Please post pics of your Mule scales

[catamount]

I got my ZDP-189 Mule today, and would like to see the different scales folks have made (or had made) for their Mules.

I'm especially interested in Tom Krein's work, as he is probably who I'll have make scales for mine.

[jabba359]

I bought the S90V Mule for the express purpose of building my own scales. I've never tried anything like this before, but thanks to the couple of Mule tutorials on the forum, I got my first one done. I made some blanks out of cheap wood to practice on, adjusting the ergonomics on each one. After four prototypes, I had the shape down that best fit my hand and moved on to my real scales. This is my Mule with stabilized redwood scales. I haven't been able to get it buffed to as glossy as I'd like, but I'll keep working on it.

[Brad S.]

Good place to look might be here: http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31531

But in the meantime here are two I recently finished. The CF one is on its way to Datan...errr Ozspyder The other is Black linen Micarta with a Sheath by Scott Gere.
Got 3 more with Scott right now... I'll post some photos when I get them back.

If you need a sheath! Scotts your man!! hands down, the guy does great work! I went to him cause I dont like making sheath's much, and I would much rather concentrate on making knives and handles then sheaths, but mostly his work is 100x's better than mine.

I have done so many mules that I forgot or was to lazy to photograph

[5.56]

Orange G10, hollow tubes, exposed tang.

Thanks to Tom Krein

[gunmike1]

I have an M4 Mule that Tom Krein put beautiful Green Canvas Micarta handles with Black liners on with a tube in the rear. Great work, just like his customs. I just sent in my ZDP Mule to Tom today to get Brown Canvas over black liners. His Kydex work is great as well. I will post pics as soon as I can. I actually took a bunch of pictures when I sharpened it from original edge all the way to .05 micron, and was thinking of doing a little paper on how I sharpen knives with lots of pics. In the meanwhile I can at least post the pics of the handles to show you how Tom's Canvas Micarta looks.

Mike

[gac]

I ran across this video last night. The guy made scales after gluing leather to a Mule. There are two other videos detailing the rest of the process.

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[GoMeR]

Here ya go, this thread has quite a few of Tom's mules, mines in there as well. His work is outstanding I really like mine!

http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36201

[jabba359]

I ran across this video last night. The guy made scales after gluing leather to a Mule. There are two other videos detailing the rest of the process.

Interesting process, but I don't know if I'd use leather. First off, the edges of his knives look all ragged, as you can't really get the leather smooth once it's been sanded. Second, if it's going to be a user, the leather is going to soak up dirt and sweat, making it grimy and smelly. Washing it doesn't seem too practical as the leather would trap the water against the handle (potential rust issues?) and possibly stretch or shrink (I forget which way leather reacts to water). Lastly, and this is just a word of advice if you decide to make your own, I would keep the blade edge wrapped for the whole knife making process. With the way he is tossing those exposed edges around, I'm surprised he still has all his fingers! :eek:

*disclaimer - I've never worked with leather before, so my assumptions may be absolutely wrong. :D

[Jay_Ev]

I have done so many mules that I forgot or was to lazy to photograph

Perhaps you may remember this one: :) :p




Jay

[gac]

Interesting process, but I don't know if I'd use leather. ... Lastly, and this is just a word of advice if you decide to make your own, I would keep the blade edge wrapped for the whole knife making process. With the way he is tossing those exposed edges around, I'm surprised he still has all his fingers! :eek:

*disclaimer - I've never worked with leather before, so my assumptions may be absolutely wrong. :D

At one point he picks up one of those ZDP Mules with his fingers against the edge. He is lucky he didn't get a nice slice across his finger pad.

I'd much rather use wood. I just never get around to ordering any. Maybe I can do that while I'm on vacation in Kansas.

[hiredgun]

My first effort. Scales are made from Box Elder Burl. I'm going to start up another one sometime this summer as soon as the 'honeydo' list gets whittled down. :D

[Tom Krein]

Here are a couple I have done.... Getting ready to do about 15 more!! :eek:






Tom

[gunmike1]

Great work, Tom! I'll try to post the pics of my M4 you did today, I am really liking it and it has been on my belt all weekend. My ZDP Mule should be arriving in Gentry soon, I can't wait to see what it look. Like when you're done. I couldn't be happier with the Green Canvas and Kydex you did on my M4 Mule.

Mike

[nozh2002]

Interesting process, but I don't know if I'd use leather. First off, the edges of his knives look all ragged, as you can't really get the leather smooth once it's been sanded. Second, if it's going to be a user, the leather is going to soak up dirt and sweat, making it grimy and smelly. Washing it doesn't seem too practical as the leather would trap the water against the handle (potential rust issues?) and possibly stretch or shrink (I forget which way leather reacts to water). Lastly, and this is just a word of advice if you decide to make your own, I would keep the blade edge wrapped for the whole knife making process. With the way he is tossing those exposed edges around, I'm surprised he still has all his fingers! :eek:

*disclaimer - I've never worked with leather before, so my assumptions may be absolutely wrong. :D

Soaking water etc is as well applicable to wood. This is why wood and leather need to be treated with - in this particular case with Carnauba + silica - it is shown on fourth video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUc3Jqp_tXA

BTW most produced and used military knife - KaBar has leather handle.

I use Mule 2 and Mule 3 all around house and backyard and have no any problem. I actually like leather because it is much lighter and warmer.

Thanks, Vassili.

[anti-torsion]

Hey Guys,

Here is one I just did, first attempt at a Mule handle so they will just get better. Curly maple with stainless hardware.

[nozh2002]

Final results:

GoldFish - Queen of Ocean





FireBird





Thanks, Vassili.