Bushcraft or Mule for camping/backpacking build?

rc51kid · #1

I am looking to build a knife for general camping and light weigh backpacking. Which of these two do you think would work better? I will also need a commercially available kydex sheath as well. Which do you think is a better size and steel? Also where is the best place to buy these? Does anyone have picture of these two together for a size comparison? Any input about these two models would be appreciated.

MCM · #2

I would probably suck up the xtra ounce or so and go for the Temp 2.
2nd from the top.
Lightest would be a Mule. Nice knife! I buy everyone that comes out.
Just wish Mule's were shaped like the Temp 2.
Great design that one.
Didn't make it in the photo, but an Aqua Salt would also be a contender.
So, you see... I really am no help at all......

ChapmanPreferred · #3

I really prefer the Mule project for the variety of steel options and lighter weight unless you choose really heavy scale material. :)

rc51kid · #4

MCM wrote:I would probably suck up the xtra ounce or so and go for the Temp 2.
2nd from the top.
Lightest would be a Mule. Nice knife! I buy everyone that comes out.
Just wish Mule's were shaped like the Temp 2.
Great design that one.
Didn't make it in the photo, but an Aqua Salt would also be a contender.
So, you see... I really am no help at all......

could you give me the full list of what these are in this photo? Some really nice looking knives.

dsmegst · #5

Forester
Temperance 2
Temperance
BushcraftUK (factory 2nd)
Mule with CF scales (can't tell what steel)

I'm pretty sure that's the list.

MCM · #6

FLYcrash · #7

For lightweight backpacking, weight can be a major issue (depending on what you mean by "lightweight"

), so I'd go for a smaller blade. I also prefer stainless steel over carbon steel in the outdoors where things can get rainy or sweaty and stay that way. For more sedentary camping, I think I might still go for a smaller knife but supplement with something much more robust, like a good hatchet.

So a Mule in a stainless steel with good composite scales would get my vote. My S90V Mule with denim micarta scales is a very rugged performer, though I'm not sure I'd take it on a trip over my Bark River Canadian Special or Street Beat, both of which come standard with professionally made sheaths and are also nice and light.

Speaking of which, the Street Beat would be fantastic! I love mine outdoors. But it does cost more...

Joe Internet · #8

You could do a lot worse than an Aqua Salt. They're discontinued, but still available.

One caveat, however. On some specimens, the sheath fits tight and causes the blade to dull when removing & inserting the knife. So if you get one and it does this, you'll need a work-around of some sort - fix the sheath, replace it, or live with it. :)

That said, I have 3 plain edged, and hope to buy a couple of serrated models. So I wouldn't rule it out based on the sheath issue.

jackknifeh · #9

MCM wrote:I would probably suck up the xtra ounce or so and go for the Temp 2.
2nd from the top.
Lightest would be a Mule. Nice knife! I buy everyone that comes out.
Just wish Mule's were shaped like the Temp 2.
Great design that one.
Didn't make it in the photo, but an Aqua Salt would also be a contender.
So, you see... I really am no help at all......

On the third knife from the top it looks like the handle hides all the tang. If I'm seeing it correctly how do you do that? Do you route out one side or both?

Thanks,
Jack

Donut · #10

dsmegst wrote:Forester
Temperance 2
Temperance
BushcraftUK (factory 2nd)
Mule with CF scales (can't tell what steel)

I'm pretty sure that's the list.

The first one doesn't look long enough to be a Forester, it looks like a Forager or Woodlander.