[blarneystone]

I think Some are taking this a bit far. Why should Someone's business fail because they support or endorse a certain candidate? this is America... he should be able to vote for the wrong candidate if he wants to.

It just seems ridiculous to want a great American company to fail because the CEO is a lib.

[Hacksaw]

I took a position, and now I will accept the consequences.

Can't argue with that. I don't like his decision, but I do like his honesty.

[Slings and Arrows]

Just sent this e-mail:

Dear Mr. Leatherman,

I was very disappointed to hear of your endorsement of John Kerry. As a result, the Leatherman Wave I carry on my belt is the last Leatherman I will own. Also, I will no longer give several Leathermans a year as gifts.

You may wish to research what happened to Smith & Wesson when they practiced politics repugnant to their customers.

I hope that you will reconsider and apologize for your decision. If not, I suspect you will find that you need your customers more than they need you.

Sincerely,
[Slings and Arrows]

[EagleUSA]

Remember that Leatherman is headquartered in a VERY LIBERAL STATE RUN BY LIBERALS TRADITIONALLY FOR A VERY LONG TIME --- (Oregon). I would submit that his announcement was purely political (brilliant, right?) to provide some favor for his company's status in Oregon.

A state which continues to drive businesses out through their liberal goverment agenda --- a mini-California, if you will.

[Duke Nukum]

Will France and Germany get a veto on how good the tools can be?

[mad_as_he$$]

No biggie better stuff on the market now anyway. We should still spread the word.

[Soul Seeker]

I admire his willingness to accept the consequences.

He isn't whining about a "boycott", like some others have. He isn't demeaning those that have chosen not to buy his product. Other Libs could learn from him.

[Lizavetta]

Wait til an unhinged trial lawyer sues his company because some kid cut off a toe. Some Edwardesque 'for the children' sleaze.

[kingu]

Mr. Leatherman,

I have long had a supertool on or about my person, I was one of the first people to buy one, and it has never failed me. No repairs needed, no problems.

I deeply respect the concept that people have a right to vote or support as they choose, and that is not what is forcing my decision today. What did force my hand was your taking a public stand, quoting idiotic enviromental scams, with the impression that any of it will ever happen. Senators John Kerry and John Edwards have done exactly zero on the issues you bring up, what makes you believe such policies would actually change?

I'm not boycotting your company because of whom you're voting for; I'm boycotting your company because you're too stupid to stay in business long enough for that lifetime warrantee to have any meaning.

Oh, and because you decided to make a public issue out of your stance. But, really, that's secondary.

Thank you for your time, and I wish you luck in your new business ventures.

A Former Leatherman Owner.

[Clemenza]

If I knew how to post pictures, a Village People photo of the Leatherman would go HERE.

[Space Wrangler]

Gerber makes the same item. I own one. I prefer the Gerber to the Leatherman anyway. I love it when it's this easy.

[Fast1]

You Sir support a Lying Communist and a Traitor I will never use anything you manufacture .. In closing I am amazed you have got this far with the Poor Judgment you exhibit.

[VeniVidiVici]

I took a position, and now I will accept the consequences.

At least he's not whining that his free speech is being stifled.

One that finally understands he is free to say whatever he wants but that there may be consequences to his speech.

[Angry Enough]

Yup. It's called the free market. He's free to politicize his business and we're free to take ours elsewhere.

[Cicero]

For those who would like a look, the Gerber site is here:

http://www.gerber-tools.com/

[US_MilitaryRules]

Thanks for posting this. I allways wanted one of these tools. Now I know to look for another brand. Does anyone know a liberal who would use one of these?

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

Tim Leatherman really has to consider the core users and/or primary purchasers of his products. If you could gather all the people coast-to-coast wearing multi-tools on their belts, you would overwhelmingly find them to be Republicans supporting the re-election of President Bush.

People who purchase this type of tool tend to be self-reliant, self-starting, independent-minded folks. They ain't sheeple, that's for sure. Poor decision on the part of the CEO of this firm. His competition will welcome the influx of new customers.

Was considering a Charge Ti or Charge XTi, but I'll clearly take a look at the alternatives. All things being equal, I'm not going to support a businessman who is "OK" with my rights and freedoms being eroded.

~ Blue Jays ~

[WmDonovan]

I've had a Gerber Multi-tool for 9 years now, and a Victorinox Multi-Tool for the past 3 years. They are both good. I'd say that the Gerber is a better pair of pliers, and that the Victorinox has the better blades and other stuff that fold out, albeit the Gerber has probably been upgraded in the past 9 years. Both companies make good knives too, BTW.

I agree that the personal view of a business owner shouldn't matter, so long as they keep it personal. Mr. Leatherman apparently hasn't done that. Victorinox is Swiss and Gerber is American. Gerber makes some serious fighting knives so I doubt that they are exactly bleeding hearts, although they've helped make some, literally (OK, bad pun).

[Artemis Webb]

I use only S.O.G.

[TheGunny]

Mr Leatherface just couldnt resist the temptation to keep his politics to himself. I have owned the leatherman and the Gerber, I guess I will stick with Gerber.

I think T Kerry is on drugs.