10,000 Mules?

[Sal Glesser]

I think that after there are several out there and the dust has settled on the "kit", we'll begin seeing comparisons.

Teacher's concept is an interesting one.

sal

 

[xdshooter]

I hope it did not come across that I did ????

Nope. Just wanted to clarify that I was not disagreeing with you.

4 s ter,
I don't think any knife company can be truly successful unless they themselves figure out their own quantity versus quality debate. I also think Sal is in the position to do this type of thing, without the worry of financial success. Ten years ago? Probably not, but just imagine if the first mules were S90V, H1, and ZD189 ten years ago?

I do think Sal is right, once there have been five or six steels out there, there will be a "ranking" of the Mules, and instead of the steel "experts" telling us which steel to buy, the Mule team users will create a favorite, and therefore create demand for more regular knives in that steel. I wonder if this constitutes illegal subliminal marketing!

 

[yablanowitz]

To all and sundry awaiting test reports, my apologies. My testing of the 52100 Mule was rather disrupted by the arrival of the S90V Military. For the uses I normally put my knives to, the S90V blows the 52100 away. The Mule's steel just doesn't have the wear resistance to stand up to my use. I'm still using the Mule to some extent and experimenting with edge angles, but not being the primary work knife has slowed the process greatly.

 

[The Mastiff]

I haven't had time to do what I want to yet either. I have been figuring out how to get this S125V I came in to ground properly, not hacked up by an arthritic guy using hand files and sandpaper. I want this to look better than my usual knifes. This steel, even annealed, eats up sandpaper and resists all but diamond files compared to the plain 1095/1085 steels I've had my way with in the past. I'd imagine Heat treated to RC 65-66 it will be unlike any steel I've used or taken care of before.

Hand working this steel is going to take me years seemingly, compared to the normal month.

Steel this rare ( and not in production) deserves better than my usual clumsy work.

So, in the mean time the mule team waits. It will get it's turn provided the good lord doesn't have other plans for me. Joe

 

[zenheretic]

While this is true that was the point to the MULE at least to my understanding that it was not a collectors model. It was meant to be used & abused in the real world by steel people and reviewed. And with that in mind the size of the run would have fit well.

HOw many use and abuse reports have we seen so far? I've only seen collector's gleefully displaying exotic woods and various fine plastics on their knives.

I hear what you are saying zen....... I just don't see anything "wrong" with guys being excited about dressing up their MULES and then being "gleefull" when they show them off.

To both zen & DaveH....
IF No, why are you trying to sidetrack something you have no part in. You DO NOT have a "dog in the hunt" so to speak.
As far as I am concerned your commentary is unwelcome and unwanted. [/SIZE]

teacher,

Get off your soapbox. Your inability to follow the comments in thread and your hasty conclusion of the worst possible interpretation of what I said is an abject failure of yourself and has nothing to do with my comment on reality.

 

[teacher]

zen,

I will not be getting off my soapbox anytime soon..... you can bank on that.

Upon re reading, I did group you a little to close to my comments to DaveH. I am sorry about that..... but, the "gleefully displaying" comment you made just somehow sounded less than sincere to me.

So, you see...... I did follow your comment zen. It just did not seem to ring true...... to me. The more I read it.... the more condescending it sounded.

I guess really you are the only one who knows for sure how it was meant.

"Abject failure" ..... me ???? Because you say so ??

Not in your wildest dreams zen. Your opinion of your opinion, is much to lofty.

Now zen, did you get a MULE ? Yes or No... [if that info is not classified of course.]

* IF Yes, where is your use and abuse report ?

* IF No, why are you trying to sidetrack something you have no part in. You DO NOT have a "dog in the hunt" so to speak.
As far as I am concerned your commentary is unwelcome and unwanted.

 

[zenheretic]

HOw many use and abuse reports have we seen so far? I've only seen collector's gleefully displaying exotic woods and various fine plastics on their knives.

watchewtalkinbout "gleefully" zen

jaislandboy is able to understand my comments, so your clouded inability to do is your personal issue with your reading comprehension.

Reality, I have only seen collector's gleefully displaying exotic woods and various fine plastics on their knives.

The fact of the matter is without "collector's" in this case defined as those who buy Spyderco either to collect or to resell, and not to test, the Mule would still be languishing on the shelf.

You are just a nobody on the internet who has no idea who I am or what motivates me. The fact that you choose to see the most negative possible interpretation of reality is a personal failing on your part.

You strike me as one of the crybabies who immediately started badmouthing Spyderco when the tiny segment of Mules sold out on the first day. Your logic is on the same plane as theirs. Because you posted "N" number of posts in one Mule thread on one forum you believe your vision of Mules is somehow more valid? I'll let you in on a little bit of reality. Although it was contractually well within my right to receive three (yes three) Mules, even though the majority could only have two, I abstained and only hold two Mules, therefore allowing others interested in the project to have a chance. You can thank me for my generosity in your next post.

Now why is it that you can say that more testing will exist after more versions are released but I'm required to post a test now? Hmmmm? By the way, where is your test?

 

[CuriousOne]

I'm glad numbers are limited. I wasn't interested in the first steel offered, but I do plan to buy future one(s).

The limited number practically guarantees the success of the knife. Larger production numbers would increase the cost Spyderco invests, making it easier to discontinue the mule concept...

Though it would be nice to see two steels offered at once (semi-increasing production) or less time between versions.

 

[jaislandboy]

Very, very nice. I see you left that little "tit" exposed on the end of the handle..... somewhat like a "skull crusher". Sweet.

Did you do the work ? It looks great.

Details please... ???? ..... or PM them to me if you don't mind. Things such as wood & who did it & will they do more .......

Later....... :thumbup:

Hi teacher, thanks for the compliments...
the wood is cumaru (aka brazilian teak) and the nifty handiwork was by forumite potterma. More tasty wood flavors here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/potterma/sets/72157600405755800/

and the "teet" was his idea lol I do believe he should be "easily accessible" via PM
More pix here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5404884#post5404884

 

[jaislandboy]

I hear what you are saying zen....... I just don't see anything "wrong" with guys being excited about dressing up their MULES and then being "gleefull" when they show them off.

I kinda envy their enthusiasm if you get right down to it...... :thumbup:
Being an "old fart" myself it inspired me to have something done to mine.
Maroon Micarta & Madisgascar Ebony..... they do look good also. I'll post a pic of them sometime too when I get someone to take it and show me how....

BUT, as for the testing..... the use and abuse....... it will come, be patient man..... let the initial "high" run it course.... don't try to rain on the parade.

TO ME..... it will be much more "scientific" in the use and abise trials to have two or three MULES of different steels laying on the table at the same time and do the exact same thing to each one.

Say.....
1. Cut 150 feet of cardboard
2. Whittle a 2x2 to a point
3. Chop a 2x2 in half
4. Cut 100 cuts of 3/4 inch sisal rope

This is just an example..... add or subtract what you wish. BUT keep it the same for each knife. And keep each "test" knife unused until the test.

This IMO will tell us something rather than just random whatever....... I can tell you the one I am using cuts like a champ .... BUT, what does that really tells us ??? ..... NOTHING......

TO ME ... this is all much easier to do and keep up with when one has several MULES of different steels to do at the same time.

SURE, their will be no instant gratification of use and abuse results right now...... but who cares ????? It will be worth the wait in the long run....:thumbup:

lol, teacher you saved me a lot of typing ... I'm not nearly as big a "steelhead" as a lot of other forumites here are, and while I am in my 30's chronologically, i guess I might have "old fart" tendencies
When I got my first Mule Team (i had originally ordered only one) I fell in love with the ergonomy and design immediately (like a slightly elongated /more slender fixed blade Lil'Temp) that I thought it only fitting that I slap some sweet wooden scales on it
I also love the Mule Team design so much that i was luckily able to score a second one through New Graham one sleepless night..... and while I've cut some things w/ my Mule Team, no, I have no intention (never did) to abuse the hell out of it or subject it to "randomized controlled testing" coz I figure I'll save that "pleasure" to one of the more "hardcore" (and more knowledgeable) steelhead forumites...

P.S. I have become accustomed to Zen's dry wit & somewhat twisted sense of cynical humor from spending several years on the Spyderco Forums ... I do not think his original post had any malicious intent (esp. since I "think" he's a Spyderco collector, based on the sheer # of Ronins and Lil'Temps i have seen him display )
It's somewhat amusing that this thread has spiralled towards a Whine & Cheese thread....i hope y'all work things out

 

[jaislandboy]

HOw many use and abuse reports have we seen so far? I've only seen collector's gleefully displaying exotic woods and various fine plastics on their knives.

here's another shameless display of exotic woods

 

[teacher]

Reality, I have only seen collector's gleefully displaying exotic woods and various fine plastics on their knives.

They do look good, don't they.

The fact of the matter is without "collector's" in this case defined as those who buy Spyderco either to collect or to resell, and not to test, the Mule would still be languishing on the shelf.

I wouldn't know, I am just a ""nobody on the internet"".

You are just a nobody on the internet who has no idea who I am or what motivates me. The fact that you choose to see the most negative possible interpretation of reality is a personal failing on your part.

Maybe...maybe not.
But it should be crystal clear that I obviously do not care who you are, much less what motivates you.
As far as my interpretation of what you said.... the "personal failing" was in how you said & presented what I had to "interpret". You need to say it plain and simple when it goes world wide...... so all the lowly ""nobody"" types on the internet... such as myself .... have no trouble understanding your meaning.

You strike me as one of the crybabies who immediately started badmouthing Spyderco when the tiny segment of Mules sold out on the first day. Your logic is on the same plane as theirs. Because you posted "N" number of posts in one Mule thread on one forum you believe your vision of Mules is somehow more valid?

You missed it..... your crystal ball must be cracked. I had my two right after they hit the the web site..... by luck mind you.... but I still had them. Nothing bad to say either...... only praise for this project & SPYDERCO.
""My vision of Mules"" ?????? ??????? You seem to have droped over the edge of your reality....... ..... I just want to see the Project be fruitful & multiply.

I'll let you in on a little bit of reality. Although it was contractually well within my right to receive three (yes three) Mules, even though the majority could only have two, I abstained and only hold two Mules, therefore allowing others interested in the project to have a chance. You can thank me for my generosity in your next post.

WOW ......... three [3] and you only took two [2] ....... All the lowly nobodys, such as myself..... need to award you a trophy.

Now why is it that you can say that more testing will exist after more versions are released but I'm required to post a test now? Hmmmm?

I can say it because I can and because of the reasoning I have already mention at least a couple of times in this thread. I guess you missed it or either you have a reading comprehension problem also ???

Nobody has "REQUIRED" anything of you ??? I just though you were interested in test results....... and wondered where yours were. I had no idea you were a collector who only got 2 Mules instead of 3..... but, I really did not care anyway.

By the way, where is your test?

Glad you asked...... here it is again......

TO ME..... it will be much more "scientific" in the use and abise trials to have two or three MULES of different steels laying on the table at the same time and do the exact same thing to each one.

Say.....
1. Cut 150 feet of cardboard
2. Whittle a 2x2 to a point
3. Chop a 2x2 in half
4. Cut 100 cuts of 3/4 inch sisal rope

This is just an example..... add or subtract what you wish. BUT keep it the same for each knife. And keep each "test" knife unused until the test.

This IMO will tell us something rather than just random whatever....... I can tell you the one I am using cuts like a champ .... BUT, what does that really tells us ??? ..... NOTHING......

TO ME ... this is all much easier to do and keep up with when one has several MULES of different steels to do at the same time.

That is it for me........ knock yourself out zen....... you get the last word......

 

[teacher]

P.S. I have become accustomed to Zen's dry wit & somewhat twisted sense of cynical humor from spending several years on the Spyderco Forums ... I do not think his original post had any malicious intent (esp. since I "think" he's a Spyderco collector, based on the sheer # of Ronins and Lil'Temps i have seen him display )
It's somewhat amusing that this thread has spiralled towards a Whine & Cheese thread....i hope y'all work things out

.....

Hey, we don't have anything to work out. His opinion about what I say is about the same as my opinion about what he says ........ ..... seemingly very low.......

This is all pretty much in fun anyway....... and, he gets the last word in this one. I feel sure he will not waste it.......:thumbup:

 

[DaveH]

My point is there was talk of testing all along, I've only seen one test. That means 1/however many people got knives did what the purpose of this whole thing was to be about.

My dog in this hunt is I'm disappointed that so many people haven't gotten off their arse and done anything. By putting nicer handles on just furthers the collecting aspect, the point of inexpensive was testing, by making them expensive means people are less likely to actually use them and less likely to acquire them to do testing.

My dog in this hunt was I was looking forward to hearing about how the knives perform and seeing the tests.

 

[teacher]

Let me say this, as I have most likely been a bit harsh here on this thread.

I heard so much bitchin' and moaning on different threads about different aspects of the MULES a while back I personally got sick of it...... and went about as far in the other direction to "defend" the Mule Project as the Bitcher & moaners had gone in their direction.

Why, one might ask ??? Because I thought / think this was a fantastic thing done by Sal & SPYDERCO and did not want to see it get cancelled due to "bitchin & moaning".

Simple as that........

Soooooo, Dave H........ I was overly harsh in what I said to you.... I hope you will forgive me.
Heck, you too zen........:thumbup:

As far as checking out the steels........ I am for sure gonna do that....... when I have probably three to do at a time....... so as to have something to compare. I am gonna do it just like I outlined a few times above.

I am not gonna try and break them ........... but I am gonna test them and see how long the cutting edge will hold up & compare the results.

That's it ........ I gotta go........

 

[zenheretic]

NO hard feelings on my end teacher.

 

[teacher]

Excellent zen ...... :thumbup:
None on this end either .......

 

[hardheart]

I chopped halfway through a 2x4 (took a long time since I also put on a handle which shifted the balance back) , cut some 1/2" manila, shaved fuzzsticks, polished the edge, cut paper, etc. But I'm waiting on the next steel since I have no basis for comparison. I'll do it all over again when the next mule comes out, to both of them.

 

[Bruceter]

I am also waiting for the next one to come out so I can do some side by side testing.

And yes, I am going to put fancy handles on them

Bruceter

 

[3Guardsmen]

Teacher, Zen, & Dave are all good dudes in my book! Glad to see you guys are cool with each other now!:thumbup:

Regards,
3G