Leatherman touts its new Bond multi-tool as an ideal entry point for those new to multi-tools, as well as an ode to the company’s history. The Bond is modeled after the original PST multi-tool, designed by company founder Tim Leatherman in the late 1970s.
Because of its light weight, easy carry, and sub-$50 price point, Leatherman points to the Bond for multi-tool beginners.
Utility by Design
Tim Leatherman made his first multi-tool out of personal necessity. He experienced a constant need for a knife and pliers during a European road trip in 1975 — the jalopy he’d rented required repeated repairs. Upon returning home to Portland, Ore., Leatherman started frankensteining the tools together into what would become known as the Pocket Survival Tool, or ‘PST.’ Eight years later, his eponymous company received its first order for 500 PSTs from Cabela’s.
The first-of-its-kind tool featured pliers, a wire cutter, a plain edge knife, an awl, assorted screwdrivers, and a can opener.
Leatherman, Updated for 2021
The rest is history — until now. The Bond is Leatherman’s 2021-ready update of the original PST. From what we can tell, the Bond features the same toolkit as the PST, with the standard knife, pliers, screwdriver set, and various specialty cutters and openers.
Leatherman says the Bond benefits from “years of continued innovation” by its in-house engineers; a further explanation was unavailable at the time of writing.
Leatherman Bond: Accessible Pricing
The Bond will clock in at under $50, which is certainly on the low end for a Leatherman pocket-sized tool. Most similar tools fetch $60 to $80. The pricing move looks like a nod to the company’s utilitarian — dare I say dirtbag? — origins.
Leatherman introduces the Bond pocket survival tool as the hood ornament of its “Moments Made” campaign, highlighting the brand’s most outstanding moments from over 40 years in business. “The Bond,” it says, “brings everything full circle.”
Learn more at Leatherman.com
