magnacut - mule v native - how did it evolve?

[hobbyist]

I'm curious how the steel evolved between the mule and the production model. I just found my magnacut mule, which I'd lost. Does spyderco change things (e.g. heat treat) based on data from the mules?

[standy99]

Mules are more about testing the steels and newer steels to market.

Pretty sure Spyderco has a steel dialed in before it’s released in a mule.
I don’t think it’s testing different heat treats.

Have not heard any bad stuff about Magnacut Mules and my one is working well.

[Araignee]

I seem to recall that the release of Magnacut Natives was delayed so that the heat treat could be perfected.

So it's possible that, in this case, Spyderco did take into account some feedback from the Magnacut Mules which were released earlier.

[Bemo]

My recollection, and too lazy to search this morning, is part of the delay on the Native was also about the steel in the lock bar. And IIRC, Shawn Houston consulted on the HT on the Native to help get it dialed in. So I do think there may be differences between the HT on the Mule vs Native.

[Araignee]

Oh yeah, now that you mention it, there were probably concerns with the hardware steel as well.

[Manifestgtr]

Mine seem pretty similar.

I seem to recall the mule sharpening up a little quicker upon receipt but that could mean nothing when it comes to the steel’s heat treatment.

Other than that, it’s a bit tough to get empirical data between the two since the native is sooooooo much easier to carry and use out in the real world. The only time I’ve carried the mule was for a couple bushwhacking fishing trips…the native can go basically anywhere (except for Boston) so it sees much more practical use.

[sal]

There were minor differences as we dialed in the heat treat. Working with Shawn was a big help. We think we've got the best HT now and there several MagnaCut models in the pipeline.

sal

[weeping minora]

There were minor differences as we dialed in the heat treat. Working with Shawn was a big help. We think we've got the best HT now and there several MagnaCut models in the pipeline.

sal

I hope a Military 2 is one of them .

Thanx for the insight, sal. Looking forward to a larger slice of Magnacut before I get my taste.