SpyderCo Mule Team Grips

[StonerCNC]

Been working on some grips and kydex for the Mule Team. I wanted something a little different than what's out there.

So I CMM'd a few blades and reverse engineered them. Thankfully SpyderCo has plenty of holes to use for different attachment methods.

In my case I like using 1/4 standoffs and 8-32 screws so that's what I'll do. The big holes are a little over 3/8" in diameter so the 1/4" hardware can be shifted to the center of the grip for a cleaner look. While the big hole locates the grips.

Right now I just have a 3D model and a 3D print both of which look pretty good. The 3D print also seems to work in the OEM kydex pretty well too.

If time permits I'll cut some tooling and G10 grips in couple days .... If that looks good probably take a crack at some kydex. If anyone has interest or feed back let me know. Apologies if this is not the best place to post this.

 

[oldmanwilly]

Looks pretty cool. Are you planning to add any texture to the scales?

 

[StonerCNC]

In solid colors I would do a texture. Its also set up where it will look pretty good with multi-color G10.

SpyderCo does a diamond texture so I'd do something different. Attached are a couple grip concepts with a rough kydex concept.

If anyone has suggesting or a preference let me know. I can program about any texture.

 

[SharpBits]

I have one of StonerCNC's knives and can tell you the quality is excellent. I'm sure the scales will be excellent as well.

 

[DA170]

Nice work! I’d buy the first two scale patterns in your second post and also some kydex if offered.

 

[StonerCNC]

First ones out of the mill. Need to invert the layering and adjust the counter sinks a hair. Otherwise these are spot on..... I'll run a small batch of grips tomorrow with and without texture.

They have a more neutral feel with a very modest palm swell.... .240-.300 thick.

On the blade that's roughly .700" at the thickest point on the grips and .580 at the bolt holes.

I have a biased opinion but I'm pretty sure the these are the best execute grips out there for the Mule Team.

Kydex will take a couple weeks.

 

[DA170]

Looks great! Will different colors be available and how do we order when done?

 

[oldmanwilly]

Looks good! I like both versions of the texturing you presented above. Do you have any estimates re the price of a set of scales?

 

[SpyderPhreak]

I know your work for Huntsman Knife Co. LLC. is superb, so I'm sure if you started producing scales and Kydex for the Mules that were well-priced, you would have trouble keeping them in stock!

FYI the ones that Spyderco sells are made by Halpern Titanium.

Please make them flush with the knife perimeter. That's my biggest complaint about the Halpern ones, they are slightly undersized, and that ridge of steel is a major hotspot.

ETA - Assuming above conditions are met, I'd be in for a set or two and Kydex immediately!

 

[SharpBits]

I did not know he did work for Huntsman. Well, I’m even more impressed!

 

[StonerCNC]

Looks great! Will different colors be available and how do we order when done?

For the first ones I would just send a PM.... for blade forum members $40 General Public $50

 

[StonerCNC]

I know your work for Huntsman Knife Co. LLC. is superb, so I'm sure if you started producing scales and Kydex for the Mules that were well-priced, you would have trouble keeping them in stock!

FYI the ones that Spyderco sells are made by Halpern Titanium.

Please make them flush with the knife perimeter. That's my biggest complaint about the Halpern ones, they are slightly undersized, and that ridge of steel is a major hotspot.

ETA - Assuming above conditions are met, I'd be in for a set or two and Kydex immediately!

Did not know Halpern Titanium made them. They do good work and are likely using a factory CAD model.

As far as the fitment I'm pretty close to flush. I'm at -.005 per side (2 human hairs) and I used a Optical CMM to make the files... its kind of like a microscope scope that moves around.

I have some concern going closer because these knifes have been in production since 2007 with 40+ steels. So they will have some variation. I'll add a back chamfer on grips to help with that and maintain good fitment.

 

[oldmanwilly]

For the first ones I would just send a PM.... for blade forum members $40 General Public $50

Sounds like a good deal. When do you think you will start accepting orders, or do you intend to just make a selection and sell them off in batches? Any thoughts as to color options?

 

[StonerCNC]

Sounds like a good deal. When do you think you will start accepting orders, or do you intend to just make a selection and sell them off in batches? Any thoughts as to color options?

We are doing the first batch now

solid colors: orange, black, blue (will have texture)
multicolor: blue black, grey black, od green black (smooth)

We will be open to other colors if they sell well.

Fit and feel is better then the original, the click in on the sheath is acceptable on the stock sheath. Mold plates will be here Tuesday and will take some time to dial in the kydex.

 

[SpyderPhreak]

Did not know Halpern Titanium made them. They do good work and are likely using a factory CAD model.

As far as the fitment I'm pretty close to flush. I'm at -.005 per side (2 human hairs) and I used a Optical CMM to make the files... its kind of like a microscope scope that moves around.

I have some concern going closer because these knifes have been in production since 2007 with 40+ steels. So they will have some variation. I'll add a back chamfer on grips to help with that and maintain good fitment.

That's awesome! The Halpern scales leave ~ 40-50 thou of the tang exposed around the entire perimeter, which is entirely too much IMO.

We are doing the first batch now

solid colors: orange, black, blue (will have texture)
multicolor: blue black, grey black, od green black (smooth)

We will be open to other colors if they sell well.

Fit and feel is better then the original, the click in on the sheath is acceptable on the stock sheath. Mold plates will be here Tuesday and will take some time to dial in the kydex.

Sending PM...

 

[DA170]

Sent PM

 

[StonerCNC]

So this is what I have right now for colors we ran 3 of each or 21 grips for a starter run. I suppose there is nothing stopping us from shipping grips right now.

The one picture show the Halpern Scales Vs Stoner Scales. There is a big improvement in hand and I think the same is possible with the kydex.

With that said the website is not set up yet and that will take a week or two.... so you'll have to PM us and/or Call the shop. (419-220-4009)

Also attached is rough draft of what I'm thinking for kydex.... kydex will be 2 weeks or so for me to do professional molds.

 

[InThePocket]

Those green and black ones look awesome. I like the Halpern scales but it would be nice to try something different. I'd be interested in a scales and Kydex package once that's finished.

 

[StonerCNC]

Those green and black ones look awesome. I like the Halpern scales but it would be nice to try something different. I'd be interested in a scales and Kydex package once that's finished.

This is basically what I'm thinking for kydex... I'll probably just run the standard version with regular #8 rivets but have a slim line concept with #4 rivets.

The standard sheath is 1/2" shorter and 1/2" narrower. The slim line version is 1/2" shorter and 1" narrower but not as friendly with mounting options.

I'll try knocking out the tooling ASAP. If everything goes perfect its late this week.... If we run into anything its late next week.

 

[patrickguignot]

This is basically what I'm thinking for kydex...

Do you know if a taco sheath will be available?