What is the founder's secret story of 'Leatherman' which manufactures a super all-purpose multi-tool knife?

Lezerman , an American knife maker, is a manufacturer that manufactures multi-tools that integrate features such as pliers and knives. Letherman's multi tool is familiar all over the world as an universal tool which can accommodate various situations of everyday life and outdoor if one is put in the pocket. A movie that looks back in the documentary format as to how such multi tool was created was released on YouTube.

Made of Mettle: The Leatherman Documentary


The encounter between Lezerman co-founder Tim Leatherman and Steve Berliner was a table tennis place.

They said they immediately got on each other, and Mr. Berliner said that he was "a very professional backbone and a trustworthy figure."

Mr. Chow, my wife, played an important role in Mr. Leatherman's creation of multi-tools.

"It was also a table tennis hall that I met her, she was very attractive and I tried hard to take care of it somehow," Mr. Lezerman recalls while laughing.

They married and traveled to Europe with a honeymoon in 1975.

I heard that I borrowed a car in the Netherlands and two people went to various places.

However, at that time Fiat 600 borrowed ... ...

Unfortunately it seems that it has broken down often.

Every time Fiat broke down, Mr. Lezerman repaired the rear engine ... ...

At that time, the pocket knife and the pliers were very active.

So, Lezerman thought, "If there is a tool with a pocket knife and a plier united together, is not it very useful?"

Mr. Lezerman took down the idea in a note and tried to try making it on his own after returning from the trip.

Mr. Lezerman who started the prototype production based on the design drawing ... ...

For three years I devoted myself to making prototypes in the garage.

However, on the 30th birthday, "I have spent my life for three years but I have not achieved anything yet," I will be impatient.

However, Mr. Lezerman kept making without giving up afterwards.

My wife, Chou Mr. Chow said, "I hope my husband completes the tool someday and will eventually be able to sell it," eventually supporting her Mr. Leatherman.

Finally Lezerman succeeded in completing the first multi tool.

I created a promotional video and tried to sell the first tool named "Mr. Crunch". While Mr. crunch is palm-sized ......

Larger pliers will appear when you open them.

As you can see that the pocket knife protruded from the handle, already had many functions.

Mr. Lezerman who got a patent in 1980 sells to many companies ... ...

More than 500 companies have refused the contract.

It was Mr. Berliner, co-founder of Lezermann, who met Lezerman who was in such a severe situation.

Mr. Berliner is convinced that the tools developed by Lehmann are very wonderful, he says, "I did not think there was anything wrong."

As a result of Mr. Berliner 's enthusiastic marketing, it is only after eight years that the initial contract can be concluded. At this time, the number of sales was 500 and the sales amount was $ 12,000 (about 1.5 million yen).

Later, the tool of Leatherman becomes explosive popularity, it will be sold worldwide as well as in the United States. Various tools jump out from the handle of the pliers Lezerman's multiple tool can be used in various situations such as carpentry work at home and outdoor if there is one.

Leatherman has grown to have more than 400 employees.

Since selling the first tool in 1983 ... ...

He said he is developing more than 30 models in Leather Man.

Although it was Mr. Lezerman who has accumulated failures many times, he said that patient persistence led to success.