The company that invented the modern multi-tool — still built in Portland, Oregon.
✅ Made in USA
Where Leatherman products are made
Manufacturing
Portland, Oregon, USA. Every multi-tool is machined at Leatherman’s own factory.
Assembly
Portland, Oregon, USA — assembled and tested under one roof.
Components
Primarily U.S.; a minority of small parts are sourced internationally on some models.
FTC note: Leatherman states its multi-tools are made in the USA. On some models a minority of the ~30 component parts are sourced overseas (budget models use the most imported material), but all manufacturing and assembly happen in Portland — consistent with a qualified “Made in USA” claim.
The story
Leatherman began with a leaky hotel radiator and a broken-down car. In 1975, on a budget tour through Europe and the Middle East, engineer Tim Leatherman kept reaching for a pocketknife to fix balky plumbing and his temperamental Fiat — and kept wishing it also had pliers. That idea became a four-year obsession back home in Oregon.
Knife companies said it was too much like a tool. Tool companies said it was too much like a knife.
Tim sketched, prototyped, and pitched the tool for years before finally founding Leatherman Tool Group with partner Steve Berliner in 1983. Their first order, from Cabela’s, led to roughly 30,000 Pocket Survival Tools sold that year — launching an entirely new product category. Today the company still machines and assembles every tool in Portland and still backs them with a 25-year warranty.
Why they matter
More than 40 years after inventing the multi-tool, Leatherman still machines and assembles its products in Portland instead of chasing cheap overseas labor. Every tool sold supports American manufacturing jobs and proves that quality products can still be built here.
Featured products
A selection of Leatherman tools available through the Buy American Store.
A dedicated “Shop all Leatherman” button will appear here once the store brand page (buyamericancampaign.store/brand/leatherman) is live.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leatherman made in America?
Yes. Every Leatherman multi-tool is manufactured and assembled in Portland, Oregon, though a small minority of components are imported on some models.
Where are Leatherman products made?
At the company’s own factory in Portland, Oregon, where it has built tools since 1983.
Who owns Leatherman?
Leatherman Tool Group — a privately held company still owned by co-founder Tim Leatherman.
