Question on Mule blems

Z

zl1

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If I somehow just get a messed up blem, would I just be out of luck?
I don't mean a few nicks here and there, but like a damnnnn that looks beat to hell.
Just concerned because I read someone had seen one that looked like it had been through "target practice".
Probably should have just jumped on the retails :rolleyes:
 
My blem looks perfect to me but I read of someone that got one that had what looked like forging marks on the flats of the handle. These would not affect the knife's use and would be hidden if scales were put on the knife. I don't think you would get one that is "messed up".
 
A Mule blem isn't a museum piece or anything along those lines. It's a pice of hardened steel meant to be used to see what performance qualities it has as compared to other steels. According to the Spyderco website, it was stated as visible grind marks and some other minor things from what I recall. They are fine.
 
The 2 "Blems" that I bought only have a very slight ridge near the ricasso. It is easy to see when compared to the unblemished knife, but as already said it will not affect performance. I have re-profiled one to 26 inclusive and it is a very nice slicer. hth
 
My Mule 16 has some forging marks and a little bit of rust on the edges of some of the holes.
I don't know what the purpose of those tiny round things in some of the holes are, but they are pretty messed up too.

The thing is, I didn't even order a blemished mule.
 
I don't think that is rust, the MT16 is one of the most corrosion resistant to date. Tat is more than likely the residue left from the heat treat. The purpose of the holes are to allow for various types of handle configurations with paracord, leather cord, mosaic or solid pins.
 
The blems are the way to go. Those Mules are made for working and that's just what they'll do. Put some scales on 'em and use 'em.
 
I'd pick one up and use it. =]

I'm getting my first Spyderco Blem and from what I know it's just barely cosmetic. It's beautiful but made to use. =]
 
RevDevil said:
The purpose of the holes are to allow for various types of handle configurations with paracord, leather cord, mosaic or solid pins.
Click to expand...

I meant the tiny round "things" on the edge of some of the holes (don't know how to explain it better).
They are pretty poorly drilled in mine. That and the forging marks probably aren't such a big deal, but I did pay for the "perfect" version and it seems like I got a blemished one. I'm probably gonna keep it anyway, since getting it replaced would be too much hassle and too costly (shipping + tax).
 
They are pretty poorly drilled in mine. That and the forging marks probably aren't such a big deal, but I did pay for the "perfect" version and it seems like I got a blemished one.
Click to expand...

Perhaps the mules aren't meant for you then. They aren't meant to give you a "perfect"ly finished knife. Not for this price. This is a piece of heat treated steel of a type that Sal had made for end users who want to participate in the testing of different steels. You likely got the version you paid for. These do pass QC but there are no perfect knives no matter the price. Just a level of quality you pay to get, whether $6 Rough Riders or $600 CRK's.

If you desire perfection buy a knife and pay for it. Leave the mules for those who know what they are, and aren't.
 
elugelab said:
My Mule 16 has some forging marks and a little bit of rust on the edges of some of the holes.
I don't know what the purpose of those tiny round things in some of the holes are, but they are pretty messed up too.

The thing is, I didn't even order a blemished mule.
Click to expand...
They laser cut the holes after heat treatment I think you are referring to the odd shape of the hole. The small indent is where they start cutting the hole.

Richard
 
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