Spyderco Forums

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 12:40 pm**

Mulefun wrote:It sounded like damascus at the time. I was thinking it would be like the Mt07 because its a sandwhich too.

Sandwiching does not make it Damascus. Its the folded layers of steel and the process involved in creating the final product that make it Damascus. The Damascus Mule just happened to have a VG-10 core. Not all Damascus is a "sandwich."

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:11 pm**

I know dude.

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:13 pm**

araneae wrote:Sandwiching does not make it Damascus. Its the folded layers of steel and the process involved in creating the final product that make it Damascus. The Damascus Mule just happened to have a VG-10 core. Not all Damascus is a "sandwich."

I know dude.

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:53 pm**

Michael Janich posted this on another thread:

As for the specifics of the steel, here is a list of the alloys in the steel and the percentages of each:

Carbon: 0.95 - 1.15%
Chromium: 15.00-17.00%
Cobalt: 2.00-3.00%
Manganese: 0.30-0.50%
Molybdenum: 1.00-2.00%
Nickel: 0.25%
Phosphorus: 0.03
Silicon: 0.60-0.70%
Sulfur: 0.01%
Tungsten: 0.20-0.30%
Vanadium: 0.20-0.30%

The most notable element, as the name implies, is cobalt. For comparison, standard VG-10 contains 1.30-1.50% cobalt, N690Co contains 1.50%, and CPM-S110V contains 2.5%. At 2.00-3.00% cobalt, Cobalt Special will offer more of the qualities this alloy provides, specifically increases in strength and hardness and the ability to quench at higher temperatures. Cobalt also acts as a catalyst to intensify the benefits of other alloys.

As far as stain resistance, at 15.00-17.00% chromium, it is well above the threshold of a stainless steel and contains more chromium than VG-10's 14.50-15.50%.

The MT09 Mule will feature Cobalt Special steel "clad" between layers of SUS420J. 420J has minimal carbon (0.15%) and 12-14% chromium. This "san mai" (three-layer) construction provides great strength because the outer layers provide support for the hard core. When ground to an edge, a lamination line will be visible at the boundary between the outer layers and the core.

Part of the challenge of providing information on this steel is that very little information is available on it in English. Takefu's own web site does not include it in their list of steels. Hopefully, this information will help fill in some of the blanks.

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 2:59 pm**

I won't be able to afford one the the Cobalt Specials, but I am interested in seeing what it's all about. It's also interesting that Takefu is also the maker of VG-10 which has around 1.5% Cobalt. I would like to see what this core material will be?

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:00 pm**

Question answered :)

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:02 pm**

sounds like a winner. we'll just wait to see how it works out :)

Posted: **Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:03 pm**

this one sounds quite interesting. If I can find the $$ I would certainly like to try this one.

Posted: **Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:08 am**

Awesome. This makes 10 mules. I wonder how many people have managed to get one of each offering so far?

Posted: **Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:32 am**

I have. MT-01 actually remains one of my favorites, right up there or only a hair behind the CPM-M4 and S90V blades.

Posted: **Fri Feb 25, 2011 11:42 am**

I wish that I had started getting spydies earlier so that I could have bought a s90v and M4 mule.

trying to get the cash to get the Aogami Blue before it disappears...this one though...Hmmm, I just don't know.

Posted: **Fri Feb 25, 2011 12:56 pm**

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:I wish that I had started getting spydies earlier so that I could have bought a s90v and M4 mule.

+1 million!

but i scored the m4. never been able to put my hands on a nib s90v though

Posted: **Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:10 pm**

SmoothOne25 wrote:+1 million!

but i scored the m4. never been able to put my hands on a nib s90v though

At least you managed that...I love carbon steel and so the M4 is right up my alley. I've seen one for sale...and the cost so so high that I couldn't justify the purchase. Lets just say...over $250.

Posted: **Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:08 am**

I am still kicking my self for not getting 2 of the s90v blades. I really love the one I have, it is hands down my new favorite knife for hunting. That thing goes through deer and elk with ease and holds an edge like no other execpt maybe my knives of Alaska. I have the zdp and super blue ones but really haven't tried them out yet. This cobalt blade looks like it may be pretty cool I may end up with one as well.

Posted: **Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:22 am**

Awesome. This makes 10 mules. I wonder how many people have managed to get one of each offering so far?

There's probably more than a couple of us that have complete sets. I have extras of all but 2 or 3 as well. It's nice being able to pick out the one you want for that day, or job, put it in a sheath and go. Having ready made grips like Halpern Titanium's is a gift too.

So far the 52100 and super blue, and M4 are tied for my favorites. They are all super performers at what they do.

Posted: **Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:30 am**

The Mastiff wrote: So far the 52100 and super blue, and M4 are tied for my favorites.

With so many Spydies clamoring to be purchased I gave up on collecting the Mules and have just kept the 52100, M4, Super Blue and Damascus. I think I will get the Cobalt Special.

Posted: **Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:32 am**

Missing the 52100 (kick self repeatedly, over and over and over) and didn't bother with the 8CR13MOV. I'm as excited about the Cobalt as I've been about any of them.

Posted: **Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:13 pm**

Isnt cobalt toxic or even radioactive?

Posted: **Mon Feb 28, 2011 10:09 am**

Gevatter wrote:Isnt cobalt toxic or even radioactive?

There are some radioisotopes of cobalt, but cobalt in and of itself is not radioactive. Cobalt is also not toxic, but since it doesn't exist in pure form in nature, the chemicals that it combined with were often toxic. Early miners, when smelting cobalt would release arsenic-laced fumes, which was obviously hazardous, leading to it's name Kobold ore (goblin ore in German). Modern techniques render cobalt safe for use. In fact, cobalt is necessary for life as we know it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt

edit: Cobalt is also used in N690Co and VG-10

Posted: **Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:50 am**

Just found out Fallkniven already have one blade (Tanto) in their collection in this cobalt-steel. I have very high regards for Peter & Eric's Fallkniven but that knife did not appeal to me. However I am very curious what this steel 'does', so let the mule come in...

Tomas

Spyderco Forums

MT09P Mule Team featuring Cobalt Special