January 2011

From Super Tool 200 to MUT, a Game Rangers Story

I have been a game ranger in South Africa for 9 years now and have never been without a Leatherman on my belt since I bought a Super Tool 200 with my first paycheck, 9 years ago. Even when I need to dress up for a wedding, funeral etc, my Leatherman is always on my side. You need to understand one thing, I seriously use and abuse my Leatherman on a daily basis, SERIOUSLY! I have even thrown a Leatherman at a lion to convince him that I was not going to be dinner. Although I have broken my fair share of bits and pieces on them over the years, I still choose Leatherman as my multi-tool of choice. I have broken many Gerbers. Leatherman's aftermarket service has convinced me to stay loyal to Leatherman.

 It is with great sadness that I gave my Surge away today. I gave it to a new Guide that I have worked with for 8 years and has recently been promoted to a guiding position. My sadness will be short lived as my new Leatherman arrives tonight, a Leatherman MUT. The Leatherman that I have owned are: -Super Tool 200 - was left on the roof of my pickup and was lost. Fantastic tool and I just could not break it.  - Another Super Tool 200 - lost while towing a dead hippo behind a kayak; was harassed by other hippo and was forced to cut the line and dropped the Leatherman into the river - again, could not break it.  -Wave - was given to me as a present from guest and did not trust it as it seemed like a baby compared to the Super Tool. I gave it to my dad who still uses it to this day. -Charge - although a fancier version to the Wave, thought I'd give it a try - Lost while doing a guided walk, no chance of finding it in the bush - was not overly impressed, broke the frame twice. It was too small for my needs. -Surge - has lasted me the longest out of all my Leatherman, have just given it away to a fellow guide. - I did break the frame 3 times but it was repaired promptly and continued to be seriously abused. - MUT - can't wait to put this monster to the ultimate test, surviving the uses a guide can come up with.

Although expensive, I have a lot of faith in Leatherman and know it will serve me well. Although I have broken a few Leatherman, I must say again that I SERIOUSLY use my multi-tool every day. For normal use, a Leatherman will outlast its owner. I cannot describe how I use my multi-tool. Thanks Leatherman, my life would be incomplete without a Leatherman by my side.

Dylan M.

Johannesburg, South Africa