Savile Row multitool from 2000, exceptional quality. Leatherman clone. WUT?

[ChopperCharles]

It was sold in a big red tin box. The "brand" name is Savile Row. The packaging says "Made in China expressly for Federated Department Stores, Inc. (c) 2000 SR-4610"

This thing looks like an old Leatherman. It has the Leatherman screws. It's about 4.5" closed, 7" open. There's a nice ruler etched into the handles. The scissors are large and work surprisingly well. The bit driver stores a full sized quarter-inch bit.  It has a nice saw, a well-sharpened blade, a wenger-style can opener, a big pointy needle, and a sewing awl. All the tools lock, and are released. Handle splay is excellent, and everything seems to be finished well. There's not the problem of over-polished tools here.

How did they get away with such a blatant copy back in 2000? Wasn't leatherman suing the pants off of anyone and everyone back then?

Anyhow, this thing is actually really decent. The pliers aren't the strongest design, and they're not great at cutting stranded wire, but the tools are excellent. The bit driver is particularly awesome. It all locks solidly, and with more precision than my Sheffield 12020. I got it to gank the bit driver out to use in a mod... but it's actually such a nice tool that I hate to do that.

So anyhow, anyone know the manufacturer of this? Any history on it? Any idea what model it's copying?



Charles.

[Poncho65]

It is for sure a Supertool sized clone but the tools in it are different It does look like a good copy I unfortunately don't know anything about it though Thanks for the pics and for sharing about it though CC

[ThePeacent]

Oh,  I have the exact same model,
have had it for years.    Probably before my first Leatherman (I guess I got them it the year 2001 or whereabouts)

I like the scissors, they cut well, and as you say the bit driver is excellent. It's flat and easy to carry, my blade came sharp (not Leatherman sharp but it cute things well), and I love that pointy awl/Spike, I've used it a lot.   

I've only had problems with it in regards to rust resistance  , but I have those problems with most tools I carry really, 

Now I have it in one of my toolboxes, and I remember the last time I used it (probably 2014 or so) to pull out a stuck shaving razor from the shower  it did the job just fine 

[Alan K.]

Had one.  Wrote it up here, https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,64539.msg1226592.html#msg1226592

The manufacturer is Factory 2CR in China.  Some of their stuff has been good quality and some has been Meh.  My Savile Row was dull as a butter knife so I guess you got lucky.  I got rid of mine shortly after opening it.  If I remember correctly I paid $11.00 for it and managed to sell it for $20.00.

[clown]

It was sold in a big red tin box. The "brand" name is Savile Row. The packaging says "Made in China expressly for Federated Department Stores, Inc. (c) 2000 SR-4610"

This thing looks like an old Leatherman. It has the Leatherman screws. It's about 4.5" closed, 7" open. There's a nice ruler etched into the handles. The scissors are large and work surprisingly well. The bit driver stores a full sized quarter-inch bit.  It has a nice saw, a well-sharpened blade, a wenger-style can opener, a big pointy needle, and a sewing awl. All the tools lock, and are released. Handle splay is excellent, and everything seems to be finished well. There's not the problem of over-polished tools here.

How did they get away with such a blatant copy back in 2000? Wasn't leatherman suing the pants off of anyone and everyone back then?

Anyhow, this thing is actually really decent. The pliers aren't the strongest design, and they're not great at cutting stranded wire, but the tools are excellent. The bit driver is particularly awesome. It all locks solidly, and with more precision than my Sheffield 12020. I got it to gank the bit driver out to use in a mod... but it's actually such a nice tool that I hate to do that.

So anyhow, anyone know the manufacturer of this? Any history on it? Any idea what model it's copying?



Charles.

Good write up and cool looking tool!
I have to say, though, that your use of "gank" made my evening.   I don't think I've heard that word since that tool was built.  Thanks for taking me back! 

[Exeter]

This very much looks like what's been sold under the Mammut brand name, I'd say it's the same tool just with different branding.

[Alan K.]

If it is from factory 2CR, then I would say it is the same tool with different markings.

[Exeter]

I guess it's from 2CR, and if I squint I think I can see the marking on the photo as well. (I don't have the tool, I found it at my mom's, so I can only go by this pic.)

[ThePeacent]

yes mine has 2CR on the pivot,
I am guessing it's the steel used in the tool   

[Exeter]

yes mine has 2CR on the pivot,
I am guessing it's the steel used in the tool   

Yeah, that's what I was assuming too until Alan said it's the manufacturer.