Yeah yeah, I think MagnaCut made a lot of noise (and for a reason !), after a few mules Spyderco will know how much demand there really is.
Not necessarily. MT 27 happened after Spyderco had MT 1-26 to learn from. It's just that demand suddenly plummeted. Human behavior is maddeninly unpredictable at times.
I am not blameless. I didn't buy an MT 27 when they were available, and I'm still kicking myself. PD#1 is a great steel.
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
What concerns me the most is here we are with a 500 piece run not selling out right away and plans to increase quantities on future Mules already underway. Sure, Magnacut was an outlier with major hype behind it, but this run is looking more like the numbers for the pre-hiatus Mules, and increasing future production is likely to once again result in inventory sitting on the shelf for long periods.
What concerns me the most is here we are with a 500 piece run not selling out right away and plans to increase quantities on future Mules already underway. Sure, Magnacut was an outlier with major hype behind it, but this run is looking more like the numbers for the pre-hiatus Mules, and increasing future production is likely to once again result in inventory sitting on the shelf for long periods.
Exactly. Which will endanger the mule project.
There are a number of potential “fixes” but I dont think any are foolproof. Hopefully some are close enough.
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
I think this is just due to the steel and the fact that orders are limited to one per household.
This is largely a kitchen knife steel rather than a pocket knife steel. Would be interesting to see a "Kitchen Mule" design, but judging by demand right now, there might not be enough demand.
Current Collection
Chaparral LW (CTS-XHP), Dragonfly 2 (VG-10), Mule Team (VG XEOS), Native 5 Salt (LC200N), Stretch 2 (K390)
I would have purchased two, and I am sure many others would have, as well. So while this one has not sold out as quickly as recent others, the one per household basically stretched the inventory further. The lack of familiarity with the steel factors in, as well. Looking forward to using this one
Long time reader, first time posting… Love me some Spyderco! I would have bought two… in fact, I’ve only bought one Mule the past four or five drops. This was the first time I really wanted two, one to keep nice and one to put to work in the kitchen. If an option, I would buy another and gladly pay the extra shipping and what not to have some nice kitchen mules. Love what you guys do, Spyderco and Mule team members, and I’m sure there are much more folks like me that lurk around and use their Mules, but seldom post.
I for one am glad it isn't selling out instantly. I would have never ended up with my gateway drug on the mules, the PD#1 if it had sold out like Magnacut did. I got a great great knife because of the obscure designation and the lack of exposure. I'm really hoping this will turn out to be the same.
Okay, it has been 24 hours and it still shows as available. Literally everyone on planet Earth has had a chance to order. Please, sir, may I have another?
Okay, it has been 24 hours and it still shows as available. Literally everyone on planet Earth has had a chance to order. Please, sir, may I have another?
I guess it's fair If in 24 hours they are still available. IMHO
Well, 24hrs has benefited me. I was able to get one today. Silly credit card and good Spyderco security. All's well near the end of the train.
I would think the 1 per house rule will change since there are Mules left in the stable that are itching to stretch their legs. One more on the Mule Team Door of Fame would not hurt anyone, and would certainly be beneficial in building the legend.
It appears as though MT32P is separating the serious Mule Team driver from buyers with any other motive, no lists just many reasons why this one is slow and I think M390 would sell out tomorrow, especially at 500 pieces.
I am still new to the Mule Team and silly excited to play. Thanks Spyderco.
Spyderco: Tenacious G10, Waterway, Para 3 Spy27, Pacific Salt H1, Catcherman, In the Mule Team Stable(Z-Max, Z-Wear, S45VN, Magnacut, SRS13/SUS405, M398, Aeb-l, 15v)
What concerns me the most is here we are with a 500 piece run not selling out right away and plans to increase quantities on future Mules already underway. Sure, Magnacut was an outlier with major hype behind it, but this run is looking more like the numbers for the pre-hiatus Mules, and increasing future production is likely to once again result in inventory sitting on the shelf for long periods.
Exactly. Which will endanger the mule project.
There are a number of potential “fixes” but I dont think any are foolproof. Hopefully some are close enough.
I'm a total noob to the whole awesome Mule Team thing, so I'm about to suggest something that's probably been suggested again and again because it's so obvious: If ever a need arises to reinvigorate the Mule Team movement, simply re-release old steels in Spyderedge. This opens up new opportunities for testing, interests people who prefer SE to PE, and creates the potential for different use cases. Surely this is old hat and has been suggested and rebutted before?...
The way this one is moving makes me think the "renewed interest" has been more social media driven FOMO than anything.
At the risk of being a ditto-head, once again, I agree. I'm also worrying about the new "increased numbers" of mules coming down the pike that might hit the marketplace just as the marketplace, in all its wisdom, gets blasé about mules. Then the mule team goes into the ditch--again.
A chilling comment from Sal at BF:
"I'm sure if it isn't moving too quickly, they'll open up the limit. Sure seems like it's getting harder and harder to serve up mule Teams to satisfied customers?"
If I were working the problem (and I'm not) I'd think hard about a two-track system: a subscription for the diehards, and the existing system for everyone else. I'm guessing the most persistent complaining comes us diehards who can't get our hands on a mule, and we diehards would likely prepay. But that's more administrative work, and it might just be easier for S-co to cancel the mule program altogether.
It's a really nettlesome problem.
One other observation: S-co may have purposely adjusted supply and demand by putting the price of the SRS13 at 50% more over the Magnacut (value-wise, I'd rather have MC than SRS13, wouldn't you? which is why the price increase looks strategic). That increase may be largely responsible for the slower sales. It may be that $50 mules just cause too many problems and complaints. Maybe $75 mules are just easier on the system.
Which suggests another fraught method: First month, mules sell for $75. Second month, $65. Third month, $55, and so on, till gone. While economically sound, and spreading out the "rush," that would unleash a poo-storm of complaints as skin-flints attempt to game the system, or notice they could have saved $10 by waiting a month. OK, scratch that idea.
I don't have an answer. Someone smarter than me will have to solve this one.
Steel novice who self-identifies as a steel expert. Proud M.N.O.S.D. member 0003. Spydie Steels: 4V, 15V, 20CV, AEB-L, AUS6, Cru-Wear, HAP40, K294, K390, M4, Magnacut, S110V, S30V, S35VN, S45VN, SPY27, SRS13, T15, VG10, XHP, ZWear, ZDP189
The way this one is moving makes me think the "renewed interest" has been more social media driven FOMO than anything.
I'd buy 2 in a heartbeat if they opened it up. I'm not interested in paying $13 in S&H for one knife when I really want 2. I'm sure there's others out there in the same situation. Not to mention that I would guess there are a good number of other people who bought 1, but would have bought a second if that was an option.
I think the result has been good. So far, everyone who has wanted, has obtained 1 Mule. This has been a concession from Spyderco, possibly sacrificing the quick sale of this serie, for which we should be thankful, rather than complaining. I don't know how the stock will be and if it will be possible to obtain a second unit after a certain date. I am grateful, I have been able to get one, without the madness of the last series. Thanks Sal, don't let us bore you, continue with this project.
