Mule Team Redux: Which steels would you choose?

[Cambertree]

Sal’s mentioned that there are no real rules around the Mule Team series, beyond the intention that they provide a consistent testing platform for ‘Real World Use’. They’re also a great canvas for tinkering, for everyone from folk just dipping their toe in the water with paracord handle wraps, all the way to highly skilled and talented knifemakers crafting beautiful contoured handles out of exotic hardwoods and other materials.

It’s been mentioned that a lot of the old MTs are hard to obtain now at a reasonable price.

Perhaps one day, we might see a rerun of some previous steels in the series, given the popularity of the recent SPY27 model.

What steel would you most like to see return?

(The poll only allows for 10 options, so I’ve conflated some steels which are either similar to, or analogues of other steels; and left out some which I felt would elicit less interest, like 9Cr18MoV, CTS-BD1, Elmax and S35VN. I also left out some which had teething issues like ZDP-189, or which are otherwise well known. But if that’s your thing, then by all means mention that in your post.)

I’ve allowed two votes, so you could vote for a steel you want to experiment with, and perhaps also one you already know and love, and would just like to have in a fixed blade knife.

The other steels which are not in the poll above are PSF27, DPS 15 damascus clad VG10, CPM 20CV, CTS-B70P, LC200N, Cobalt Special clad with 420J2, RWL-34 and CTS-XHP.

I’d go for PMA11 to try out a new steel, and Superblue for a steel I’d just like to have in a MT fixed blade. I’d like to have K390 in a fixed blade of course, but PMA11 is fairly similar.

[TomAiello]

Hard to say. Can I vote 'all of the above''?

I think 4v would be my first choice. I'd love to have Mules in both 4v and Vanadis 4 Extra to see if I can find any difference in identical platforms.

I'd also love to have a Maxamet mule (I missed that one).

But heck, if they re-run anything I'll try to buy it.

[Josh Crutchley]

I would like to see PMA11 and Maxamet. The Maxamet because its the only fixed blade Maxamet knife I know of. The PMA11 because I always wanted to try it a pure vanadium carbide knife steel.

[Tucson Tom]

I went with 52100 and 4V. I was strongly tempted to pick PMA11, but I have a mule in PMA11 -- but what a great steel. It is indeed a lot like K390, which would be another fine choice.

I have a soft spot for 52100, it is just so eager to get sharp. And I've long wanted a 52100 fixed blade.

[Rp5]

I wanted to pick S90V/S110V, 4V, PMA11, and K390... but as limited to 2 I picked 4V and K390.

I have production knives in M4, Maxamet, M390, and the PD1 mule. Plus the upcoming Z-max mule should be similar to Maxamet. I've wanted to try out K390, and I should really just buy a production knife to do so, but a mule would be cooler. 4V seems less common in production as well.

[standy99]

M4 naturally for me on any list and Super blue picked.


Never been a mule in H1 so this would be my choice

[Jefke]

Man, choose only 2? I want all of them :D

I really wish I had the budget when the LC200N version was still available. Other than that I think I would be most interested in the higher performing steels that I haven't been able to try yet like K390, ZDP-189, Cruwear/PD#1, 4V and Maxamet. But realistically I would buy any mule that becomes available if I have the budget :p

Going through the list of mules on the website, I notice that some numbers are missing. MT14 and MT23 are not on the list. Does anybody know which steel they were or if these were skipped somehow (like MT30 is for the time being).

[SharpSmitty]

LC200N

I kick myself constantly for not grabbing one of these when I had the chance. Would love to have one on the boat for fishing with zero concerns about corrosion in the saltwater environment.

[MashBill]

LC200N

I kick myself constantly for not grabbing one of these when I had the chance. Would love to have one on the boat for fishing with zero concerns about corrosion in the saltwater environment.

I agree LC200N.

[yablanowitz]

Going through the list of mules on the website, I notice that some numbers are missing. MT14 and MT23 are not on the list. Does anybody know which steel they were or if these were skipped somehow (like MT30 is for the time being).

MT14 was slated to be CTS 204P, but it was never made. I'd have to check on 23.

[standy99]

Going through the list of mules on the website, I notice that some numbers are missing. MT14 and MT23 are not on the list. Does anybody know which steel they were or if these were skipped somehow (like MT30 is for the time being).

Mule Team 23 CPM 20CV - PlainEdge (MT23P)

Have one, as 23 and 27 are spoken about below

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=78142

[Jablang]

I’d for sure buy a LC200N

[fixall]

I have the PD#1, PMA11, K390... And a SPY27 on the way. I would literally buy every other Mule Team that was previously released that I don't own.

[Cl1ff]

I chose 52100 and PMA11 because I want them lol
Pretty much what Tucson Tom said, but I don’t have PMA11 or an equivalent (CPM10v).
They’re all good choices :p

[Jefke]

Going through the list of mules on the website, I notice that some numbers are missing. MT14 and MT23 are not on the list. Does anybody know which steel they were or if these were skipped somehow (like MT30 is for the time being).

Mule Team 23 CPM 20CV - PlainEdge (MT23P)

Ah yes, now I remember. Had let this one pass for lack of budget.

MT14 was slated to be CTS 204P, but it was never made. I'd have to check on 23.

I should have researched this more before asking. Didn't take long to find this link on Spydiewiki : http://www.spydiewiki.com/index.php?title=MT_Mule_Team
It has a typo though , says MT23 is CPM 20V.

[BLUETYPEII]

My first choice would be: LC200N for the utilitarian purposes but I wouldn’t complain about Damascus.

I think a re-release of Damascus would give people the chance to make some exceptionally beautiful knives.

[legOFwhat?]

I voted Maxamet and S90v, but I'd love to be able to get a Damasteel Damascus mule! Just for looks alone!
I have the 4v, rwl-34, pd#1 and PMA11. Paid a hefty price for the 4v, but the rest were from SFO.

[Wartstein]

Voted 52100 and am actually surprised (and glad) that it seems to be quite popular!
Would have guessed people would really focus more on high end supersteels.

Never had 52100, but from all I know I´d really like to have it in a working fixed blade.
Easy too sharpen, tough enough, good edge retention for an "old" tool steel, run pretty hard by Spyderco, and last but not least at all: Should develop a really nice patina (that would look even better with some rough micarta scales or the like..)

[Glock27]

Interesting Video of Testing 14 Different Mule Steels. Great indicator of which mules for re-issue.
https://youtu.be/91OyDvPu-Rc
More Mule Tests:
https://youtu.be/0RuEqsy32ZI
G27

[The Meat man]

First choice is absolutely Super Blue.

Second choice, CPM 4V.

Wouldn't mind seeing Maxamet, or 52100.

At this point, I think we already have enough K390 and LC200N in regular production knives. I'd want something different or rarely used.