MT01 first impressions

bdog-k9k · #1

Now that the mules are out there, what do you think of the steel?

I haven't done much with the blade yet except for hacking some paper and egg cartons, but so far I really like the steel.

Out of the box it came sharper than expected and I had a tough time deciding if I should resharpen or not. It was able to push cut copy paper quite nicely and didn't have any trouble with egg carton except when using a sawing motion under lighter pressure. I tried my ZDP CalyJR on the egg carton and it seemed to bite better under the same pressure which lead me to believe that the edge from the factory was quite polished on the MT01. Looking under 100x on the microscope, the secondary bevel looked quite polished indeed. (It makes me wonder what they use at the factory to put that final edge on)

Anyway.. I ended up re-profiling the blade to 15deg per side with a 16.5deg secondary bevel, finishing off with 2000grit polish tape. It was quite easy to sharpen and seemed to take a keen edge without any trouble at all. The results were an improvement.. push cutting was even smoother and it seemed to handle the egg carton better, if felt like it had a bit more bite, but that could be reduced edge angle binding less, so its hard to say. The photo was taken after the blade was sharpened.

Next test will be hacking away at some hardwood and maybe some bone just to see how it holds up with the more acute angle.

B

SimpleIsGood229 · #2

Very nice! Is it safe to assume that your Mule will somehow multiply all by itself? :p :D

bdog-k9k · #3

SimpleIsGood229 wrote:Very nice! Is it safe to assume that your Mule will somehow multiply all by itself? :p :D

Well maybe not multiply as such, but in a few months I'm expecting a new addition. And it would be safe to assume it'll get much the same treatment. :eek:

B

bladese97 · #4

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder: I don't think I've had the pleasure of greeting you, so Welcome to Forums :D Awesome knife :eek: How does this blade steel do in all aspecs(sharpness, corosion, edge quality, wear resistance)?