"The Leatherman Book" is an upcoming book written by Tim Leatherman, the inventor of the multitool and founder of Leatherman Tools. The publication tells the story of how the idea behind one of the world's most versatile tools first came to life.
The book traces the origins of the multitool back to 1975, when Tim Leatherman and his wife were traveling across Europe on a tight budget. The trip proved more challenging than expected, and Tim found himself constantly dealing with everyday problems, ranging from car breakdowns to the poor conditions of inexpensive hotels.
It was during this journey that he began developing practical ideas for solving everyday problems and started writing them down. His original concept was simply to combine a pair of pliers with a pocket knife, but after returning to the United States he spent several years refining the prototype. The process took considerably longer than anticipated, and it was not until the early 1980s that the first Leatherman multitool finally reached the market.
"The Leatherman Book" is intended to be more than just a biography. It also aims to inspire readers by combining Tim's personal story with practical guidance for inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs, drawing on the lessons he learned while building and growing his company over several decades. The book consists of approximately 272 pages and will initially be available exclusively in English.
The official release date is scheduled for October 6, 2026. However, the book is already available for pre-order through the major online retailers listed on the Leatherman website.
Photos: Leatherman
