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Maple Mule
- Thread starter Slatts
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2005
- Messages
- 1,549
Thanks for the comments on the wood. It really does glow. If you hold the knife against a light and then reposition it, you can really see the 3D effect. I'm beginning to think that I got really lucky here. I was at the gun show 2 or 3 years ago and Texas Knifemaker Supply was there with their wares. The owner gave me a tour of all the wood scales after I showed some interest. He was a very professional and bright gentleman. I think he took a liking to me and pulled a block out from behind the table and said that it was an "exceptional" piece of maple. It didn't take me long to buy it. It was about 5 inches by 2 inches by 1 or 1-1/2 inches in size.
Thanks to e3ck for returning the remaining block. I may have to put it to some use on a dogeared Spyderco folder.
Thanks to e3ck for returning the remaining block. I may have to put it to some use on a dogeared Spyderco folder.
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2005
- Messages
- 1,549
I took the CPM-M4 Mule out for it's first test drive on a deer hunting trip recently. It performed superbly on the game handling activities. That's the positive feedback. Unfortunately, the blade is permanently stained after only being in use for about 2 hours before being cleaned up in hot soapy water and then oiling it. When I got home I took some Flitz to it, but it still didn't clean up. I'm quite surprised by this and disappointed. Not sure if it is the steel chemistry, the finish, or both that caused it but it's pretty bad. I'll post pics soon.
It's still a perfectly serviceable knife and it will be perfectly good for the same use in the future. However, I would not have created a hunter out of this Mule if I had known the steel would stain so easily.
It's still a perfectly serviceable knife and it will be perfectly good for the same use in the future. However, I would not have created a hunter out of this Mule if I had known the steel would stain so easily.
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"Chatoyancy" is the correct and appropriate word for wood or stone with depth and deep reflection. - Commonly referenced in regards to Cats eye and labradorite.
Your knife looks gorgeous and the pictures are outstanding. Thanks for posting. I have not made mine yet, but I have a simlar piece of figured wood. Mine is stabilized, but I don't know if mine is maple or not. Mine also has "some" chatoyancy. Not real deep, but decent.
Your knife looks gorgeous and the pictures are outstanding. Thanks for posting. I have not made mine yet, but I have a simlar piece of figured wood. Mine is stabilized, but I don't know if mine is maple or not. Mine also has "some" chatoyancy. Not real deep, but decent.
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2005
- Messages
- 1,549
Ooff!
I'd like to see pic.s
I knew M4 would rust but how bad is it?
Hey E,
I'll post some pics. I'm not sure where the line is drawn between staining and rust. I hope that it's mostly surficial and can be buffed out, but there may be some micro-pitting. Wish I had a hand lens to give it a closer look.