Good all around fixed blade?

[David Richardson]

Would you happen to know when abouts this mule will be out?

If I recall Spyderco is aiming to have knives available within 6 months of announcing them. I think the new Mule was announced a couple of months ago (somebody correct me if this wrong), so it should be available within 4 months.

 

[McFeeli]

Would you happen to know when abouts this mule will be out?

That I do not, sorry. They seem to keep that information closed off. They should make an announcement thread on the Spyderco forum a few days before they release them. Someone usually makes such a thread on BF too, not always, though.

 

[andrewjschutz]

That I do not, sorry. They seem to keep that information closed off. They should make an announcement thread on the Spyderco forum a few days before they release them. Someone usually makes such a thread on BF too, not always, though.

Oh ok, thanks. It’d be cool if they took preorders so that they can be sure to make enough and to still have stock left over to sell to any stragglers.

 

[afishhunter]

Cold Steel FINN BEAR.
If you don't have it on your belt, you can put it (in the sheath, of course) in your sock.
I have a nylon sheath. I don't know how comfortable the accused "Secure-Ex" "plastic" sheath they come with now would be in your sock.
A Mora number 1 or 2 in the flimsy plastic/vinyl sheath they come with is comfy in the sock.
If you want a guard then the Mora 511 or 611.
Mora gives you a choice of stainless steel and carbon steel for those 4 models. (also layered steel (or "San Mi steel" I believe its called,) for the Number 1)
I'm not sure if the current Mora sheaths can still be hooked on a shirt button.
I have one that does, and one that does not have that feature.

 

[craytab]

Cold Steel FINN BEAR.
If you don't have it on your belt, you can put it (in the sheath, of course) in your sock.
I have a nylon sheath. I don't know how comfortable the accused "Secure-Ex" "plastic" sheath they come with now would be in your sock.
A Mora number 1 or 2 in the flimsy plastic/vinyl sheath they come with is comfy in the sock.

I don't think fitting in a sock while fishing from the surf was one of the requirements!

Those are really good budget options though. The Finn Bear is like $13!

 

[andrewjschutz]

The Mora Bushcraft is an excellent all around choice that comes in Sandvik stainless steel. Also the Mora Garberg but costs a little more.

 

[David Richardson]

Oh ok, thanks. It’d be cool if they took preorders so that they can be sure to make enough and to still have stock left over to sell to any stragglers.

Just FYI, the PD#1 mule is available at spyderco.com. I'm not recommending it for OP - it's not stainless and would likely corrode badly in an ocean environment. Just wanted to mention it to Andrew since he seems to be waiting for the new one to come out.

Until recently (last few months) RWL-34 and B70-P were also available. PD#1 is similar to Cru-wear and Z-wear. For my uses the Cru-wear or PD#1 are the Mules to have for outdoors.

PD#1 has excellent edge retention with better toughness than many other blade steels. Cedric & Ada show it with comparable edge retention to Rex 45 and 10V.

I'm surprised this knife is still available and seems to be overlooked by most people interested in Spyderco Mules. Maybe because it's not well known or isn't one of the "must have" steels?

 

[jstn]

I'll second the Water Way suggestion. Take a look at the link in my sig for a review I did of it.

If you want something a little smaller and less expensive, give the Ruike Hornet F815 a look. 14c28n is no slouch in edge retention and is pretty rust resistant. Sheath is great, clip needs some modding IMO. A little smaller than an Esee 3 but similar in cutting edge. Still though, I'd go with the Water Way, or something else from the salt line if saltwater fishing in the surf is involved.

I love my Ruike Hornet. It, along with the Ruike Jager, represent two of the best bang-for-your-buck, underrated knives out there IMO. 14C28N has fast become one of my absolute favorite steels despite my having turned up my nose at it for many years.

 

[andrewjschutz]

Just FYI, the PD#1 mule is available at spyderco.com. I'm not recommending it for OP - it's not stainless and would likely corrode badly in an ocean environment. Just wanted to mention it to Andrew since he seems to be waiting for the new one to come out.

Until recently (last few months) RWL-34 and B70-P were also available. PD#1 is similar to Cru-wear and Z-wear. For my uses the Cru-wear or PD#1 are the Mules to have for outdoors.

PD#1 has excellent edge retention with better toughness than many other blade steels. Cedric & Ada show it with comparable edge retention to Rex 45 and 10V.

I'm surprised this knife is still available and seems to be overlooked by most people interested in Spyderco Mules. Maybe because it's not well known or isn't one of the "must have" steels?

Thanks! It’s funny you mention this because I just ordered one an hour ago before reading this. On another forum or thread, somebody proposed if it had the Cruwear name or if people knew about this steel it’s already be gone! Glad I got to pick one up.

Now to download the app so I can get notified when their new SPY27 hits!

 

[David Richardson]

Thanks! It’s funny you mention this because I just ordered one an hour ago before reading this. On another forum or thread, somebody proposed if it had the Cruwear name or if people knew about this steel it’s already be gone! Glad I got to pick one up.

Now to download the app so I can get notified when their new SPY27 hits!

Great! Glad you got one. It seems odd that people have been asking for new mules for a couple of years and there have been Mules available the entire time. A11 was also available until a few months ago. From a Spyderco perspective, they've been having to keep inventory around for a long time.