Now I finally understand what Tim Leatherman said to me!

Huntsman · **on:** October 06, 2025, 01:49:33 AM

Hi Team,

I had the very great pleasure (along with Pietervn) of meeting Tim Leatherman when he visited Sydney on the LM 35th anniversary tour in 2018. Met him twice actually - During the daytime, at a pop up for the public, in Martin Place in the centre of Sydney, then in the evening, for invited guests, at the Museum of Contemporary Art - An amazing location with stunning views over Sydney Harbour right opposite the Opera House.

Both were amazing experiences and Tim was as wonderful, humble, interesting, friendly, and gracious as ever
- And of course I got of few of my tools signed

He made a very nice speech and there were questions - Of course the most prevalent was "What are in the plans for Leatherman's future?". He gave a somewhat cryptic answer which was: "We are going to get into 'Lifestyle products" (or maybe it was tools? - Cant quite remember - But definitely lifestyle).

I was a bit puzzled and the next year (I think) - The Free series came out - Did not quite reconcile that with his comment - But fine!!

Now the Arc and New Wave and single blade products are out - I think I finally understand what he said .... (I think .... maybe?

)
LM are now going for high end, designer (if you wish!), expensive products that make a statement about your lifestyle.
As opposed to the lower end tools for the common man or worker/tradey.

And coupled with recent trends - eg low end competition from China, if not completely MAGA (but possibly a little bit) - But certainly MIA - This also fits in with what he said. (NB. This is a commercial not political discussion! - So please don't take this thread that way) - I am talking about decisions LM have made; ie 'Made In America' is a good thing and important to many people - not just USAians, when it comes to quality tools.

What do you think?

PitCarver · **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2025, 02:10:03 AM

If it comes to Leatherman vs an excellent Chinese import, I'm afraid that China gets my money.
I'm sure that the importer and retailer will get a bit of my cash, in the end. I simply can't afford too many Leathermans these days.
That being said... My OG SuperTools and Micras are still plugging away at my lifestyle and probably will be after I'm gone.

LoopCutter · **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2025, 03:55:15 AM

I read into his statement of being a LIFESTYLE , slightly different. In 2018, the world was not expecting the COVID event, the development of MAGNACUT STEEL and Cost associated with such a product.

I suspect his meaning may have meant, “he was not worried about those that copied his work”, or competitors making products that shared his shelf space. He was making a statement “that Leatherman would continue to be innovative and introduce new designs, methods, products, and ride the forward edge of the product WAVE, not being a company that would be an also provider!”

If you consider, the Leatherman Pocket Survival Tool did create an entirely new tool category. He was the first to bring to market successfully, even though others thought about and attempted, he did deliver simplicity that consumers bought.

Just my view, yet I really am impressed you were there and recall your experience. Plus shared the insight you have considered for 7 years. How our worlds have changed!!!

Huntsman · **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2025, 11:04:00 PM

Good points both !

And yes LC - I had not sat down and thought about it - But the world is a very different place now compared to seven years ago.

I do remember a very wise friend of mine once giving me advice about a job interview - I was pondering over the question that you often get asked in interviews: "Where do you see your self in five years time?".
You kind of think you have to give an answer brimming with ambition, and all these things that you will have achieved in five years!
His advice was never look beyond two, even one, year, as you never know what is going to happen, and what (external) factors may affect you.

For me this turned out to be true - I was living in Scotland in the UK and loving my life. A large English company took aver the Scottish supermarket company that I was working with - And that was the end of my job! Scottish head office closed down, Huntsman not needed any more

So major change in my life - Which all turned out OK in the end, but was certainly a major blip and totally unforeseen.

Moral of the story:
Always be flexible with your plans and be prepared for the unexpected. And this certainly applies to commercial companies

LoopCutter · **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2025, 11:29:58 PM

Even more impressed. Scotland to Australia!

That is a VERY BIG adjustment!

I was fortunate, I was able to work my way from my spot here in NE Indiana since completing tech school. Saved my kids from the relocation woes. And my reward, awl my kids still live in the area, three within a couple miles, the fourth across the county. Yet close.

Venture capitalists pulled the rug out from under me, salary to much, but then begged me to come back a year later to repair what they broke.
Took 3 years, then did it it again. So I then migrated to different industry and was a very good worker bee.

tosh · **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2025, 10:31:43 PM

So basically male jewellery??

Righto

fullbreakfast · **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2025, 06:22:30 PM

I can see the logic, it doesn’t make sense for LM to try and compete with the Chinese manufacturers on price, and now the better Chinese firms are getting competitive on quality and /or innovation too, where can LM go but upmarket? They have a brand with recognition, that they maybe can leverage into luxury / collectible / designer products. If over a million people every year will pay $10,000++ for a Rolex, there must be quite a few who would happily drop $300-500 on a chichi multitool.

All this takes them further away from what interests me personally. I just hope they retain a line of more realistically priced tools for people who might want to actually use them.