In early 2007, Dasco Pro, Inc., a quality hand tool manufacturer since 1922 and one of the last remaining hand tool forging companies in the United States, turned their attention to tools used by fire and rescue personnel. After visiting several firehouses nearby in Rockford, Illinois and consulting with area firefighters, it became clear there were many professional firefighters, rescue personnel, departments, and municipalities looking for innovative products at a competitive price.

Dasco Pro believed they could bring value to this underserved market by designing and developing superior quality tools that would be manufactured and assembled in the USA, using American steel, still the world’s finest. Within a year, Dasco was ready to introduce a full line of Fire and Rescue products — axes, sledges, hooks, and forcible entry tools – that merged the quality of their forged steel with innovative, hi-density, hi-visibility handles designed to improve durability and reduce the number of tools lost in smoky, low visibility conditions.

It was a special tool line worthy of a new name – a name that would express the toughness and durability built into them. A name that would mean something to the professionals that would use them. The product line was named Leatherhead Tools.