Post by: AndrewBird on April 20, 2015, 06:21:42 AM
Anyways, just wanted to say hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about how Leatherman products are made. I certainly don't know everything and can't tell you everything, but I'll try my best. Alternatively, you can take the factory tour if you are ever in Portland. There is some very cool stuff to see.
Post by: styx on April 20, 2015, 07:52:53 AM
Post by: captain spaulding on April 20, 2015, 07:57:42 AM
Post by: NKlamerus on April 20, 2015, 08:22:47 AM
Pretty awesome job IMO.
Question, are yall making the Tread in house? I would assume so?
Post by: Zed on April 20, 2015, 08:57:00 AM
Post by: NKlamerus on April 20, 2015, 09:22:56 AM
Post by: kirk13 on April 20, 2015, 09:36:46 AM
I think you already know there's an awful lot of love here for Leatherman. Occasionally that love boils over into concern,but take it with a pinch of salt ;)
Post by: David on April 20, 2015, 09:40:03 AM
Post by: gregozedobe on April 20, 2015, 11:05:34 AM
Post by: DazMechanical on April 20, 2015, 11:17:59 AM
Post by: AndrewBird on April 20, 2015, 02:36:07 PM
Welcome bud!Yes, the Tread is being made in house. I've been working on some of the links recently actually.
Pretty awesome job IMO.
Question, are yall making the Tread in house? I would assume so?
Post by: Smashie on April 20, 2015, 02:40:52 PM
Post by: SAK Guy on April 20, 2015, 02:55:44 PM
Post by: SteveC on April 20, 2015, 03:20:44 PM
Post by: Aloha on April 20, 2015, 04:31:06 PM
Post by: derekmac on April 20, 2015, 05:12:53 PM
Here is a loaded question, what do you carry?Well duh, a SwissTool. :P
Just kidding Andrew. :cheers: Welcome aboard!!! You will find many LM nuts here, and some very good mods done to some of the MTs as well.
Post by: AndrewBird on April 20, 2015, 05:45:38 PM
I have met Tim, but only briefly. I see him walking around the production floor occasionally, some times giving private tours.
When you are hired at Leatherman, there is a two day long orientation where they also give you multiple tools that you may do what you want with. This is the best company I've worked for, and not just because they give us free tools. Lol
Post by: Mr. Whippy on April 20, 2015, 07:14:14 PM
You really should take a look at the threads regarding modified Leathermans there are some fantastic ideas in there. I don't know how practical they are mass production wise, but beautiful designs there. :)
Oh, and get to work on a general use tool with the MUT hammer! :ahhh
Post by: AndrewBird on April 20, 2015, 07:49:27 PM
Post by: NKlamerus on April 20, 2015, 07:51:54 PM
I'm not sure how happy you'll be with our opinions....
I'm excited for it. It will be easily modded lol
Post by: Mr. Whippy on April 20, 2015, 08:14:13 PM
For me, a Charge ALX without the small driver or can opener (swapping in scissors and large flat driver, for example) and adding replaceable cutters AND Hammer and you have a perfect tool.
Can the detachable sharpener be used as a file?
Post by: captain spaulding on April 20, 2015, 09:05:43 PM
Take a look at the Signal. It's kind of like a Wave crossed with a MUT.
We have, there us a thread here all about it but I can't post a link.
I'm not sure how happy you'll be with our opinions....
I'm excited for it. It will be easily modded lol
Weeellll..... I for one will say I think the Signal is a waste of time the way it sits. It has so much potential, but is ruined by all the plastic crap, sharpener, and fire starter. All I can say for the Signal is at least its not the Tread. Now that is just a joke. I'm not trying to be a Leatherman hater, but it's kind of hard not to with their decisions in the recent years. Dont forget the Skeletool SX, Juice SX, all the action sports crap, and most recently the Rev. A whole lot of crap being produced. :facepalm:
Sorry for the negativity, but its just my opinion. I really do wish Leatherman the best and will carry their tools no matter what, but the terrible production decisions mixed with their increased prices and dropping quality control makes me think.
This is no way reflects you or anything like that and I do not want you to think we just go around bashing Leatherman every chance we get. This is a very friendly forum and we keep everything respectable. :tu:
Post by: Demel on April 20, 2015, 09:14:13 PM
When you are hired at Leatherman, there is a two day long orientation where they also give you multiple tools that you may do what you want with. This is the best company I've worked for, and not just because they give us free tools. LolWelcome to the forum. Alot of great people here. :salute:
What do you mean "do what you want with?"
Post by: AndrewBird on April 20, 2015, 09:44:50 PM
As far as the Tread goes, let me just say wait until you have seen one in person to pass judgement. It is very cool and as long as you aren't trying to compare it to a "normal" multitool, it is very capable. Lots of cool stuff that isn't really distinguishable just from pictures.
And I meant do what we want with them in that they are our tools, not just loaners or something.
Post by: tommywp on April 20, 2015, 09:49:44 PM
Weeellll..... I for one will say I think the Signal is a waste of time the way it sits. It has so much potential, but is ruined by all the plastic crap, sharpener, and fire starter. All I can say for the Signal is at least its not the Tread. Now that is just a joke. I'm not trying to be a Leatherman hater, but it's kind of hard not to with their decisions in the recent years. Dont forget the Skeletool SX, Juice SX, all the action sports crap, and most recently the Rev. A whole lot of crap being produced. :facepalm:
Sorry for the negativity, but its just my opinion. I really do wish Leatherman the best and will carry their tools no matter what, but the terrible production decisions mixed with their increased prices and dropping quality control makes me think.
This is no way reflects you or anything like that and I do not want you to think we just go around bashing Leatherman every chance we get. This is a very friendly forum and we keep everything respectable. :tu:
Dam Captain....hitting the guy with both barrels right out of the gate! :D
Welcome, Andrew! Whip up some MUT scrapers in a harder metal and you'll be my hero!
Post by: derekmac on April 20, 2015, 09:51:45 PM
Post by: captain spaulding on April 20, 2015, 10:02:23 PM
I just want to say Andrew, I hope you don't get turned off by any comments made here. We're passionate about our tools, and through daily use, know what we want, and what we like/dislike.
Agreed. I do not wan't you to think I personally or we as a whole are sitting around bashing multitool companies all day. :salute:
Post by: Demel on April 20, 2015, 10:04:10 PM
I'm a little confused by all the Signal hatred. I personally love the look of it and plan on getting one to replace my Skeletool. The whistle/fire starter and sharpener are all removable, so if you don't like them, then just take them off. That eliminates all the plastic.The signal is a specialized tool. If someone lives in the city (myself for example) the signal has no appeal. I don't need a saw or firestarter. Replace the saw with scissors, no removable parts, a few different selections for internal tools and the signal has more appeal for an urban edc. I like the signal and it's design But would not buy it (like the mut) because of the specialized set up.
As far as the Tread goes, let me just say wait until you have seen one in person to pass judgement. It is very cool and as long as you aren't trying to compare it to a "normal" multitool, it is very capable. Lots of cool stuff that isn't really distinguishable just from pictures.
And I meant do what we want with them in that they are our tools, not just loaners or something.
Post by: NKlamerus on April 20, 2015, 10:46:45 PM
Don't mean to turn your intro into a debate, but it was bound to happen...
I still think working there would be freaking awesome. I have never done the tour but if I'm ever close enough you can bet I will definetly have a day or 3 just for the store lol
Post by: AndrewBird on April 21, 2015, 12:25:09 AM
Post by: captain spaulding on April 21, 2015, 12:26:27 AM
No worries guys, this isn't the first internet forum I've been on. lol Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if they are wrong. ;)
You will fit right in. :tu: :D
Post by: NKlamerus on April 21, 2015, 12:32:29 AM
Im picturing bins upon bins of kick, fuse, PST, etc...
I would assume they save some of the nice ones for fixing older tools?
Post by: detron on April 21, 2015, 12:47:17 AM
nice having a
Post by: AndrewBird on April 21, 2015, 12:54:17 AM
Post by: Demel on April 21, 2015, 12:57:14 AM
welcome to warranty voiding... I mean MTO!
nice having aspyemployed professional who cantell us the truthexplain the nuances of the Leatherman tools
:rofl:
you could have stayed anonymous so kudos to you sir for your bravery :tu:
Post by: sak60 on April 21, 2015, 01:34:27 AM
Post by: Monrogue on April 21, 2015, 03:02:20 AM
Post by: mr626 on April 21, 2015, 03:17:02 AM
What can you tell us about:
-Re-releasing the Mini-Tool
-The next generation Wave
:drool:
Post by: AndrewBird on April 21, 2015, 03:19:36 AM
Hi Andrew,
What can you tell us about:
-Re-releasing the Mini-Tool
-The next generation Wave
:drool:
Absolutely nothing.
Sorry.
Post by: Mercury on April 21, 2015, 03:54:08 AM
I just want to say Andrew, I hope you don't get turned off by any comments made here. We're passionate about our tools, and through daily use, know what we want, and what we like/dislike.
Awesome sentiment and I totally agree, but you don't have to say that to anyone. As consumers we don't owe anyone an apology for any statements we make. Leatherman and their competitors only stand to benefit from reading our uncensored opinions, and being as uncensored as we are here is one of the great perks of this forum.
Andrew has joined us and as a Machinist myself I'm intrigued about the processes that LM uses. I hope Andrew can enlighten us(without compromising his job of course!) and look forward to his posts.
Welcome Andrew, and may I say I'm jealous you get to work at the shiny factory!
Post by: mr626 on April 21, 2015, 06:32:23 AM
Hi Andrew,
What can you tell us about:
-Re-releasing the Mini-Tool
-The next generation Wave
:drool:
Absolutely nothing.
Sorry.
Haha, no worries. Was half-joking anyway, wouldn't expect you to be able to tell us that sort of thing.
Thanks for announcing yourself though :cheers:
Post by: alexTOOL on April 21, 2015, 08:02:00 AM
Please suggest Tim some new allied product:
-Leatherman+Victorinox
or
-Leatherman+SOG
or
-Leatherman+Gerber
A new model in colaboration with another company would be a fress air touch, a winner, the best of two worlds! :D (for example, customizable multitools and compatible spare parts for mods)
Post by: rescue4500 on April 21, 2015, 02:11:25 PM
Post by: AndrewBird on April 21, 2015, 02:30:26 PM
Hello Andrew, welcome! ;)My idea has always been to make a modular tool with user changeable parts. Have a basic tool with empty spots that you could then customize by adding a wide selection of tools to. Add only what you want and pay for only what you want.
Please suggest Tim some new allied product:
-Leatherman+Victorinox
or
-Leatherman+SOG
or
-Leatherman+Gerber
A new model in colaboration with another company would be a fress air touch, a winner, the best of two worlds! :D (for example, customizable multitools and compatible spare parts for mods)
Post by: derekmac on April 21, 2015, 03:05:22 PM
YES!!!! :gimme:Hello Andrew, welcome! ;)My idea has always been to make a modular tool with user changeable parts. Have a basic tool with empty spots that you could then customize by adding a wide selection of tools to. Add only what you want and pay for only what you want.
Please suggest Tim some new allied product:
-Leatherman+Victorinox
or
-Leatherman+SOG
or
-Leatherman+Gerber
A new model in colaboration with another company would be a fress air touch, a winner, the best of two worlds! :D (for example, customizable multitools and compatible spare parts for mods)
Post by: gregozedobe on April 21, 2015, 03:46:30 PM
My idea has always been to make a modular tool with user changeable parts. Have a basic tool with empty spots that you could then customize by adding a wide selection of tools to. Add only what you want and pay for only what you want.That sounds great (and I very much like the idea). However when Gerber tried it (the build your own program some years ago) it wasn't a great success - I don't know why.
Post by: enki_ck on April 21, 2015, 04:45:35 PM
I'm a little confused by all the Signal hatred. I personally love the look of it and plan on getting one to replace my Skeletool. The whistle/fire starter and sharpener are all removable, so if you don't like them, then just take them off. That eliminates all the plastic.
As far as the Tread goes, let me just say wait until you have seen one in person to pass judgement. It is very cool and as long as you aren't trying to compare it to a "normal" multitool, it is very capable. Lots of cool stuff that isn't really distinguishable just from pictures.
And I meant do what we want with them in that they are our tools, not just loaners or something.
Well I like the Signal. :D So not everyone is in the haters camp. ;)
As for the Tread. Meh. >:D Can't imagine ever using that thing.
And welcome to MTO. :cheers:
Post by: Mercury on April 21, 2015, 06:58:34 PM
Post by: AndrewBird on April 21, 2015, 07:43:27 PM
Post by: Mr. Whippy on April 21, 2015, 10:13:03 PM
You have to look at the Tread like this; it's a cool looking bracelet that is also a multitool. Not a multitool that is also a bracelet. Then it makes a lot more sense.
I suppose. I do wish the price point were significantly lower. I'd definitely wear it, but not at that price.
Post by: derekmac on April 21, 2015, 10:56:56 PM
Yeah, in all honesty, it should be in the $30 price range.You have to look at the Tread like this; it's a cool looking bracelet that is also a multitool. Not a multitool that is also a bracelet. Then it makes a lot more sense.
I suppose. I do wish the price point were significantly lower. I'd definitely wear it, but not at that price.
Post by: Demel on April 21, 2015, 11:19:28 PM
Hey, my name is Andrew and I just signed up. I work for Leatherman as a machinist where I setup, run and adjust many of their CNC's that create multiple different parts for many different tools. Lately I've been working on some new robotically loaded cells that machine jaw halves.How did you find mto?
Anyways, just wanted to say hi! Feel free to ask me any questions about how Leatherman products are made. I certainly don't know everything and can't tell you everything, but I'll try my best. Alternatively, you can take the factory tour if you are ever in Portland. There is some very cool stuff to see.
Post by: Gareth on April 22, 2015, 12:37:34 AM
Post by: Mercury on April 22, 2015, 01:45:56 AM
Very nice to have you with us Andrew. Don't feel too pressured to represent Leatherman, you're more than welcome to simply be another multitool nutter like the rest of us. :D
And Gareth is on hell of a nutter! :D
Post by: AndrewBird on April 22, 2015, 03:24:41 AM
Post by: Aloha on April 22, 2015, 05:45:13 AM
Very nice to have you with us Andrew. Don't feel too pressured to represent Leatherman, you're more than welcome to simply be another multitool nutter like the rest of us. :D
Yeah plus there are enough of us LM
Post by: Etherealicer on April 23, 2015, 11:05:08 AM
Soooo.... when do we get a Surge sized Charge :drool: and a Squirt sized Mini :drool:
Any thoughts on Gerbers / SOG or Victorinox :D
Post by: Gareth on April 23, 2015, 11:27:13 AM
Very nice to have you with us Andrew. Don't feel too pressured to represent Leatherman, you're more than welcome to simply be another multitool nutter like the rest of us. :D
And Gareth is on hell of a nutter! :D
Gee, thanks. ::)
:D
Post by: Kampfer on May 03, 2015, 08:05:13 AM
Post by: Huntsman on May 03, 2015, 10:17:29 AM
Welcome to MTO - I hope you enjoy this great forum
Although I bet you wish you never mentioned that you worked for LM :o
Sorry that we are hitting you with all our complaints and suggestions before you've even had a chance to settle in here.
Post by: ToolJoe on May 04, 2015, 05:49:23 PM
Post by: NKlamerus on May 04, 2015, 05:50:11 PM
I know the forum discussed it somewhere but I don't think it was a seperate thread.
Post by: Kampfer on May 04, 2015, 06:03:07 PM
What is (are) the most popular MT(s) for the people who work for Leatherman?
Post by: AndrewBird on May 04, 2015, 07:38:03 PM
Post by: Kampfer on May 04, 2015, 08:25:19 PM
I really think a Skeletool is right for a prepared individual in office environment.
Post by: Syph007 on May 04, 2015, 08:31:51 PM
Here's what I wish they could do. Re-release the old ones and call it a the Leatherman classic line. Mini-Tool and PST are what Im thinking. :D
1. Lots of countries forbid lock blades. The classics didnt have any lock blades.
2. Thin and small. The current wave/charge are beasts compared to a pst.
3. I adore the profile of the PST, the only thing it needs is more palm friendly edges in open mode.
Just dreaming I know, but it would be cool. :tu:
Post by: Demel on May 05, 2015, 01:52:54 AM
Cool just noticed this thread, and Im jealous you get to work for Leatherman, awesome!That would be awesome. Maybe run them for a couple years as a limited time offer. It would cool to see a slightly revamped pst2.
Here's what I wish they could do. Re-release the old ones and call it a the Leatherman classic line. Mini-Tool and PST are what Im thinking. :D
1. Lots of countries forbid lock blades. The classics didnt have any lock blades.
2. Thin and small. The current wave/charge are beasts compared to a pst.
3. I adore the profile of the PST, the only thing it needs is more palm friendly edges in open mode.
Just dreaming I know, but it would be cool. :tu:
that way those of us late to the party can get in on the classics
Post by: Demel on May 05, 2015, 01:56:24 AM
Post by: Chako on May 07, 2015, 12:44:56 PM
I noted you talked about a modular multi-tool...if so, take a gander at the Colemen Pro Lock. That was another failed attempt. No modules were ever made for it.
Post by: Simian on May 25, 2015, 04:58:01 AM
Post by: Huntsman on May 25, 2015, 07:33:03 AM
Hi Benner (& Syph) - Well now you can!! ........ NIB Black original PSTsHere's what I wish they could do. Re-release the old ones and call it a the Leatherman classic line.That would be awesome. Maybe run them for a couple years as a limited time offer. It would cool to see a slightly revamped pst2 - that way those of us late to the party can get in on the classics
1. Lots of countries forbid lock blades. The classics didnt have any lock blades.
2. Thin and small. The current wave/charge are beasts compared to a pst.
3. I adore the profile of the PST, the only thing it needs is more palm friendly edges in open mode.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XLeatherman+61020101+Black+Original+Multitool.TRS3&_nkw=Leatherman+61020101+Black+Original+Multitool&_sacat=0
I don't know where this seller got them all from - But he seems to have hundreds!!
I just bought a couple - They have arrived and all looks very good.
Syph - Absolutely agree - It is so pocketable - really just a largish SAK, with pliers - which of course was the intention way back then !! :D
Even the edges are bearable for light work!
Post by: leatherman alex on November 13, 2015, 02:07:00 AM
Post by: NKlamerus on November 13, 2015, 02:10:42 AM
How good is the leatherman surge I have the supertool 300 and the rebar :multi: :climber:Incredible, the outside opening blades make it a "step up" from the ST300 and Rebar. IMO
Post by: leatherman alex on November 16, 2015, 03:07:22 AM
Post by: hotworms on December 11, 2015, 04:33:21 PM
Post by: jitdc on December 30, 2015, 05:08:14 AM
Post by: WoodsDuck on January 08, 2016, 10:04:02 PM
Anyway, welcome to the forum!
Here's my question; does anyone on the factory floor carry an MP600? :rofl: