Question regarding mule folder

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
Hello ka-bar subforum,

I've been thinking about a mule folder (not the g-10) variant--it looks like a sturdy, beefy folder, and a good slicer. There was some lock-up controversy back in 2010 springing from the YouTube video of the guy stabbing the tree--but that has not deterred me. I don't plan on stabbing a tree. I guess I'm looking for people with experience with the folder to offer their latest impressions. I'd be going for the plain edge clip point. I have lots of experience with all types of folders, steels, locks, and materials, so please feel free to compare it to anything you think helps, for better or worse. I'd be using it for general edc duties as well as fishing, hiking, etc... Thanks in advance.
 
Aias said:
70 views and not a word...
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A little patience. 3 of those 70 (now 4 of 71) were mine looking to see what, if any, info had been posted. I know fixed blade Kabars but not folders. Yesterday was Friday. People aren't glued to the forum. Eventually, someone who knows Mules will be by.
 
I had a Zombie Mule. It's a fine folder but I traded it.
I'm hooked on Emerson.
rolf
 
Hey Rolf, you know my feelings about Emerson... I wish my ubr commander could ride in my pocket all the time. In terms of the mule, I was considering it as either the back up folder I store away in my backpack for who knows what occasion, or as the do it all folder I take with me in my checked luggage when I fly. So far I have a CS recon 1 and a Buck 110 that I use for these purposes--but the mule seemed like a good option and on par with the others.
 
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zzyzzogeton said:
A little patience. 3 of those 70 (now 4 of 71) were mine looking to see what, if any, info had been posted. I know fixed blade Kabars but not folders. Yesterday was Friday. People aren't glued to the forum. Eventually, someone who knows Mules will be by.
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Don't hold it against me, but I thought to bump this once more... it may have just got lost in the weekend traffic of posts.
 
Aias said:
70 views and not a word...
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Maybe because the Mule has been discussed many, many times. I suggest a thread search as opposed to berating us for not spoon feeding you. I've had a Mule for years. I like it despite the weight.
 
upnorth said:
Maybe because the Mule has been discussed many, many times. I suggest a thread search as opposed to berating us for not spoon feeding you. I've had a Mule for years. I like it despite the weight.
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Let's Make this comment useful information to the brave soul that had posted in what seems a dead quiet subforum of an incredible brand.

How does it compare on weight to the buck 110? I would've assumed it's lighter
 
upnorth said:
Maybe because the Mule has been discussed many, many times. I suggest a thread search as opposed to berating us for not spoon feeding you. I've had a Mule for years. I like it despite the weight.
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I did do a search--more than once; the info was rather dated and there was not much by way of comparisons. And since the info I found was dated, I asked for recent experiences; I berated no one, I was asked to be patient and then I was, and then I apologized for bumping the thread again. Clearly, I should have posted in "general"... sorry for troubling you, please feel free to withdraw back into the silence from which I disturbed you.
 
stvpourciau said:
Let's Make this comment useful information to the brave soul that had posted in what seems a dead quiet subforum of an incredible brand.

How does it compare on weight to the buck 110? I would've assumed it's lighter
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Thanks man, I thought so too, but then not--just trying to get a better idea about it "virtually" since the knife shop close by closed its doors.
 
I will chime in. Kept and used two kabar mules over about 5 years now. If youre refering to the aus-8a model, then i can help you here. The mule (aus-8a) takes and holds a razors edge, has proven to be to me a very reliable and durable knife. I went as far as battoning with it (blade unlocked, of course), chopping through a brick, digging a hole through a 2x4, and even hacking off 1-2 in. thick tree branches. Yes, after all that the edge was blunted and chipped..but restored very quickly and easily. I even use the thumb piece of the lock for striking ferro rods. Works well. For its price, its an extremely nice knife. Ive never had the lock fail me. That fail video was the reason i put the knife through all of that. No one can guarantee you a tool will not fail, you never known when or if a tool will fail. Its a lockback design, tried and true, but even the best and most engineered locks can fail. Ive used kabar mules for 5 years now, daily, not had a lock fail and dont expect to. The guy should not have been thrusting a knife, a folding knife, and without a fingerguard to begin with lol.

The blade is hollow ground, with a fairly broad and thick blade. The teflon coating actually assists cutting chore, and proves tough, the handle is g-10 with thick steel liners. The weight is, yes, heavier than a buck 110. The blade is a little over 3 and 1/2 inches i think. Tension is easily adjusted. Get a maxpedition sheath for it, and you can pair it with a flash light and ferro rod. The mule is just as its name implies..reliable, tough, and stubborn. The knife is actually well balanced as well, it performed well for digging splinters out of my butt cheek, the point easily slid beneath and dug them out.

As far as recent activities..as i said, daily use. Use it at work, at home, in the kitchen. Start fires with it, cut tape, cut up vegetables and meat, clear annoying branches, dig splinters, make fuzz sticks, gut fish, carve/whittle, even shaved my face in a pinch. ;-). Its my go-to folder and has been for years. Even deboned a chicken. Last and not least..spread extra mayo on my chicken salad sandwich (which they forgot to add), worked like a charm.
 
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Aias said:
70 views and not a word...
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I have one. But I have only used it rarely. I decided it's a bit heavier and bigger than I generally need. But I keep it because it seems to be a solid knife that could come in handy. Seems a very good value to me when discounted (I would not pay near full MSRP for it).
 
Thanks guys--especially you, bored2deth--that was just what I was looking for. Thanks again
 
Aias said:
Thanks guys--especially you, bored2deth--that was just what I was looking for. Thanks again
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Youre very welcome! Im glad i could help. Next time im over at smokey mtn knifeworks, I may buy another mule, super knife for the price!
 
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