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Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:34 am
by Evil D
Not even sure where to ask this but, this edge on the back side of the guard...do you guys think I could radius that edge down so it's not sharp without screwing up the fit inside the Spyderco sheath? Seems like the scales do most of the security, and seems like doing this might make the knife slide out of the sheath easier (not a goal). I've just noticed this will probably become a hot spot with hard use, since just squeezing the handle for 30 seconds creates a dent in my finger. My main issue is the handle is just barely too small for my hand so when I hammer fist grip it, my index finger pushes on the guard pretty hard.
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:31 am
by standy99
Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.
There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC
Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones
![Image]()
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:42 am
by Deadboxhero
Grind it off
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:42 am
by RustyIron
I've thought of doing the same, strictly for visual aesthetics. But I was also worried about sheath retention.
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:59 am
by Evil D
RustyIron wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:42 am
I've thought of doing the same, strictly for visual aesthetics. But I was also worried about sheath retention.
Yeah I'll probably leave it alone because that edge seems to be a big part of what keeps the blade from slipping out easily, and I like to carry these handle down/tip up so retention is super important.
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 3:37 pm
by Bolster
D, my approach to index finger pressure on the mule is to re-radius the curve. I'm happy with the mod:
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 3:38 pm
by Bolster
Evil D wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:34 am
Seems like the scales do most of the security...
Another approach would be to remove the metal, and then "re-melt" the kydex sheath around the new shape.
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2021 3:42 pm
by JRinFL
Yes, heating the kydex will let you adjust the fit, if it is even needed. You should be good to go with the mod.
Bolster's mod popped into my mind as soon as I read your post.
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2021 10:48 am
by rashman
Bolster wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 3:37 pm
D, my approach to index finger pressure on the mule is to re-radius the curve. I'm happy with the mod:
nice work!
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 3:36 pm
by attila
Evil D wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:34 am
Not even sure where to ask this but, this edge on the back side of the guard...do you guys think I could radius that edge down so it's not sharp without screwing up the fit inside the Spyderco sheath? Seems like the scales do most of the security, and seems like doing this might make the knife slide out of the sheath easier (not a goal). I've just noticed this will probably become a hot spot with hard use, since just squeezing the handle for 30 seconds creates a dent in my finger. My main issue is the handle is just barely too small for my hand so when I hammer fist grip it, my index finger pushes on the guard pretty hard.
20211214_093205.jpg20211214_092720.jpg
For the kydex type sheath, it shouldn’t affect fit.
If you’re talking about the leather sheath, grinding that off will only improve the fit, as the mule design doesn’t truly fit in the leather sheath.
I’m planning to grind that bit and a little bit from the hump above the hole on one of my Magnacut mules. I intend to post photos after testing in both types of sheaths.
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Thu Dec 23, 2021 6:10 pm
by programmer1311
Evil D wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:34 am
Not even sure where to ask this but, this edge on the back side of the guard...do you guys think I could radius that edge down so it's not sharp without screwing up the fit inside the Spyderco sheath? Seems like the scales do most of the security, and seems like doing this might make the knife slide out of the sheath easier (not a goal). I've just noticed this will probably become a hot spot with hard use, since just squeezing the handle for 30 seconds creates a dent in my finger. My main issue is the handle is just barely too small for my hand so when I hammer fist grip it, my index finger pushes on the guard pretty hard.
20211214_093205.jpg20211214_092720.jpg
Hello. Don't really worry, I don't think this is going to be a problem. :)
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 6:48 am
by WilliamMunny
Beyond that removing it would help cutting in some instances like on a cutting board.
But will removing it increase the chances on your hand/finger slipping for ward leading to cutting yourself?
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 6:49 am
by WilliamMunny
standy99 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:31 am
Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.
There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC
Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones
![Image]()
Your knife on the left, what size liner did you use, 1/32”? Do you recommend using them?
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:18 am
by standy99
WilliamMunny wrote: ↑Fri Dec 24, 2021 6:49 am
standy99 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:31 am
Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.
There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC
Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones
![Image]()
Your knife on the left, what size liner did you use, 1/32”? Do you recommend using them?
0.5mm And yes they are good for just a light break up of colour.
These are 0.5 with 1mm centre
Here is another knife I just finished with all 1mm
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Sat Dec 25, 2021 6:38 pm
by WilliamMunny
standy99 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 24, 2021 7:18 am
WilliamMunny wrote: ↑Fri Dec 24, 2021 6:49 am
standy99 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:31 am
Don’t think it would be a issue at all. As you mention the scales do most of the sheath you have retention.
There is a pic of this actually removed by someone IIRC
Myself I find the scales you have way too thin compared to made ones
![Image]()
Your knife on the left, what size liner did you use, 1/32”? Do you recommend using them?
0.5mm And yes they are good for just a light break up of colour.
They look great. How is the glue up on those? Do you epoxy each layer at the same time or epoxy the liners then add the wood scales? I am guessing a lot of epoxy gets press out when you clap with all of the different layers, how do you deal with the extra epoxy?
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 1:34 am
by standy99
I epoxy scales then ie: liners to wood in one glue and press.. Then attach scales to knife.
Sand different directions between liners to get better glue up.
Once scales are epoxyed I sand them square again on a disk sander
Scales look like this when done (glow liner scales)
Micarta Mule
Best thing is wrap in grease proof paper after clamping leaving end open. Don’t have that much epoxy press out nowadays as have judged it more than early days.( I usually glue and clamp inside as don’t have a workshop )
Re: Random mule question for someone who may know
Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 2:33 am
by standy99
WilliamMunny wrote: ↑Sat Dec 25, 2021 6:38 pm
They look great. How is the glue up on those? Do you epoxy each layer at the same time or epoxy the liners then add the wood scales? I am guessing a lot of epoxy gets press out when you clap with all of the different layers, how do you deal with the extra epoxy?
Here is a step by step
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=90082