Spyderco Mule Embellishment

B

Bar99

Joined
Dec 20, 2015
Messages
27
Just ordered one of the Spyderco Mule Team knives... https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=948 It is a fixed blade made out of CPM-M4 steel with no handle. I picked it up because I have read good things about other Spyderco Mule Team knives and I thought I would see if I could install some handles on there and create a nice little knife. Anyone ever done one of these before and would like to share your experiences and thoughts? Thanks..
 
Lots of people have added scales to their Mules. You should be able to search and find examples. There are companies that make scales that you can buy and bolt on, people have made their own by glueing on G10 or Micarta or whatever and shaping it, and I believe people have done simple cordwraps. I have made my own wooden and micarta scales for other types of blade blanks and I have 2 mules waiting right now for me to put wood scales on them. It is not hard to do but you have to have a little skill to do the shaping and sanding. A small belt sander is handy but people have done this with just files, rasps and sandpaper.

The M4 mule is a real good one, but M4 steel is not stainless so you have to put a little care into it.
 
jpm2 said:
That's 4V, not M4.
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V's, M's, whatever. At least it has 4 of them. :D

I have a 4V, just haven't had a chance to use it. I've used the XHP quite a bit in my kitchen and that's the one that I'm putting wood scales on. I have the PSF27 version with G10 scales in my desk drawer for a utility knife.
 
4V has higher toughness. M4 has higher wear resistance. Search for "making scales" or whatever. I posted a thread here with the basics of how to make the knife handles for mules.
 
I have a spare set of Mule Team scales in natural micarta. If you want em', email me and I'll send em' over:)
 
Bar99 said:
Thank you. I didn't even catch that. Is there a big difference between 4V and M4?
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On paper, it's like Bodog says. In my limited 4v use, I haven't noticed much difference.
My steel preference errs to the tough side, and in that regard both steels have shown to be excellent so far.
M4 and 4V are 2 of very few steels I would buy again.
 
I appreciate the offer BB. That is very generous on your part. I'm kinda new to this forum and I was not able to see how to email you. Because I would like to try and install some micarta on the Spyderco Mule and see how it turns out. What am I missing as far as emailing you? Thanks...

Blues Bender said:
I have a spare set of Mule Team scales in natural micarta. If you want em', email me and I'll send em' over:)
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I'll be watching this thread. I actually just found out about these and I want to paracord wrap one so bad. This could be bad for the addiction...
 
Thanks Chris. I'll try that....Edit: Just tried that and I did not see any email option so maybe there is something wrong with it right now.....

Chris "Anagarika";15642397 said:
Click on his user name and select send email. Recently there's trouble doing it though, so after that, post here so he knows.
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I'm liking the CPM-M4 alot since I've started using it so if CPM-4V is as good I will be happy....

jpm2 said:
On paper, it's like Bodog says. In my limited 4v use, I haven't noticed much difference.
My steel preference errs to the tough side, and in that regard both steels have shown to be excellent so far.
M4 and 4V are 2 of very few steels I would buy again.
Click to expand...
 
It probably comes down to hardness, quality of the heat treatment, and geometry more than 4V or M4 being better than the other. I'd rather have 4V at 62-63 RC than M4 at 59. Same applies in reverse. I'd rather have M4 at 62-63 than 4V at 59. That's assuming both weren't overheated. I'd rather have either at 59 with a decent heat treatment than have either at 63 and burnt.
 
That's very generous Blues Bender and I appreciate the offer. I was finally able to send you an email and I look forward to hearing from you....

Blues Bender said:
I have a spare set of Mule Team scales in natural micarta. If you want em', email me and I'll send em' over:)
Click to expand...
 
Wanna give a shout out to Blues Bender. He sent me a pair of scales for thee MT20 I'm making for my wife as a kitchen knife. CTSB70P steel seems like it might be o9kay for kitchen duty. Or am I way off base here??
 

I am trying to post a picture here of my progress on a Spyderco Mule. I am working with a set of scales that Blues Bender was kind enough to send my way. Looking at the properties of this particular steel, my hope is that it will be something my lovely wife will be able to use often in the kitchen. And more than that, be a blade that she wants to use.
 
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