p7 Outdoor Leatherman:SGBGolf_NEW_template 27/07/2009 14:11 Page 7
LEATHERMAN
Super Tool 300
unveiled
Whitby recently had a
launch event for the new
Leatherman multi-tool at
their Whitby HQ, and SGB
went to see what all the fuss was about…
L
eatherman is a company with an interesting history; one man's
vision for the tool he wanted became a worldwide
SUPER TOOL 300 SPECS:
phenomenon, and all from the most simple beginnings. Tim
Leatherman, during a trip to Europe with his wife, was thinking on
Needlenose Pliers 5/16” Screwdriver
what he wanted to do with his life; all the while on the trip, he
Regular Pliers 7/32” Screwdriver
found many instances where a pair of pliers was required to solve an
Wire Cutters 1/8” Screwdriver
issue, plus various other tools. So when he got back to the US, he
Hard-Wire Cutters Phillips Screwdriver
thought he would spend a little time making the tool he'd wanted in
Stranded-Wire Cutters Awl w/Thread Loop
Europe, a true multi-tool. His wife kindly agreed to work and
Electrical Crimper Ruler (9 inches/22 cm)
support them while he did this, he said, for "about a month" – it
420HC Knife Bottle Opener
ended up taking three years of development, then
420HC Serrated Knife Can Opener
more hard work went into actually getting the tools
Wood/Metal File Wire Stripper
out into the world; catalogue companies were
Saw Lanyard Ring
dubious as to the merits of a multi-tool, as they'd
never seen its like before. But with some advice, he
Length: 4.5 in | 11.43 cm Weight: 10.1 oz I 286 g
streamlined his design, simplified the manufacture (and
therefore cut costs), and sold his first batch of tools SRP: £89.95
in 1983.
From 1983, with 200 sold, the sales figures
went through the roof, with 29,159 the following
year and almost 70,000 in 1985 – up to 1.2million
in 1993. Not bad for a young man unsure of
what to do with his life.
The product has of course evolved, branched out,
and changed. There are many different models of
Leatherman multi-tools now, plus knives and a
range of torches (which are about to be
expanded upon with the anodized It's a great piece of kit – but then, it's a Leatherman,
aluminium bodies of the Monarch so who would have expected anything else? The 300
range), but we were in Kendal to see appears to meet and exceed every standard this
the Leatherman Super Tool 300, company has set itself in terms of design and function.
a combination of 19 tools in The pliers are, they say the strongest they've ever
one. There's also a block produced, with a slope-top handle design for more
oxide version for those maneuverability in tight spaces. The hand grip features rolled
occasions when, well, edge for comfort, and cut-outs on the handles mean you can
you need a non-reflective, select tools even with gloves on. Also, there are three wire
black multi-tool. cutters (stranded, hard and regular).
JULY 2009 SGB OUTDOOR 7
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48