A call to all those interested in sending Leatherman a message.

[Aloha]

Hello fellow MTO members.  If you like me love Leatherman and want to see new and exciting multitools enter the market place then lets make it happen ourselves.  Lets send Leatherman a message that we drive the market and we want them to step up their game.  Tim we'll make you proud if you allow us an opportunity.  What do you say MTO?   

We already spend a great deal of time talking MTs as our hobby.  There have been some amazing creations here on MTO.  We have some very talented designers, thinkers, hobbyists, tinkers, modders, and every other kind of person that if united could change the game. 

Lets choose a tool(s) to "re-design" and design internal implements that are missing from our beloved Leathermans and make it happen. 

These designs/prototypes will be sent to Leatherman for consideration of production.  There are some smart people here that can work out the details on how this MTO will be compensated.

Lets make this happen, tho lets make sure to keep this within the MTO family maybe via PM or other means until we are are ready to send to Leatherman.

Anyone want to change the game? 

     

[irona]

Sounds like a great idea, I'm in!
I'd like to nominate we work on a thinner, more pocket friendly tool: PST, Sideclip, skeletool, etc., as the bulk of Leatherman's lineup tends to be thicker, heavier MTs, and there's very few current production options that can be comfortably carried in the pocket.

[Padre]

I can help, sure. Should we manufacture one as prototype?
How many here does have full equipment workshop?
I do have one with some limitations, like missing plasma cutter.
I also have only access to limited selection of steels.
 

Or just blueprints? AutoCAD needed?
 

Ideas:
Two versions, one bladeless or nonlocking.
Small tool with removable pocketclip.
As thin as possible, probably with long precision pliers.

[dks]

Dear LM,
keep up the good work
We love you.
You can do no wrong
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Aloha]

Dear LM,
keep up the good work
We love you.
You can do no wrong
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Hire DKS as your public relations executive. 

[NKlamerus]

I don't have too many problems with LM. Most of my issues could be solved with a higher quality steel or finish.

I'd be happy if they stepped up their quality control too.

[Etherealicer]

I know most people don't like the SIGNAL but I believe that is the frame of the future!

I would like to have a "Wave III" based on the Signal frame with 4 outside tools. For those not familiar with the Signal, its frame has room for more small-inside tools. Which would basically mean that you get the hammer implement with loosing only one inside tool (can-opener).

So
- "Signal frame" with 4 outside tools
- Drop the serrated blade for outside scissors
- Make the hammer a bit larger, maybe make it more like the hammer on the Mut
- On the inside: Bit-holder, awl, flat-pry-tool without bottle opener (there is already one with the clip), chisel
- Make a bit storage for 2 bits, instead of the firesteel/whistle
- Make a T&T holder in place of the knife sharpener. (better ideas are welcome)

[SteveC]

I'b be more than happy with a mini Surge, how hard can that be Leatherman   

[Kampfer]

My message is simple:
"You want my money, you will have to work hard for it."

[Aloha]

The Signal is a great platform.  Just the other day on my carpet I had a nail sticking up from the tack board and the Signal hammer would have been awesome.  I had my Wave so improvised I did. 

Tofty made a cool accessory for the Wave.  Others have made very nice implements that could easily appeal to many not just us.  I'd like to see Mini Surge as well ( I made my own ). 

[Aloha]

I don't have too many problems with LM. Most of my issues could be solved with a higher quality steel or finish.

I'd be happy if they stepped up their quality control too.

We'd all be happier.  The one thing we often hear is " Is this normal on my ( Add Leatherman tool ) wobbly, sharp corners, hard to open, etc. 

 

[alexTOOL]

The Signal is a great platform.  Just the other day on my carpet I had a nail sticking up from the tack board and the Signal hammer would have been awesome.  I had my Wave so improvised I did. 

Tofty made a cool accessory for the Wave.  Others have made very nice implements that could easily appeal to many not just us.  I'd like to see Mini Surge as well ( I made my own ).

Could you post it? 

[dks]

where is tofty?

[Aloha]

The Signal is a great platform.  Just the other day on my carpet I had a nail sticking up from the tack board and the Signal hammer would have been awesome.  I had my Wave so improvised I did. 

Tofty made a cool accessory for the Wave.  Others have made very nice implements that could easily appeal to many not just us.  I'd like to see Mini Surge as well ( I made my own ).

Could you post it? 

Surge Blade Exchanger, Victorinox Scissors, Surge Awl modded to fit.  If I had a spare Rebar plier head thats what I'd do next. 
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69042.msg1374593.html#att291281

[gregpost]

Who knows what Leatherman's strategy or market research says. Are they trying to sell more and more tools to a smaller number of enthusiasts, who already own many of their older tools, or are they trying to increase their user base and sell tools to people who are not the typical Leatherman customer.

[WoodsDuck]

Who knows what Leatherman's strategy or market research says. Are they trying to sell more and more tools to a smaller number of enthusiasts, who already own many of their older tools, or are they trying to increase their user base and sell tools to people who are not the typical Leatherman customer.

Probably the latter. The Tread is evidence of that.
The Signal as well, to a lesser extent. That one was a more focused attempt to cash in on the bushcraft trend we've seen growing for several years.
Both are examples of tools that seem to be more about the "cool factor" of owning them than anything else. I'd wager that outside of MTo and a select few other groups of enthusiasts, most Tread and Signal owners get a lot more mileage telling people "look at these neat features" than actually using said features. Either way, Leatherman makes money. And if the customer doesn't actually use the tool, there's less chance of it breaking and requiring warranty service, which I'm sure also increases Leatherman's bottom line.
Guess my point is that catering to enthusiasts probably doesn't feel like a smart business decision by comparison.

[Old Boy]

Man, I would love an updated Mini Tool. There are some great mods here that maybe we send out pics as examples. Royalties due of course👍 To those folks.

[Demel]

I know most people don't like the SIGNAL but I believe that is the frame of the future!

I would like to have a "Wave III" based on the Signal frame with 4 outside tools. For those not familiar with the Signal, its frame has room for more small-inside tools. Which would basically mean that you get the hammer implement with loosing only one inside tool (can-opener).

So
- "Signal frame" with 4 outside tools
- Drop the serrated blade for outside scissors
- Make the hammer a bit larger, maybe make it more like the hammer on the Mut
- On the inside: Bit-holder, awl, flat-pry-tool without bottle opener (there is already one with the clip), chisel
- Make a bit storage for 2 bits, instead of the firesteel/whistle
- Make a T&T holder in place of the knife sharpener. (better ideas are welcome)

^^^^^I would buy that without a doubt

Hello fellow MTO members.  If you like me love Leatherman and want to see new and exciting multitools enter the market place then lets make it happen ourselves.  Lets send Leatherman a message that we drive the market and we want them to step up their game.  Tim we'll make you proud if you allow us an opportunity.  What do you say MTO?   

We already spend a great deal of time talking MTs as our hobby.  There have been some amazing creations here on MTO.  We have some very talented designers, thinkers, hobbyists, tinkers, modders, and every other kind of person that if united could change the game. 

Lets choose a tool(s) to "re-design" and design internal implements that are missing from our beloved Leathermans and make it happen. 

These designs/prototypes will be sent to Leatherman for consideration of production.  There are some smart people here that can work out the details on how this MTO will be compensated.

Lets make this happen, tho lets make sure to keep this within the MTO family maybe via PM or other means until we are are ready to send to Leatherman.

Anyone want to change the game? 

     

Great idea Aloha. should we start sending emails to Leatherman with the link to this thread?

[Etherealicer]

Here is another idea... since LM seems to like making half a tool
Instead of making a knife like this, make a "Surge-Blade-Exchanger" that would be a great / compact companion to any MT/SAK

[tosh]

I would be interested.

BLUNT nose pliers is my #1
Followed by trade specific built MT's i.e Electricians, Joiners, Mechanics etc etc.

So so tired of seeing the same dull and dreary layout time after time, after 30yrs you'd think LM would have covered these bases already.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Rather than handle this by PM, we can create an invitation only secret forum here if that's what the crowd would like.  It would only be viewable by members that want in on it.

Aloha, if you want to chair this committee (no good idea goes unpunished, or pick someone else to do it) I would be happy to force Micah to get it set up.

Def

[Aloha]

I think PM is best as many members have some great ideas and clearly we have lurkers.

I was thinking a "board commitee" would be best and count me in for sure. 

All those interested add name to list

1. Aloha007 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Lurkers wouldn't see this board.  That's the point.

Def

[Poncho65]

I am intrigued by this idea and would like to see how this goes  

[Aloha]

Lurkers wouldn't see this board.  That's the point.

Def

I should have said SPIES.   

[plowjockey1]

Good idea Aloha.

We could call it the LM Trump!

Seriously though we all have different ideas, one I had was why not have a removable file so it could sharpen the blade?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Lurkers wouldn't see this board.  That's the point.

Def

I should have said SPIES.   

The only ones that would see it are the ones YOU (or whoever is looking after it) tells me can see it.  Invitation only, hidden from the general public and registered embers unless they are approved by the Board Committee.

You can't attach files to PM's, so that would hamper sending pictures and things back and forth.....   

Def

[detron]

I agree with this idea.

if there is a hidden forum, I want in   

[SteveC]

I agree with this idea.

if there is a hidden forum, I want in   

Me too 

[ToolJoe]

They should put replaceable cutters on the Crunch!