Spyderco Forums

Posted: **Wed Jun 09, 2021 11:39 am**

Since the mules are a symbiotic relationship, We get great priced knives for testing, What is the feedback? Please post your stories here so we can all learn. I know only a few have them so far but that will change quick.
What is the edge like?
How does it sharpen? Tips and tricks?
Strengths and weaknesses?
Performance?
Opinions?
Etcetera etcetera…
Thanks!
:)

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:53 pm**

I just gave mine a light touch up when it arrived but I need to give it a full sharpening to compare it to my other Mules. The edge is holding up nicely after breaking down several large boxes and some light food prep on a wood cutting board but my PMA11 Mule that hasn't been sharpened in well over 6 months is easily out performing it (cutting with less resistance) when performing the same tasks back to back.

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 11:02 pm**

Thanks!
Keep testing and reporting!
That’s why we get to get the opportunity to do this.
A mule is meant to be used and even abused. Without testing and feedback is like having a Ferrari at Hyundai prices and keeping the speed limit.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 12:08 pm**

No one else has feedback? I wish I could have got one I'd be putting it through its paces by now.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 12:12 pm**

I missed it, but I'm interested in Z-MAX Mule feedback too :)

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:11 pm**

Gosh Ive only had it a day. It can cut paper. :p

I need to get a handle on it before any sort of use.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:13 pm**

Mine comes tomorrow
I need to figure out the best way to sharpen it.
I might need to get some more sharpening toys
I wanted a Spyderco medium bench stone but they are out of stock.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:33 pm**

VooDooChild wrote: ↑
Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:11 pm
Gosh Ive only had it a day. It can cut paper. :p

I need to get a handle on it before any sort of use.

Same. I just ordered scales and a sheath from Spyderco, so it will be a few days.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 2:41 pm**

Mine is cutting through the air nicely to Sydney, be a week or two before it cuts its way across a few deserts to Norther Australia. :D

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:32 pm**

Agreed with the others. There’s not even been time for delivery, not to mention any testing...

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 5:17 pm**

Mine should be here tomorrow, but the scales will be a week or so. Believe me, I can't wait to use and sharpen it. It makes me wonder what type of knives will be made with it (or not).

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 5:41 pm**

I always get thrown off by the few Golden locals that pick up their knives on day one. I guess we'll have to wait patiently for some hands on reviews.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 6:00 pm**

bbturbodad wrote: ↑
Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:53 pm
I just gave mine a light touch up when it arrived but I need to give it a full sharpening to compare it to my other Mules. The edge is holding up nicely after breaking down several large boxes and some light food prep on a wood cutting board but my PMA11 Mule that hasn't been sharpened in well over 6 months is easily out performing it (cutting with less resistance) when performing the same tasks back to back.

How many edges have you put on the PMA11 mule? I wouldn’t think it’s really a good comparison if you are a few hand sharpened edges into the PMA11 vs factory edge on the Zmax. Geometry’s should be identical but getting passed the factory edge a few sharpenings I’ve seen can make a difference in cutting performance and edge retention

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 6:07 pm**

Fireman wrote: ↑
Sun Jun 13, 2021 1:13 pm
Mine comes tomorrow
I need to figure out the best way to sharpen it.
I might need to get some more sharpening toys
I wanted a Spyderco medium bench stone but they are out of stock.

I’d recommend going with diamond or cbn for these higher carbide steels

Posted: **Mon Jun 14, 2021 12:25 am**

I cut up a few boxes today. Not liking the factory edge. Out of the box it was not shaving sharp, not that it has to be, but going through cardboard it struggled a bit. It needs a finer sharpened edge in my opinion. Scales should arrive tomorrow.

Posted: **Mon Jun 14, 2021 11:07 am**

Getting testing ideas….
https://youtu.be/6YtLlcy2KNM
Not a mule, but 1000 cuts from Cedric and Ada

Posted: **Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:52 am**

Got a wrap on her, now I can sharpen and test. The edge is not quite sharp so I will teach myself to sharpen this steel and get to work.

Posted: **Tue Jun 15, 2021 12:34 pm**

i can confirm it was sharp enough to break down the box it was shipped in, and somehow has retained an edge after that punishment that's still keen enough to shave with. not that i did, i have an electric razor. will report back after further trials

Posted: **Tue Jun 15, 2021 8:57 pm**

Had a few min to play today. My experience today has been medium pressure on fine DMT benchstone gave a hair popping edge quickly. Next I will try mirror edge on one side. Seeing the potential has me excited knowing I can get a decent edge with what I have. Now to see how long it lasts.

Posted: **Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:05 pm**

Well, I decided to just order the G-10 handles and a leather sheath from Spyderco, rather than wait until I get around to making my own.

So far, I've cut up some chicken and a kiwi for lunch. No loss of sharpness

, and no staining or patina either.

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Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?

Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?

Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?

Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?

Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?

Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?

Re: Z-Max feedback. How is yours performing?