Halpern Titanium scales for K390 Mule

salimoneus · #1

Just heard a rumor that the scales Halpern has in stock will not fit the latest edition Mule (K390). Supposedly Spyderco changed the hole pattern, so none of their existing stock is compatible. I was told that Halpern is discussing it now to figure out what the plan is.

A bit of a disappointment as I was really looking forward to putting this knife to use right off the bat. Looks like I may need to do a temporary para-cord wrap, which isn't such a bad thing as I haven't attempted this type of wrap yet so it will be a good opportunity.

md8232 · #2

This is not true.
Just took my black Halpern scales off my CTS B75P mule and put them on the K390 that came today.
Perfect fit.

thurin · #3

I moved my Halpern thin scales from my MT16 (CTS-XHP) to MT17 (K390) without issue.

Obviously this is anecdotal evidence and your mileage may vary. Maybe it's different models of the scales that have issues?

jabba359 · #4

thurin wrote:I moved my Halpern thin scales from my MT16 (CTS-XHP) to MT17 (K390) without issue.

Obviously this is anecdotal evidence and your mileage may vary. Maybe it's different models of the scales that have issues?

Since Halpern has been making scales that fit the previous Mules, and the hole pattern has obviously not changed (or your scales wouldn't fit), there is no reason to imagine that different scale models would not fit the K390. Unless they never fit any of the mules to begin with, there should be no problems.

salimoneus · #5

This is good news then. I got off the phone with Halpern earlier and was told a customer had reported the scales they received did not fit. Looks like that buyer was incorrect, or there are different versions, or something was different.

salimoneus · #6

Okay, they have a call in with Spyderco to verify that nothing was changed before making any shipments to avoid issues. There should be an update coming soon, as well as some pics and model availability.

bh49 · #7

does Halpern Titanium have a web site. Somehow I cannot find it.

thurin · #8

bh49 wrote:does Halpern Titanium have a web site. Somehow I cannot find it.

It's been down forever. Here's the info posted on it: http://www.halperntitanium.com

Halpern Titanium,

We are working on updating our website
And is temporarily under construction
Please call our office directly for information, Thanks you

4 Springfield Street, Three Rivers MA 01080
(413) 283-8627

bh49 · #9

Thank you. I called them as well and found only answering machine.
It was a good source for inexpensive scales.

salimoneus · #10

bh49 wrote:Thank you. I called them as well and found only answering machine.
It was a good source for inexpensive scales.

And still are :)

DeathBySnooSnoo · #11

They really need to get that website up and running. It has been down for.....a very long time. A year? More?

salimoneus · #12

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:They really need to get that website up and running. It has been down for.....a very long time. A year? More?

While it would certainly be most helpful to those of us looking for scales, this really isn't their bread and butter. As I understand it they do most of their work with manufacturers and have little need for a website. I get the impression that selling knife scales direct to the public is just a small side job if you will, barely a blip on their sales sheet.

DeathBySnooSnoo · #13

I know that it isn't...but if it is a service that they are going to offer, then a simple website would be nice. Even if they produce X number of each type of scales and the site is a simple pick a, b or c and pay through paypal kind of thing. Just be nice to have something to see.

MachSchnell · #14

[deleted]

bh49 · #15

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:I know that it isn't...but if it is a service that they are going to offer, then a simple website would be nice. Even if they produce X number of each type of scales and the site is a simple pick a, b or c and pay through paypal kind of thing. Just be nice to have something to see.

+1
I also well aware that scales are something like small side business for them. But you either do this or not. And if you are selling scales, customers need to see what is offered and have opportunity to place an order. I tried, but failed.

salimoneus · #16

As stated before, I was told that pics and availability information would be provided once they have received confirmation from Spyderco that their scales will fit the new mules. They are not taking orders or shipping any scales right now until this is resolved. I've called 3 times and gotten through every time.

Feel free to choose not to buy from them but I am going to give them a chance to work through this issue. They have had a lot of positive feedback and I have heard no complaints about their products.

phillipsted · #17

MachSchnell wrote:I was thinking of buying some pre-formed bolt on scales, but I have a nice chunk of dried cherry that I might stain/stabilize and make permanent grips out of.
Titanium is heavy and expensive, but wood is light(er), sexy, and can also be expensive; and most of all, wood is easily sculpted into ergo friendly curves.

The thought of easily removable scales is nice to dry things out, but if the handle scales are permanently attached than this is not a problem.

The scales from Halpern Titanium aren't made from titanium, they are G10 and other materials. Selling metal is their main business line - but they use their CNC milling machine to make knife parts as a sideline.

Having said that - making your own scales out of cherry sounds like a great project! Have fun! There are a couple of good tutorials on BladeForums that can help get you started...

TedP

rodloos · #18

As far as the different hole patterns in the Mule Team series, I believe all the ones *after* the first (MT01 in 52100) have the same hole pattern. That first one was a bit different, I think they refined it but then have kept that same updated pattern for all the rest of them. I don't have the MT01 to compare to my others, but I remember discussion of the change in the holes.

JNewell · #19

rodloos wrote:As far as the different hole patterns in the Mule Team series, I believe all the ones *after* the first (MT01 in 52100) have the same hole pattern. That first one was a bit different, I think they refined it but then have kept that same updated pattern for all the rest of them. I don't have the MT01 to compare to my others, but I remember discussion of the change in the holes.

This is true at least through MT16...MT17 hasn't arrived here yet but the reports say it's the same as well...but some of the Mules I've gotten had holes that were on the small end of the range and had to have the barrel connectors tapped in with a hammer. No biggie, and they did fit without any hand or machine work, which is a good thing because the tangs can be very hard.

xceptnl · #20

bh49 wrote:does Halpern Titanium have a web site. Somehow I cannot find it.

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:They really need to get that website up and running. It has been down for.....a very long time. A year? More?

salimoneus wrote:As stated before, I was told that pics and availability information would be provided once they have received confirmation from Spyderco that their scales will fit the new mules. They are not taking orders or shipping any scales right now until this is resolved. I've called 3 times and gotten through every time.

Feel free to choose not to buy from them but I am going to give them a chance to work through this issue. They have had a lot of positive feedback and I have heard no complaints about their products.

My post from a few days ago. Marianne is getting us some good info to be able to refer to and assemble an email to her for ordering. This will not work as well as a website, but sure beats the answering machine.

I just got through to Marianne on the phone. I placed my order and explained to her how much we miss the website. She explained that they are focusing on the manufacturing side more now, BUT they are still selling the slabs and have TONS in stock. I offered to post a sticky thread with colors and options that we can use as a reference for emailing orders to Halpern Titanium and streamlining this process for everyone. She was very kind and wanted to all know they love our business and don't want to look like they are not servicing their customers. I will post the thread when she sends me back the information and maybe Taz can make it a sticky for us.