When Tim S. Leatherman patented the so-called Pocket Multiple Tool in 1980, initially only craftsmen and technicians were interested in his tool. Then, according to legend, it was the stage technicians who were happy that they didn't always have to carry an unwieldy tool case on the ladder. Nowadays, every child knows the pocket tool with the name Leatherman, there are different sizes and even special versions specially adapted to the needs of different user groups. It was long overdue to finally honor the Leatherman's many years of service here on PowderGuide.com as Gear of the week.
I would like to abbreviate the technical description of the Leatherman here: It has everything you need. If something is missing, you have chosen the wrong version of the tool - it's as simple as that! There are several versions, but most of them include the numerous basic functions - which I won't list here. The highlight, the groundbreaking idea, the success factor, the copy guarantee - or whatever you want to call it - in the development of the Leatherman was to accommodate all the functions in the two handles of the pliers. Tim's top priority in the development process was always to make the tool easy to use with one hand - otherwise the stage technicians would also fall off the ladder. If you're cynical, you might think Tim's motivation stems from the unusual liability situation in the USA; otherwise he would probably have received quite a few reports. As a snow sports enthusiast, you don't usually spend time on ladders, but you still have a hand free to hold the ski while the binding is adjusted or the stopper is bent open.
Who hasn't had these experiences with the Leatherman? Everyone has experienced it or at least heard about it! Quickly cutting off some of the base after the early winter sharkbite so that the flat tire doesn't slow you down on the next descent. At the start of the ski tour, you realize that you've packed the skin for the wide slats and need to cut it to size quickly before climbing the 1500 metres in altitude (note: the blade is as sticky as honey bread afterwards, but shouldn't be used to spread honey bread!) After three falls (why did the ski open up again?) and lots of fresh snow on my neck, I checked the Z-value and realized that the binding hadn't even been adjusted properly when I had euphorically followed Mr. PowderAlert's instructions in the morning with the latest freeride slats. I don't want to add much more for personal reasons, otherwise it would be embarrassing... But feel free to use the comment function and tell us about your Leatherman adventures!
Here you can buy a few Leatherman tools from our partner store Bergzeit.de...
