It isn’t often that the quality of a brand’s product is so exceptional that it becomes a symbol of multi-generational wisdom. Based in Portland, Oregon, Leatherman is a multi-tool brand designed to be your go-to for everyday, unexpected fixes. After decades of faithful service, it’s considered by many to be the ultimate EDC tool.

In 1973, after a series of mechanical mishaps traveling in Europe, Tim Leatherman saw a need for a plier-based multipurpose tool that could withstand the rigors of the Pacific Northwest. From their very first prototypes, Leatherman’s standards for quality have always been elite. It’s earned them equally high levels of trust from the people who carry them. Many of their products, manufactured 40+ years ago, are still in-use today.

A multi-tool is often the first tool handed down from father (or grandfather) to son. The gesture is a lesson in the importance of being prepared for life’s curveballs.

Rob Willard, an employee here at Bespoke Post, inherited his first multi-tool from his Father. (It was a Leatherman). “He’d had it for over a decade, and it was the tool I remember seeing the most. Sometimes it was as simple as tightening a screw or cutting a length of rope. Other times, it was a valuable tool used in moments of minor crisis – whether that was car trouble in a snowstorm, or the time my dog got into a scrap with a porcupine (and lost).”

“Over time though, it’s become a pointed reminder of my relationship with my dad and what he taught me.”

Growing up, for many of us, our early role models were adults you could rely on in a tough spot. Folks who were prepared and capable, with the right tools for the job. As you grow older and more independent, you eventually realize that you’ve absorbed some of that know-how, solving problems on your own with the same tool that’s withstood the test of time.

Rob’s had this experience: “At first, I inherited the tool out of practicality – I was spending more of my time on the road and didn’t have a multi-tool of my own. Over time though, it’s become a pointed reminder of my relationship with my dad and what he taught me. Whenever I have a problem that requires my Leatherman, it’s usually a problem that my father taught me how to solve. He showed his love through teaching practical skills, and it’s nice to reflect on those moments we shared.”

When I told Rob that we’re going to start carrying the Leatherman brand, he felt it was a bit past due., “I’m shocked it didn’t happen sooner.”

Rob is all about useful gifts. He believes having a multi-tool is essential for everyone.“90% of what you need to do around the house can be solved by a tool in your pocket, rather than in your toolshed.”

When you think of quality gear, most people understand it in relation to “bang for your buck.”, But for Rob and I, “heirloom-worthy” is the pinnacle of quality. With Leatherman, you’re investing in an exceptional tool that delivers value for generations to come.

The Enduring Legacy of the Leatherman Multi-tool