About.com Rating



The Bottom Line

The MUT lives up to its name as a multi-tool geared towards shooters - mostly. For a tote-in-the-field tool to keep your AR15 or M16 in working order until you get back to camp or base, it's well-thought-out and (naturally) well-made.

That said, I wouldn't choose the MUT for everyday use (I tote a Juice CS4 for that), nor would I depend on this as a range tool. My cleaning kit offers more - and much better - options for adjusting or cleaning my guns, and Leatherman screwdrivers rarely offer a perfect fit.

 

Pros

 

• 25-Year Warranty.
• Should be largely corrosion-free - although mine has a little rust.
• Made very tough and should last a long time.
• Blades are very sharp, and stay that way.
• Designed for soldiers & shooters.

 

Cons

 

• Bulky and not pocket-friendly.
• I don't consider it practical as a shooter's tool for home or range. For soldiers in the field, sure.
• Bits can be difficult to remove from their storage slots.
• The cutting hook could easily slice your finger when you're using the pliers. I suggest opening the latch to block your finger from sliding down that far - and keep the short bit in the holder when the tool is folded, for the same reason.
• The stranded wire cutters pretty much suck. They're okay on small stuff, but are quite small and if the wire doesn't fit the cutter, it just gets crimped.

 

Description

 

• Folding multi-tool designed for military use.
• Includes tan MOLLE military-type sheath.
• Length: 5 inches closed, 7 5/8" open (pliers). Blade length 3" (knife and saw).
• Weight: 10.75 ounces alone with bits installed; 14.3 ounces with sheath and wrench.

• Leatherman claims "All Locking Blades and Tools," but ONLY the knife and saw are locking. The pliers, scraper, and pin/cleaning rod adapter don't lock.
• Has needlenose pliers. Leatherman claims the curved, toothed portion of the jaws are "regular pliers," but I disagree - regular pliers are wide at the end.
• Knife blade is partially serrated (which I dislike).
• Hard wire cutters (replaceable blades), stranded wire cutters, electrical crimper.
• Saw is extremely sharp and aggressive and works well.
• Features for shooters: AR bolt override tool, replaceable pin punch, replaceable bronze scraper, and places for cleaning rods or brushes to be screwed in.
• Bit driver allows use with special included flat bits (1 and 2 Phillips, 3/16" and 1/4" flat screwdriver, 7/64" hex, and 15 Torx).
• Also includes hammer, removable titanium pocket clip, replaceable cutting hook, carabiner/bottle opener, and a latch to lock it so the pliers can't unfold.
• Separate 1/2" and 3/8" combo 12-point boxed-end wrench also included.
• Stainless steel used in many areas.
• Black oxide version also available (it blacks out all the shiny parts).
• 25-year warranty.
• Package doesn't tell me where it's made.

 

Leatherman MUT Military Utility Tool: Truly a Mutt

When I first learned of the Leatherman MUT, my senses went on high alert. A new Leatherman tool designed for shooters! How had I missed it when this was first announced? No matter; I simply made arrangements to get my hands on one ASAP.

Once I had my hands on a MUT and had happily used it to pound in a few loose nails around the house, my excitement waned. It's too bulky to easily carry in the pocket, the sheath is also on the bulky side, and I can deploy the various tools on my Leatherman Juice CS4 more quickly and more easily.

The MUT lay in quiet stealth, awaiting a moment of shining glory when its unique features would win me over and illuminate me with its magnificence! Sadly, that moment never came. I did put it to use shucking both deer and hog and was very happy with the saw's performance, and used it on some guns... but for me, this tool never really shined.

Why the High Rating?

You will notice that this review features an almost-perfect rating for a tool which doesn't suit me perfectly. That's because it wasn't designed for me - it was designed for soldiers in the field who carry AR15/M16/M4 type rifles (MUT = Military Utility Tool). For that, I think it will work - and it's made so rugged that it is very likely to survive battlefield conditions.

For its size, I would expect to find more fold-out tools on the MUT, but it's more about toughness than variety - and there really is an impressive array of stuff available.

Recommendations

I can't recommend this as an everyday tool because it's too bulky, the tools aren't always easily deployed, and the cutting hook could easily become a finger-eater. I can't recommend it as a range tool either, because the knife every man should carry in his pocket along with a gun cleaning & maintenance kit will do a much better job of answering those demands.

But when you cross-breed utility with military-grade tools, you're left with a mutt that shows features of both, and will very likely come in handy in the field when you're toting an AR15 or M16 variant.

- Russ Chastain

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• Leatherman Vista Hunting Pruner Multitool
• Leatherman Juice CS4 Multi-tool
• Leatherman Steens Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
• Leatherman Klamath Folding Hunting Knife
• Sunrise River Wild Boar Hunting Knife

 



Disclosure: A review sample was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.