Inspired by traveling around Europe via used Fiat in the mid 70s, Tim Leatherman constructed his first multi-tool prototype in response to leaky pipes and the general crankiness of a well-used car. Employing the help of his brother's machinist skills, his visions started to take shape and, after some trial and error, Tim and a college friend finally launched Leatherman Tool Group® in 1983.

By 1994, Leatherman employed 200 people and had sold more than one million tools for its second year in a row. After receiving a Backpacker Magazine Editor's Choice in 1997 for its Micra™ multi-tool, Leatherman moved into the present decade armed with an additional 200 employees,  product offerings such as The Juice™ line, and a heart for community outreach — donating hundreds of tools to local fire & rescue organizations and even supporting the National Marrow Donor Program.

Since its founding, the company has operated on a simple philosophy of quality, dependability and value. After all, Tim Leatherman's name is on every tool!