Batoning w/Mule

Domanfp · Oct 28, 2008

I am taking a nice hiking trip in the middle of november and I decided that it would be a good time to test out the Mule #1 I had pimped by some members here. I put on some tricod G-10 slabs and had a nice kydex made for it. I know it can take care of general camp chores, but do you think I could do some small batoning with it?

Jason B. · Oct 28, 2008

Because of the hardness that the steel was set too I would say NO, it will most likely break unless you are very carefull.

These_Nutz · Oct 29, 2008

Yeah to thin a blade hardened to much.
Its a staber slasher type blade IMO any heavy batoning IMO would bust it.

Vivi · Oct 29, 2008

Mine has held up to it so far, but I haven't taken on anything too large either.

Ken44 · Oct 29, 2008

Domanfp said:
but do you think I could do some small batoning with it?

Surely it would take small batoning as you describe. I sure hope my Mule M4 will.

Anyone know if light batoning is covered by warranty?

Domanfp · Oct 29, 2008

probably not if you posted in this thread!

Ken44 · Oct 30, 2008

Domanfp said:
probably not if you posted in this thread!

Nah, I'm sure light batoning would be covered by most any manufacture of a fixed blade. It is a knife for use.

If it wasn't I sure wouldn't ever buy from again. I would just stick with my INFI

Sevorius · Oct 30, 2008

I doubt they would replace it if you broke it batoning, it is a limited run and once they sell out that's it. also spyderco's warranty does not cover damage from misuse, and with a full flat ground knife that is only 1/8" thick at the spine, batoning is definitely misuse. If you want to baton you should find something with a 3/16" spine or thicker and made from impact resistant steel like 1095, 5160, s7, 3v or INFI. I hear that Dan Koster's 1/8" thick nesmuks in 1095 baton well, but those are scandi ground not full flat and 1095 is very tough stuff with a good heat treat. I would say baton at your own risk, and don't expect spyderco to replace something that they sold out of months ago (mule 1).

Vivi · Oct 30, 2008

If a UKPK can baton I think a Mule can.

[youtube]yDdk0IJYXyQ[/youtube]

Oh yeah, keep in mind THIS is what the edge on that knife looks like.

FYI at the end when I had trouble cutting the paper that was from pre-existing chips in the blade from trying to split coax cable with the knife. The edge was still shaving sharp after the video.

Wandering_About · Oct 30, 2008

The mule should handle small batonning well enough. It seems a bit small to me, but I'm sure you could split small sticks for tinder. Just don't try to pry with it, of course. The tip on the mules is pretty thin, so watch out for that.

Unsub · Oct 30, 2008

Most knives especially with quality steel and heat treat can take a lot more abuse than people expect. However the Mule is one knife where almost every thing about it makes it a poor choice for batoning. The high hardness ,the thin high flat grind ,the steel ,the narrow spine and the shape of the blade all make for a bad choice for batoning but a fantastic little slicer. Get a 15$ mora or a CS Hawk if you want to split wood.