Random mule question for someone who may know

[Evil D]

Not even sure where to ask this but, this edge on the back side of the guard...do you guys think I could radius that edge down so it's not sharp without screwing up the fit inside the Spyderco sheath? Seems like the scales do most of the security, and seems like doing this might make the knife slide out of the sheath easier (not a goal). I've just noticed this will probably become a hot spot with hard use, since just squeezing the handle for 30 seconds creates a dent in my finger. My main issue is the handle is just barely too small for my hand so when I hammer fist grip it, my index finger pushes on the guard pretty hard.

[standy99]

Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.

There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC

Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones

[Deadboxhero]

Grind it off

[RustyIron]

I've thought of doing the same, strictly for visual aesthetics. But I was also worried about sheath retention.

[Evil D]

I've thought of doing the same, strictly for visual aesthetics. But I was also worried about sheath retention.

Yeah I'll probably leave it alone because that edge seems to be a big part of what keeps the blade from slipping out easily, and I like to carry these handle down/tip up so retention is super important.

[Bolster]

D, my approach to index finger pressure on the mule is to re-radius the curve. I'm happy with the mod:

[Bolster]

Seems like the scales do most of the security...

Another approach would be to remove the metal, and then "re-melt" the kydex sheath around the new shape.

[JRinFL]

Yes, heating the kydex will let you adjust the fit, if it is even needed. You should be good to go with the mod.

Bolster's mod popped into my mind as soon as I read your post.

[rashman]

D, my approach to index finger pressure on the mule is to re-radius the curve. I'm happy with the mod:

nice work!

[attila]

Not even sure where to ask this but, this edge on the back side of the guard...do you guys think I could radius that edge down so it's not sharp without screwing up the fit inside the Spyderco sheath? Seems like the scales do most of the security, and seems like doing this might make the knife slide out of the sheath easier (not a goal). I've just noticed this will probably become a hot spot with hard use, since just squeezing the handle for 30 seconds creates a dent in my finger. My main issue is the handle is just barely too small for my hand so when I hammer fist grip it, my index finger pushes on the guard pretty hard.


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For the kydex type sheath, it shouldn’t affect fit.

If you’re talking about the leather sheath, grinding that off will only improve the fit, as the mule design doesn’t truly fit in the leather sheath.

I’m planning to grind that bit and a little bit from the hump above the hole on one of my Magnacut mules. I intend to post photos after testing in both types of sheaths.

[programmer1311]

Not even sure where to ask this but, this edge on the back side of the guard...do you guys think I could radius that edge down so it's not sharp without screwing up the fit inside the Spyderco sheath? Seems like the scales do most of the security, and seems like doing this might make the knife slide out of the sheath easier (not a goal). I've just noticed this will probably become a hot spot with hard use, since just squeezing the handle for 30 seconds creates a dent in my finger. My main issue is the handle is just barely too small for my hand so when I hammer fist grip it, my index finger pushes on the guard pretty hard.


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Hello. Don't really worry, I don't think this is going to be a problem. :)

[WilliamMunny]

Beyond that removing it would help cutting in some instances like on a cutting board.

But will removing it increase the chances on your hand/finger slipping for ward leading to cutting yourself?

[WilliamMunny]

Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.

There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC

Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones

Your knife on the left, what size liner did you use, 1/32”? Do you recommend using them?

[standy99]

Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.

There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC

Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones

Your knife on the left, what size liner did you use, 1/32”? Do you recommend using them?

0.5mm And yes they are good for just a light break up of colour.



These are 0.5 with 1mm centre




Here is another knife I just finished with all 1mm

[WilliamMunny]

Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.

There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC

Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones

Your knife on the left, what size liner did you use, 1/32”? Do you recommend using them?

0.5mm And yes they are good for just a light break up of colour.

They look great. How is the glue up on those? Do you epoxy each layer at the same time or epoxy the liners then add the wood scales? I am guessing a lot of epoxy gets press out when you clap with all of the different layers, how do you deal with the extra epoxy?

[standy99]

I epoxy scales then ie: liners to wood in one glue and press.. Then attach scales to knife.
Sand different directions between liners to get better glue up.
Once scales are epoxyed I sand them square again on a disk sander

Scales look like this when done (glow liner scales)




Micarta Mule



Best thing is wrap in grease proof paper after clamping leaving end open. Don’t have that much epoxy press out nowadays as have judged it more than early days.( I usually glue and clamp inside as don’t have a workshop )

[standy99]

They look great. How is the glue up on those? Do you epoxy each layer at the same time or epoxy the liners then add the wood scales? I am guessing a lot of epoxy gets press out when you clap with all of the different layers, how do you deal with the extra epoxy?

Here is a step by step

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=90082