The Tool That Changed the World

In the annals of Oregon innovation, few stories compare to that of Timothy S. Leatherman, the mechanical engineering graduate from Oregon State University who transformed roadside frustration into a globally recognized brand. Today, the Leatherman multi-tool is synonymous with versatility and reliability. Its origins, however, trace back to an overseas adventure and one man’s unyielding spirit of invention.

A Spark Ignited Abroad

After graduating from Oregon State University, Tim Leatherman and his wife Chau embarked on a low-budget trek across Europe and the Middle East. It was 1975 and they were traveling in a beat-up Fiat 600 and staying at budget accommodations. Along the way, they experienced their fair share of mechanical hiccups and plumbing misadventures.

Tim, ever the tinkerer, repeatedly found himself yearning for a tool that didn’t exist: something compact like a Swiss Army knife but equipped with a sturdy set of pliers. These misadventures planted a seed in Tim for a new kind of tool — one that could tackle real-world problems without requiring an entire toolbox.

From Concept to Creation

Upon returning to Portland, Tim couldn’t shake the idea. Armed with his degree in mechanical engineering and a deep-seated love for gadgets, he began constructing prototypes in his brother-in-law’s garage. Using scavenged metal from discarded appliances, he pieced together what he called “Mr. Crunch” — a rough prototype that combined needle-nose pliers with other fold-out tools.

After three years of trial and error, Tim secured a patent in 1980.

By this time, Tim had literally poured his heart, soul, and savings into the project. Unfortunately, his invention was met with head-scratching confusion from both the knife industry and the tool industry. Tim’s Mr. Crunch  didn’t fit neatly into any existing category and the rejections piled up.

A Partnership Forged

Enter Steve Berliner into the picture. An old college friend of Tim’s and a fellow Oregonian, Steve recognized potential when he saw it. The two friends joined forces and together turned a dream into a viable business. Leatherman Tool Group was established in 1983 and operated out of a modest office in Portland.

After further refinement, their initial break came in 1983 when Cabela’s, the outdoor outfitter, agreed to order 500 units of the newly named Pocket Survival Tool (PST). The pair hoped to sell 4,000 tools in their first year, and surprisingly they ended up selling nearly 30,000 by the end of 1984.

Scaling New Heights

Demand for the PST exploded. Compact, durable, and endlessly useful — it was perfect for campers, tradespeople, military and everyday fix-it types. It wasn’t long before the Leatherman name became synonymous with utility and dependability.

Two decades later, the Leatherman Tool Group was a powerhouse in the industry with over 20 million tools sold, and revenues exceeding $100 million. As all manufacturing was still performed in Portland, the company remained deeply rooted in Oregon’s proud tradition of craftsmanship and innovation. The company headquarters and factory off NE Airport Way have become symbolic of the Pacific Northwest’s manufacturing heritage.

Innovation at Every Turn

Refusing to rest on their laurels, the company continued to push the envelope. New models such as the Wave, the Super Tool, the Juice, and the Micra expanded the product line. The Wave, introduced in the late 1990s, became a best-seller with its one-handed opening blades and ergonomic design.

2005 saw Leatherman enter the folding knife market, and two years later they opened their first retail store. That same year, Tim Leatherman was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame in recognition of his massive influence on the knife and tool industry.

By 2011, the company had broadened its scope and acquired Ledlenser, a high-end German flashlight manufacturer. Both brands focused on reliability, innovation, and serving people who required high-performance tools, so the joining of the two companies was mutually beneficial.

The Man Behind the Tool

Global success has not fundamentally altered Tim Leatherman. He remains firmly grounded. A proud Oregonian, he speaks modestly of his achievements, and frequently attributes his success to persistence rather than genius. “It has to be perfect; my name is on every tool,” he once said — a sentiment reflected in every product that leaves the Portland facility.

Tim is also committed to giving back. The Leatherman Tool Group has remained an active community member through its educational programs, manufacturing tours, and local sponsorships. Hoping to inspire the next generation of Oregon inventors and problem-solvers, the company has also supported STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) education initiatives throughout the state.

Legacy and Longevity

More than just a business success story, Tim Leatherman’s journey is representative of American ingenuity, the power of perseverance, and the unique spark of the Oregon spirit. Tim’s creativity and  hard work not only turned a travel inconvenience into a revolution in hand tools — it gave birth to a new product, and, in a sense, created a culture of its own.

Oregonians take pride in the builders, the makers, and the problem-solvers. Tim Leatherman embodies all of those traits. And thanks to his vision, countless people around the world are a little more prepared for whatever life throws their way.

So the next time you flip open that multi-tool to tighten a screw, cut a wire, or pop open a bottle, take a moment to appreciate the man and the story behind it — a story that originated with a rattling Fiat and a big idea from a small garage in Portland.