MT Custom Wood Scales?

[USCGchief]

Where can I source/commission custom Mule Team scales? I’ve seen some really nice ones by Ethan Roach E3 Scales, but I dont think he is around anymore.

[sal]

Hi USCGchief,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Jimandchris2]

If Ethan Roach (E3 Scales) isn’t making scales anymore, there are several other makers and sources where you can commission or find custom Mule Team scales. Here are some suggestions:

1. Knife Forums and Communities
BladeForums: Check the “Custom Shop: Services Offered” section. Many custom makers advertise their services, and you can post a request for custom scales.
Spyderco Forums: They often have discussions specifically about Mule Team knives, and members may recommend or connect you with makers.
Reddit: Subreddits like "knifeclub" or "knifemaking" can be great places to ask for recommendations or find independent makers.
2. Custom Makers
Aramis Akhmedov: Known for high-quality custom scales, especially for Spyderco knives. His work is detailed and premium.
Cuscadi (Custom Scale Division): A well-known European maker specializing in custom scales for popular knife models.
Flytanium: While they mostly do production scales, they sometimes collaborate with custom makers and might have leads.
3. Etsy
Many independent makers sell custom scales on Etsy. Look for stores with high reviews and specific listings for Spyderco Mule Team knives.
4. Instagram and Social Media
Search hashtags like #customscales, #muleteamscales, or #spydercoscales.
Knife makers often showcase their work on Instagram, and you can DM them for commissions.
5. Local Makers or Small Shops
Reach out to local knife makers or woodworking/crafting communities. Many artisans are willing to take on custom projects, especially if you provide them with detailed specifications.
6. DIY Option
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try making your own scales. Materials like G10, micarta, wood, or carbon fiber are readily available from suppliers like KnifeKits.com or Jantz Supply.
good luck.

[Actinolite]

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try making your own scales. Materials like G10, micarta, wood, or carbon fiber are readily available from suppliers like KnifeKits.com or Jantz Supply.
good luck.

That is my intent. I've always liked burlap micarta -- my favorite Italian knife came with burlap micarta scales. I found a set of the right size, micarta blocks, and I'm looking forward to trying my hand at making scales for my MT37P. It just seems like AEB-L should wear wood or micarta.

[USCGchief]

Hi USCGchief,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

Thanks Sal. Long time fan of your company. My first Spyderco was in 1991. I was a youngster in the Coast Guard stationed in Mobile AL and a guy - BM3 Kerr, cannot remember his first name, started showing one off. None of us Coasties had ever seen one with the big thumb hole. At that time companies would sell small screw on gadgets so you could “try” to open a folder one handed, but were not reliable. He was a dealer and the only way we could but one was if you knew someone, so I got one and everybody else on that ship did. I still have it but have not seen it in years. Later I was issued automatic Benchmade’s from the Rescue Swimmer shop, so carried that for years. I was never really impressed with Benchmade tho, and I came across “Outdoors55” YouTube channel and became obsessed with freehand knife sharpening. He is a huge proponent of Spyderco and I started looking at your website. A year ago after learning about the different steels settled on a PM2 in S45VN, joined the “Millie” Facebook page and before I knew it took the PM2 apart and hand (wet) sanded and polished the heck out of the G10 scales. I also have a set of Japanese stones and now sharpen that knife to hairsplitting mirror polished edges. Those G10 scales are smooth as glass and impresses the heck out of guys.
So now that I’ve learned to sharpen and also why my other knives of lesser quality steel wont hold and edge I’m pulling the trigger on a Mule Team to experiment with.
While I dont own an arsenal of Spyderco knifes my PM2 is my EDC and I’ve NEVER without it.

[Scandi Grind]

Nice modded scales, and nice set of stones. Shapton Pro if I'm not mistaken?

[USCGchief]

Nice modded scales, and nice set of stones. Shapton Pro if I'm not mistaken?

Yes sir, these are the Shapton Kuromaku whetstones. 1000/2000/5000 and if needed before I hit these I reprofile on a 400 diamond. Then hit the stones. I’ve actually had guys criticize me for carrying a knife this sharp believe it or not. Gets my PM2 S45VN wicked sharp.
Question, which of the current MT’s are similar to S45VN and tough enough for a camp knife? Spy27, AEB-L, K294, or VG ZEOS?

[USCGchief]

Nice modded scales, and nice set of stones. Shapton Pro if I'm not mistaken?

Yes sir, these are the Shapton Kuromaku whetstones. 1000/2000/5000 and if needed before I hit these I reprofile on a 400 diamond. Then hit the stones. I’ve actually had guys criticize me for carrying a knife this sharp believe it or not. Gets my PM2 S45VN wicked sharp.
Question, which of the current MT’s are similar to S45VN and tough enough for a camp knife? Spy27, AEB-L, K294, or VG ZEOS?

[Scandi Grind]

I’ve actually had guys criticize me for carrying a knife this sharp believe it or not. Gets my PM2 S45VN wicked sharp.

Ha ha, that is hard for me to comprehend. I've never had a knife that is too sharp before.

Question, which of the current MT’s are similar to S45VN and tough enough for a camp knife? Spy27, AEB-L, K294, or VG ZEOS?

I'm not exacly sure which would be most similar to S45VN. VG-10 gets similar ratings to S35VN, with S45VN being slightly tougher than 35 at the expense of a bit of edge retention. Spy27 is a powdered metallurgy version of VG-10, generally improving it's characteristics, so it might be what you are after. VG-ZEOS is also a spin off of VG-10 I believe, but I don't think the steel suplier provided much info on how it modified the recipe. I know there have been some conversations on how ZEOS compares to VG-10, but I can't remember what the conclusions were.

For me the first steel that comes to mind when I hear camp knife though, is AEB-L, but understand that this is coming from a guy that typically prefers simple steels that are tough and easy to sharpen, such as 1095 and 80crV2 carbon steels. AEB-L has often been refered to as being like a typical carbon steel, while being stainless. It isn't known for great edge retention, and doesn't really compare closely to S45VN, but the Mule Team does have the advantage of having a very well dialed in heat treat developed by Shawn Houston. Many here have been extremely impressed by the performance that has been exhibited by this heat treat of AEB-L and there are some topics discussing it.