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.
Thank you, defenestrate!
Of course it's not stainless, but it's really a very good and balanced steel!
Sharing with you my experience with the paracord Mule handle wrapping.
Removed the G10 scales and wrapped my Z-Wear Mule handle with Olive Drab paracord.
There are lots of paracord handle wrapping techniques on the forum and on the net in general. I chose this one I saw on YouTube. It creates texture, a bit of thickness and looks quite interesting.
I like the result so far.
And I also decided to finish the wrapping with a wrist lanyard-loop.
Looks like we have matching mules…this is my test maggie
309A7108-8AE5-4397-83CD-1D596D6828D8.jpeg
And the Green Paracord wrapping just like on my Z-Wear Mule )
Paracord actually feels pretty nice on these. At some point, I’m sure I’ll end up getting some scales but in the meantime, you could definitely do a lot worse.
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
Looks like we have matching mules…this is my test maggie
309A7108-8AE5-4397-83CD-1D596D6828D8.jpeg
And the Green Paracord wrapping just like on my Z-Wear Mule )
Paracord actually feels pretty nice on these. At some point, I’m sure I’ll end up getting some scales but in the meantime, you could definitely do a lot worse.
MagnaCut Mule made it all the way around the world to Russia to join his Z-WEAR brother
Have you had a chance to compare them much?
Not yet. I use Z-wear and MagnaCut wasn't used yet. But I noticed that factory sharpeness on the Magnacut Mule was much duller than on the Z-wear one. I guess it's just that factory edge thing, it's always random/different and doesn't say anything about the steel properties)
Here is my first ever self-made Mule Team handle (purple stabilized poplar wood by raffir) and kydex:
everything done by hand (I skipped some grits so you can still see grind lines from initial filing)
I did an impact test on the factory edge
(almost factory; you can see I left a secondary bevel after first reprofiling/cleaning of the factory edge):
I tried to baton through a shimano shifting cable.
It did not separate the cable (maybe shimano uses some high quality hardened steel wires ...)
The edge took some damage but sharpened out nicely.
Z-Wear is very similar to Cruwear and Magnacut: gets scary sharp easily with an polished edge
Edge retention seems similar to my S45VN Mule in my EDC use.
I plan to thin out the handle as it is currently too thick for the Spyderco leather sheath.
Attachments
after reprofiling and sharpening
shimano shifting cable
edge damage on factory secondary bevel after batoning on steel wires
She's a 'beaut, worm! I wrecked a df2 hb pull cutting some rubber gasket that had a stranded steel cable hidden in it. Looks like you turned it around nicely!
-Larry
Hebrews 13:6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
MNOSD #0049