
The Leatherman MUT series was designed to be the ultimate tactical tool kit for the prepper in the field with between 15 to 18 individual functions on the frame depending on the variation. This includes a special EOD version. MSRP is $190 to $200. TOOLS: • 420HC stainless steel clip-point combo straight/serrated knife • Needle nose pliers • Regular pliers • 154CM replaceable wire cutters • 154CM replaceable hard-wire cutters • Stranded-wire cutters • Saw • Hammer • Replaceable cutting hook • Bolt override tool • Replaceable firearm disassembly punch • Replaceable carbon scraper • Cleaning rod/brush adapters • Carabineer clip • Bottle opener • Large bit driver • Electrical crimper. INCLUDED BITS: Phillips #1-2 and 3/16-inch, Phillips #2 and ¼-inch Screwdriver, Torx #15 and Hex 7/64

This 9.6-ounce multi-tool has been in Leatherman’s lineup for a number of years for a very good reason: It offers everything but the kitchen sink in the way of functions. As with the MUT, there is a special EOD version available. MSRP is $87 to $120. TOOLS: • Clip-point knife with straight edge • 420HC sheepsfoot serrated knife • Needle nose pliers • Regular pliers • 154CM removable wire cutters • 154CM removable hard-wire cutters • Stranded-wire cutters • Wire stripper • Electrical crimper • 5/16″ screwdriver • 7/32″ screwdriver • 1/8″ screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • Wood/metal file • Saw • Bottle opener • Can opener • Ruler (9 inches/22 centimeters) • Awl with thread loop

SOG has added the advantage of its S.A.T. assisted-opening system to the blades on the 9.6-ounce, 7-inch PowerAssist. There are also several EOD variations available to those serving in the military. MSRP is $119.25. TOOLS: • Straight blade • Serrated blade • 3-sided file • Large screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • Can opener/small screwdriver • Bottle opener/medium screwdriver • Handle covers • V-cutter • Blasting cap crimper • Wire crimper • Wire cutter • Bolt grip channel

All tools lock on the Gerber Legend Multi-Plier 800 through a slide release in the handles. Both the scissors and the knife blade offer one-hand opening. The 9.8-ounce multi-tool is only 6.57 inches when fully expanded and features Fiskars scissors and a hack saw. MSRP is $144.95. TOOLS: • Needle nose Pliers • Wire cutters (with replaceable blade) • Blasting cap crimper • File • Full-size combo edge blade • Serrated drop-point blade • Fiskars scissors • Small screwdriver • Medium screwdriver/bottle opener • Hack Saw (replaceable) • Crosshead screwdriver

This double-bladed model is only 2.5 inches long closed (and only 4.3 inches when open). Despite its size, this Gerber still contains 10 highly useful functions and weighs only 3 ounces! MSRP is $17. TOOLS : • Needlenose pliers • Wire cutters • Fine-edge knife • Serrated knife • Phillips screwdriver • Small flat driver • Medium flat driver • Lanyard ring • Bottle opener • Tweezers

A good case could be made that the Swiss actually invented the modern multi-tool when they created their legendary red-handled pocket knives. Not to be left behind, Victorinox now also has a full line of plier knives to complement their pocket models. The 7.3-ounce Sprit Plus is the most well equipped of this family with over 35 features. MSRP is $153.50. TOOLS: • Pliers • Screwdriver (2mm) • Screwdriver (3mm) • Wire cutter (for wire up to 40 HRc hardness) • Screwdriver (5mm) • Bottle opener • Screwdriver (7.5mm) • Large blade • Serrated blade • Metal file • Metal saw • Wood saw • Reamer • Phillips screwdriver • Chisel/scraper • Strong crate • Opener • Wire bender • Wire stripper • Wire Scraper • Wire crimper • Can opener • Ruler (9 inches/230mm) • Hard wire cutter • Lanyard hole • Ratchet • Ratchet Extension. INCLUDED BITS: Hex #3, Hex #4, Phillips #0, Phillips #3, Torx #10, Torx #15

With its patented gear-driven “Compound Leverage” mechanism and locking components, SOG considers the PowerLock V-Cutter the center of its entire line of multi-tools. This multi-tool weighs 9.6 ounces and measures 7 inches in length when fully expanded. There are also special EOD versions available. MSRP is $114. TOOLS: • Double-tooth saw • 1/2 serrated blade • 3-sided file • Large screwdriver • Phillips screwdriver • ¼-inch socket drive • Awl • Can opener/small screwdriver • Bottle opener/medium screwdriver • Wire crimper • Wire cutter • Compound leverage • Comfort grips • V-cutter

The MultiTasker bills itself as the “pocket toolbox for your AR.” As you can see by the list of tools, it does a very good job of being just that. D2 tool steel construction and G10 scales make this model particularly rugged. MSRP is $179.95. TOOLS: • CNC machined pliers (D2) • Non-slip G10 scales (black or tan) • 3/8-inch hex for LaRue mounts • ½-inch hex for scope rings • Dual lug M4 castle nut spanner wrench/screwdriver • 3/32-inch pin punch with 8-32 male thread for OTIS cleaning kit compatibility • Radiused tip carbon scraper • 3-inch D2 knife blade (plain edge or partially serrated) • Pocket clip (removable) • ¼-inch magnetic bit driver with M16A2 FSP adjuster. INCLUDED BITS: Phillips #1, 3/32 slotted, 3/16 Hex, 9/64 Hex, 1/8 Hex, 7/64 Hex, 3/32 Hex, T10 Torx, T15 Torx

One of the main advantages of Bear Jaws Locking Multi-Tool is that the tools fold out of the handle while closed, with all blades locking in place during use. With a closed length of only 4 inches, this multi-tool still manages to offer 19 functions through its lightweight frame. MSRP is $72.99. TOOLS: • Needle nose pliers • Wire cutter/stripper • Standard scale • Serrated sheepfoot blade • 3-sided file • Phillips screwdriver • Bottle/can opener • Medium /large screwdriver • Lanyard ring • Drop-point Blade

As can be expected from a tool with the Heckler & Koch (HK) stamp on it, this is a weapons maintenance-oriented model with accessories for M16 sight adjustment and a shotgun choke key. MSRP is $80. TOOLS: • Needle nose pliers • Knife • Strap cutter • Front sight adjustment tool • Shotgun choke key • Cuff key • File with scraping end • Saw blade • 9-piece screw bit set

The Kickstarter-funded company Reductivist, a Brooklyn-based business founded by industrial designer Jonathan Sabutis, recently announced the official launch of its first product, the Ringtool. Conceived as an ultra-light solution for cyclist commuters, its applications extends far beyond the biking community. A super-compact alternative to lugging around a full-size tool kit, the Ringtool lives on any standard keyring, always on-hand for minor repairs or in the event of an emergency. The company’s “manifesto” states that it has a goal of no off-shoring, no plastic, no fashion, no luxury and no style. Not only is the Ringtool portable, it is nearly indestructible. The carefully selected grade of hardened stainless steel favored by other trusted multi-tool brands for its balanced combination of strength and corrosion resistance is used in its construction. Currently, both standard stainless and matte black versions are available. MSRP is $28. TOOLS: • Bottle opener • Flathead driver • Phillips driver • Torxhead T25 driver • Spoke wrench for 0.129-inch (3.30mm) nipples • Spoke wrench for 0.135-inch (3.45mm) nipples ***(nipples vary greatly between manufacturers so may not fit your setup perfectly) INCLUDED BITS: • 3mm Hex • 4mm Hex • 5mm Hex • 6mm Hex • 8mm Hex

The Kickstarter-funded company Reductivist, a Brooklyn-based business founded by industrial designer Jonathan Sabutis, recently announced the official launch of its first product, the Ringtool. Conceived as an ultra-light solution for cyclist commuters, its applications extends far beyond the biking community. A super-compact alternative to lugging around a full-size tool kit, the Ringtool lives on any standard keyring, always on-hand for minor repairs or in the event of an emergency. The company’s “manifesto” states that it has a goal of no off-shoring, no plastic, no fashion, no luxury and no style. Not only is the Ringtool portable, it is nearly indestructible. The carefully selected grade of hardened stainless steel favored by other trusted multi-tool brands for its balanced combination of strength and corrosion resistance is used in its construction. Currently, both standard stainless and matte black versions are available. MSRP is $28. TOOLS: • Bottle opener • Flathead driver • Phillips driver • Torxhead T25 driver • Spoke wrench for 0.129-inch (3.30mm) nipples • Spoke wrench for 0.135-inch (3.45mm) nipples ***(nipples vary greatly between manufacturers so may not fit your setup perfectly) INCLUDED BITS: • 3mm Hex • 4mm Hex • 5mm Hex • 6mm Hex • 8mm Hex

The Kickstarter-funded company Reductivist, a Brooklyn-based business founded by industrial designer Jonathan Sabutis, recently announced the official launch of its first product, the Ringtool. Conceived as an ultra-light solution for cyclist commuters, its applications extends far beyond the biking community. A super-compact alternative to lugging around a full-size tool kit, the Ringtool lives on any standard keyring, always on-hand for minor repairs or in the event of an emergency. The company’s “manifesto” states that it has a goal of no off-shoring, no plastic, no fashion, no luxury and no style. Not only is the Ringtool portable, it is nearly indestructible. The carefully selected grade of hardened stainless steel favored by other trusted multi-tool brands for its balanced combination of strength and corrosion resistance is used in its construction. Currently, both standard stainless and matte black versions are available. MSRP is $28. TOOLS: • Bottle opener • Flathead driver • Phillips driver • Torxhead T25 driver • Spoke wrench for 0.129-inch (3.30mm) nipples • Spoke wrench for 0.135-inch (3.45mm) nipples ***(nipples vary greatly between manufacturers so may not fit your setup perfectly) INCLUDED BITS: • 3mm Hex • 4mm Hex • 5mm Hex • 6mm Hex • 8mm Hex

















When the War on Terror started in 2001, multi-tools became an indispensable part of every warrior’s gear and all branches of the service issued the various models in huge quantities. Of course, it wasn’t just the military that fell in love with the utility of the multi-tools. You will find them hanging from the belts of electricians, mechanics, plumbers, carpenters and anyone else who repairs things we all depend on. Often, they are the only cutting tool carried by mountain climbers, boaters, backpackers, trail bikers and a host of other outdoor people, including survivalists. Round the globe, it has been proven over and over there are very few problems you can’t work your way out of with a multi-tool and a little ingenuity. The following are 11 of the more outstanding models in the modern lineup.
This article was originally published in the SURVIVOR’S EDGE TM Fall 2014 issue. Subscription is available in print and digital editions here.
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