Spyderco Mule CPM M4

[Gary W. Graley]

Vassili, nice job on that handle, I did a similar thing with a small junk yard dog
as the handles are a bit too slim, didn't do the paint thing, but just a little embossing
and dyed to darken it a little, glued it down to the side of the handle scale;

I have a mule that is getting handled for me by Tom Krein, some pumpkin G10, can't wait
to check the edge out on that when it gets back, probably in a couple weeks or so.

thanks for sharing and let us know how yours sharpened up!
G2

 

[nozh2002]

Vassili, nice job on that handle, I did a similar thing with a small junk yard dog
as the handles are a bit too slim, didn't do the paint thing, but just a little embossing
and dyed to darken it a little, glued it down to the side of the handle scale;

I have a mule that is getting handled for me by Tom Krein, some pumpkin G10, can't wait
to check the edge out on that when it gets back, probably in a couple weeks or so.

thanks for sharing and let us know how yours sharpened up!
G2

Nice leather work! I need to learn how to do this embossing.

It sharpened up pretty well, I has not trouble to make it hair whittling sharp, but may be not because of steel itself but ideal edge - in terms of angle and straigtness - trade mark of Spyderco. And it get better then average sharpness - 1.5 oz.

You may see on edge retention testing table at post #13. It holds edge pretty well, not as good as Dozier D2 or ZDP-189, but for sure as you expect from premium steel.

What trouble me a but - volatility of sharpness test. Some individual test got far from all other - this may indicate micro chips or may be this is because I did not really take off enough steel when sharpened, usually I sharpen longer, it is only Spyderco makes exact 30 degree angle same what I use, may be I should take off bit more metal on the edge as for other knives?

Anyway I will try multiple testing on this one, this is only first. Ten I resharpen it more carefully and try again.

Thanks, Vassili.

Just check edge under microscope - not really any microchips... It looks not too much different from Buck 110 CPM 154 or CPM S30V. Something else contribute this volatility then - may be it is my fault somehow.

 

[nozh2002]

OK I finish my high sharpness retention test. Based on this I would roughly put it on 4th place after SR101 (52100).

Again this is test which to certain extent demonstrates how 30 degree edge sharpened to ability to whittle hair will dull cutting 1/2" manila rope up to 200 cuts.

1. Dozier heat treated D2.
2. Yuna Hard II ZDP-189 (second run)
3. SwampRat SR101 (52100)
4. Spyderco Mule CPM M4
5. KaBar Dozier D2
6. J.P.Holmes CPM 10V
7. Buck BG42
8. Buck CPM154
9. Yuna Hard II ZDP189
10. Buck CPM S30V
11. Kershaw CPM S110V
12. Fehrman R3V (CPM 3V)
13. G-Sakai SRS15
14. Kershaw CPM S30V
15. Buck 420HC
16. Busse INIFI
17. Benchmade M2
18. Ivan Kirpichev Bulat (wootz)
19. Kiku Matsuda OU31
20. Diamond Knives Friction Forged D2.
21. Kershaw Sandvic 1326
22. Fallkniven 3G (SGPS)
23. RosArms 110x18
24. CRKT AUS8
25. Kershaw SG2
26. Benchmade D2

Place in this list really not a big deal - close neighbor IMHO are pretty much same. Rope cutting has random nature so really I need to have at least three better five runs and take median to have more or less precise data. I will do this, but can not promise when. Anyway I think this information still has some value.

Knife overall show excellent performance, shape of the handle very comfortable, grind and edge geometry are excellent, pleasant to sharpen (in terms of edge shape - one single continues move), edge is thin. My only complain may be - pointy angel at the end of the spine near handle, it really hurt when you cut 200 times manila rope even with glove.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[TrailingEdge]

Vassili,

Those leather scales are beautiful. :thumbup:

I'm intrigued by your comparison testing table. What are the units of measurement for the data in the table, and how were the measurments made? You mention the testing thread. If my questions are addressed there, perhaps you could share a link to it. (Edited: found it.)

Have you considered including the first Spyderco Mule and the various Shallots in your comparision testing? That would be quite interesting.

Thanks for sharing your work!

 

[nozh2002]

Vassili,

Those leather scales are beautiful. :thumbup:

I'm intrigued by your comparison testing table. What are the units of measurement for the data in the table, and how were the measurments made? You mention the testing thread. If my questions are addressed there, perhaps you could share a link to it. (Edited: found it.)

Have you considered including the first Spyderco Mule and the various Shallots in your comparision testing? That would be quite interesting.

Thanks for sharing your work!

Shallot require significant resharpening because of this S-curved edge. I rather avoid this. I missed first Mule, but I have Swamp Rat - SR101 which is 52100 heat treated to perfection by Busse which shows excellent results. So I guess this is covered. am looking forward for next Mule - I really like this knife, I hope Spyderco will increase frequency - if it will be once a few months then we may see not only exotic steel but

I already tested four Buck 110 with different steels and Spyderco four Military with different steels in line. I just need little break to get mt wrist back in shape,

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Our plan is 4 releases per year, or every 3 months, assuming the market has interest.

sal

 

[nozh2002]

Our plan is 4 releases per year, or every 3 months, assuming the market has interest.

sal

You have my interest for sure. Just keep them coming.

But not as a piece of steel to test only. After testing - this is excellent blade and opportunity to make you own personal handle.

Are you planing to do any matrix high speed - YXR-7?

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[nozh2002]

Do you allow other manufacturer to produce same by your specification?
I really like to see Buck, Busse, Kershaw, Fehrman etc... - joining this effort.

Thanks, Vassili.

P.S. I just post same question on Buck, Kershaw and Busse forums...

 

[shangchi108]

Knife overall show excellent performance, shape of the handle very comfortable, grind and edge geometry are excellent, pleasant to sharpen (in terms of edge shape - one single continues move), edge is thin. My only complain may be - pointy angel at the end of the spine near handle, it really hurt when you cut 200 times manila rope even with glove.

Thanks, Vassili.

Beautiful work on the handle, and your research is very intriguing. Thanks for sharing the results of your hard work with us.