Portland, OR —(Ammoland.com)— Leatherman Tool Group, Inc. will debut a first for the company: a line of tools based on consumer generated feedback.
“The idea stems from crowdsourcing sites, like Kickstarter,” said industrial designer Blair Barnes, the creator of the new By the Number PocketTool line. “We’ve based the plan for these tools from the input we’ve received from Leatherman owners, and our goal is to create different options and seek feedback on each to see what is most valuable to our consumers.”
Consumer involvement on the tools will be requested via the Leatherman website and can be found on each products page.
The new line of minimalist keychain tools will be called By the Number, as only 1,000 pieces of each model will be crafted per quarter and each unique model will be known by an identifying number. These will fall under Leatherman’s popular line of PocketTools; one-piece flat multi-tools that sometimes have removable accessories, and will be made from 3/16” thick 420HC stainless steel.
Features on the initial line of By the Numbers PocketTools will include Leatherman’s most requested tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, bit drivers, and bottle openers. Future By the Number PocketTools could be based on niche needs for specific activities, or use specialty materials like titanium.
Barnes is looking forward to designing for unique needs.
“If we tried to make one tool that did everything for everyone, we’d just be making another full size multi-tool. The great thing about By the Number is we can make useful items based on highly requested features. In the future, we can quickly measure response and consider bringing back a design in our permanent line, modifying it to meet different needs, or retiring a model completely.”
Twice a year, Leatherman plans to launch 5-10 new By the Number designs, plus any modified models.
“We’re listening, and we look forward to creating a partnership with the folks who use our tools every day,” said Barnes.
Leatherman By the Number PocketTools will be available exclusively in the US at Leatherman beginning May 23rd, 2014. MSRP for the initial offering of By the Number tools will be $10.00-$15.00 USD, depending on the tool. Images are available upon request.
About Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
Founded in 1983 by Tim Leatherman, Oregon-based Leatherman Tool Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of high quality multi-tools (Leatherman) and LED lights (LED LENSER), with more than 120 million tools and lights sold, and distribution in more than 85 countries.