Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Some Leatherman products are crafted to follow TSA specifications for a carry-on item. Those products are listed below. One of our models - the Style PS - complies with all TSA requirements for a carry-on multifunction tool, but remember that it is ultimately up to TSA workers to decide what they are allowing on board or not. The current regulatory requirements can be found at www.tsa.gov. Other Leatherman products may be stowed in checked luggage that travels in the cargo area.

ATTENTION: UPDATED TSA GUIDELINES ON KNIVES


On 5 June 2013, the TSA (US Transportation Safety Authority) announced that it had withdrawn its decision to allow Messer to be part of the hand luggage on board. More information about these changes can be found at
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items.

The following Leatherman products comply with current TSA regulations for carry-on items:

  • Tread®
  • Tread® LT
  • Tread Metric®
  • Brewzer®
  • Piranha® 2
  • Style® PS
  • Mako® Ti
  • Grind®
  • Jam®
  • Thruster®
  • Pump®
  • Rail®
  • Cam®
  • Rime®

Please note: Before carrying any Leatherman product on a flight or into any other restricted area, refer to the organization’s published sharp object policy for your own protection. Security agents, such as TSA representatives, have full discretion over allowable items for the safety of all passengers, and international laws may vary. Please also note that Leatherman does not warranty tools that are lost, stolen, or confiscated.

Our tools bear the name of our founder, Tim Leatherman, who invented the original Pocket Survival Tool, now known as the PST®.

Learn more about The Leatherman Story.

Tim Leatherman's standards for quality, durability, precision and attention to detail are what make Leatherman tools like no other. Ever since Tim invented the category, we've focused on just one thing — manufacturing the world's highest quality multipurpose tools.

Read about The Leatherman Story.

Our products are sold in approximately 90 countries around the world. Please refer to the Dealer Locator page to locate our authorized distributors. These distributors can help you find retailers in your area and/or help you with a warranty issue.

Each Leatherman tool consists of a combination of features that makes it a unique multipurpose tool. We cannot alter or substitute different blade components from one tool version to another.

Always. Consumer feedback has played a significant role in improving our existing products and designing new ones. Our marketing department tracks suggestions and welcomes your feedback, so feel free to address your ideas to them (either in writing or at info@leatherman.com). If you wish to submit an idea for which you already have or may obtain a patent or other ownership rights, please write to the Office of the President, Leatherman Tool Group, PO Box 20595, Portland OR 97294. Prior to receiving or considering your idea, we will present you with a disclosure agreement that describes your rights and ours in any idea you disclose to us.

There are several sheaths to choose from. All are pictured in our Accessories page. Please visit that section for information on how to order sheaths and other Leatherman gear.

Sorry. Leatherman Tool Group is privately held and is very unlikely to go public in the foreseeable future.

Use a separate screwdriver or similar device to unlock the blades. With the handles closed together, insert the screwdriver into the slot created by the handle spring (where the handle locks onto the tool blades). Gently pry up the handle spring until one of the blades can be released.

Black oxide is a "conversion coating", which means it changes the surface of the product, rather than covering the product, as paint would. Black oxide is formed by oxidizing the outer layer of atoms on the surface. In effect, it's controlled rust. When you first use the product, the black substance is this outer layer. It will wear away to some extent, but that's the nature of this finish. To avoid the stains, simply take a rag with CRC 3-36 (or similar oil) and rub the tool surfaces thoroughly. The oil will set the finish and allow it to last longer. This is what your skin oils are actually doing when you handle the tool.

To start a warranty claim, please contact the authorized Leatherman distributor for your country.

Our products are designed to be disassembled by factory-trained technicians only. Repaired tools are reassembled (and the pivot posts cemented) to ensure proper tension for optimum tool performance. Attempting to disassemble a Leatherman tool yourself may result in lost components and compromised tool functionality. It may also void your warranty protection.

First of all: § 42a of the German weapon law gives the following regulations (the sentences that are relevant for Leatherman and this statement are marked below):

Waffengesetz (WaffG) § 42a Verbot des Führens von Anscheinswaffen und bestimmten tragbaren Gegenständen

  1. It is forbidden to carry:
    1. Devices having the appearance of weapons,
    2. Shear and thrust weapons according to Annex 1 Section 1 or Subsection 2 No. 1.1, or
    3. Knives with a one-handed lockable blade (one-handed knife) or fixed knives with a blade length of more than 12 cm.
  2. Paragraph 1 does not apply
    1. For use at photographic sessions, film, or television recordings or theatrical performances
    2. For transport in a locked container
    3. For carrying the objects referred to in N1-3 above if a legitimate interest exists.

    Further regulations remain unaffected.

  3. A legitimate interest pursuant to subsection (2) sentence 1 no. 3 exists in particular, if the goods are being used in connection with exercise of the carrier’s occupation, or serves the preservation of traditional customs, sports, or a generally recognized purpose.

First and foremost, we would like to point out that our multi-tools "Rebar", "Knifeless Rebar", "Super Tool 300" and "Crunch" do not have a one-handedly lockable blade and therefore do per se not fall under the §42a para. 1 No. 3 of the Weapons Act.

We would then like to emphasize that all our tools are intended solely as a multi-tool / tool and have been developed for that very purpose. Each of our multi-tools has a variety of different tool elements, from pliers to screwdrivers, cap lifters and files to wire cutters. The blade on a LEATHERMAN® multi-tool is just one of many different tool elements. Thus, and from our perspective, multi-purpose tools as such are from the very start not to be qualified as “knives” in the weapon law sense, even though they may, in a given case, feature a blade as part of the tool elements. Nevertheless, we cannot disregard the fact that certain tools of our product range may be viewed by the authorities as falling under the above-mentioned weapons law (§ 42a para. 1 no. 3). We are aware of this and take the concerns of our customers seriously.

§42a para. 2 no. 3 leaves a lot of room for interpretation, which unfortunately does not simplify the understanding, but provides even more uncertainty for owners of such a multi-tool with one-handedly lockable blade.

We would therefore like to explain our interpretation of §42a:

As stated above, the unspecified term “legitimate interest” leaves much room for interpretation. Paragraph 3 of § 42a sets out examples of a legitimate interest: this is the case if the carrying of the multi-tool (with one-handly lockable blade) occurs in the context of the exercise of a profession, or serves tradition, sport or a generally recognized purpose. We consider occasions like the use of tools for fishing, hunting, mountaineering, climbing, hiking, cycling and motorcycling, sailing, camping and other outdoor activities as serving a generally recognized purpose. Likewise, we view all professional and private craft / construction and maintenance activities, where a multi-tool can be used, a being for a generally recognized purpose - whether these activities are carried out at home or away from home.

It is important that any “socially adequate“ use is taken into account. This means that occupations / activities, where it is socially acceptable to use a knife or special tool for the execution of the respective task should in our view be considered as serving a generally recognized purpose.

With regard to the carrying of a multi-tool (with one-handedly lockable blade) in everyday life, the legal text in$§ 42a para. 2 no. 2 stipulates that the carrying of the device is not prohibited when it is transported in a locked container. In a first step, you can thus avoid any conflict, when you carry the tool in a locked container. Thus, the owner of such a multi-tool then acts lawfully.

We hereby want to clarify that we cannot influence the authorities’ interpretation of § 42 a, and that the law may be construed differently by the judiciary than we interpret it. Therefore, we as Leatherman can only teach our customers how to use our multi-tools. Of course, we have our interpretation of the text legally validated. At this point we would like to clarify that this is statement does not constitute legal advice from our side, but rather our classification of the said legal text.

We take §42a of the weapons law and also the concerns of our customers in this context, however, very seriously!

STEEL

Different types of steel offer varying levels of performance in terms of edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. These qualities determine the character of a particular steel and ultimately, the performance of a knife blade. Leatherman uses a variety of steel types in our knife blades including: 420HC steel, CPM MagnaCut, S30V, and 154CM.

420HC steel is a high-carbon stainless steel that is specifically designed for knife blades. It offers good edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, as well as being relatively easy to sharpen. While it may not be considered a premium steel, it is still a high-quality material and is ideally suited for an everyday working blade on a multi-tool. Because it’s cost-effective, easy to produce, and performs well all-around, it is the most common steel type found on Leatherman multi-tools. 

CPM MagnaCut is a high-performance premium steel that hits the sweet spot of qualities that make a superior knife blade. It has excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is a relatively new steel on the market and is an excellent choice as a knife steel because it retains its edge so well and is easier to maintain. Leatherman has chosen to use this steel in the Arc to give our users the best possible cutting performance on the best multi-tool we’ve ever made. It’s also particularly well suited for harsh conditions and wet environments. 

S30V steel is a high-performance stainless steel that offers excellent edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is a premium steel that is often used in high-end knives and multi-tools like the Charge + TTI. It is more difficult to sharpen than some other steels, but it offers exceptional cutting performance.

154CM steel is a high-performance stainless steel that offers good edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is a premium steel that is often used in high-end knives and multi-tools like the Skeletool CX. It’s slightly easier to sharpen if you maintain your own blade.

Our premium wire cutters are made from 440C steel. 

CUSTOM SHOP

While custom order creation times will vary based on volume, please allow for approximately 1-2 additional weeks for processing. Delivery may vary based on your chosen shipping method. If you have not received your custom order within 2 weeks, please contact customer service.

Following your order, we will send you a confirmation email that your order has been received. We will send you a shipping confirmation email once your product has been shipped.

Leatherman custom product is built just for you and cannot be returned or exchanged. Having quality issues? Please view our warranty policy or contact our customer service team.

Leatherman moderates text and image uploads. You must own the rights to your uploaded images. Leatherman reserves the right to reject and cancel custom orders containing profane, offensive, or libelous phrases, imagery, or content that we deem as objectionable including, but not limited to the following:

  • Drugs and Alcohol
  • Pornography
  • Violence
  • Inappropriate Text
  • Emoji

If your design violates the Leatherman custom policy, you will receive an email notification that your order was rejected and canceled. If you have questions about why your order was rejected, please contact our customer service team.

Please review your image thoroughly. To prevent the image from being grainy or pixelated, we recommend using files that are at least 1,000 pixels in height and/or length. Avoid imagery with metallic and fluorescent colors as they do not print. The 3D rendering of your design will match the physical product as closely as possible; however, because of different screens and digital platforms, actual colors may have slight deviations. Compatible image file types: PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, PDF, and EPS.

Your selected image may not be a high enough resolution. To prevent the image from being grainy or pixelated, we recommend using files that are at least 1,000 pixels in height and/or length. Compatible image file types: PNG, JPG, GIF, SVG, PDF, and EPS.

Not all browsers are created equal. To ensure you are getting the most out of your Leatherman custom experience, we recommend using the newest version of your browser. Google Chrome on your desktop computer will provide an optimal experience.

Please contact our customer service team if you are experiencing issues with placing your custom order.


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