Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
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
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
Last edited by AlexRus on Wed Oct 06, 2021 9:29 am, edited 9 times in total.
Re: Mule Team™ 30 Z-Wear PM first impression and experience
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
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
Last edited by AlexRus on Tue Sep 07, 2021 8:30 am, edited 8 times in total.
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Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Very nice! I assume there are more posts in the future. I am looking forward to seeing those.
:spyder: Shaman REX 45, Smock, Baby Jess Horn CE, Spydiechef, Schempp Bowie,Ti Fluted Military, Titanium Military, Native S30 V and G10, PM 2 in S35VN, and S110V, Manix 2 LW BD1 and SPY 27, Sage 5, Positron black CPM S30V, Chaparral w/Raffir Noble scales, SuperLeaf VG 10, Ladybug H1, Dragonfly 2 in ZDP 189 and Superblue/420J1 and H1, Delica in ZDP 189, Clipitool Standard, the Cook’s knife VG10, Santoku, paring and utility knives, all in MBS 26. :spyder:
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Mule Z-WEAR PM vs Chicken battle
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
So, the Mule is ready and the chicken is ready! Let's fight!
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
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.
It was still factory sharp (the Mule, not the chicken I mean) and cut through the chicken with ease.
Last edited by AlexRus on Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
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
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
Last edited by AlexRus on Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:14 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Proceeding the cutting
Last edited by AlexRus on Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Done! The chicken is defeated!
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
And the winner of our battle is... Z-Wear PM Spyderco Mule!
Last edited by AlexRus on Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: My Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
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!
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!
Re: Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
In progress...
Stewed chicken with potatoes is ready. With a little help from the Mule
Stewed chicken with potatoes is ready. With a little help from the Mule
Last edited by AlexRus on Wed Nov 03, 2021 6:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Update: stewed chicken was delicious
- Manifestgtr
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Re: Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
Crucarta: Shaman (x2), Manix 2, Lil Native, Delica, GB2 & PM2
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Notable: 52100 and Cruwear Millie. “15v-arta” Shaman. REC Manix. K-carta Endura, P4, Dragonfly and Delica.
Favorites: Shaman, Sage 5 lightweight, Sheeps Caribbean, Manix, Endela and all things Stretch
Re: Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
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
Last edited by AlexRus on Fri Oct 29, 2021 12:01 am, edited 4 times in total.
- defenestrate
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Re: Mule Z-Wear PM initial impression and experience
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.