6" Mule discussion.

[defenestrate]

I'd love a larger mule. Leaning toward toughish steels for bushcraft/general utility work or thin and long edgeholding if a kitchen-aimed version were to come out. Also like the idea of the original scales being able to bolt on so people didn't have to purchase new full coverage scales (though those would also become an option somewhere Im' sure)

[sage047]

I was just poking around the website to see if there'd been any more fixed blade updates since I last dropped by and figured I'd pop over to the forum. Spooky that this popped up. I figured I'd drop my experience in here, since I've been using the Magnamax mule since it came out.
For context, I have rather large hands, and have to buy xxxl gloves. I find the handle on the mule to be cramped, but useable, if I rest my thumb on the spine, I'm pushing the knife "away" almost, which means my smallest finger can't get a super great grip on the handle, at the end of the day, not a huge thing, and something that could be changed with Ergos.
Because the handles are so heavy with G10 scales, if I personally were making this, I'd be hesitant to add much more length to it. They're already extremely handle-heavy. Right now, with the G10 scales, the balance point is just slightly north of the center screw. For looks, maybe a small increase in length could be good, but have you considered milling the backs of the scales to increase lightness?

And, on the topic of blade length, I'd be interested in a larger model, but I'm unsure about 6'', 4.5-5'' would be ideal for me. Ofcourse, everyone has different use cases, but I'd be super interested in maybe a "small, medium, and large" mule lineup.

Mostly for me, my issues are with ergos and the balance point. I like how far forward hand placement is, but I wish the hole and the "hump" on the blade were tweaked a little. If you want to keep the way the thumb pushes the blade, I'd want it closer to the PM2's thumb placement, and for a more relaxed grip, closer to the manix 2.
Personally I'd also want a smaller hole for strength. And maybe less aggressive ergos on the handle.

Anyway, that's what I'd do, curious to see what you guys end up doing :)

[electro-static]

There is a previous thread about a larger Mule Team that ended up with some prototypes being made and tested.. Thanx Al. There seems to be some interest in this being a larger version available. So with that thought in mind, I'm trying to determine if there is a path for a larger, 6" blade version of the prototypes. I've also been using one daily, so there is more input.

Al had mentioned testing the original shape and then cutting a straight spine, with a swedge and testing the blade again. I think I like the straight spine and swedge better as it will be lighter and have less friction in "all-the-way-through" cuts.

I've heard mentioned of a larger handle; 1/2" longer, 1' longer? Folks like Vivi and some of Al's co-workers have larger hands. This would mean that we might not have handles for it, but I believe that Halpern or some other maker could help provide handles. Also a lot of you are very good at making handle.

I was thinking to deliver the sharpened blank, like the Mule Team, no sheath no scales.

I spoke with Eric about it and he feels it would not mess up the factory much to do a run. Don't know how many to make? Plain edge only. Consumer direct like the Mule Team. Will there be enough demand to deliver the run? would there be enough demand for a second run?

What steel would be the best choice?

So Whaddayouthink?

sal

Put me down for one, magna cut would be a great option because it’s such a well rounded steel, and would serve well as a control.

[Shagnasty]

Yes I'm in for any 6" muleys. Be great to have a standard and 6" offering in each steel type going forward. -Larry