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Common Leatherman Tool Questions and Answers
Leatherman Tools 101
Which Leatherman Tools are Made in the USA?
Since Tim Leatherman, namesake of Leatherman Tools and creator of the first pliers multi-tool, created his first prototype tool in 1983, every Leatherman Tool has been proudly made in America. The Leatherman Tool factory is in Portland, Oregon.
Some of the Leatherman pouches and accessories are not made in America, but all of the tools themselves are made in Oregon.
Learn more about the Leatherman Tool story: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/blogs/the-cutting-edge/the-leatherman-tool-story
What are Leatherman Tools Made Of?
Leatherman Tools are made of 100% high-grade stainless steel. (With the exception of the screw bits for the tool adaptor, which are made of tool steel.)
The steel Leatherman uses to manufacture its tools is corrosion-resistant, but not fully rust proof. This is because, when metal alloys are created, durability and corrosion-resistance must be balanced. (The more corrosion-resistance, the less strength, and vice versa.) The stainless steel Leatherman Tools are made of has exceptional strength and edge retention and is somewhat corrosion-resistant, as strength is of paramount importance for rugged tools such as Leatherman.
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
How Many Different Leatherman Tools are There?
Though the Leatherman Tool company was founded with the invention of a single tool, The Leatherman PST, the Leatherman range is now large and diverse. There are almost 40 different models of Leatherman tools and knives made at this time. They vary in complexity from the models with 21 implements, such as the Surge and the Super Tool 300 to the 4 implement Raptor Response.
If you are looking for a Leatherman Tool with a specific tool or implement or combination of implements included, Swiss Knife Shop’s tool-finder will help you narrow it down to the perfect Leatherman for your needs. Simply click the tools you need from the “Tool Finder” column and your options will appear.
Find the perfect Leatherman Tool with Swiss Knife Shop’s Leatherman Tool Finder: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/all-leatherman-tools
Do Leatherman Tools have a Lifetime Warranty?
Leatherman Tools are backed by the legendary Leatherman 25-year warranty, which covers any damage or issues that arise during normal use. Leatherman services all Leatherman Tool warranty claims and repairs, and details can be found on their site’s warranty page.
For help with more details on Leatherman Tool warranties, please feel free to reach out to the customer support team at Swiss Knife Shop (customer.service@swissknifeshop.com or 866-438-7947) and let our team of Leatherman tool experts guide you.
Who Sells Leatherman Tools? Where Can I Buy a Leatherman Tool Near Me?
Swiss Knife Shop is an authorized Leatherman retailer. We have been selling Leatherman Tools since 2004, and offer a comprehensive selection. Swiss Knife Shop also offers custom engraving on our complete lineup of Leatherman Tools.
Swiss Knife Shop offers free standard shipping on all orders of $20 or more, and has several expedited shipping options if you need to buy a Leatherman Tool and have it in hand quickly.
Shop the Full Leatherman Line: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/all-leatherman-tools
Why are Leatherman Tools Expensive?
Leatherman Tools are made in the United States (Oregon, to be specific), and are manufactured using 100% high-grade stainless steel. American manufacturing and high-quality materials, while they do make Leatherman tools more expensive than some of the competition, also lead to durable, rugged, tools that stand the test of time. Leatherman tools are also backed by Leatherman’s legendary 25 year warranty.
When you purchase a Leatherman, you are buying a tool that will stand the test of time and be by your side for years to come.
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
When did the Leatherman Wave Come Out?
The original version of the Leatherman Wave was first launched in January of 1998 at the SHOT (Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade) Show. As Leatherman’s first tool with outside-accessible tools (tools that could be opened while the pliers were closed), the Wave quickly grew to become Leatherman’s bestselling multi-tool.
In 2004, Leatherman improved upon the functions that made the original Wave the indispensable tool it was, by making the Wave’s knife blades and wire cutters longer and pliers stronger. Leatherman also made the Wave’s blades all locking blades at this time.
In 2018, the Wave got yet another make-over and update. This newest iteration of the Wave, called the Wave+, includes replaceable wire cutters.
The Wave+ still holds the title of bestselling Leatherman tool.
Shop the Leatherman Wave+: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-wave-multi-tool
When was the Leatherman Tool Invented?
The first Leatherman Tool was invented following Tim Leatherman’s (yes, there is a Leatherman!) 1975 trip to Europe. The first Leatherman Tool, the PST, was first produced in 1983. The PST was sold as the Leatherman Tools flagship product until it was retired in 2004. The Leatherman Wave+ is now the bestseller, and the flagship Leatherman Tool.
Read the entire origin story of the invention of Leatherman Tools and their evolution in our Blog post: The Leatherman Tool Story: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/blogs/the-cutting-edge/the-leatherman-tool-story
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
Do Leatherman Tools Have Serial Numbers?
While standard run (non-limited edition) Leatherman Tools do not have unique serial numbers, all Leatherman tools manufactured since November 1992 have date code numbers stamped inside their handles. These numbers are four-digit codes which indicate the month (first two digits) and year (second two digits) the tool was manufactured. (For example, 1192 would indicate the tool was made in November of 1992.)
To view your Leatherman Tool’s date code, shine a light inside the handle area while the implements (blades, etc.) are pulled out. The numbers can be tricky to spot, but are generally located close to where the tools swivel out of the handle.
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
What are the Tools on a Leatherman Tool?
Leatherman Tools have the option of dozens of implements, depending on the model. The most iconic of the Leatherman implements is the full-sized pliers, which also often have built-in wire cutters. Other very popular Leatherman Tool implements include bit drivers, bottle openers, cutting hooks, files, knife blades, saws, scissors, screwdrivers and wrenches.
If you are looking for a Leatherman Tool with a specific tool or implement or combination of implements included, Swiss Knife Shop’s tool-finder will help you narrow it down to the perfect Leatherman for your needs. Simply click the tools you need from the “Tool Finder” column and your options will appear.
Find the perfect Leatherman Tool with Swiss Knife Shop’s Leatherman Tool Finder: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/all-leatherman-tools
Which Movies and TV Shows Have Leatherman Tools Been Featured In?
Leatherman Tools have been used by characters on a long list of movies and TV shows. Here’s a list with a few examples of movies and TV shows featuring these iconic famous multi-tools. Many TV series (such as “Homeland” and “Sherlock Holmes” use Leatherman tools in multiple episodes over their run.
2007 – The Leatherman Wave is used in the opening scenes of the horror movie “28 Weeks Later”
2007 – The ballistics expert of “CSI: Miami” breaks out a Leatherman Wave during an investigation.
2010 – A Leatherman with a “custom” add-on of a magnifying glass was used by Iles to perform an autopsy on Rizzoli and Iles.
2011 – An old computer panel is removed with a Leatherman Charge on the SyFy show “Eureka.”
2012 - A custom black and orange Leatherman Charge was used by the villain on an episode of “Bones”
2012 – 2017 - A Leatherman was spotted in multiple episodes of “Duck Dynasty.”
2013 – Moriarty carves a message in an apple for Sherlock Holmes with a Leatherman Squirt in BBC’s “Sherlock Holmes”
2014 - The Leatherman MUT is in “Helix,” Season 1, Episode 13
2016 – Matthew Broderick’s character pulls out a Leatherman Wave to cut wires on a circuit breaker panel in the movie “Deck the Halls”
2018 – A Leatherman PST can be spotted in “Bumblebee.”
2018 – Raymond Reddington of “The Blacklist” pulls out the Leatherman OHT to escape an armored car.
2019 - A Leatherman Sheath can be spotted on the Dwayne Johnson’s (the Rock’s) belt in the movie “Rampage.”
2020 - Leatherman Tools were used by US Special Forces Medics in “Alone: Season 8” while they were waiting for their medical equipment to arrive.
Ongoing – “Mythbusters” use Leatherman tools in many of their experiments.
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
Finding the Right Leatherman Tool
Which Leatherman Tool is the Best?
Each Leatherman Tool has a specific feature set, and choosing the Leatherman that is best for you depends on what you are looking for.
The Leatherman Wave+ is Leatherman’s bestselling tool of all time, as it has a comprehensive, multi-purpose collection of features that are useful in a wide range of settings – from the campsite to the hunting stand to DIY projects around the house.
Shop the Leatherman Wave: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-wave-multi-tool
For those who want to be equipped with a rugged pliers multi-tool, but don’t want to be weighted down with a full-size tool, the Leatherman Skeletool is a great option. With 7 essentials from blade to pliers and bit driver, the Skeletool is only 5 ounces, making it the best Leatherman Tool for keeping things light on the trails or the job site.
Shop the Skeletool: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-skeletool-multi-tool
First responders and other medical professionals reach for the Leatherman Raptor Rescue or Raptor Response, a unique combination of medical shears and multi-tool.
Shop the Raptor: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-raptor-medical-and-emergency-shears
If camping and outdoor adventure are your go-to activities, the Leatherman Signal multi-tool is the best Leatherman tool for you. This innovative pliers multi-tool includes outdoor implements such as a fire starter and distress whistle.
Shop the Signal: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-signal-outdoor-multi-tool
The Leatherman FREE series tools are high-end tools with the best comfort, durability and ease-of-use. All the implements in FREE tools are one-hand accessible and click into place with a snap. These FREE series tools have the most elegant finish and finest crafting.
Shop Leatherman FREE Multi-tools and Knives: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-free
If you are looking for a Leatherman Tool with a specific tool or implement or combination of implements included, Swiss Knife Shop’s tool-finder will help you narrow it down to the perfect Leatherman for your needs. Simply click the tools you need from the “Tool Finder” column and your options will appear.
Find the perfect Leatherman Tool with Swiss Knife Shop’s Leatherman Tool Finder: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/all-leatherman-tools
Which Leatherman Tool has the Most Tools?
The Leatherman Surge is the Leatherman with the most tools. This pliers multi-tool has 21 tools built in, and is the largest Leatherman. In addition to being packed with tools, the Surge is also the largest Leatherman with the largest pliers and the longest knife blade. Closed, the Surge is 4.5 inches long, and the primary knife blade is 3.1 inches.
Shop the Leatherman Surge: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-surge-multi-tool
Second to the Leatherman Surge, the Leatherman Super Tool 300, Signal, FREE P2, Charge + and Charge+ TTi all have an impressive 19 tools.
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-a
ccessories-parts
How Many Different Leatherman Tools are There?
Though the Leatherman Tool company was founded with the invention of a single tool, The Leatherman PST, the Leatherman range is now large and diverse. There are almost 40 different models of Leatherman tools and knives made at this time. They vary in complexity from the models with 21 implements, such as the Surge and the Super Tool 300 to the 4 implement Raptor Response.
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
What is the Best Leatherman Tool for Fishing?
While many Leatherman Tools would be a great help on the river or deep sea fishing boat, a few stand out. The Leatherman Skeletool has outside, one-hand accessible tools, so you don’t have to put down your fishing gear (or your fish!) to deploy your Leatherman.
The razor-sharp scissors and strong pliers of the Wave+ make light work of slicing fishing lines and crimping barbs. As with the Skeletool, the Wave+ also has some one-hand opening tools to keep your other hand free for important fishing gear.
The Leatherman Signal, another favorite Leatherman Tool for fishing, is an ideal companion overall for outdoor adventures. In addition to a one-hand opening blade and pliers, the built-in carabiner allows you to keep your tool securely at hand, even in rough waves, and the fire starter can help you prep the camp fire to enjoy the day’s catch.
Shop Swiss Knife Shop’s collection of Leatherman Tools for Fishing: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-for-fishing
The Leatherman Super Tool vs.Leatherman Surge: A Side by Side Comparison
The Leatherman Surge and the Leatherman Super Tool 300 are both rugged, well-equipped multi-tools that measure 4.5 inches long when fully closed, but they do have a few key differences. Overall, the Surge is heavier and has more implements than the Super Tool. In addition, the Surge has two key ease-of-use features.
The Leatherman Super Tool 300 has 19 functions, including replaceable wire cutters, long blades (the primary blade is 0.1 inch longer than that on the Surge) and needle nose pliers. The Super Tool weighs in at 9.6 ounces. Implements on the Super Tool 300 that are not on the Surge are the medium screwdriver and the Phillips screwdriver, (which are both included as removable bits for the Surge).
The 21-function Leatherman Surge is a bit heavier at 12.5 ounces, and includes 4 implements not on the Super Tool 300: spring-action scissors, a diamond-coated file, a large bit driver and a blade exchanger. The blade exchanger and bit driver add even more versatility to this pocket tool box, increasing the possibilities and customization of the Surge.
In addition to the functions themselves, the Leatherman Surge adds on many outside-accessible features that can be opened without fully opening the tool’s handles, and a one-hand opening blade and saw that can be deployed without the need to put down objects in your other hand.
Both the Leatherman Surge and the Leatherman Super Tool 300 are extremely popular and well-rated pliers multi-tools. Choosing between the two comes down to weight, functionality, cost and personal preference.
Shop the Leatherman Super Tool 300 at Swiss Knife Shop: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-super-tool-300-multi-tool
Shop the Leatherman Surge at Swiss Knife Shop: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-surge-multi-tool
Is There a Leatherman Tool Without a Knife?
The Leatherman Knifeless Rebar Multi-tool is a rugged but lightweight tool with 16 locking tools. Among these 16, however, is not a knife blade, making it the ideal multi-tool for doing serious work in situations where a knife blade is not permitted.
Shop the Leatherman Knifeless Rebar: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/products/leatherman-knifeless-rebar-multi-tool-with-standard-nylon-sheath
Which Leatherman Tools have a PocketClip?
Many Leatherman Tools come with a pocket clip to always keep your Leatherman securely in place and within easy reach. Leatherman models with a pocket clip include the Wingman, Sidekick, Raptor, Charge, Bond, FREE series, and more. Many of the tools’ pocket clips are removable for added flexibility.
Shop our entire collection of Leatherman Tools with a pocket clip at Swiss Knife Shop: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-with-pocket-clips
How do You Identify a Leatherman Tool?
First, to determine if the Leatherman Tool is authentic, look very closely inside the handles (shining a light can be helpful) down where the tools swivel out. In this area, there should be a four-digit code that indicates the four digit date and year code of the tool’s manufacture. All genuine Leatherman Tools made after November of 1992 should have this code.
Next, if it is a pliers multi-tool, the Leatherman name will be printed on the base of the head of the pliers.
Once you have identified that you have a genuine Leatherman Tool, there are a few ways to go about identifying it.
Many Leatherman Tools have the model name directly printed on the handles of the tool itself. If this is not the case, you can identify a Leatherman Tool or knife based on the implements included.
The easiest way to do this is to use the Swiss Knife Shop Leatherman Tool finder to check off all of the tools you see on your Leatherman. As you select each tool, the Leatherman Tools with ALL of the matching features will appear on the results page.
If your Leatherman is an older, retired model, you may be able to compare it to the items on Leatherman’s website’s retired tools page.
Identify your Leatherman Tool with Swiss Knife Shop’s Leatherman Tool Finder: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/all-leatherman-tools
Leatherman Tool How To and Maintenance
How Do You Open Leatherman Tools?
The individual implements of a Leatherman Tool such as the blade, screwdrivers, etc. are all tucked into the handles of the tool. To open them, simply pivot them out until they are fully deployed. In some cases, such as on the Leatherman FREE series tools, these implements have a slot along the top that makes them easily opened with one hand.
On some models of Leatherman Tool such as the Sidekick, some of the implements are on the inside of the tool’s handles when the tool is fully folded closed, requiring you to separate the two handles to access them; while on other models of Leatherman Tool, such as the FREE P-series, the implements can all be deployed while the tool is completely folded closed.
To access the iconic pliers of a Leatherman multi-tool, pull the two ends of the handles away from each other on the end where they are not joined and swing them completely around. You’ll find yourself holding a full-sized set of pliers, often with built-in wire cutters.
For help with more details on how to open a Leatherman Tool, please feel free to reach out to the customer support team at Swiss Knife Shop (customer.service@swissknifeshop.com or 866-438-7947) and let our team of Leatherman tool experts guide you.
How do You Use a Leatherman Tool?
Leatherman Tools have a wide variety of implements suited for everything from DIY to camping, hunting and fishing. To use a Leatherman Tool, select the implement you need, open it up, close the handles back up, and get to work.
How do You Maintain and Clean a Leatherman Tool and Remove Rust?
The handles and all of the implements on Leatherman Tools (with the exception of the screw bits for the tool adaptor) are made of 100% high-grade stainless steel. This stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, but not rust-proof.
The best way to keep your Leatherman tool in good working order is with regular care. If it is exposed to any harsh environment or salt water, it’s a good idea to rinse it in fresh water, dry it thoroughly and lubricate the pivot points with a light oil such as WD-40.
If your Leatherman tool does show signs of rust, there are several cleaning methods. The most effective cleaning method for your Leatherman will depend on the type of exposure the tool has had.
To get moisture out from the joints and small areas of your Leatherman, use a low viscosity oil such as WD-40. This will replace the water or other liquid with a lubricating oil that won’t cause rust or corrosion.
If the pivot areas such as the base of the implements are sticky and slow to move, a PTFE/Teflon-based lubricant will get things moving smoothly again.
If the surface of your Leatherman Tool is stained with rust, it can be buffed out with a polishing cloth or non-metallic abrasive such as a soft bristle brush.
Sometimes, with a lot of use, dust, dirt, debris and/or sticky substances can accumulate within the handles between the knife blades and other tools. If this is the case, clean your Leatherman Tool in a mild solution of soap and water. Please be sure to dry the tool as thoroughly as possible after its bath.
If your Leatherman has put in a hard day of work and has tar or other similar substances stuck on, turpentine or other mineral spirits should remove it. NOTE: Do not use acetone or brake cleaner, which can damage certain components of the tool.
Victorinox makes a multi-tool knife oil that keeps things lubricated and is well-suited to maintaining the pivot points of a Leatherman tool: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/products/swiss-army-knife-oil
Shop All Leatherman Tools: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/leatherman-tools-sheaths-accessories-parts
How do You Sharpen a Leatherman Tool’s Blade?
Straight-edged Leatherman Tool blades may be sharpened with any standard sharpening method, including whetstones, rods and sharpening kits. The standard blade angle on a Leatherman Tool is 32-degrees (16-degrees on each side.)
Serrated Leatherman Tool blades, which have a single-sided angle of 20-degrees, must be sharpened using sharpening methods and tools specifically designed for serrated blades to avoid damaging the serrations. They may only be sharped o the edged side in order to maintain the effectiveness of the blade.
Shop Knife Sharpeners at Swiss Knife Shop: https://www.swissknifeshop.com/collections/sharpeners-for-leatherman-tools-and-knives
