Humans have been using edged tools for a long time; We first began to use sharpened tools around 2.6 million years ago and that honour goes to Homo habilis. For perspective, Homo sapiens, that's us folks, transitioned to permanent agricultural settlements only 10,000 years ago...So the other homo's that came before us had been using, and developing, edged tools for a long time!
The tools were basically sharpened stones called Oldowan tools and were used for cutting, scraping, chopping, and probably de-scaling fish I'd guess.
These progressed as human beings increased in intelligence and skill. They began to strike stone shards off larger rocks so the tools became sharper and thinner, much less rounded; More effective. That led to the hand axe.
Eventually knapping techniques improved (the striking of stone to craft the shards) and Homo neanderthalensis used this technique to craft tools of a predictable shape and size. This meant more efficient tools and a wider variety of uses.
I'll not go into the entire history because you probably don't care, but things progressed to the axes, celts and chisels of the Neolithic age which were even more advanced, sharper and able to be sharpened - This was around 12,000 years ago, and then came the more modern edged tools through working with metals like bronze, iron and steel.
A smart bunch of people, the humans, and by the time Homo sapiens hit the scene with their cognitive thought things were progressing quite nicely.
These days when people talk about knives it's often with a negative connotation; People see them as dangerous, but in truth edged tools play a vital role in day to day life and people that have them aren't all murderers...They're just people like you and I.
I'm a knife guy; I have many, and use them for their intended purpose generally, although I have some edged weapons for their historical-factor rather than utilitarian uses; My World War One bayonet is one such blade that was designed to stick human beings with - I haven't used it for that purpose.
Today I want to introduce you to one of my most useful tools and EDC knives. In truth it's not a simple edged tool but a combination of many tools rolled into one; A multi-tool.
Leatherman MUT (Military utility tool)
This combination tool is designed for practical and tactical functionality and is widely used by shooters in military, civilian and law-enforcement operations. It comes with a multitude of tools with primary and secondary purposes.
These tools are all readily deployed and easily replaced if damaged or broken - A few turns of a Torx wrench and the tool is back to its best...This makes the MUT perfect for field-use. It is constructed in 420HC stainless steel and heat treated for additional durability - It's a tough operator and will take a pounding. The tool is reasonably heavy at 11.2oz (317.5g) but that adds to its strength and durability.
👆The tool fits perfectly in the hand and finds a nice balance between too small and too large.
The tool comes in its own sheath which is MOLLE compatible so it can be carried on one's person or as part of the operators loadout, in or attached, to a pack. MOLLE means Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. Most military folk, when in battle, would stow it on their first-line gear or the belt or possibly on their fighting rig; Civilians probably on the belt.
The tool has one-hand operable features which, in certain circumstances, could be required, and comes with a belt clip and a handy storage area in the handle for the screwdriver bits.
👆The pouch, scope adjustment tool and MUT
👆A snug little MOLLE compatible pouch to hold the tool. It can be attached to ones belt, webbing or pack.
Below is a list of the other features in standard trim but there's others available as accessories.
- Pointed-nose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Replaceable wire cutters
- Replaceable hard-wire cutters
- Stranded-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- 420HC combo knife
- Saw blade
- Replaceable cutting hook
- Hammer
- Bolt override tool (critical in battle)
- Replaceable bronze carbon scraper
- 8-32 cleaning rod/brush Adapter
- Replaceable firearm disassembly punch
- Carabiner/Bottle opener
- Large bit driver
I take my MUT whenever I go shooting, hunting, culling, off-roading, camping and hiking. I've found myself in situations when I wished I had tools and that tends only to happen once - I learn and adapt...I like to be prepared and this tool helps me to do that.
👆The wire cutters are replaceable as they will wear with use. The silver parts at centre of shot are the blades.
👆The threaded tool I mentioned. This will accept various tools that are available as accessories and allow one to set up the MUT to suit ones needs.
I'll admit that this tool isn't the cheapest thing around but I have a buy once-cry once ethos preferring to have something that will take the hammering I will give it and deliver results when most needed rather than a cheaper version that will let me down in the field or need replacing in a couple years. I've had this MUT for several years now and it hasn't let me down yet so the price is justified. It also comes with a 25 year guarantee so a person can't really go wrong. Add in the fact parts that wear are replaceable and one has a tool for life.
👆The saw and blade can be operated one-handed. Here you see a couple other features opened up and one of the screwdriver bits stowed in it's spot.
Sometimes I wonder what our ancestors would have made of the modern technologies we have these days. They made do with a sharp rock and here we are with the most modern of equipment...It would be interesting if we could hand them a Leatherman MUT I think.
Thanks for taking a look at my post, and don't forget to post your knives, edged tools and weapons posts into the knives community and if you don't want to have a think about supporting those who do.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
Discord: galenkp#9209