Post by: NeitherExtreme on June 09, 2007, 02:35:17 AM
Post by: knife-man on June 09, 2007, 02:39:21 AM
I think they will be moving the material's forward using better steel's for the tool's and therefore being able to create tool's not possible before. whilst also making there tool's lighter and stronger.
I can't see many innovation's they have left without repeating and or copying .
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 09, 2007, 03:15:17 AM
When you get right down to it, the only real changes since the beginning are a few more tools, better materials, fancier ways to access them and locking implements. Most of them are the same tools rehashed to look different or refined out of need, but basically they are more or less true to the original design of the PST.
I can see Leatherman experimenting with some different lock designs, some other materials (plastics are advancing at amazing rates, as are ceramics), and maybe some of the assisted opening gizmos that are all the rage in the knife world right now. I would also be surprised if they don't start going the way Victorinox is with some small electronics attached to them, although I don't see them going too far into it. Maybe an integrated USB flash drive, alarm clock/altimeter or mp3 player. Failing that, I could see them offered as package deals with these kinds of items to introduce them to a younger crowd. Imagine a small Photon style light built into the handle so you could fix things in the dark? Remember, Tim Leatherman designed the PST as an emergency type tool for fixing your car at the side of the road.
Heck, someday you might be surfing Multitool.org on your new Leatherman Projection PDA!
Def
Post by: J-sews on June 09, 2007, 05:15:21 AM
Leatherman's response was the little Micra, a huge marketing success. After that came the Juice line, a smaller frame with pretty colors that both genders would purchase and enjoy. Then they made the big plunge into the folding knife market, which from all indications has been another big winner. Meanwhile Leatherman continues to produce their staple plier multitools, but sells fewer and fewer of them each year. In 2006 the number of people employed by Leatherman was about 100 fewer than the heydays of the 1990's.
As their folding knife venture begins to mature and taper off, Leatherman will need to innovate in order to stay on top. Pruner tools like the Hybrid and Vista are interesting, but not nearly enough to make a difference. The one huge advantage that Leatherman has over much of their competition is brand name recognition, coupled with a powerful distribution network. The big-box department stores in my area (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.) all carry Leatherman products. A few carry Gerber stuff. None carry Victorinox.
Sorry for the long rambling post, but I predict Leatherman will expand into new areas, trying to capitalize on their name and distribution network. Camping axes, flashlights, fixed blade knives, smaller folding knives, wrench tools or other ordinary hand tools, any of these might be areas they move into in order to maintain sales levels.
Only time will tell whether they will be successful.
Post by: Spoonrobot on June 09, 2007, 07:12:13 AM
Well, at the rate they're going their basic bottom-end multitool (i.e. Fuse) will weigh 15 pounds and feature only a pliers and a folding lanyard ring. The sheath will be made of tissue paper and will be a one size fits all affair, leaving the smaller tools too rattle around and the large tools to pop the rivets after a few uses. :P
Apologies, I've been thinking about their current line and am a little miffed that one has to go all the way up to the Blast to see a full-size file or a saw. The Fuse/Kick are almost exactly the same size as the PST/PSTII/Pulse but do not feature equal implements. There is a lot of wasted space in the Fuse/Kick that could be used very effectively while keeping the bulk and weight down.
(Resume reading; rant has now ended.)
But in seriousness I think there is a lot of room to grow in both overall design and implement design. The USB drive suggestion above is spot-on in this vein. High power LEDs are getting smaller, and much more efficient. How long before we see a Luxeon fold out LED that is no wider than the current phillips driver but many multitudes brighter than the 5mm LEDs used by Gerber in some of their multi-tools? There is growth for materials too, better knife steel, G10/Micarta/etc. use in the handle scales, ergonomics akin to a good Spyderco knife, and so forth. Leatherman is touching on many of these areas and I expect them to flesh out some of these ideas in the future. Maybe they'll even come out with their own line of flashlights to complement their tools?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 09, 2007, 12:55:35 PM
Leatherman is also likely to start producing some (more) Leatherman branded watches, and selling them in broader markets. I can see them being similar to (and possibly provided by) Timex or Casio because they keep with the "tough" type reputation of multitools.
Def
Post by: NeitherExtreme on June 09, 2007, 02:41:16 PM
I agree with the thoughts that they will probably have to branch out to stay competative, although I do think there is some room left for growth and marketing of their multi-tools. I work construction and am surprised by how many guys have never seen or used a multi-tool!. I carry a LM Kick and my coworker calls it my McGiver Tool because he didn't know what else to call it! (A Kick for crying out loud! Thats as bare-bones as it gets!) I handed it with the knife open to a contractor who builds house for a living, and when he went to close it, he just gave it a confused glance and handed it back to me to close it. So it seems to me there could still be some potential there, and I would guess there are also some other untapped markets in hunting, fishing, gardening, etc.
I also think it would be cool if they experimented with higher end materials (fancy steels/handle materials), but I wonder if there would be enough of a market to make money that way. I noticed when they advertised the first Charge models, they emphasized the great material used- highlighting the bronze, titanium, and diamond but not the 154cm which was the most important one in my opinion! Most people wouldn't know, let alone care, what g10 or ZDP189 is, although a lot of us knife/multi-tool folk they're pretty cool!
Post by: parnass on June 09, 2007, 05:15:21 PM
I hope they will be using lighter weight materials which are as strong as today's stainless steel.
In 20 or 30 years, there may be a need for new types of tools to manipulate new fastener designs which we cannot envision now. (Torx fasteners weren't popular 30 years ago.)
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on June 09, 2007, 05:17:22 PM
Def
Post by: Anthony on June 09, 2007, 06:20:37 PM
Over the course of 30 years, I'm sure there will be some design flops we'll all laugh at and keep as collectables, but there will be a lot more design innovations we'll all buy and use.
One major thing Leatherman can do is make a one handed opening plier. Another move they can make is have their tools be user servicable...use a standard 6 point torx bit, or a 1/4" bolt in the construction and let the guy who actually BUYS and USES the tool either modify it, loosen/tighten it, or take it apart for cleaning...even if they use those common fasteners in a "high end" line so they can be somewhat sure if a guy drops $100 on a tool, he takes it seriously and won't %^&*# it up and ask for it to be repaired. Then again...some people have money to burn :-X
Things like better materials aren't really necissary really...has anyone broken their steel with their bare hands? I'd actually buy a heavier tool over a lighter one for one reason only...theft! If I have pliers that weigh .25 oz clipped on my back pocket..I wounden't notice if it was gone. As it is now, if my seemingly 1 lb Powerlock leaves my hip there's a noticable diffrence ;D I like the feel of a heavier tool also.
Post by: NeitherExtreme on June 09, 2007, 07:25:17 PM
Post by: Raukodur on June 09, 2007, 08:22:28 PM
So I hope LM will keep with this, and as Def is saying, it would be quite awesome to see some very wierd and wonderful materials being used.
I think the Freestyle LM will release at the end of this year looks very exciting, and shows some good, clear, innovative thinking from LM. The way in which tools are normally made more and more complex, with more and more parts to them is totally reversed with the minimalist design of the Freestyle, and shows that LM do really notice which tools people use, which they don't and that bodes well for all tools they make.
So it would be really exciting to see the direction LM take the freestyle in, maybe itll be a one off, maybe theyll spawn a whole line of tools from them.
And their knives are also awesome, which I think is a very good thing since it means they can appraoch multitools from different angles, ones based around a knife, or ones around pliers, and as they have shown, they are not affraid to base their tools around other instruments such as scissors, or shears, or special wire cutter heads. And of course the Crunch, which is an awesome tool, and quite unique. The Crunch II should vbe very interesting.
I really do think Leatherman will do well in the future, I think they are going down the right lines, and they have such a wide variety of tools, that almost everyone can find something to suit their needs. I just wish the quality of their tools stays top notch.
Post by: J-sews on June 10, 2007, 02:01:00 AM
Quality must always be the priority.
Post by: I'm Still Bison on June 10, 2007, 02:44:37 AM
My big hope is that Leatherman keeps a tight reign over the licensing of their name,and avoid the same route that Remington,and Winchester licensed products have gone down,i.e. dragging down grand old illustrious names with some really cheap junk.
Post by: Anthony on June 10, 2007, 03:15:04 AM
I'm curious because the quality is top notch for the price, but nowhere on the box does it say where it's made...if it was made in the USA, I'd think it would be in bold letters somewhere.
Post by: NeitherExtreme on June 10, 2007, 03:59:13 AM
Post by: J-sews on June 10, 2007, 01:12:25 PM
I'm not very knowledgeable on the subject, so please correct me if I'm wrong. But I think that if it was made somewhere outside the US it would have to say that. Since it doesn't say anything I'm assuming that it was made in the USA, but used some parts/materials from other countries, which I believe is what they've always done.
From what I have read and learned on the subject, NeitherExtreme is spot-on with his explanation.
Post by: NeitherExtreme on June 11, 2007, 02:19:59 AM
Post by: I'm Still Bison on June 11, 2007, 06:34:38 AM
Do you think LM is trying to hit a new market with the Freestyle, or just puting out a new product for existing customers? If so, what marekts do you think would like the Freestyle?I'm glad you brought this point up. Personally I think LM is aiming at current multi users that found they don't really need a full array of tools onboard their multi,and aiming at the same time at newcomers to the market that might be daunted by that same array.
I know for myself, I'm getting more excited about the Freestyle,not only is it esthetically pleasing,but it fits my usage nearly perfectly.Of all tools on a multi,I find myself using blade,pliers,and drivers the most. Since I always have a Vic Manager on the keyring,I'm covered for scissors,and with the Freestyle,if I think I might be in circumstances where a saw or file could come into play,I can slip a SAK in the pocket.
Post by: NeitherExtreme on June 14, 2007, 01:50:11 AM
Post by: J-sews on June 15, 2007, 11:55:30 PM
I'm anxious.
(http://www.equipped.com/pp/GR/LM_freestyle_pliers_open_600w.jpg)
Post by: J-sews on June 17, 2007, 07:53:41 PM
I wonder though if they would just construct the frame from titanium? Or might they use it for the plier head too? Knife blade?
Post by: Raukodur on June 17, 2007, 11:11:09 PM
Post by: Viper on June 23, 2007, 11:18:15 PM
I hope they improve the rust issues though.
Post by: NeitherExtreme on July 13, 2007, 02:31:19 AM
From the latest newletter:
K500L/K501L Folding Knife
This folding knife is predicated on one of our most popular existing Leatherman models, the k500x/k501x (an even number indicates a straight blade and odd indicates a combination straight/serrated blade). For this latest model, we've added a versatile and convenient LED light feature that can be used while remaining attached to the body of the knife, or removed to clip on anywhere. A pivoting head allows you to direct the light as you need it. The premium quality blade is 154CM stainless steel, and the hidden carabiner doubles as the best bottle opener we've ever made.
Post by: J-sews on July 13, 2007, 03:49:25 AM
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 13, 2007, 03:50:00 AM
Def
Post by: CQC-7 on July 22, 2007, 04:28:11 PM
Post by: AJ on July 22, 2007, 04:49:58 PM
In 10 years I see LM in Portland, Oregon.
I hope they improve the rust issues though.
I sure hope they are still in the US in 10 years.
Post by: CQC-7 on July 23, 2007, 06:47:32 AM
I know that I am drifting a little off topic but I witness this phenomenon first hand everyday. I am not bragging, but I work very very hard everyday to insure that I do the highest quality work (it runs in the family) there is never a day when I do not give 100% to what I am doing. There are others that work with me that really dont care yet they wonder why they recieve such low marks at their job.
Post by: J-sews on July 23, 2007, 01:56:08 PM
I know that I am drifting a little off topic but I witness this phenomenon first hand everyday. I am not bragging, but I work very very hard everyday to insure that I do the highest quality work (it runs in the family) there is never a day when I do not give 100% to what I am doing. There are others that work with me that really dont care yet they wonder why they recieve such low marks at their job.
Well said sir! I see a lot of folks who are just "coasting" through at work. They wonder why they never get ahead in life.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 23, 2007, 02:10:09 PM
Our own technician here, Esteban, works 6 days a week, and although Saturday is a half day for him, he often puts in at least as many hours then as he does through the week. I often see him at work at 9 or 10 in the morning until at least 8 or 9 in the evening- and many times later.
I used to work with a former Russian cop who worked two full and one part time job just to fill in his days because the drop in hours was too much for him when he got here. He was bored. An old landlord of mine, who was Polish (I imagine he still is!) used to work from six in the morning until at least ten at night, then spend time with family and friends until at least midnight. He did that every day of the week.
It's our "modern" lifestyle I think that feeds the "something for nothing" mentality and the laziness that results. The worst part is, you get a guy who has done the same entry level job for twenty years and he feels he needs a bonus for that.
All in all I think that is what is killing the American makers. I doubt Spyderco, Benchmade or Leatherman is paying their line workers minimum wage, because they want people who know what they are doing and will stick around rather than have to train in a high turnover. If you figure conservatively at $10/hour plus benefits, you are looking at a substantial decrease in cost by moving overseas where the labor rate is less than a dollar/day and the workers feel much more fulfilled and do just as good, if not better jobs.
This is why Leatherman is at the high end of the price list, and why Victorinox can put out a better constructed (anyone want to argue the fit and finish angle?:P) tool at half the cost.
It's sad but I think companies like Leatherman are eventually going to price themselves out of the market, just like many other good old fashioned names like Harley Davidson. Other than the name, there's little left of that legacy either, and many bikers, the ones who created most of the legacy are now riding Yamaha and Honda.
Def
Post by: AJ on July 23, 2007, 02:39:48 PM
Quote
There are others that work with me that really dont care
Yeah, that sucks and when the owner/boss is one of them.... ::)
Post by: CQC-7 on July 23, 2007, 05:21:41 PM
As for work issues. I took my current job in Oct. of last year. I work for one of the largest companies in the world. 7 months later I get employee of the month. The result, I have no friends there at least not among the people on my same level, management loves me though. We are judged by our output with 95% being acceptable. A couple nights ago the crew "laid down" and pulled 102% as a team because they didn't like the answer to one of their questions at the startup meeting. Individually I was at 127% when I logged out, the closest person to me was at 101%. These people wonder why they dont advance. I work with a guy from Mexico (another emplyee of the month) he does the same as me only he is faster and on another shift. There are still some people out there that care and the cream does eventually rise to the top.
Post by: NeitherExtreme on July 27, 2007, 12:27:53 AM
Post by: CQC-7 on July 27, 2007, 04:45:56 PM
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 04, 2018, 12:33:37 PM
Leatherman may not have innovated with different materials like I thought, but it seems that I did hit the flashlight aspect right on the head! They started with their own branded lights (which were rebranded Fenix lights if I recall) and then moving into buying out the dedicated flashlight company, LED Lenser.
Who wants to speculate on what is coming in the next decade? :D
Def
Post by: pfrsantos on July 04, 2018, 01:00:19 PM
Today's Dirty Dozen Thread Necro is pretty cool, since it was us speculating on where Leatherman would be in the future. What makes this cool is that it was started eleven years ago, so we can see how some of our speculations worked out!
Leatherman may not have innovated with different materials like I thought, but it seems that I did hit the flashlight aspect right on the head! They started with their own branded lights (which were rebranded Fenix lights if I recall) and then moving into buying out the dedicated flashlight company, LED Lenser.
Who wants to speculate on what is coming in the next decade? :D
Def
Cool to see some familiar names here. Too bad they don't come around much any more...
As for the next decade: this will be a memorabilia site, since awl cutting implements will be banned and you'll be eating pills, so as not to need using anything sharp, even at home.
:-[ :-[
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 04, 2018, 01:19:52 PM
So I guess all of the Rebar and SuperTool owners out there are going to starve. :P
Def
Post by: temo on July 04, 2018, 01:58:06 PM
I don't think anyone has mentioned sharpeners yet. They include them in their hunting knives, do you think they might expand that direction at all, or do you think thats all we'll see?Again gerber is selling knives where you change blades. I think it is better business then selling knife and a good sharpener that would go for years. I personally would like sharpener idea. I removed ceramic stick from cheap sharpener and something like that would easily travel with MT.
Other way of thinking is where you need tools in future. It would be better to make things those people can fix. Car, bikes, scooters, household machines. Nature I think remains so survival theme should remain. Make fire, fishing, eating, camping, gardening and so on. Hobbied are one major thing as well where MTs can be used. So far as people want to build stuff, mod stuff, repair stuff etc MTs should have market.
Sent from my VIE-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: ThePeacent on July 04, 2018, 02:25:21 PM
it probably won't be long until we see some Leatherman flashlights, either coupled with the tool or just Leatherman brand lights.
Leatherman is also likely to start producing some (more) Leatherman branded watches, and selling them in broader markets. I can see them being similar to (and possibly provided by) Timex or Casio because they keep with the "tough" type reputation of multitools.
Def
yes, they did the LED Lenser lights which I liked and still have,
and yes, they expanded into the watch world with their new Tempo :salute:
good guessing Boss!
One major thing Leatherman can do is make a one handed opening plier. Another move they can make is have their tools be user servicable...use a standard 6 point torx bit, or a 1/4" bolt in the construction and let the guy who actually BUYS and USES the tool either modify it, loosen/tighten it, or take it apart for cleaning...
they did the OHT short after this thread :whistle:
and they made newer tools with Torx bits (albeit Security ones :P) so we have it easier to tinker with them :gimme:
So it would be really exciting to see the direction LM take the freestyle in, maybe itll be a one off, maybe theyll spawn a whole line of tools from them.
we had the Skeletool and variations, which essentially shared the "minimalist" idea of basic tools that the Freestyle had :tu:
In 10 years I see LM in Portland, Oregon.
they are still here, with no intention of moving and bigger than ever! :cheers:
I don't think anyone has mentioned sharpeners yet. They include them in their hunting knives, do you think they might expand that direction at all, or do you think thats all we'll see?
the Signal was the pioneer in this, with its included sharpener in the handles :angel:
I dont know. A sharpener seems to be a logical tool to include with a multitool. I'd like to see a combo sharpener that can sharpen serrated edges on some of the tools that have them.
it was logical and finally done, and the Signal has a serrated edge which I think you can sharpen with its own sharpener :think: :tu:
I enjoyed a lot reading this! :like:
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 04, 2018, 06:08:25 PM
...
So I guess all of the Rebar and SuperTool owners out there are going to starve. :P
Def
Not all... >:D
My VXes both have scissors
Post by: Don Pablo on July 04, 2018, 06:21:26 PM
I don't see how your Exes are going to help you, even if they do have scissors. ::)...
So I guess all of the Rebar and SuperTool owners out there are going to starve. :P
Def
Not all... >:D
My VXes both have scissors
Post by: Mechanickal on July 04, 2018, 07:02:46 PM
An ex with scissors... sounds like the beginning of a frightening evening... :dwts:I don't see how your Exes are going to help you, even if they do have scissors. ::)...
So I guess all of the Rebar and SuperTool owners out there are going to starve.
Def
Not all... >:D
My VXes both have scissors
Post by: Don Pablo on July 04, 2018, 07:08:10 PM
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/HatefulCleverGander-size_restricted.gif)An ex with scissors... sounds like the beginning of a frightening evening... :dwts:I don't see how your Exes are going to help you, even if they do have scissors. ::)...
So I guess all of the Rebar and SuperTool owners out there are going to starve.
Def
Not all... >:D
My VXes both have scissors
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 04, 2018, 07:14:52 PM
I'm almost embarrassed to say that i thought we'd see new materials, but i guess i wasnt too far off the mark- we have seen Damascus added to the list since then. :facepalm:
Def
Post by: Mechanickal on July 04, 2018, 07:15:47 PM
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 04, 2018, 07:21:52 PM
Def
Post by: pfrsantos on July 04, 2018, 07:50:12 PM
And Cerakote?
Sorry, only found Damascus...
8) 8)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/Battle_of_Damascus_map.svg)
Post by: ThePeacent on July 04, 2018, 09:45:50 PM
And Cerakote?
and the weird plastic composites in the Signal, the rigid nylon synthetic of the Leap, as well as the Carbon Fiber in the Skeletool CX... :pok:
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 04, 2018, 10:13:32 PM
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/HatefulCleverGander-size_restricted.gif)An ex with scissors... sounds like the beginning of a frightening evening... :dwts:I don't see how your Exes are going to help you, even if they do have scissors. ::)...
So I guess all of the Rebar and SuperTool owners out there are going to starve.
Def
Not all... >:D
My VXes both have scissors
::)
Seriously though, there could be a case for ceramic blades... were it not for the brittleness around holes, making pivots a bit awkward. Unless you contrive a metal pivot and blade fitting of some kind. Probably a bit too costly.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 04, 2018, 11:23:42 PM
Def
Post by: Dutch_Tooler on July 05, 2018, 08:48:57 AM
Not to mention all of the prying people do with multitool blades. I doubt they would want to deal with the warranty claims and liability issues from people trying to turn screws or open crates with the knife blade.
Def
True, although I think this wouldn't necessarily prevent aftermarket blades of this kind entering the market, e.g. from Asia, where there is a lot of experience with ceramic knife blades... but I've read no news whatsoever in this direction.
Post by: ThePeacent on July 05, 2018, 01:15:56 PM
Not to mention all of the prying people do with multitool blades. I doubt they would want to deal with the warranty claims and liability issues from people trying to turn screws or open crates with the knife blade.
Def
and especially considering that most multitools have at least one big flathead driver,
that's nuts :megaslap:
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 05, 2018, 03:12:41 PM
The only guess I have is that the blade is usually easier to access than a screwdriver?
It reminds me of an electrician I used to know- while he was doing some work at my house I offered to put an edge on his knife for him as it was amazingly dull. He refused saying that sharpening it would ruin it for stripping wire, opening junction boxes and prying stuff. Then he looked at me confused when I suggested that wire strippers and pry bars might be better for that kind of use than a knife.
:facepalm:
Def
Post by: Antti Lammi on July 05, 2018, 03:45:08 PM
Only tools matters
Post by: Alan K. on July 06, 2018, 02:49:51 AM
Leatherman will also be selling an off-road capable, cargo hauling bicycle as opposed to the racing / mountain bikes, or road touring bikes that people ride just for fun. The Leatherman bikes will have built in compartments for camping gear and tools for the explorer and survivalist types, and a platform for larger gear, or a hitch to pull a trailer for added capacity. The bikes will be expensive, but you'll get one of the new type 3, titanium Surges free with purchase. :dd:
Post by: AlephZero on July 06, 2018, 12:29:29 PM
Here's my prediction for the next decade. Leatherman with be selling all kinds of standard hand tools with their name on them. They will be filling the void left by the closing of all the remaining Sears stores, because, even though Stanley bought Craftsman tools from Sears, without the stores, accessibility to consumers will become an issue for Stanley.
Leatherman will also be selling an off-road capable, cargo hauling bicycle as opposed to the racing / mountain bikes, or road touring bikes that people ride just for fun. The Leatherman bikes will have built in compartments for camping gear and tools for the explorer and survivalist types, and a platform for larger gear, or a hitch to pull a trailer for added capacity. The bikes will be expensive, but you'll get one of the new type 3, titanium Surges free with purchase. :dd:
:dd:
I'd buy one :pok:
Post by: thatotherguy on July 06, 2018, 04:23:08 PM
Post by: chrono on July 06, 2018, 05:32:31 PM
- More lifestyle models and products: coolness over practicality. Multi-tool pendants, belt buckles...?
- I think the segment of desk people is not tapped in yet. Scissors with knife, nail file, removable bit driver? Expect to see more scissors-based models.
- More Victorinox-inspired models: the half Juice/ half Skeletool will get fatter and packed with tools. The SuperTool line will continue to evolve, by taking cue from the SwissTool design.
Post by: captain spaulding on July 06, 2018, 06:22:49 PM
I could also see Leatherman being the leading provider in “car kits”. You know, the tools that are provided with every new car that is purchased. Those tool kits are becoming non existent with new cars and some do not even provide a jack and tire iron anymore and opt for a can of goo instead. I would love to see Leatherman make a run at being a provider to every car company to get tools back into cars. That could be a huge money maker for them.
I just woke up and am half asleep so these things may be completely ridiculous. :D
Post by: ironraven on July 10, 2018, 01:35:51 AM
In the history books. As a company that had a great idea and a great product. They did one thing. They only had to do that one thing. And they screwed it up.
Post by: AlephZero on July 10, 2018, 08:44:27 AM
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on July 10, 2018, 03:40:58 PM
20 years from now?
In the history books. As a company that had a great idea and a great product. They did one thing. They only had to do that one thing. And they screwed it up.
Ouch!
I think they still have their core business of folding plier tools covered, at least for the most part. Yes, there's a bit of an argument to be made that they are straying from the formula, but they do still have some good, solid models like the Wave, Charge and Surge amongst the newer, fancier and gimmickier stuff.
Whether that leads to ultimate failure or not is another story. It's a possibility- bigger companies than them have failed, and smaller companies than them have re-invented themselves and succeeded.
It will be interesting to see what happens!
Def
Post by: thatotherguy on July 14, 2018, 05:40:42 PM
Post by: ThePeacent on July 15, 2018, 12:47:59 PM
One thing I neglected to consider in my previous post was the brand recognition. Even if they do continue to have problems with QC, push poorly designed niche tools, and every other problem they're starting to exhibit, the fact still remains that when someone in the general, non-hobbyist populace asks for a multi-tool, they ask for a Leatherman. Regardless of who actually made the tool. They could easily pull a Maglite and continue on without any real innovation for years because of their genericized trademark brand recognition.
much like happened to Gerber or Schrade, they kept pulling out crappy stuff but people kept buying because of the name they had built the previous decades, when they made quality stuff :P