SHOWDOWN - Buck 110 VS KaBar Mule

[Recon_Tanto]

Fellas,

I was Browsing Knives and I saw a Design That caught my Eye:


The KaBar Mule

It Looks Like a Rugged Tactical take on My Favorite Folding knife, The Buck 110

Folks that Have Owned them Both, How Do They Compare???

Would You Recommend the Mule??? Yes or No??

 

[Recon_Tanto]

Since No One Replied I will make the Comparison Myself!!! Once I receive the KaBar Mule I placed an Online Order for!!!

 

[ShaiHulud]

Stick with the 110

 

[Whitedog]

at last a pic of a kinfe that has seen some use, the Kbar.

 

[Wharn]

Buck 110 is the king of all folders.

 

[Ironbut]

I still have the first 110 that I bought fifty years ago. That knife and me have covered a lot of miles, and seen a lot of stuff together, and it's still going strong. I like my Bucks, and I think I'll just stick with them.

 

[2manyknives]

There are 2 versions of the Ka Bar Mule. One is made in Taiwan and has AUS-8 blade steel. The other is made in China and has a much inferior blade steel.
The Taiwan version is a great knife and the AUS-8 works well. The other, I would not recommend.
Buck 110 is always a safe bet. I think either knife will work for most people, though the Taiwan made Mule has a chunky grip that may not suit those with smaller hands, but provides a superior grip for average hands and above.

 

[knarfeng]

There are 2 versions of the Ka Bar Mule. One is made in Taiwan and has AUS-8 blade steel. The other is made in China and has a much inferior blade steel.
The Taiwan version is a great knife and the AUS-8 works well. The other, I would not recommend.
Buck 110 is always a safe bet. I think either knife will work for most people, though the Taiwan made Mule has a chunky grip that may not suit those with smaller hands, but provides a superior grip for average hands and above.

I think the ones made in China were 3Cr.

I'm not certain that the Mule is currently produced other than a partially serrated blade.

 

[eveled]

Buck 110. GOAT.

 

[Recon_Tanto]

There are 2 versions of the Ka Bar Mule. One is made in Taiwan and has AUS-8 blade steel. The other is made in China and has a much inferior blade steel.
The Taiwan version is a great knife and the AUS-8 works well. The other, I would not recommend.
Buck 110 is always a safe bet. I think either knife will work for most people, though the Taiwan made Mule has a chunky grip that may not suit those with smaller hands, but provides a superior grip for average hands and above.

Thank You for the Information. This lines Up with The Research that I Did.

I Do Not buy Chinese knives, I ordered a Desert Tan Combo Edge Mule in AUS8 made in TAIWAN.

I understand It Will be Heavier Than even a Standard Buck 110 But it Is an Interesting piece.

I Rotate Between Buck 110's Of Various Editions and a Cold Steel Recon Tanto folder but Heavier duty work and the KaBar Mule seemed Like a Cross Between the Two.

Handle Design, Blade shape and Lock Very similar to my 110.

Belt / Pocket clip, AUS8 Blade Steel, one Handed opening like my Recon folder.

Maybe I won't Like it Any More than my Two Favorites But it struck me as Worth a Try!!!

 

[Recon_Tanto]

The Verdict Is In!!!!

I Have Spent a weeks of Time with the Ka Bar and Now feel I Can Compare it to the Legendary Buck 110!

It Is Much as I thought - The Ka Bar Mule is close to an Extra Rugged, Modernized 110.


Blade Steel - 420HC and AUS Eight are Close To Each other In the World of Knife Steels. Ka Bar coated their Blade For Extra Ruggedness.

Knife Edge - Buck Grinds their 110 Knifes Thin and Sharp. The Mule is Pretty Thin and Sharp too but Mine Has a 50/50 Combo Edge which I Do not like Alot. But the Fine edge Versions are Tougher to Find! They Are both Good cutters On Rope and Stuff.

Grip - Both Knife Feel comfortable in A Regular Grip and a Stabbing Grip. The Mule Has a more Rounded Off shape That is Nice and Rubber Strips to Help Avoid Slipping in the Grip.

Open & Close / Locking System - Both Are the Locking Back type of lock. Buck put there Lock in the Back and Ka Bar put theres in the Middle. Ka Bar also scooped Out some Of the Lock Tab which I think is Strange. Both Lock Up with Authority and haveNever failed me a Single Time in my Use. Open and Closing Action is Similar but the Ka Bar comes with Studs for ease Of opening. There are studs you Can purchase for Bucks at an extra Cost and Some Versions like the Slim Come with them.

Size / weight - The Mule is A Little Bigger and Heavier. I do Not Mind the Weight & Bulk but Some May.

Carry System - Both knife are Supposed to ship with a Sheath for Belt carry. I Did not get One with my Mule but it was a cheap Ebay purchase NOT a New Copy. The Ka Bar also comes With a belt Clip so no Sheath = No problem! The Clip Is kind of Bad though because It Sticks out alot From the Handle and Pokes my hand if I am Not gloved up. It Also Grabs on my pants Something fierce and I have to Pull Out on the clip To Release Its Hold.

Built In - The Bucks are Genuine USA Made Knives and the Ka Bar is Taiwan Made.

Overall - I Would say the Buck 110 is Better for Day to Day use and the Ka Bar is better When the mission Calls for Extra Toughness / Ruggedness. I Am proud To Own each Knife and Think they are Great.