Buck 110 Endura 4 = Ka-bar Mule?

upnorth

upnorth

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Nov 25, 2006
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The two folders that I seem to use the most are a Buck 110 and Spyderco Endura 4. With this in mind would I appreciate the Ka-bar Mule? I use my folders for opening up game animals and general utility and I can't afford nor seem to have a practical use for something like a Sebenza. Do you like your Mule and feel that it fits well into this small/handy/proven folder niche? To me, any folder with a blade less than 4 inches is smallish and utilitarian. This is not about brand loyalty, but real world function. What do you like/dislike about the Mule? Thanks.
 
First off I've never handled one, but I have read about this knife in this forum and it has always had something good said about it. Do a search using google; karbar mule site:bladeforums.com
 
upnorth said:
The two folders that I seem to use the most are a Buck 110 and Spyderco Endura 4. With this in mind would I appreciate the Ka-bar Mule? I use my folders for opening up game animals and general utility ...
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Looks like a big, stout folder. You've already got one - the Buck 110. So why bother?
 
The Buck 110 (and clones) is pretty much the final word in a good heavy duty folder, IMHO. I've had one of those types for 20-25 years, and it's my go-to knife when I need a good heavy folder. There are bigger, tougher knives out there, but why carry the extra weight if you don't need it?

I really like KaBars for sentimental reasons, and the Mule, too. I think it would be a better knife to use if you're wearing gloves, but other than that it's a matter of personal preference.

Heck, for $50-$60 or less, buy one, do a comparison, then write up a review. We're paying off a big chunk of debt this year, and once we do, I may start buying some of these types and start a pass-around. I keep seeing and handling great knives that I don't have the money/time to try out, except maybe one a year, if I'm lucky.

thx - cpr
 
you know ive been eyeing the Mule myself, in sage, but im not gonna get it unless they make an assisted open version cause i love my Tac Blur too much to replace it for anything less than assisted open :-D
 
I think the Mule is a cheaper lockback than the 110 or 112 from Buck but it's about twice the cost.

If you want to try a different knife I suggest something a little different than just another lock back such as the Benchmade 550HG or 551HG.

The 110 and 112 are pretty much the best bang for the price in a lock back folder. If you like them and just want a different one, do an ebay search for custom shop 110 or 112LE (limited edition) and you'll see some beauties. Some of the sambar stag versions are beautiful! The 112 is more pocket friendly than the 110 but both are favorites.

Collecter
 
The Mule would be great, as someone said, to use with gloves.

It is a GIANT pocket knife. And I don't just mean that it's big. In all ways, it looks and handles like somebody super-sized a normal sized pocketknife.
 
I have a Buck 110 and love it.
I don't have a Mule. I want one. It just hasn't made it to the top of my buy list.

I've read a number of threads about the Mule. The common opinion among owners seems to be that the Mule is a reasonably priced extremely strongly built large folder that is usually more easily carried in the sheath than in the pocket because of its size. The typical opinion usually includes the phrase "built like a tank".

I think you would like one.
 
Thanks all for the insight. Yes, I have searched/researched the Mule through Google previously, and found references to BF's. It is interesting that one fellow mentioned the Buck Custom Shop for an upgraded 110 as that is also an option. I could likely buy a pile of knives at any time if I wished to dip into the post secondary tuition that I have built up, but I'm trying to be disciplined.

I only came back to knives fairly recently and I have bought and given away quite a few folders in my search for the "right stuff". My give aways include a Kershaw Blur, Junkyard Dog 2, a large Manix (a mistake) and various other folders and a few FB Ka-bars. I now realise that I don't care much for liner lock folders, assisted or not.

I came onto this sight as a know it all only to find out that I was full of squirt and had a learning curve to follow. I now try to get info on a knife before purchase to avoid a let down, and I simply have to make wiser choices for the tighter budget.

With the fresh info from this thread I still want a Mule. I have large hands and like the heft of a robust knife. It's also funny that I came back to knives with a snide bias against that "crusty old" 110 folder. What a fool. I find now that I love the 110 and I never tire of handling it. I also appreciate the exquisite design, good looks and economy of this knife.

As I said. I don't know it all, I'm learning, and I have been humbled as of late. Thank you for the help, it is appreciated. :thumbup:
 
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