Leatherman multi-tools are made from 100% stainless steel.

Anodizing is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. We hard-anodize our aluminum to make it stronger and more corrosion resistant. By definition, type-III is "hard" anodizing. Type-II is an anodizing process as well, but it is not as thick and most commonly used for adding color to aluminum. The thickness of a type-III hard-anodized coating is about 2 to 4 times that of normal type-II anodizing.

We use 420HC stainless steel for all our multi-tool knives, save the Charge and one of the Skeletool models. In these models we use 154CM. This steel holds its edge about three times as long as regular stainless steel and is perfect for people who use the blade on their tool more than the rest of the features. In the Charge TTi we use S30V® stainless steel for the knife, which holds its edge six-times as long as regular stainless steel. See the knife FAQs for more detail on knives.

There are quite a few things we do, but we roll them all into one phrase we call "The Leatherman Difference". Here is a list of some of the main things that make Leatherman multi-tools stand apart from others:

Feature-Dense
There are no gaps in our tools. We fill every bit of space with useful implements.
Because we fill the entire length of the tool, our blades, files, and saws are the largest on the market for multi-tools.

Heat Treated
Each implement is heat treated to achieve the best performance for that implement.  For example our knife blades are heat treated for optimal edge retention while our handles are heat treated to provide a balance between toughness and wear resistance.  Our parts are heat treated using the best available technology in partnership with some of the finest heat treaters in the United States.

Handles, Wire Cutters, and Screwdrivers
Our handles are comfort-sculpted so there's no hand fatigue.
Our wire cutters are ground so precisely that they have to cut paper before they are cleared to go to assembly. Not only that, but they can cut paper after they cut a 16-penny nail - multiple times.
Bit driver technology means you can switch out screwdriver tips for different projects. Depending on the tool, you'll get up to 42 different types of bits you can conveniently store in the sheath.
Our screwdrivers are not just punched out, but ground on three sides so they hold a screw head better than the competition.

Files, Saws, and Knives
Diamond-coated and wood/metal file surfaces run to the very edge and along the sides of the blade. This means more filing surface to get the job done faster.
Our saws are cut in an "open" pattern design to resist filling up in wet or sappy conditions. They are also designed to work on the "pull" rather than the "push" so they don't flex (break) and take much less effort to use.
Our knives are hollow-ground, sharpened to perfection and hold their edge longer than most on the market.
Outside-accessible blades, files, and saws mean you don't have to open the tool to get to the most used feature - the knife - and you can open them with one hand.

We use 6061-T6, type-III, hard-anodized aluminum for our Charge AL an ALX handle scales and for the handle insert on the Skeletool. It reduces weight, but is just as durable as stainless steel. We use type-II, anodized aluminum for the colored handle scales on the Juice and Squirt and Style tools. We use Titanium handle scales on the Charge TTi for added resistance to saltwater corrosion as well as weight and because the TTi is our premium tool.

For the Blast, Fuse and Kick models we use Zytel® inserts in the handles for comfort. Zytel® is very lightweight and incredibly durable. By adding it to the handles we can increase comfort, take off weight, and we won't loose any durability of stainless steel that would otherwise be used in the area.  
On the Skeletool CX and Freestyle CX models we use Tungsten Diamond-like Coating (DLC) for scratch resistance and a carbon-fiber handle inserts to reduce weight.  

On the MUT and MUT EOD, we use bronze for the carbon scraper. Bronze is softer than the steel used on firearms, so when you're scraping carbon from your gun you won't scar your parts.  

We also use 154CM stainless steel for our replaceable wire and strap cutters. 154CM means the cutting surface will keep an edge about three-times as long as regular stainless steel, which is helpful in hard-to-sharpen, but frequently-used features

Leatherman tools are made of 400-series stainless steel. Carbon content and heat-treated hardness vary depending on the specific implement. In some of our premium tools and knives we use 154CM and S30V for the knife blades. These two grades will keep their edge three and six-times as long as 400-series steel, but are a little bit harder to put an edge back on when they do go dull.

No stainless steel is truly stainless. It's just that: It stains less. It would be wise to think of it as corrosion-resisting steel. The element of chromium also helps prevent rust. The more chromium the less oxidation occurs. On the other hand, the more chromium you use, the less you can heat treat the steel. An increase in heat treatment means harder steel and better edge retention. In our particular mix of steel we have optimized the chromium content for heat treatment and rust prevention. This means that our steel will never be rust PROOF, but again, no stainless steel is ever truly rust proof.

Keep in mind that corrosion can occur and certainly get worse, in the absence of proper maintenance, particularly in extreme conditions. Please visit our Maintenance Tips section for hints on keeping your Leatherman Tool looking good and functioning well.

Crater series: 420HC
US made, from Crucible Metals. 420HC is used because it has good edge retention (stays sharp), toughness (it's not brittle), and is corrosion resistant.

Expanse series: 154CM
US made from Crucible Metals. 154CM is used because it has even better edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance than 420. We have used our CATRA edge retention test equipment to compare 154CM to 420, and the 154CM holds an edge approximately 3-times longer.

Rockwell hardness by steel type:
420HC: 55-59
154CM: 58-60
S30V: 58-60

Other blade steels:
440C is commonly used for knives and has gotten somewhat of a bad name for its ubiquity. ATS-34 is another common high-end steel; it is basically the Japanese version of 154CM. S60V is another premium steel with superior edge retention.

The Crater and Expanse series 33-models, and Expanse 55-models all have drop-point style blades. We chose these because of how well they fit/fold into the handle of the knife. It's actually the stronger of the two styles.

The Crater series 55-model has a Clip-Point style blade.

We chose because people who like larger knives more often than not prefer a clip-point blade - better for field dressing.

The main bevel grind (the overall angle that defines the knife) varies slightly depending on the product but is close to nine degrees. The actual cutting edge grind for all plain-edge knife blades is 32 degrees. This is the same angle used on all our plain-edge blades - Crater and Expanse series and our multi-tools. The serration angle on the Crater and Expanse combo knives is 16 degrees. Our other serrated blades fall within the same range with slight variances depending on the product.

With the entire Crater series 100% of the handle is 60% long-glass fiber nylon. This material was chosen because of its strength. It was also chosen for its weight and resistance to chemicals such as DEET in bug spray, gas, or break cleaner, engine degreaser, ammonia, rubbing alcohol, etc.

With the entire Expanse series 80% of the handle is 60% long-glass fiber nylon (see Crater series for reason). 20% of the handle is 301 stainless steel cladding, this was chosen for it durability and thermal stability. It was tested and withstood temperatures up to +145F/+63C and down to -5F/20C.

420HC blades: Crater series
• Fineblank - precision stamping process
• Flat finish - takes off initial burs from the stamping process
• Heat treat - this is a Quench Bath heat treat
• Mass finish - round over the sharp edges
• Double disc grind - makes the blades very flat at a precise thickness
• Lock taper grind - precision grinding of the KB lock face (only on c3/e3)
• Hollow grind - grind the main bevels and false edges
• Bead blast - creates matte surface finish
• Sharpen

154CM blades: Expanse series
• Laser cut - 154CM is too hard to blank, so it must be laser cut
• Heat treat - this is a Cryogenic heat treat
• Mass finish - round over the sharp edges
• Machining - precision hole drilling and counter sinking operation
• Double disc grind - makes the blades very flat at a precise thickness
• Lock taper grind - precision grinding of the KB lock face (only on c3/e3)
• Sharpen
• Buff

Liner locks (Crater and Expanse 33-models) are quicker and easier to open, unlock, and close with one hand.

The lockback system (Crater and Expanse 55-models) is generally stronger than the liner lock system, and is considered more traditional since it has been around for so long. It typically takes two hands and when working with a larger blade in the case of the models Leatherman uses the lock back system on, this is an added safety measure.

The Crater series has a bead blast finish.

The Expanse series has a scotchbrite/bead blast finish.

All of our knives can be re-sharpened using the standard methods. Sharpening stones work well and give a nice edge, but it takes more skill. You can also use diamond files. Those are quicker, but because they take metal off more quickly you have to be careful. Ceramic file systems are also good.

When sharpening with any system, the included angle should be around 32 degrees. One sharpening set we often recommend is the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker set. It's easy to use and effective, and can also be used for serrated blades.

Crater and Expanse series 33-models were designed as durable utility blades for every day use and carry. The styling and innovative features are aimed at young, active people who enjoy spending time outdoors.
• They have a technical look
• The blade launcher® is a cool innovative feature
• The carabiner makes the knife easy to attach to and use with outdoor gear (back packs, hydration systems, etc)
• The carabiner doubles as a bottle opener
• The in-handle bit storage system allows for added versatility without having to carry a sheath


The Crater and Expanse series 55-models were designed for more durable applications, but can be used for everyday use for those who prefer larger knives. The styling was aimed at adding a somewhat modern look to the traditional lockback knife often used by hunters and other similar outdoor enthusiasts.
• They are reminiscent of traditional lockback knives with a technical touch
• The hefty blades make the knife feel substantial
• The carabiner makes the knife easy to attach to and use with outdoor gear (back packs, hydration systems, etc)
• The carabiner doubles as a bottle openerThe in-handle bit storage system allows added versatility without having to carry a bit sheath with you

Crater series knives have a hollow grind. This is actually a "premium" grind found on high-end kitchen cutlery. It creates a natural release when cutting so materials don't stick to the knife. This grind is done on a CNC machine.

Expanse series knives have a flat grind. We use a flat grind on the harder steel so we don't go through as many CNC machine wheels hollow grinding. This is a cost measure.