Spyderco Forums

I recently acquired an M398 Mule. With the intention of making two different sets of scales for it. First blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started. I cut the blanks from the block of Burl. I don't really have the proper tools for knife making. I did all this with a miter saw, an orbital sander, a regular drill, and a Dremel tool.

Initially I was set out to profile this like a Shaman. However, in doing research I came across this reptilian patten. A challenge, but something I just had to try. I really liked the way they came out.

They are NOT perfect! I messed up several times. I had to redo 3 of the 4 holes. The first edge I cut in with the Dremel I took too far in. The arcs are not near as crisp and sharp. But I adjusted and am pleased with the other 3 edges. I hand sanded TOO much. I wanted this this smooth, but I'll admit I went too far with the hand sanding. I learned a lot from making these. I feel my next set will be much better. Crisper and cleaner.

Hi Pale Highlight,

Welcome to our forum.

nice work.

sal

Those are awesome! Fantastic work!

Pale Highlight wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 10:31 am

First blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started.

That's really pretty, PH. Nice work.

You talked about a couple things that made me think. One was available tools. When I was a little kid, I liked playing with my grandfather's machine tools. I didn't really want to work with hand tools. I remember my grandfather telling me that his first project in school was to make a 1" steel cube, using a file, maintaining 0.001" precision. He was old school and not inclined to hyperbole, so I think the story is accurate. It took a long time to learn the importance of having the skill to build anything with nothing.

The other thought is how cool that wood looks. I can see the appeal of making Mules just to have the opportunity to use different woods. 25+ years ago there was an old guy near here. He was an antique hammer collector. Sort of. He had a LOT of antique hammers, but each one had a handle made of different exotic woods. Fun stuff to look at, that's for sure.

What flavor of wood will be on your next Mule?

Love the grip pattern...most excellent! And welcome!!

Did you use a particular method to get that pattern?

Pattern looks awesome look forward to see your next project . MG2

Welcome aboard! Really nice looking grips.

That's pretty dang sweet, I'm digging the texturing you did. What size attachment(s) did you use?

Great 1st post and fantastic work! Welcome to the forum!

Those look good! Nice work, they turned out nice.

sal wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 2:30 pm

Hi Pale Highlight,

Welcome to our forum.

nice work.

sal

Thank you sir!

RustyIron wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 3:52 pm

Pale Highlight wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 10:31 am

First blank that arrived was the Amboyna Burl. So that's where I started.

That's really pretty, PH. Nice work.

You talked about a couple things that made me think. One was available tools. When I was a little kid, I liked playing with my grandfather's machine tools. I didn't really want to work with hand tools. I remember my grandfather telling me that his first project in school was to make a 1" steel cube, using a file, maintaining 0.001" precision. He was old school and not inclined to hyperbole, so I think the story is accurate. It took a long time to learn the importance of having the skill to build anything with nothing.

The other thought is how cool that wood looks. I can see the appeal of making Mules just to have the opportunity to use different woods. 25+ years ago there was an old guy near here. He was an antique hammer collector. Sort of. He had a LOT of antique hammers, but each one had a handle made of different exotic woods. Fun stuff to look at, that's for sure.

What flavor of wood will be on your next Mule?

Next up was the Bog Oak

Bolster wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:49 pm

Love the grip pattern...most excellent! And welcome!!

Did you use a particular method to get that pattern?

This was a reptilian pattern. Created with a Dremel Sanding drum. First make horizontal lines going across. Then come back in at an angle and carve in the sides.

Sweet, well done.