Magnacut Mule Box Date Codes: KU & LU

[Mystery Flavor]

I noticed some magnacut mule box's date code is KU and some are LU. Is there a chance there's a difference in hardness between the 2 months batches? If anyone is able to test the hardness maybe mention which date code yours is. Or maybe Sal can answer if any changes were made between KU and LU mule batches? I assume no, but thought it's worth asking for clarity.

Interesting that the LU date means they were made this month. Even though they went on sale on the 3rd. I wonder if any of them were made after the 3rd?

I got KU on my order. Based on photos online I'm guessing almost everyone did?

Thanks for releasing these Spyderco! It was a super tense and aggravating 50+ minutes of not being allowed to place the order, but I'm glad I stuck with it long enough. Please improve the smoothness of your future releases when there is a large demand like this!

Side note: did anyone else request the catalog on the last step of the ordering and not get it? Even my receipt in the box shows I selected to get it. They must have run out?

[Mushroom]

That is interesting that there were some labeled with the date code LU. I don't know if theres a difference between the two batches. (I doubt that there would be any amount of difference thats not already considered normal)

I just checked both of my Magnacut Mules and they are both labeled KU. One funny thing I noticed while checking was on my ZMax Mule, it was labeled with the date code FU.

Also, I did receive a catalog with mine Magnacut Mules.

[Manixguy@1994]

I will check codes on mine tomorrow. I have a bit of a walk to garage and we are having wind gusts over 50 mph . I got a catalog.

[troutinCO]

Just checked mine, both KU. Bought at SFO.

[Clanleslie]

Mine are KU also.

[sal]

Hi Clanleslie,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Pokey]

The date on my two are KU, too.

[Clanleslie]

Thanks,Sal it’s a pleasure to be here and learn about your knives.

[JRinFL]

KU as well.

[Bolster]

KU here.

Oh no! Now we have a rare and highly sought after LU variant! I'm sure it's superior in every way.

[Bolster]

eBay is FLOODED with MC mules just now. Of the 19 that actually showed the box's date code, 18 were KU and one was LU.

(Must....buy....superior & rare...LU variant....at x3 cost...)

[BAMeiser]

KU on both for me. Whatever that means

[Mystery Flavor]

A different way of asking my question is: The heat treating I assume is a very accurate process, but can they REALLY get identical results from a 2nd batch as the 1st? Is the tech used to do the heat treating that accurate/repeatable?

[yablanowitz]

Here's another question or two for you to ponder. Does the date code on the box mean the instant they are completed or the month they went into the box? Do they heat treat in batches of 1000 (meaning this Mule was done in only 2 batches) or are they done in smaller batches ( meaning this Mule was actually done in a hundred batches)? Does every single piece in a given heat treat batch have the same exact hardness value, or can it vary a tenth of a point between pieces?

[Mystery Flavor]

I get it, I'm probably just over-thinking all this. Who knows.... until we know? haha

Well if they feel like it I welcome Spyderco to answer any of those questions you raise, since they are the only one who knows.

I just thought it was worth bringing to everyone's attention that there's potentially 2 batches of this mule. Whatever that means in this case... Imagine if there was some weird oddity like the knife never dulled and it only happened with those ultra-rare LU ones. Dr. Larrin would surely be aroused by that and start putting on his Mr. Rogers uniform for sure.

[Tgmr05]

Just checked… to add to the mystery, these arrived on Thursday Dec 9 - and just checked - notified by email they shipped on Dec 4

[Mystery Flavor]

At last, the long hidden LU-creature sticks its head out of the bushes and displays itself.

Who will be the first ebay seller to make up a crazy story about the uber rare LU variant?

[Ramonade]

I'll update people when I get them. it has been in transit with USPS from Aurora to somewhere for 10 days .

I hope I'll get the better one.... Because they must be totally different ! LU is a well respect snack brand here in France. That MUST mean something

[Manixguy@1994]

Sorry so late posting , both of mine are KU . I really don’t think there is anything to get excited about .MG2

[Team Sick]

I got mine Monday and it's KU.