Warped mule?

U

undara12

Joined
Jul 10, 2006
Messages
23
Has anyone tried their removable scales on the 9Cr18Mo Mule? I tried a set I made for a CPM M4 mule and they did not fit correctly. Apparently, the 9Cr18Mo Mule’s tang is warped or thins on one side toward the ends of the tang. I don’t have precision measuring equipment so I don’t have a handle on it yet (so to speak.)
 
I bolted on a set of removeable Green Canvas Micarta scales and it seems to fit just fine for me. Any chance it's the scales that are not flat? Probably not, but just came to mind to ask.
 
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Could you put a spacer of material that has some give and would help conform to the blade? Once it's in place a light sanding to smooth the edges. I was in the process of putting G10 handles on my ZDP and it seemed slightly warped as well. It looked like I was going to have to try and sand the G10 to conform to the blade. I then read of the cracking issues and just put a para cord wrap on it.
 
I have transfered scales from a 52100 to a zdp to my 9Cr, all seem to be pretty darn flat.
Try checking the flatness with a piece of glass or mirror.
 
rwasham: No pics but I will try. There is a small gap between one scale and the tang that would probably collect dirt and such.

ChapmanPreferred: My scales are plain old walnut from a local tree and are finished with super glue. They could very well be warped. I tried to make them as flat as possible on the tang side but they are not perfect. In my opinion they just fit the M4 much better. I didn’t know about the M4 warping issues. I’m going to make my next set from maple which I understand is better handle material than walnut.

FlaMtnBkr: I think spacer material may be a very good idea. I could possibly just glue it to the scales. I should help keep dirt and water out.

anti-torsion: I will try a piece of glass to check flatness as you suggest.

Thanks for the replies.
 
I ordered two. One for sure was slightly warped. It's in the vise right now while the epoxy sets. I cord wrapped the other before I noticed the warping. When I get around to making a handle for it, I'll check it, but it won't matter as I'm gluing scales on. It *might* have warped a bit while I was grinding on it, I did some extensive mods to the handle, but I was careful and kept things cool, so I doubt it.

Gordon

undara12 said:
Has anyone tried their removable scales on the 9Cr18Mo Mule? I tried a set I made for a CPM M4 mule and they did not fit correctly. Apparently, the 9Cr18Mo Mule’s tang is warped or thins on one side toward the ends of the tang. I don’t have precision measuring equipment so I don’t have a handle on it yet (so to speak.)
Click to expand...
 
goodeyesniper said:
Kinda OT, but how is the stain resistance on these 9Cr18Mo mules? They're high carbon, not SS, right?
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From the Spyderco web site:

"The name is derived from its component elements: .9% carbon, 18% chromium and 1% molybdenum... Before its entrée into the knife industry it was widely used for high-end Chinese barbering scissors, roller bearings and surgical tools due to its corrosion resistance and high processing quality."

I'd say it's a bit stainless since it has chromium and, well, Spyderco says it's corrosion resistant.:D
 
I put the knife on a piece of glass and could see that the rear of the tang is bent to the right – point is away and looking down on the spine. I’ve never learned how to macro focus with a digital camera so no pictures. This is only a “fit and finish” problem and my finish was not that great to begin with. I think spacer material is the answer but I am trying to use only locally available materials. If anyone can suggest a common material that can be used I would appreciate it. The Mule Team is a great program. Thanks.
 
Well, you could cut up an old inner tube for a compressible spacer. I'm surprised that you can't flatten it out by torquing down the screws that hold the scales on.

Gordon
 
goodeyesniper said:
Kinda OT, but how is the stain resistance on these 9Cr18Mo mules? They're high carbon, not SS, right?
Click to expand...


9CR18Mo consists of 0.9% carbon, 18% chromium , and 1% molybdenum.

You can compare the various 440 stainless steel content here:

http://www.agrussell.com/Steel_Guide/a/73/

Sounds pretty similar.

D2, considered just below stainless, comes in with 11-13% chromium.
 
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As I just posted in another thread here, we ordered four and I just put them each on a very expensive machinist's straightedge used for setting up machine tools. Each of them is absolutely true. I say this not to argue with the OP, but to let people know that they shouldn't assume that all of these blades have a problem.
 
I have 3 and a perfectly flat piece of granite that I use as a sanding base and all 3 of mine are warped to some degree.
 
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