Suggestion for Spyderco to consider.

[Rat Finkenstein]

I don't know if this has been discussed before, but when considering the ongoing Mule Team project, It occurs to me that there would be a big demand for some FRN handle Scales that would fit the knives. I know I would buy a set, assuming they would not be too pricey.

If it costs a lot(too much) to make molds and spool up production of an FRN handle, then maybe G10?

How much interest would be needed before something like this would be doable?

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

Please note that you can check multiple options in the poll

 

[Haze]

Having a standard handle you could transfer from blade to blade would be pretty handy.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

kinda why i didnt pick up a mule yet. i dont like skeletonized or paracord handles.

 

[Knife_Geek]

I would certainly pickup a set or two of FRN or G10 scales it would allow better and easier testing for the mule team knives.

 

[gcgcgc]

Yes, I would. There are other people out there who can do it for me...but it would be easier if it were an option from Spyderco.

My setup right now is the new Mule, a simple cordwrap that I did in a few minutes, and a simple kydex sheath from a maker on bf.com.

I love the cost effectiveness of the whole project....a great, small fixed blade, perfect for normal chores, at a very low price.

 

[Sevorius]

great idea, I would pick up a few of them. I understand they are doing everything they can to keep costs down for us on the mule team knives, but I would rather pay a little more and get a handle with it. There are some very talented people on the forums who make beautiful handles but I am not as skilled as they are, and sending it off to get one made would likely cost as much or more than the knife itself. In the end getting the knife without a handle only costs me more. I tried cord wraps but they're just not for me. I would love a handle made out of the same G10 that comes on the Cara Cara. it cant be too expensive seeing as you can get the Cara Cara for only $23 online. I guess the real cost comes from the designs, molds and other work that would have to be done to make it happen. I won't get my hopes up. for now mine will sit in my knife drawer because I can't afford expensive handles for my very affordable little mule.

 

[Ben Dover]

I'd love the option of Kraton. My mule M4 is about the ideal size and shape for a hunting knife, and I like a good, easy to grip handle for dressing deer and elk.

Kraton may not be ideal for other applications, but it's nearly perfect for a hunting knife. :thumbup:

 

[The Deacon]

No thanks. Spyderco has so much stuff in production, and in the works that their production capacity seems to be taxed as it is. Fitting another item into the mix would just delay something else. Besides, I'm betting this would turn into yet another one of those deals where everyone gets all gung-ho over the idea, then decide that what Spyderco produces is either the wrong material, the wrong color, the wrong finish, too expensive, or made in the wrong country.

There are a bunch of folks who can make scales for the Mules, an sure one or more of them will if they see a demand.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[jonnymac44]

No thanks. Spyderco has so much stuff in production, and in the works that their production capacity seems to be taxed as it is. Fitting another item into the mix would just delay something else. Besides, I'm betting this would turn into yet another one of those deals where everyone gets all gung-ho over the idea, then decide that what Spyderco produces is either the wrong material, the wrong color, the wrong finish, too expensive, or made in the wrong country.

There are a bunch of folks who can make scales for the Mules, an sure one or more of them will if they see a demand.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

I agree. Sal and company have enough items on their plate as it is, and why not tap into the great wealth of custom guys out there to make a set of scales for your Mule? There are so many makers and tinkerers with great materials and ideas. It seems to me that half the fun of the Mule project is coming up with ideas and ways to put a handle on the thing.

Just my 2 cents

 

[KILLAFORNIA]

I voted "no", it kinda kills the whole idea of a mule for me and I love to see the customized handles, makes it unique.

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

I agree. Sal and company have enough items on their plate as it is, and why not tap into the great wealth of custom guys out there to make a set of scales for your Mule?

Because I am not interested in spending more on a handle than on the knife.

The argument that Spyderco is struggling with production (doubtful) and could not handle making some scales Holds no water. They would be making a profit off them, and they would not require anywhere near the time, and effort that making a knife does. They could even farm out production to China and I wouldn't care.

The idea of the Mule is not creative handle arrangements and playing dress up, it is a no frills user blade so people can try out new steels. An option of buying a handle from spyderco would not detract from the efforts of those keen on making their own or buying expensive custom scales. . . it would make them more special, since most people would opt for a factory pair. It would get more people out using the knives and that would increase feedback.

 

[Ken44]

Good idea IMO.

I have someone close by that is puttings slabs on and making me a sheath for less than the cost of the knife, so it's no biggie to me.

However, for those wanting to test many steels a set of changeable scales would be great. Don't think it will happen though.

 

[jonnymac44]

Because I am not interested in spending more on a handle than on the knife.

The argument that Spyderco is struggling with production (doubtful) and could not handle making some scales Holds no water. They would be making a profit off them, and they would not require anywhere near the time, and effort that making a knife does. They could even farm out production to China and I wouldn't care.

The idea of the Mule is not creative handle arrangements and playing dress up, it is a no frills user blade so people can try out new steels. An option of buying a handle from spyderco would not detract from the efforts of those keen on making their own or buying expensive custom scales. . . it would make them more special, since most people would opt for a factory pair. It would get more people out using the knives and that would increase feedback.

Good points, Rat. I can definitely see where you're coming from.

......did you just accuse me of playing dress up???

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

......did you just accuse me of playing dress up???

Well. . . I've heard rumors. . .

 

[Fred Sanford]

No thanks. Spyderco has so much stuff in production, and in the works that their production capacity seems to be taxed as it is. Fitting another item into the mix would just delay something else. Besides, I'm betting this would turn into yet another one of those deals where everyone gets all gung-ho over the idea, then decide that what Spyderco produces is either the wrong material, the wrong color, the wrong finish, too expensive, or made in the wrong country.

There are a bunch of folks who can make scales for the Mules, an sure one or more of them will if they see a demand.

Paul

I couldn't agree more.

:thumbup:

 

[Ben Dover]

How does one contact them???

 

[The Deacon]

How does one contact them???

Steve Rice (STR) has his own sub-forum in the Makers area here at BladeForums. Brad Southard is another gentleman I'm fairly sure could help you, he posts as Tricod over on the Spyderco factory forum, not really sure if he visits here or not. A search of the Mule related threads over there would probably yield some more names. Apologies to anyone I've left out. am sure there are at least a few knifemakers looking for work.

Paul

My Personal Website - - - - - - A Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting - - - - - - Kiwimania
Dead horses beaten, sacred cows tipped, chimeras hunted when time permits.
Spyderco Collector # 043 - - WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
It's easy to grin when your ship comes in and good fortune and fame are your lot, but the man worthwhile is the man who can smile with his shorts twsited up in a knot. - Morey Amsterdam

 

[dogrunner]

an inexpensive set of scales would make it easier to use as a user knife and maybe make it easier to fulfill its intended mission. Personally I am more likely to "test" a knife as a regular use EDC than to contrive tests for them. I made my own functional but not very pretty scales (G10) for my 1st Mule, but I don't have much of a shop so it is an inconvenience to have to do it. Having said that, I think the Mule is a great EDC fixed blade design and worth it for that alone. I have not yet put scales on Mule2.

I think an inexpensive no-frills kydex sheath along with inexpensive no-frills scales would greatly accelerate my carry and therefore use of the Mule brothers.

So some competent hobbyist with a decent shop and with too much time on their hands could perform a valuable service for the rest of us -- handle and sheath "kit" supplier

 

[jimbo@stn23]

I think this was considered at the start of the project and it was decided that those who wanted to participate in the project were on their own if they wanted handles, sheaths or anything else. The project has enough headaches as it is and handles were not going to be entertained. For those that don't want to do it themselves or pay for it to be done, I can understand, but it is a pretty cool project as it is currently.