Re-release of Z-wear?

[Emerson]

I've noticed that steels typically aren't re-released in the mule series but it seems that Z-wear is coming out again. Only difference being "BQ" blade quality. Does the "BQ" make enough difference to justify a re-release? If not what was the reason behind the choice to do Z-wear again? As an outsider of the industry there seems to be still a lot of cool niche steels that haven't been tried yet, but I'm sure availability has a lot to do with that.

[Skidoosh]

I think Z-wear is popping up again because cruwear is a crucible steel no longer available but z-wear is. However, there was are other steels like PD#1 that was in a mule, basically same as cruwear that everyone was scrambling for that did not sell out for ages. Marketing rules. I would not expect a re-release of Z-wear. I'm currently using my Z-max mule and really enjoying it.

[Emerson]

I'm kinda surprised there hasn't been a cpm 3v release. Being that Zapp makes an equivalent Z-3 pm I'd think that would be a good choice for a Mule. My personal choice would be the Z-M4 PM BQ. M4 is my favorite balanced non-stainless steel but I'm probably in the minority there.

[Skidoosh]

I think since 3V has been released in production knives for a while it didn't make the list although there have been some other carbon steels like 52100 that have been. Always a chance for a new taste of something.

[B12buddy]

I know it’s been mentioned before, but this seems like an appropriate place to say it again; Zapp does not melt or produce anything. They are just a distributor. Every grade you see with a Z is just a rebranded version of something else.

When you buy CPM 3V you know where it was melted and manufactured. The same can be said about equivalents from Carpenter and Bohler. When you buy Z-3PM or whatever they call it, you have zero traceability to the source. Maybe it is coming from China, who knows? Calling it blade quality or whatever is just marketing.

If the purpose of a mule is to test the capabilities of new or different steel, there just isn’t a reason to ever have a Z mule.

[sal]

Hi B12buddy,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[B12buddy]

Thanks Sal!

It was an honor to meet you at Blade Show Atlanta last year and Eric was an amazing and gracious host during my last visit to Golden. I hope to have some exciting news to share this summer. Take care Sir.

[Emerson]

I know it’s been mentioned before, but this seems like an appropriate place to say it again; Zapp does not melt or produce anything. They are just a distributor. Every grade you see with a Z is just a rebranded version of something else.

When you buy CPM 3V you know where it was melted and manufactured. The same can be said about equivalents from Carpenter and Bohler. When you buy Z-3PM or whatever they call it, you have zero traceability to the source. Maybe it is coming from China, who knows? Calling it blade quality or whatever is just marketing.

If the purpose of a mule is to test the capabilities of new or different steel, there just isn’t a reason to ever have a Z mule.

I did not know this. Good to know