Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience

[AlexRus]

Finally my Mule Team Z-Wear PM made it here all the way across the world to Russia
I've never owned that steel before, so I'm quite interested about it.

Let's open the box



The box sticker under the Mule Team Z-Wear PM steel marking has two capital letters CU - Made in March 2021


Inside the box we see all the usual suspects like foam, paperworks, and the Mule knife itself with plastic tip protector in the file. (No small round Spyderco sticker in the box. Unfortunately)


While waiting for this Mule release, I ordered G10 Scales and Boltaron Sheath from Spyderco. They arrived a few weeks ago. So I got all covered by the time my Z-wear Mule arrived

They are still sealed yet



All we need is just a T8 torx screwdriver (I use Wiha stuff - love the quality) and the scales are installed. Scales quality and fitment is good. Like them


Now, let's check the stock Boltaron Sheath fitment


Quite tight, takes a little force to fit in and out. But they are new, so it's fine. Fits well




Checking the bevels. Looks like they are quite even and similar both sides





Factory sharp. Cutting paper well with all the edge length



Excellent hand grip, feels very comfortable. Stock scales fit in the hand well


Reverse grip is quite convenient too

[AlexRus]

The postal box it's arrived in is the first victim of my new Z-Wear PM Mule



Done! The box is cut.
Nah, scratch that! The box is literally demolished! To ashes!



The steel showed itself great on the cardboard box. I like the first impression on it. The edge is still sharp like new and holds well!
Cutting paper to check. Everything is fine

[AlexRus]

Stay tuned

[kodai78]

Very nice! I assume there are more posts in the future. I am looking forward to seeing those.

[AlexRus]

Very nice! I assume there are more posts in the future. I am looking forward to seeing those.

Thank you! Updates are coming!

[AlexRus]

Mule Z-WEAR PM vs Chicken battle

[AlexRus]

So, the Mule is ready and the chicken is ready! Let's fight!

[AlexRus]

And... Z-Wear PM steel is biting the chicken in half! Right in the first round!



It was still factory sharp (the Mule, not the chicken I mean) and cut through the chicken with ease.

[AlexRus]

Now we need to cut off some chicken leg bones



Had to take a few hand strikes on the spine of the blade to cut them bones off.



Done!
No chippings after taking a quick edge inspection

[AlexRus]

Proceeding the cutting

[AlexRus]

Done! The chicken is defeated!

[AlexRus]

And the winner of our battle is... Z-Wear PM Spyderco Mule!

[AlexRus]

OK, what can I say? The Z-wear PM steel showed itself very well and cut the chicken in pieces with flying colors. Despite my worries about the factory machine-sharpened edge might be a little burn- out and got chippy, everything went well. No chippings at all even after forced bone cutting.
The edge is still sharp, but anyways I took a few strokes on the Spyderco Sharpmaker after. Just in case

I definitely like this steel!

[AlexRus]

In progress...



Stewed chicken with potatoes is ready. With a little help from the Mule

[AlexRus]

Update: stewed chicken was delicious

[Manifestgtr]

Update: stewed chicken was delicious

[AlexRus]

Have been sharpening it on the Spyderco Sharpmaker today. Gotta say this steel takes sharpness quite well. Took me about 10 minutes on the Sharpmaker to get my Mule Z-wear razor-sharp back.
So far I like this steel

[NYLife]

Nice Report,

[AlexRus]

Nice Report,

Thank you NYLife!

[defenestrate]

Thanks, nice review! the Z-wear is a great overall option as a mix of edge retention and toughness. If more people were used to/comfortable with high carbon (non-stainless) steels I think it would be very popular, especially when they realized it's basically Cruwear.