M398 vs AEB-L

[newyorkersingh@gmail.com]

Hi, I am new here :)

I want to get a Mule Team knife for camping. Which steel will be better for heavy use, M398 or AEB-L or something else?

In other words, from the currently available Mule Team knives, which one will be better for camping / outdoor activities?
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/category/mule-team

Thank you!

[sal]

Hi NewYorkersingh,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Matus]

If this is the question that you are not sure how to anwer, then definitely pick the AEB-L. It will also be better for intended purpose IMO (lot easier to sharpen, a lot tougher and with excellent edge stability, even if with considerably less edge retention).

[RevMike]

I've got my AEB-L in the woods right now and it's doing well at all that woods stuff that people like to use knives for in the woods.

[Bluemoon69]

Buy one of each and qualify for free shipping. Then you can make your own unbiased decision based on actual use.

[mikey177]

Don't forget the Spy27 regular production Mule.

[Self Taught]

AEB-L is tougher than M398

[sal]

Hi Bluemoon, Self Taught,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Bolster]

Depending how picky you are, you might want to review commentary on the AEB-L's grind near the guard, being discussed in the Mule subforum. The Italians apparently have different ideas on how to grind the heel of a blade.

[weeping minora]

AEB-L will be your better bet for "heavy use".

[northmanscall]

M398 is by far the more complex and higher end steel. But if course harder to sharpen.

Mine came crispy and really well made.

[Deadboxhero]

Hi, I am new here :)

I want to get a Mule Team knife for camping. Which steel will be better for heavy use, M398 or AEB-L or something else?

In other words, from the currently available Mule Team knives, which one will be better for camping / outdoor activities?
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/category/mule-team

Thank you!

Which steel is better for camping?

Either can work, the AEB-L would be more of what people think of when they think of a knife primarily good for wood processing, push cuts and camp chores.

M398 would be better suited for hunting, game processing and lots of slice cutting without the edge blunting smooth.

"Heavy use" is subjective, you can't out chop an axe. The take away here is no steel can overcome using the right tool for the job.

[Doc Dan]

Hi, I am new here :)

I want to get a Mule Team knife for camping. Which steel will be better for heavy use, M398 or AEB-L or something else?

In other words, from the currently available Mule Team knives, which one will be better for camping / outdoor activities?
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/category/mule-team

Thank you!

Which steel is better for camping?

Either can work, the AEB-L would be more of what people think of when they think of a knife primarily good for wood processing, push cuts and camp chores.

M398 would be better suited for hunting, game processing and lots of slice cutting without the edge blunting smooth.

"Heavy use" is subjective, you can't out chop an axe. The take away here is no steel can overcome using the right tool for the job.

I was just going to say essentially the same thing and you beat me to it. Great minds and all that.