leatherman Free P4.
I love Leatherman.
My Husband has 15 Leatherman tools. He is just a Cashier at Walmart here in Canada, but he is an Essential Employee. He always has a couple of the tools with him wherever he goes. Because you just never know
Tim Leatherman is an inspiration to many; to me. I've had some of Tim's tools for many years. They just keep on working.
What a beautiful story. It just made me more proud to own my leatherman tools. 😁👍
I bet a lot of those companies who rejected his tool are now profiting of copy cat versions of his tools
I'm glad he didn't sell it to Stanley and it end up being made in China. Now every company that turned him down makes a cheap Leatherman ripoff.
I bought my nephew a Rebar for his 20th. Now he's equipped for life!
Ive always liked Leatherman tools, I literally just purchased the Free P4 and I absolutely love it and think it is worth every dime. After seeing this story it makes me want to purchase more. Proud to support a company that makes their products here and employs Americans.
Always wanted one.. never seemed to get around to buying myself one... I have tools. I work in the trades. After watching this... I'm definitely getting one😁
Leatherman tools are such an ingenious tool. Life is definitely easier with it! Thank you from Nepal
Every project I do one of my many Leathermans or two is doing it. Leatherman for life!
Beautifully made short film. I’ve had my leatherman wave for 20yrs....ain’t broken yet.
Cool vid. I carry a Leatherman wherever i go. One of my weird hobbies is collecting multi tools, featuring primarily Leatherman tools. The tools have bailed me out of some tight situations. I ride my Harley all over america, in a group with other classic bike riders. Sometimes adjustments have to be made on the old bikes and how much can you carry on a 51 Panhead? A Wave or Surge, and a bit kit will cover most stuff, and some kit expansions i have devised myself. It got us through to Sturgis and back from south Texas. I have a historical collection including the original PST new in box never used Marlboro miles edition. The Tool adapter for the original PST , and the tool adapter for the original Wave new in package never used (yes sports fans there are 2 versions of the bit adapter, the Wave adapter being almost impossible to find). I also have the gen 2 wave, Charge ALX with the 2 weird bit drivers and no scissors. The charge TTI gen 2. The wave gen 3 with replaceable wire cutters.Raptor, Micras, Crunch (goes on road trips on bike) bit extenders, 42 bit kit and the smaller bit kits that come with the Charges. I swear by my Leatherman tools. I use it every day and my poor EDC Wave is ready for retirement. I am sure i have a few more i forget at the moment. Since my many motorcycle road trips include camping it is a handy thing to have along.
Man, a real devoté. Continued happy trails!
Thank God for Tim Leatherman, and to hear theses people stories.
From the bottom of my heart thank you leatherman you make something I carry for 9years I love it best thing I have to hand down to my kid one day
Man...! What a story. I'm definitely getting one. Christmas gift... to me😁
This made me cry. It’s the kind of impact I would love to make in the world. He built a tool for people to use in order to have help but it actually had the ability to save lives. It’s awesome.
Thank you sir for invent this tool. I'm from Croatia. I use Surge as my daily tool.. All the time is with me and make my life so much more easy..I wish you all the best.
What a beautiful couple...and as a result, I've gotten a couple of beautiful multi-tools.
Wooh That really a long journey for every effort you had make and great success in History of Leatherman..GOD BLESS YOU AND AMERICA.
until today 30 years long, every day at the belt thereby. if I grasp times into the empty one, because he/it nevertheless somewhere else lies I frighten myself every time. exactly the same as with the car key or smartphone if it is away times. leatherman I need you.
Thank you for never giving up. My leatherman saves my ass everyday! I do not stop recommending them.
I love you sir. Wish I could meet you at least once in my lifetime. You are an inspiration to many young engineering students like me in the world especially to those who loves inventions and multitools. Saving up every penny of mine to get a wave plus hopefully soon.🙂🙏🏻🇲🇾. It’s an honour to create something which not only make people’s lives easier but also save their lives in deathly situations where they could almost lose it. So, thank you Sir Tim for everything. 🙏🏻 You’re a legend.
I was first introduced to Leatherman with my wife who had a multitool issued to her in the U.S Air Force. I purchased a Leatherman Wave in 2009 and proceeded to use it on untold occasions for years to come. I broke the pliers in 2012, using them for unintended purposes. The Company replaced them for free with no questions asked. I also nearly lost my Wife’s issued multitool in 2013 when on a business trip and barely recovered it thanks to a kind hearted customs agent when re-entering the U.S. from a foreign country and forgetting the tool was in my carry-on pack. There has been no real substitute for the amazing versatility and usefulness of their tools that I have found. To this day and I will continue to use and stand by their product in the future. If you use and need a tool that supports your everyday adventures, you would be remiss to purchase anything other than a quality built Leatherman product for the occasion. This video just reinforced my position that there is no other Companies product that can compete with the Leatherman brand. Thank you for your amazing product and for this video of the back story.
Seems like an awesome dude.
My dad gave me his pst about ten year ago and since then I have got several more although I’m only 18 I carry 1 everyday at work
Since my dad got me a PST2 in the 90s ive always had one on me. Your tool have gotten me through the tsunami emergency response and other conflict zones in Africa, N.Africa and South Asia. My 9yr old son wants one after all the stories i told of how i survived doing what i do. Thanks from Malaysia.
The Leatherman tool is awesome. Being a firefighter for 42 years, it is important to have the proper tools to do the job correctly and safely. Many times I had to go out to the truck to get the proper tool - until we purchased the Super Tool for many of our members. Not only did it save time - we had every tool we needed with us to take care of any situation. Also working for the local police department as a civilian, I have used the tool to fix many items, such as staplers, copy machines, printers and electrical outlets. I have been the go to person to help all of the staff with their problems, WAY out of the realm of my working responsibility. But one that puts a smile on many of our employees. Thank you Mr. Leatherman for your perseverance. I look forward to giving my Super Tool to my granddaughter in the future. Thank you again. Mike Kaplan, Firefighter, South Old Bridge Fire Department, New Jersey.
Brilliant man, lovely couple, and wonderful tools. Great video, thanks.
Thank you! I'm only 15 y/o but I got my Leatherman a few years ago and I just love it. It helped me out in many small sitiuations while being in the THW youth (directly translated: Technical Help Department).
I never leave home without mine both on and off duty. Can even count all the times I've needed it.
what a great and inspiring story - full of heart & passion
What can I say, absolutely fantastic tools , &What a great chap Tim leatherman is , bye the way I have 6 different leathermans ,I wouldn't be with out them..
What wonderful stories these are.
The former spec-ops soldier is right! Mr Leatherman is the real deal ;)
I have a SIDEKICK and a SUPERTOOL 200 and love them both. I've carried the ST200 for, I dunno, 30 years? Great video and it makes my tools even more sentimental to me. thank you Tim Leatherman!
Please tell me that I am not the only one balling while watching this. Simply an amazing set of stories and an amazing company!!
They got me 2