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For my fall semester multi-tool class, I created a 3-dimensional multi-tool based on the mechanics and manufacturing techniques used by the original Leatherman survival tool made by Tim Leatherman.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5299adeae47c15f9aef8d26c8d09eb0a/2bc4e5d0-7347-4f62-8dd3-c921c9f5fe2a_rw_1920.png?h=1ad0c08e57da0ca7e910b21f9b424e61)
My original plan was to create a multi-tool with no correct orientation using the toy, called KO Sticks, as mechanical reference for what I wanted my center function to mimic. This proved to be too complicated and I had to take a step back and consider where I should center my focus.
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I decided to focus on the center function of the tool an make the 3D function a major part of the design without affecting the aesthetics or mechanics.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5299adeae47c15f9aef8d26c8d09eb0a/df0bedcb-f00d-401d-9a9a-39a94d983398_rw_1920.png?h=ed002740f0b78291ed8a466b592f5d9a)
I chose bent sheet metal as a primary manufacturing technique for this project due to the existing Leatherman sheet metal manufacturing process for the body and the tools.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5299adeae47c15f9aef8d26c8d09eb0a/af82ba2c-cc6f-4d5f-ab99-a336eb616af3_rw_3840.jpg?h=f2306b5c78c21229146c2d0b4113c336)
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Model testing sheet metal tension lock
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/5299adeae47c15f9aef8d26c8d09eb0a/e8996d8a-d645-4fa4-9737-237bc0a9d901_rw_1920.png?h=4b5bed85392ddfc5af621384307b62d6)
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