Difference between revisions of "MT Mule Team"
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Spyderco’s Mule Team series offers the same fixed-blade knife pattern in many different steel variations. This ongoing project allows steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts an opportunity to test and evaluate different steels using the same identical design platform. Mule Team blades are purposely sold without handles or sheaths to make them more affordable and to give our customers the freedom to finish them to suit their personal preferences. | |||
==Appearance in catalogs== | ==Appearance in catalogs== | ||
The Mule Team knives were not listed in the Spyderco product catalog, until the relaunch of the Mule Team project in 2020: | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/265166370/ 2020 Spyderco Reveal Volume 5] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/264755283/ 2020 Spyderco Reveal Volume 6] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/38713040/ 2021 Spyderco Product Guide] | |||
* [https://catalog.spyderco.com/Reveal7/2021 Spyderco Reveal Volume 7] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/264560797/ 2021 Spyderco Reveal Volume 8] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/981770198/ 2022 Spyderco Product Guide] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/981496557/ 2022 Spyderco Reveal Volume 9] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/982076578/ 2022 Spyderco Reveal Volume 10] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/981855115/ 2023 Spyderco Product Guide] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/982452531/ 2023 Spyderco Reveal Volume 12] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/981633619/ 2023 Spyderco Reveal Volume 13] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/912407217/ 2023 Spyderco Reveal Volume 14] | |||
* [https://publications.spyderco.com/view/27212419/ 2024 Spyderco Product Guide] | |||
==Designer== | ==Designer== | ||
[[Sal Glesser]] <ref>Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?p=1147332#p1147332|]</ref> | |||
==History, mentionings from the forums, etc.== | ==History, mentionings from the forums, etc.== | ||
* In 2001, [[Sal]] Glesser refers to the [[C36 Military]] as a ''Mule'' to test different steels, in the Spyderco forum discussion [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1154 Any chance Spyderco will come out with Talonite or Stellite blade?]: | |||
'' | ''We are testing with a Military as the Mule. It would seem from your comments that a Delica would be a more effective mule?''<ref>[https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1154#p22590 Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Sal Glesser refers to the [[C36 Military]] as a Mule to test new steels]</ref> | ||
* In 2004, [[Sal]] Glesser discussed his (probably) first ideas about what would become the Mule Team project, in the Spyderco forum thread [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10235 Invite to Sal - Sharpening Competition]: | |||
''Last year, I was toying with the idea of making "mules" out of different steels for knife nuts. They could be cut out from a planned pattern such as a Dodo (very ergonomic) with a 2.5" - 3" warncliffe shape blade, ground (hollow or flat), tumbled, stamped with the steel and sold at a low price, factory direct to provide the "mule" to those steel snobs interested. No sheath, no handle, just a slab of steel. We can start to play with this for the future but I don't think that I could squeeze in the project at this time. I'm "on the road" until early April with back to back trips.'' <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10235#p96244 Spyderco Forum discussion: Sal Glesser discusses his first idea about a future Mule Team project]</ref> | |||
*[https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=27538 Spyderco Mule Team Details], this Spyderco forum thread is likely the formal start of the Mule Team project, posted by forum moderator ''TazKristi''. | |||
*[https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=28166 Mule Study Methodology (Continued)], a thread discussing various methods and approaches to testing the different steels in Mule Team knives, posted by forum member ''Bolster''. | |||
*[https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89755 Making a Kydex Sheath (step-by-step)], a forum discussion and tutorial on how to create a kydex sheath for a Mule Team knife, posted by forum member ''Xplorer''. | |||
*[https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=31531 Show your Mule], a photo gallery of Mule Team knives, made by members of the Spyderco online discussion forum, posted by forum member ''Brad S.''. | |||
'' | * On 21 January 2021, the Spyderco [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewforum.php?f=15 '''Mule Team Discussion Forum'''] was created to be the central hub for sharing feedback, discussing projects and sharing photos of Mule Team knives.<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=88701 Welcome to the Mule Team Sub-Forum!]</ref> | ||
'' | * In this post on the Spyderco.com forum, from 21 May 2021, [[Sal Glesser]] explains the importance of real world testing and how it drives the Mule Team project: | ||
''Since the beginning of our company, Gail and I have always pursued perfornance as our "thing". We've been testing for decades using CATRA as well as other Lab testing. I also highly value what I call "RWT" or Real World Testing. I have been supplying various restaurants, sub shops all over the world with our Blue handled serrated 6" Utility kitchen knife, (K04SBL) which I consider, in my opinion, the most effective general kitchen utility knife available. I have been going back to check on these knives regularly. I bring them to "home" to "scope" ( I use 10X, 22X and 50X to study edges ). Then I sharpen them or replace them. They usually last several years of daily commercial use. The results learned are very valuable.'' | |||
''I have had the good fortune to have Mr. Ed Schempp as a friend and business associate. We have been going to the Eugene knife show since the 80's. We always watched the "Rope cutting contest, which Ed usually won. Cutting free hanging rope. 1" then 2 1" then 3 1" etc. I have seen Ed cut 10 1" manila ropes with one strike with one of his knives. One year, I asked him If I can inspect his edge with a loupe before and after the contest. He agreed and I followed through. There was no visible damage to the edge after all of the cuts. then Ed resharpened the knife for me and let me take it to Golden for a CATRA test. The CATRA results were not very impressive, even though the knife was ???'' | |||
'' | ''While I was in Japan visiting the Kitchen knife factory that makes many of our kitchen knives, I asked the P resident why the MBS-26 that they use punches way above it's numbers. MBS-26 is a proprietary steel made by Daido for this company. He said that he, "Meticulously follows the heat treating instructions from the foundry". They heat treat in Lead pots. Something I hope to get into in the future with Mike Blue and Ed Schempp.'' | ||
''I have learned that Blades/edges will often defy the numbers one way or another, which is why we are still using RWT, and why we make the Mule Team. You afficianados are also very valuable in our search for the best performance in all areas of the "Edge/Ghost".''<ref>From the Spyderco.com discussion forum thread [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?p=1522105&sid=d9552b61ddabbc9f30bec8da3c40ae2e#p1522105 | 'More Edge Retention Testing - Rex 45, Maxamet, SPY27, XHP, CPM-T15, 420, Rex 76d']</ref> | |||
==Information from the Spyderco website== | |||
'''Mule Team Project''' | |||
In the knife industry a “mule” is a sample knife used for performance testing. Spyderco’s Mule Team series takes this concept a step further by offering the same fixed-blade knife pattern in many different steel variations. This ongoing project allows steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts a unique opportunity to test and evaluate different steels using the same identical design platform. | |||
Mule Team blades are purposely sold without handles or sheaths to make them as affordable as possible and to give our customers the freedom to finish them to suit their personal preferences. The easiest way to do this is with the pre-made handle scales and sheaths sold here and at Spyderco’s Factory Outlet store. Our scale kit can be installed in a matter of minutes with two T-8 Torx wrenches. Once the scales are in place, the finished knife fits perfectly into the custom-molded Boltaron® or beautifully crafted leather sheaths we also offer.<ref name="The Mule Team Project page on Spyderco's website">The Mule Team Project page on [https://www.spyderco.com/edge-u-cation/mule-team-project/ Spyderco's website]</ref> | |||
{| | |||
|[[Image: Mule Team Video Screenshot.png|thumb|600px|[https://www.youtube.com/embed/D0YD_kaH-Nk Click here to see a video about the Spyderco Mule Team project on YouTube].]] | |||
|} | |||
==Variations== | |||
== Variations == | |||
{|{{Articletable}} | {|{{Articletable}} | ||
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU''' | {{Tableheading}}'''SKU''' | ||
Line 83: | Line 68: | ||
{{Tableheading}}'''Steel''' | {{Tableheading}}'''Steel''' | ||
{{Tableheading}}'''Rc hardness''' | {{Tableheading}}'''Rc hardness''' | ||
{{Tableheading}}''' | {{Tableheading}}'''Release date''' | ||
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP''' | {{Tableheading}}'''MSRP''' | ||
{{Tableheading}}'''Note''' | {{Tableheading}}'''Note''' | ||
Line 90: | Line 75: | ||
{{Tableheading}}'''Collectors club''' | {{Tableheading}}'''Collectors club''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT01/283 MT01] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[52100]] | |[[52100]] | ||
|align="center"|62 <ref>MT01 Rc on product description page [http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=283]</ref> | |align="center"|62 <ref>MT01 Rc on product description page [http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=283]</ref> | ||
|Nov. 2007 | |Nov. 2007 | ||
|39.95 | |$39.95 | ||
|23 pieces are factory stonewashed. Made in Golden, CO. | |23 pieces are factory stonewashed. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ||
|~600 | |~600 | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
Line 107: | Line 92: | ||
|align="center"|62 | |align="center"|62 | ||
|Nov. 2007 | |Nov. 2007 | ||
|36.00 | |$36.00 | ||
|Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. | |Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ||
|N/A | |N/A | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
Line 114: | Line 99: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT02/364 MT02] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CPM-M4]] | |[[CPM-M4]] | ||
|align="center"|62.5 <ref>MT02 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40747-Mule-Team-Knives-Confirmed-HRC&p=536829#post536829]</ref> | |align="center"|62.5 <ref>MT02 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40747-Mule-Team-Knives-Confirmed-HRC&p=536829#post536829]</ref> | ||
|Sep. 2008 | |Sep. 2008 | ||
|69.95 | |$69.95 | ||
|Suffered from minor blade warping. Made in Golden, CO. | |Suffered from minor blade warping. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (followed by the Bradley folder about a year later). | ||
|~600 | |~600<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
| [[Variant]] | | [[Variant]] | ||
Line 131: | Line 116: | ||
|align="center"|62.5 | |align="center"|62.5 | ||
|Sep. 2008 | |Sep. 2008 | ||
|64.95 | |$64.95 | ||
|Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. | |Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (followed by the Bradley folder about a year later). | ||
| | |~600<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
| | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT03/384 MT03] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CPM-S90V]] | |[[CPM-S90V]] | ||
|align="center"|59 <ref>MT03 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?36721-Spyderco-Military-S90V-Hardness&p=479385#post479385]</ref> | |align="center"|59 <ref>MT03 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?36721-Spyderco-Military-S90V-Hardness&p=479385#post479385]</ref> | ||
|Feb. 2009 | |Feb. 2009 | ||
|69.95 | |$69.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. Not the first appearance of this steel in a Spyderco knife (used in a Military sprint in 2008). | ||
|~600 | |~600 | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
Line 155: | Line 140: | ||
|align="center"|59 | |align="center"|59 | ||
|Feb. 2009 | |Feb. 2009 | ||
|64.95 | |$64.95 | ||
|Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. | |Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. Not the first appearance of this steel in a Spyderco knife (used in a Military sprint in 2008). | ||
| | |~700<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
| | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT04/413 MT04] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[ZDP-189]] | |[[ZDP-189]] | ||
|align="center"|65-67 <ref>MT04 Rc goal mentioned by Sal [http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=660894| here].</ref><ref>MT04 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40130-Spyderco-Mule-ZDP-189-problem/page2&p=526024#post526024]</ref> | |align="center"|65-67 <ref>MT04 Rc goal mentioned by Sal [http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=660894| here].</ref><ref>MT04 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40130-Spyderco-Mule-ZDP-189-problem/page2&p=526024#post526024]</ref> | ||
|Jul. 2009 | |Jul. 2009 | ||
|79.95 | |$79.95 | ||
|Recalled due to cracking<ref>MT04 ZDP-189 recall [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40191-MT04P-%96-ZDP-189-Mule-Update]</ref>. Analysis of the ZDP-189 Mule discovered that it was not fixable with a re-temper<ref>MT04 ZDP-189 recall follow-up [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?42559-ZDP-189-Mule-Team-Update]</ref>. Made in Seki-City, Japan. | |Recalled due to cracking<ref>MT04 ZDP-189 recall [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40191-MT04P-%96-ZDP-189-Mule-Update]</ref>. Analysis of the ZDP-189 Mule discovered that it was not fixable with a re-temper<ref>MT04 ZDP-189 recall follow-up [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?42559-ZDP-189-Mule-Team-Update]</ref>. Made in Seki-City, Japan. Not the first time this steel has been used in a Spyderco knife. | ||
|~ | |~500<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT05/426 MT05] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[9Cr18Mo]] | |[[9Cr18Mo]] | ||
|align="center"|59<ref>MT05 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40215-MT05P-%96-Mule-Team-Fixed-Blade-featuring-9Cr18Mo/page6&p=530246#post530246]</ref> | |align="center"|59<ref>MT05 Rc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?40215-MT05P-%96-Mule-Team-Fixed-Blade-featuring-9Cr18Mo/page6&p=530246#post530246]</ref> | ||
|Oct. 2009 | |Oct. 2009 | ||
|20.00 | |$20.00 | ||
|Reports of blade warping. Made in China. | |Reports of blade warping. Made in China. First Spyderco offered in this steel (was used later in a Catbyrd Ti sprint). | ||
|1000 <ref>MT05 production quantity [http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=660894| here].</ref> | |1000 <ref>MT05 production quantity [http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=660894| here].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
Line 186: | Line 171: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT06/449 MT06] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CPM-S35VN]] | |[[CPM-S35VN]] | ||
|align="center"|~59 | |align="center"|~59 | ||
|Jan. 2010 | |Jan. 2010 | ||
|64.95 | |$64.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (would be used as the base steel in the Native 5 the following year). | ||
| | |~500<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT07/586 MT07] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[D.P.S. 15 Damascus]] / [[VG-10]] | |[[D.P.S. 15 Damascus]] / [[VG-10]] | ||
|align="center"|N/A | |align="center"|N/A | ||
|Oct. 2010 | |Oct. 2010 | ||
|84.95 | |$84.95 | ||
|Made in Seki-City, Japan. | |Made in Seki-City, Japan. First Spyderco offered in this steel (though would appear in subsequent Delica/Endura/Caly3 variations). | ||
| | |~600<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT08/611 MT08] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[Aogami Super Blue]] | |[[Aogami Super Blue]] | ||
|align="center"|~62<ref>MT08 Hc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=628849&postcount=58|].</ref> | |align="center"|~62<ref>MT08 Hc test [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=628849&postcount=58|].</ref> | ||
|Dec. 2010 | |Dec. 2010 | ||
|79.95 | |$79.95 | ||
|Made in Seki-City, Japan. | |Made in Seki-City, Japan. First Spyderco offered in this steel (later offered in solid SB Caly 3/3.5 sprints, and clad sprints of the Ladybug/Manbug/Dragonfly 2/Delica/Endura/Stretch). | ||
|~600 <ref>MT08 production quantity [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=627348&postcount=25|| here].</ref> | |~600 <ref>MT08 production quantity [http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=627348&postcount=25|| here].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
Line 222: | Line 207: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT09/623 MT09] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[Cobalt Special]] SUS[[420J2]] | |[[Cobalt Special]] SUS[[420J2]] | ||
|align="center"|N/A | |align="center"|N/A | ||
|Mar. 2011 | |Mar. 2011 | ||
|84.95 | |$84.95 | ||
|The Cobalt steel is clad between two layers of 420J. This "san mai" (three-layer) construction provides great strength because the outer layers provide support for the hard core. Made in Japan. | |The Cobalt steel is clad between two layers of 420J. This "san mai" (three-layer) construction provides great strength because the outer layers provide support for the hard core. Made in Japan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ||
|600 | |~600<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT10/463 MT10] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CTS-BD1]] | |[[CTS-BD1]] | ||
|align="center"|~57<ref>MT10 Rc test [http:// | |align="center"|~57<ref>MT10 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54441]</ref> | ||
|Jun. 2010 | |Jun. 2010 | ||
|69.95 | |$69.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. The UK Penknife came out in this steel the same year, but I'm not sure if they were released before or after the Mule. | ||
|~500 | |~500<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT11/681 MT11] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|Böhler Uddeholm [[M390]] | |Böhler Uddeholm [[M390]] | ||
|align="center"|~59/61<ref>MT11 Rc test [http:// | |align="center"|~59/61<ref>MT11 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=49823]</ref> | ||
|Jun. 2011 | |Jun. 2011 | ||
|74.95 | |$74.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (later offered in various sprint runs beginning with the Bento Box Shop PM2). | ||
|600 | |~600<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MT12P | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT12P/703 MT12P] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[Cru-Wear]] | |[[Cru-Wear]] | ||
|align="center"|~62<ref>MT12 Rc test [http://spyderco.com/ | |align="center"|~62<ref>MT12 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=53915].</ref> | ||
|Sept. 2011 | |Sept. 2011 | ||
Jan. 2012 | Jan. 2012 | ||
|59.95 | |$59.95 | ||
|Recalled due to improper heat treat. Subsequent heat treat fixed problem. Of the initial run of 600, only ~450 were resold after the recall<ref>MT12 production quantity [http://spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=749921&postcount=95| here].</ref>. Re-treated Mules can be recognized by the underlined word Cruwear. This is the first Mule Team made out of a tool steel. Made in Golden, CO. | |Recalled due to improper heat treat. Subsequent heat treat fixed problem. Of the initial run of 600, only ~450 were resold after the recall<ref>MT12 production quantity [http://spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=749921&postcount=95| here].</ref>. Re-treated Mules can be recognized by the underlined word Cruwear. This is the first Mule Team made out of a tool steel. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (a Military sprint followed two years later, and then a Manix 2 sprint after that). | ||
|~ | |~800<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MT13P | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT13P/721 MT13P] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[Elmax]] | |[[Elmax]] | ||
|~58/60<ref>MT13 Rc test [http:// | |~58/60<ref>MT13 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54441].</ref> | ||
|Feb. 2012 | |Feb. 2012 | ||
|64.95 | |$64.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. The LionSpy and this Mule were both released Feb 2012 and were the first Spyderco knives in this steel. | ||
| | |~500<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
Line 287: | Line 272: | ||
|[[CTS-204P]] | |[[CTS-204P]] | ||
| | | | ||
| | |'''CANCELLED''' | ||
| | | | ||
|Was originally planned for production and announced in the Spyderbyte email, but never released. Initially 127 pieces were made, but due to quality problems the entire batch was trashed.<ref>Details in Sal Glessers post.[http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=70516]</ref> At least one purported knife made it out into the wild, possibly one of the "destroyed" knives that somebody smuggled out and sold. | |||
|0 | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MT15P | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT15P/778 MT15P] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CTS-B75P]] | |[[CTS-B75P]] | ||
|62.5<ref>MT15 Rc test [http:// | |62.5<ref>MT15 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=57032&start=20].</ref> | ||
|Sept. 2012 | |Sept. 2012 | ||
|74.95 | |$74.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ||
| | |~400<ref>MT15 production quantity [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=57032].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT16/796 MT16] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CTS-XHP]] | |[[CTS-XHP]] | ||
|~60.3<ref>MT16 Rc test [http:// | |~60.3<ref>MT16 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54441].</ref> | ||
|Dec. 2012 | |Dec. 2012 | ||
|59.95 | |$59.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. XHP was used in a Manix 2 sprint almost two years prior, a Military a year and a half prior, as well as some other models. | ||
| | |~700<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MTXHP | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MTXHP/323 MTXHP] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CTS-XHP]] | |[[CTS-XHP]] | ||
|~60.3 | |~60.3 | ||
|Dec. 2012 | |Dec. 2012 | ||
|49.95 | |$49.95 | ||
|There are some MT16P Mules that have a blemish from grinding that will also be made available at a discounted price of $49.95 each. These will NOT be notched. Blemishes vary so please be advised that the SFO crew cannot hand pick or inspect individually prior to shipment of your order. The discounted CTS-XHP Mules will be under the model # MTXHP. Made in Golden, CO. | |There are some MT16P Mules that have a blemish from grinding that will also be made available at a discounted price of $49.95 each. These will NOT be notched. Blemishes vary so please be advised that the SFO crew cannot hand pick or inspect individually prior to shipment of your order. The discounted CTS-XHP Mules will be under the model # MTXHP. Made in Golden, CO. XHP was used in a Manix 2 sprint almost two years prior, a Military a year and a half prior, as well as some other models. | ||
| | | | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
Line 331: | Line 316: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT17/836 MT17] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[K390]] | |[[K390]] | ||
|62/64<ref>MT17 Rc test [http:// | |62/64<ref>MT17 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60505].</ref><ref>MT17 Rc test [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54441].</ref> | ||
|Jul. 2013 | |Jul. 2013 | ||
|69.95 | |$69.95 | ||
|Made in Golden, CO. | |Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel | ||
|just under 700<ref>MT17 production quantity [http:// | |just under 700<ref>MT17 production quantity [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60548].</ref> | ||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT18/65 MT18] | ||
|[[PE]] | |[[PE]] | ||
|[[CPM-S110V]] | |[[CPM-S110V]] | ||
|60/61<ref>MT18 Rc test [http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1147256-MT18P-%E2%80%93-Mule-Team-Fixed-Blade-featuring-CPM-S110V?p=13130605#post13130605].</ref> | |60/61<ref>MT18 Rc test [http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1147256-MT18P-%E2%80%93-Mule-Team-Fixed-Blade-featuring-CPM-S110V?p=13130605#post13130605].</ref> | ||
|Feb. 2014 | |Feb. 2014 | ||
|89.95$ | |$89.95 | ||
|Made in | |Made in Taichung, Taiwan. The 2013 Spyderco Forum Native first used S110V about six months before this Mule. | ||
|~800 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT19/892 MT19] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[PSF27]] | |||
|N/A | |||
|Aug. 2014 | |||
|$79.95 | |||
|Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel (would be used as the standard steel on the Bradley Bowie about 8 months later). | |||
|~800 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT20/917 MT20] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CTS-B70P]] | |||
|N/A | |||
|Mar. 2015 | |||
|$79.95 | |||
|Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~800 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT21/948 MT21] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM-4V]] | |||
|N/A | |||
|Oct. 2015 | |||
|$69.95 | |||
|Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~700 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT22/978 MT22] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[RWL34]] | |||
|61-62 | |||
|Apr. 2016 | |||
|$69.95 | |||
|Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~800 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT23/1007 MT23] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM-20CV]] | |||
|N/A | |||
|Dec. 2016 | |||
|$69.95 | |||
|First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~700 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT24/991 MT24] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[Maxamet]] | |||
|67-68<ref>MT24 Rc hardness [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=71299&start=80]</ref> | |||
|Aug. 2016 | |||
|$109.95 | |||
|First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~700 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT25/1035 MT25] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[LC200N]] | |||
| | |||
|Apr. 2017 | |||
|$69.95 | |||
| | |||
|~800 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT26/1063 MT26] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[PMA11]] (Micro-Melt A11) | |||
|63<ref>MT26 Rc hardness [http://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?p=1241640#p1241640]</ref> | |||
|Aug. 2017 | |||
|$69.95 | |||
|First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~700 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT27/1079 MT27] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[Micro-Melt PD1]] | |||
| | |||
|Oct. 2017 | |||
|$69.95 | |||
|First Spyderco offered in this steel. | |||
|~800 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT28/1880 MT28] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM SPY27]] | |||
| | |||
|2020 | |||
|$50.00 | |||
|Uses new steel designed specifically for Spyderco. | |||
|~500 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT28P2/Mule-Team-trade-2-CPM-SPY27/2308 MT28P2] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM SPY27]] | |||
| | |||
|Feb. 2023 | |||
|$60.00 | |||
|This blade features a distinctive straight-spined profile; however, its tang design and hole pattern remain faithfully compatible with all existing aftermarket scales and hardware. It will also be offered as standard production item. | |||
|Ongoing (standard production) | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT29/2074 MT29] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[Z-Max PM]] | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|$50.00 | |||
|Z-Max PM is an ultra-high-performance powder metallurgy tool steel enriched with vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and two percent carbon. Capable of being heat treated to extreme hardness, it offers exceptional wear resistance and edge holding properties. | |||
|~550 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT30/2104 MT30] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[Z-WEAR PM]] | |||
| | |||
| | |||
|$50.00 (2021) | |||
|Z-WEAR PM it offers wear resistance superior to A2 and D2 tool steels while providing increased | |||
toughness and resistance to chipping. | |||
|~500 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT31/1902 MT31] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM S45VN]] | |||
| | | | ||
|2021 | |||
|$50.00 (2021) | |||
|Crucible® Industries created CPM S35VN™ for the cutlery industry, and formulated it to provide increased toughness over CPM S30V while maintaining the same level of edge retention. CPM S45VN takes that development a step further, adding Niobium and Nitrogen in place of some Vanadium and Carbon to provide a more finely tuned balance of edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. | |||
|~500 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |[[Full Flat grind]] | ||
|[[Variant]] | |[[Variant]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT32P/2258 MT32P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[SRS13/SUS405]] | |||
| | |||
|2021 | |||
|$75.00 (2022) | |||
|The 32nd Mule Team installment features laminated san mai (three-layer) construction using a central core of SRS13 clad between layers of SUS405. SRS13 is a unique powder metallurgy martensitic stainless steel enriched with molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten that is the steel of choice for many premium-grade Japanese kitchen knives. SUS405 is a ferritic stainless steel that provides greater overall blade strength and toughness while allowing the hard SRS13 core to excel at cutting performance. | |||
|~700 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT33/Mule-Team-trade-CPM-REX-76/2310 MT33P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM REX 76]] | |||
| | |||
|2022 | |||
|$75.00 (2022) | |||
|Created for steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts and aspiring knifemakers who enjoy “kit” blades, Spyderco’s Mule Team series allows you to join in fun of the making and testing processes. This Mule is a platform for evaluating Crucible® Industries’ CPM REX® 76®, a super-high-speed steel particle metallurgy steel heat treatable to HRC 68-70. Created for special-purpose cutting tools requiring high abrasion resistance, high red hardness, and good toughness, its alloy composition features high carbon, vanadium, molybdenum, and cobalt contents. Enhanced by the CPM process, this advanced mix of elements provides excellent wear resistance, fine grain size, and a uniform distribution of carbides throughout the steel. Sold consumer direct only, Mule Team blades do not include handle scales or a sheath. | |||
|~1000<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT34/Mule-Team-trade-CPM-REX-T15/2311 MT34P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM REX T15]] | |||
| | |||
|June 2023 | |||
|$75.00 (2023) | |||
|Whether you're a hobbyist knifemaker or obsessed with testing the limits of exotic blade steels, this edition of the Spyderco Mule Team is sure to please. It is crafted from CPM REX T15, a super-high-speed tool steel enriched with high volumes of tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt for extreme abrasion resistance. This advanced material is used primarily in the manufacture of end mills, broaches, and other tools used to shape difficult-to-machine materials under conditions of high frictional heating. Its sophisticated alloy composition can only be achieved through the Crucible® Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process, which also ensures a homogenous microstructure with a finer, more uniform carbide distribution. Like all Mule Team blades, this one is sold consumer direct only and is furnished without handle scales or a blade sheath. | |||
|~1100<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT35/2223 MT35] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM MagnaCut]] | |||
| | |||
|2021 | |||
|$75.00 (2021) | |||
|CPM® MagnaCut™, is a powder metallurgy steel conceived by Larrin Thomas, a Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. MagnaCut challenges traditional stainless steel chemistry by reducing the amount of chromium in the steel to a precise range while adding vanadium and niobium. The result is a blade material that offers an extraordinary balance of wear resistance, toughness, and corrosion resistance. | |||
|~2000 <ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT36P/Mule-Team-trade-K294/2423 MT36P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[K294 MICROCLEAN]] | |||
| | |||
|Aug. 2023 | |||
|$95.00 (2023) | |||
|This Mule Team blade features Böhler-Uddeholm’s K294 MICROCLEAN tool steel. Manufactured in Sweden using their third-generation powder metallurgy technology, K294 is essentially an expression of A11 tool steel enhanced by the benefits of the powder metallurgy process. Also comprable to Crucible Industries' CPM 10V®, it is most often used in demanding cold-work tooling applications requiring extreme wear resistance and compressive strength. As a blade material, its wear resistance translates into outstanding edge retention, especially when used to cut abrasive materials. | |||
| | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT37P/Mule-Team-trade-AEB-L/2393 MT37P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[AEB-L]] | |||
| | |||
|Apr. 2023 | |||
|$80.00 (2023) | |||
|This expression of the Mule Team concept features Uddeholm AEB-L, a blankable stainless steel originally developed in the 1960’s for use in razor blades. AEB-L offers a unique combination of high hardness, sharpness, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Although its edge retention is overshadowed by other steels, its superior edge stability makes it ideal for knives with thinner edges and large knives requiring extreme toughness. | |||
|~1200<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT38/Mule-Team-trade-M398/2312 MT38P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[M398]] | |||
| | |||
|2022 | |||
|$85.00 (2021) | |||
|This edition of Spyderco’s popular Mule Team series features Böhler M398 MICROCLEAN®, an advanced martensitic chromium steel manufactured through the powder metallurgy process. Its finely tuned alloy composition includes high volumes of carbon, chromium, and vanadium, which increase its primary carbide volume significantly over M390. The result is a steel that offers extremely high wear resistance and high corrosion resistance. This Mule Team blade is the perfect platform for testing this high-performance steel and a high-quality “kit” blade for those learning the knifemaker’s craft. | |||
|~1800<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT39P/Mule-Team-trade-CPM-15V/2394 MT39P] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[CPM 15V]] | |||
| | |||
|May 2023 | |||
|$75.00 (2023) | |||
|This eagerly anticipated addition to Spyderco’s Mule Team Series showcases Crucible Industries’ CPM 15V blade steel. Boasting over three percent carbon and almost a 15 percent vanadium, its advanced alloy composition gives it the highest wear resistance of any cold-work tool steel available today. Considered a viable alternative to solid carbide in the production of intricate industrial tool designs, it also makes an extraordinary blade steel. Capable of extreme sharpness and unparalleled edge retention, the CPM 15V in this Mule Team is even better when its performance is optimized by a special heat-treating protocol developed by acclaimed custom knifemaker Shawn Houston. | |||
|~1300<ref>Spyderco Forum discussion thread: [https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=89168 Past Mule Teams].</ref> | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT40/Mule-Team-trade-HIC/2508 MT40] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[HIC]] | |||
| | |||
|2024 | |||
|$150.00 (2024) | |||
|One of the most unique Mule Team blades ever offered, the MT40 Mule is made from High-Impact Ceramic (HIC)—a state-of-the-art Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM) material. Developed by Harcane Industries of Switzerland, this remarkable zirconia-based material is significantly more resistant to breakage than conventional ceramics. It is specially formulated to obtain the highest density during sintering, giving it exceptional toughness and resistance to crack propagation. This proprietary material also achieves far greater hardness than steel blades, allowing it to both cut and retain its edge incredibly well. Because this blade is produced by an injection-molding process, its full tang only includes the holes necessary for handle-scale mounting. The additional weight-reduction holes seen in steel Mules have been eliminated. | |||
| | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MT41/Mule-Team-trade-VG-XEOS-reg-/2568 MT41] | |||
|[[PE]] | |||
|[[VG XEOS]] | |||
| | |||
|July 2024 | |||
|$75.00 (2024) | |||
|The newest member of Spyderco’s remarkable Mule Team family showcases a unique steel called VG XEOS. Created by Takefu Special Steel Company in Japan, it is basically a “rebalanced” version of VG-10 stainless steel optimized for corrosion resistance. Although its alloy composition is not officially published, based on Spyderco’s laboratory analysis, it features reduced carbon and cobalt, increased chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, and the addition of nickel and tungsten. The result is a matrix of low-volume, higher-wear-resistance carbides within a chromium-enriched microstructure. In simpler terms, it offers edge retention comparable to VG-10, but with significantly enhanced corrosion resistance. | |||
| | |||
|[[Full Flat grind]] | |||
|[[Variant]] | |||
|} | |||
==Related products== | |||
Spyderco also offers several related products, or parts, for the Mule Team project via their website at www.spyderco.com. These parts, such as handles and sheaths, help customers find a quick and easy solution to finish their Mule Team knife. | |||
{|{{Articletable}} | |||
{{Tableheading}}'''SKU''' | |||
{{Tableheading}}'''Name''' | |||
{{Tableheading}}'''From/to''' | |||
{{Tableheading}}'''MSRP''' | |||
{{Tableheading}}'''Information from the Spyderco website''' | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MTGBK/1037 MTGBK] | |||
|Mule Team Black [[G-10]] Handle | |||
|2017 - | |||
|$54.00 (2024) | |||
|''Now you can quickly and easily turn any Spyderco Mule Team blade into a finished knife with this “bolt-on” G-10 handle kit. The handle scales in this kit are precision machined from solid black G-10 and feature a beautifully contoured checkered texture that provides a comfortable, non-slip grip. The kit comes complete with three sets of stainless steel screws and three threaded posts and is compatible with all Spyderco Mule Team blades. All you need to install it is a T-8 Torx® driver (not included) and a few minutes of your time.'' | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MTLSH/1038 MTLSH] | |||
|Mule Team Leather Sheath | |||
|2017 - | |||
|$30.00 (2024) | |||
|''Designed specifically for Spyderco’s popular Mule Team knives, this premium pouch-style sheath is beautifully crafted from fine-tooled brown leather by one of Spain’s most respected sheathmakers. This premium sheath provides a turnkey solution for safely storing and carrying any Mule Team model in style. It includes an integral loop for convenient belt carry and proudly bears a stamped Spyderco “bug” logo.'' | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MTSH/1039 MTSH] | |||
|Mule Team Boltaron Sheath | |||
|2017 - | |||
|$40.00 (2024) | |||
|''This custom-molded Boltaron® sheath provides the perfect turnkey carry solution for your Mule Team blade. Designed specifically to fit a Spyderco Mule Team blade equipped with our “bolt-on” G-10 handle scales (sold separately), this snap-fit sheath retains the knife securely while leaving most of the handle exposed for a quick, positive draw. The sheath comes complete with a fully configurable G-Clip™ attachment that supports both belt carry, and clip-on inside-the-waistband carry. Angle adjustable for vertical, horizontal, or canted positioning, the G-Clip can also be mounted on either side of the symmetrical sheath for edge-forward or edge-back carry. This high-quality sheath is also assembled with eyelets instead of rivets to allow it to be easily lashed or zip-tied to packs and other platforms. - This sheath is NOT intended for use with the MT28P2 - Mule Team 2 Straight Spine.'' | |||
|- | |||
|[https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/MTSH2/2399 MTSH2] | |||
|Mule Team 2 Boltaron Sheath | |||
|2017 - | |||
|$40.00 (2024) | |||
|''This custom-molded Boltaron® sheath provides the perfect turnkey carry solution for Spyderco’s Mule Team 2 CPM SPY27 blade. It is specifically designed to fit that straight-spined, full-production blade when it is equipped with our “bolt-on” G-10 handle scales (sold separately) and does not accept other Mule Team blades. This sheath’s snap-fit retention holds the knife securely while leaving most of the handle exposed for a quick, positive draw. It comes complete with a fully configurable G-Clip™ attachment that supports both belt carry and clip-on inside-the-waistband carry. Angle adjustable for vertical, horizontal, or canted positioning, the G-Clip can also be mounted on either side of the symmetrical sheath for edge-forward or edge-back carry. This high-quality sheath is also assembled with eyelets instead of rivets to allow it to be easily lashed or zip-tied to packs and other platforms.'' | |||
|} | |} | ||
== Most collectible variation == | ==Most collectible variation== | ||
Either one of the MT01P factory stonewashed or the MT01P with [[Collectors club]] markings is believed to be the most collectible. | Either one of the MT01P factory stonewashed or the MT01P with [[Collectors club]] markings is believed to be the most collectible. | ||
: | ==Questions regarding collecting the Mule Team== | ||
'''What is a Mule?'''; | |||
In the English language the term mule has multiple definitions: There’s the obvious equine reference being the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. It can be a coin minted from two dies by mistake and the auto industry refers to their test vehicles as a mules. Spyderco also calls knife models designed and built for testing and evaluation Mules. When a group of these are brought together they make a team of mules, thus the name of our new knife release: The Mule Team. | |||
Knife and steel-devotees love trying out new blade steels. Spyderco leads the industry in offering, testing and manufacturing knives using new and exotic blade steels. Taking that idea a step up, why not offer a series (team) of blades using different, exotic and freshly unveiled steels? In doing this steel-obsessed knife knuts can try, test and use something normally not offered to the industry. | |||
'''What is the Spyderco Mule Team?''' | |||
Spyderco’s Mule Team officially launches with a single-piece fixed blade pattern. The blade is leaf-shaped with a sharpened and finished PlainEdge blade but with an unfinished handle providing some a do-it-yourself opportunity. The unfinished handle has a series of holes for attaching a custom handle or for wrapping in cord. All Mule Team Pieces are sold without handle scales or a carry sheath focusing the project on the blade steel and opening the door for the owner to create his/her own handle scale and carry options. | |||
'''How many and how often will they be released?''' | |||
Our plan is to release several variations per year using the same fixed blade pattern produced with different exotic steels. Each steel offering is limited to approximately 600 pieces and engraved indicating the steel used. Variations are priced accordingly with the only cost variable being the steel itself. Prices will be announced prior to the release of the upcoming model. | |||
'''How can I buy them?''' | |||
All purchases are handled through Spyderco Factory Outlet (SFO). When a new Mule Team knife is offered, it can be ordered via the [https://www.spyderco.com/?s=mule Spyderco website]." | |||
'''How are the Mule team knives offered to members of [[Collectors club]]?''' | |||
If you are a Collector, the Mule Team is included as a new model and the first offering (MT01 in 52100) will be sent to the Dealer that you normally purchase your Collector knives through. Your Dealer will receive a letter explaining the program, its purpose and how we envision it moving forward. We have asked our Dealers to honor the spirit of the program and if they are unable to, we've asked that they return the knife to us so you will be able to purchase your numbered knife through SFO. | |||
If you are a Collector who receives all variants, you will be given the option to sign up for all or none of the future Mule Team variants when you receive the first model (MT01). If you choose to sign up for all variations of the Mule Team, all future models of the Mule Team will be handled directly through SFO. This is to not place a burden on our Dealers and maintain our vision of this program. | |||
If you are not a Collector and would like to purchase a Mule Team knife, you will be able to do so through our site. As originally stated, there will only be a Net Price. This will guarantee that you are able to acquire the models in this program at the most affordable price. We will offer these through our normal distribution chain of Distributors and Dealers in lots of 2 each at the same price. Pricing will vary from one variation to another and will primarily be dependent on the steel used. | |||
If you are not a Collector who chooses to receive all variants of the Mule Team, purchases will be one model at a time with no commitment to future models. You purchase only those that interest you. | |||
Sales are on a first come first served basis. Once the quantity made is sold out, that variation will be gone. We will initially set a maximum allowed of 2 pieces per person/address, but we do reserve the right to change this limit at any time. If you are a collector these 2 pieces are in addition to your collector numbered piece.<ref>The entire thread containing the whole comment can be found [http://spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31293&highlight=%28MT01+52100%29| here].</ref> | |||
== Technical information == | == Technical information == | ||
Line 406: | Line 764: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Pictures == | == Pictures == | ||
{| | |||
|[[Image:MT31P Both.png|thumb|200px|The MT31 Spyderco Mule Team knife in CPM-S45VN Steel.]] | |||
|[[Image:MTGBK L.jpg|thumb|200px|The MTGBK Mule Team Black G-10 Handle set.]] | |||
|[[Image:MTLSH L.jpg|thumb|200px|The MTLSH Mule Team Leather Sheath.]] | |||
|[[Image:MTSH L.jpg|thumb|200px|The MTSH Mule Team Boltaron Sheath.]] | |||
|} | |||
== References == | |||
<references/> | |||
Latest revision as of 16:03, 10 July 2024
Spyderco’s Mule Team series offers the same fixed-blade knife pattern in many different steel variations. This ongoing project allows steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts an opportunity to test and evaluate different steels using the same identical design platform. Mule Team blades are purposely sold without handles or sheaths to make them more affordable and to give our customers the freedom to finish them to suit their personal preferences.
Appearance in catalogs
The Mule Team knives were not listed in the Spyderco product catalog, until the relaunch of the Mule Team project in 2020:
- 2020 Spyderco Reveal Volume 5
- 2020 Spyderco Reveal Volume 6
- 2021 Spyderco Product Guide
- Spyderco Reveal Volume 7
- 2021 Spyderco Reveal Volume 8
- 2022 Spyderco Product Guide
- 2022 Spyderco Reveal Volume 9
- 2022 Spyderco Reveal Volume 10
- 2023 Spyderco Product Guide
- 2023 Spyderco Reveal Volume 12
- 2023 Spyderco Reveal Volume 13
- 2023 Spyderco Reveal Volume 14
- 2024 Spyderco Product Guide
Designer
History, mentionings from the forums, etc.
- In 2001, Sal Glesser refers to the C36 Military as a Mule to test different steels, in the Spyderco forum discussion Any chance Spyderco will come out with Talonite or Stellite blade?:
We are testing with a Military as the Mule. It would seem from your comments that a Delica would be a more effective mule?[2]
- In 2004, Sal Glesser discussed his (probably) first ideas about what would become the Mule Team project, in the Spyderco forum thread Invite to Sal - Sharpening Competition:
Last year, I was toying with the idea of making "mules" out of different steels for knife nuts. They could be cut out from a planned pattern such as a Dodo (very ergonomic) with a 2.5" - 3" warncliffe shape blade, ground (hollow or flat), tumbled, stamped with the steel and sold at a low price, factory direct to provide the "mule" to those steel snobs interested. No sheath, no handle, just a slab of steel. We can start to play with this for the future but I don't think that I could squeeze in the project at this time. I'm "on the road" until early April with back to back trips. [3]
- Spyderco Mule Team Details, this Spyderco forum thread is likely the formal start of the Mule Team project, posted by forum moderator TazKristi.
- Mule Study Methodology (Continued), a thread discussing various methods and approaches to testing the different steels in Mule Team knives, posted by forum member Bolster.
- Making a Kydex Sheath (step-by-step), a forum discussion and tutorial on how to create a kydex sheath for a Mule Team knife, posted by forum member Xplorer.
- Show your Mule, a photo gallery of Mule Team knives, made by members of the Spyderco online discussion forum, posted by forum member Brad S..
- On 21 January 2021, the Spyderco Mule Team Discussion Forum was created to be the central hub for sharing feedback, discussing projects and sharing photos of Mule Team knives.[4]
- In this post on the Spyderco.com forum, from 21 May 2021, Sal Glesser explains the importance of real world testing and how it drives the Mule Team project:
Since the beginning of our company, Gail and I have always pursued perfornance as our "thing". We've been testing for decades using CATRA as well as other Lab testing. I also highly value what I call "RWT" or Real World Testing. I have been supplying various restaurants, sub shops all over the world with our Blue handled serrated 6" Utility kitchen knife, (K04SBL) which I consider, in my opinion, the most effective general kitchen utility knife available. I have been going back to check on these knives regularly. I bring them to "home" to "scope" ( I use 10X, 22X and 50X to study edges ). Then I sharpen them or replace them. They usually last several years of daily commercial use. The results learned are very valuable.
I have had the good fortune to have Mr. Ed Schempp as a friend and business associate. We have been going to the Eugene knife show since the 80's. We always watched the "Rope cutting contest, which Ed usually won. Cutting free hanging rope. 1" then 2 1" then 3 1" etc. I have seen Ed cut 10 1" manila ropes with one strike with one of his knives. One year, I asked him If I can inspect his edge with a loupe before and after the contest. He agreed and I followed through. There was no visible damage to the edge after all of the cuts. then Ed resharpened the knife for me and let me take it to Golden for a CATRA test. The CATRA results were not very impressive, even though the knife was ???
While I was in Japan visiting the Kitchen knife factory that makes many of our kitchen knives, I asked the P resident why the MBS-26 that they use punches way above it's numbers. MBS-26 is a proprietary steel made by Daido for this company. He said that he, "Meticulously follows the heat treating instructions from the foundry". They heat treat in Lead pots. Something I hope to get into in the future with Mike Blue and Ed Schempp.
I have learned that Blades/edges will often defy the numbers one way or another, which is why we are still using RWT, and why we make the Mule Team. You afficianados are also very valuable in our search for the best performance in all areas of the "Edge/Ghost".[5]
Information from the Spyderco website
Mule Team Project
In the knife industry a “mule” is a sample knife used for performance testing. Spyderco’s Mule Team series takes this concept a step further by offering the same fixed-blade knife pattern in many different steel variations. This ongoing project allows steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts a unique opportunity to test and evaluate different steels using the same identical design platform.
Mule Team blades are purposely sold without handles or sheaths to make them as affordable as possible and to give our customers the freedom to finish them to suit their personal preferences. The easiest way to do this is with the pre-made handle scales and sheaths sold here and at Spyderco’s Factory Outlet store. Our scale kit can be installed in a matter of minutes with two T-8 Torx wrenches. Once the scales are in place, the finished knife fits perfectly into the custom-molded Boltaron® or beautifully crafted leather sheaths we also offer.[6]
Variations
SKU | Edge | Steel | Rc hardness | Release date | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Collectors club |
MT01 | PE | 52100 | 62 [7] | Nov. 2007 | $39.95 | 23 pieces are factory stonewashed. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~600 | Full Flat grind | Main |
MT2ND | PE | 52100 | 62 | Nov. 2007 | $36.00 | Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | N/A | Full Flat grind | / |
MT02 | PE | CPM-M4 | 62.5 [8] | Sep. 2008 | $69.95 | Suffered from minor blade warping. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (followed by the Bradley folder about a year later). | ~600[9] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT2ND | PE | CPM-M4 | 62.5 | Sep. 2008 | $64.95 | Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (followed by the Bradley folder about a year later). | ~600[10] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT03 | PE | CPM-S90V | 59 [11] | Feb. 2009 | $69.95 | Made in Golden, CO. Not the first appearance of this steel in a Spyderco knife (used in a Military sprint in 2008). | ~600 | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT3ND | PE | CPM-S90V | 59 | Feb. 2009 | $64.95 | Factory Seconds. Made in Golden, CO. Not the first appearance of this steel in a Spyderco knife (used in a Military sprint in 2008). | ~700[12] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT04 | PE | ZDP-189 | 65-67 [13][14] | Jul. 2009 | $79.95 | Recalled due to cracking[15]. Analysis of the ZDP-189 Mule discovered that it was not fixable with a re-temper[16]. Made in Seki-City, Japan. Not the first time this steel has been used in a Spyderco knife. | ~500[17] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT05 | PE | 9Cr18Mo | 59[18] | Oct. 2009 | $20.00 | Reports of blade warping. Made in China. First Spyderco offered in this steel (was used later in a Catbyrd Ti sprint). | 1000 [19] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT06 | PE | CPM-S35VN | ~59 | Jan. 2010 | $64.95 | Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (would be used as the base steel in the Native 5 the following year). | ~500[20] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT07 | PE | D.P.S. 15 Damascus / VG-10 | N/A | Oct. 2010 | $84.95 | Made in Seki-City, Japan. First Spyderco offered in this steel (though would appear in subsequent Delica/Endura/Caly3 variations). | ~600[21] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT08 | PE | Aogami Super Blue | ~62[22] | Dec. 2010 | $79.95 | Made in Seki-City, Japan. First Spyderco offered in this steel (later offered in solid SB Caly 3/3.5 sprints, and clad sprints of the Ladybug/Manbug/Dragonfly 2/Delica/Endura/Stretch). | ~600 [23] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT09 | PE | Cobalt Special SUS420J2 | N/A | Mar. 2011 | $84.95 | The Cobalt steel is clad between two layers of 420J. This "san mai" (three-layer) construction provides great strength because the outer layers provide support for the hard core. Made in Japan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~600[24] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT10 | PE | CTS-BD1 | ~57[25] | Jun. 2010 | $69.95 | Made in Golden, CO. The UK Penknife came out in this steel the same year, but I'm not sure if they were released before or after the Mule. | ~500[26] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT11 | PE | Böhler Uddeholm M390 | ~59/61[27] | Jun. 2011 | $74.95 | Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (later offered in various sprint runs beginning with the Bento Box Shop PM2). | ~600[28] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT12P | PE | Cru-Wear | ~62[29] | Sept. 2011
Jan. 2012 |
$59.95 | Recalled due to improper heat treat. Subsequent heat treat fixed problem. Of the initial run of 600, only ~450 were resold after the recall[30]. Re-treated Mules can be recognized by the underlined word Cruwear. This is the first Mule Team made out of a tool steel. Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel (a Military sprint followed two years later, and then a Manix 2 sprint after that). | ~800[31] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT13P | PE | Elmax | ~58/60[32] | Feb. 2012 | $64.95 | Made in Golden, CO. The LionSpy and this Mule were both released Feb 2012 and were the first Spyderco knives in this steel. | ~500[33] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT14P | PE | CTS-204P | CANCELLED | Was originally planned for production and announced in the Spyderbyte email, but never released. Initially 127 pieces were made, but due to quality problems the entire batch was trashed.[34] At least one purported knife made it out into the wild, possibly one of the "destroyed" knives that somebody smuggled out and sold. | 0 | Full Flat grind | Variant | ||
MT15P | PE | CTS-B75P | 62.5[35] | Sept. 2012 | $74.95 | Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~400[36] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT16 | PE | CTS-XHP | ~60.3[37] | Dec. 2012 | $59.95 | Made in Golden, CO. XHP was used in a Manix 2 sprint almost two years prior, a Military a year and a half prior, as well as some other models. | ~700[38] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MTXHP | PE | CTS-XHP | ~60.3 | Dec. 2012 | $49.95 | There are some MT16P Mules that have a blemish from grinding that will also be made available at a discounted price of $49.95 each. These will NOT be notched. Blemishes vary so please be advised that the SFO crew cannot hand pick or inspect individually prior to shipment of your order. The discounted CTS-XHP Mules will be under the model # MTXHP. Made in Golden, CO. XHP was used in a Manix 2 sprint almost two years prior, a Military a year and a half prior, as well as some other models. | Full Flat grind | / | |
MT17 | PE | K390 | 62/64[39][40] | Jul. 2013 | $69.95 | Made in Golden, CO. First Spyderco offered in this steel | just under 700[41] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT18 | PE | CPM-S110V | 60/61[42] | Feb. 2014 | $89.95 | Made in Taichung, Taiwan. The 2013 Spyderco Forum Native first used S110V about six months before this Mule. | ~800 [43] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT19 | PE | PSF27 | N/A | Aug. 2014 | $79.95 | Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel (would be used as the standard steel on the Bradley Bowie about 8 months later). | ~800 [44] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT20 | PE | CTS-B70P | N/A | Mar. 2015 | $79.95 | Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~800 [45] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT21 | PE | CPM-4V | N/A | Oct. 2015 | $69.95 | Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~700 [46] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT22 | PE | RWL34 | 61-62 | Apr. 2016 | $69.95 | Made in Taichung, Taiwan. First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~800 [47] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT23 | PE | CPM-20CV | N/A | Dec. 2016 | $69.95 | First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~700 [48] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT24 | PE | Maxamet | 67-68[49] | Aug. 2016 | $109.95 | First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~700 [50] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT25 | PE | LC200N | Apr. 2017 | $69.95 | ~800 [51] | Full Flat grind | Variant | ||
MT26 | PE | PMA11 (Micro-Melt A11) | 63[52] | Aug. 2017 | $69.95 | First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~700 [53] | Full Flat grind | Variant |
MT27 | PE | Micro-Melt PD1 | Oct. 2017 | $69.95 | First Spyderco offered in this steel. | ~800 [54] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT28 | PE | CPM SPY27 | 2020 | $50.00 | Uses new steel designed specifically for Spyderco. | ~500 [55] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT28P2 | PE | CPM SPY27 | Feb. 2023 | $60.00 | This blade features a distinctive straight-spined profile; however, its tang design and hole pattern remain faithfully compatible with all existing aftermarket scales and hardware. It will also be offered as standard production item. | Ongoing (standard production) | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT29 | PE | Z-Max PM | $50.00 | Z-Max PM is an ultra-high-performance powder metallurgy tool steel enriched with vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, and two percent carbon. Capable of being heat treated to extreme hardness, it offers exceptional wear resistance and edge holding properties. | ~550 [56] | Full Flat grind | Variant | ||
MT30 | PE | Z-WEAR PM | $50.00 (2021) | Z-WEAR PM it offers wear resistance superior to A2 and D2 tool steels while providing increased
toughness and resistance to chipping. |
~500 [57] | Full Flat grind | Variant | ||
MT31 | PE | CPM S45VN | 2021 | $50.00 (2021) | Crucible® Industries created CPM S35VN™ for the cutlery industry, and formulated it to provide increased toughness over CPM S30V while maintaining the same level of edge retention. CPM S45VN takes that development a step further, adding Niobium and Nitrogen in place of some Vanadium and Carbon to provide a more finely tuned balance of edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. | ~500 [58] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT32P | PE | SRS13/SUS405 | 2021 | $75.00 (2022) | The 32nd Mule Team installment features laminated san mai (three-layer) construction using a central core of SRS13 clad between layers of SUS405. SRS13 is a unique powder metallurgy martensitic stainless steel enriched with molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten that is the steel of choice for many premium-grade Japanese kitchen knives. SUS405 is a ferritic stainless steel that provides greater overall blade strength and toughness while allowing the hard SRS13 core to excel at cutting performance. | ~700 [59] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT33P | PE | CPM REX 76 | 2022 | $75.00 (2022) | Created for steel-obsessed knife enthusiasts and aspiring knifemakers who enjoy “kit” blades, Spyderco’s Mule Team series allows you to join in fun of the making and testing processes. This Mule is a platform for evaluating Crucible® Industries’ CPM REX® 76®, a super-high-speed steel particle metallurgy steel heat treatable to HRC 68-70. Created for special-purpose cutting tools requiring high abrasion resistance, high red hardness, and good toughness, its alloy composition features high carbon, vanadium, molybdenum, and cobalt contents. Enhanced by the CPM process, this advanced mix of elements provides excellent wear resistance, fine grain size, and a uniform distribution of carbides throughout the steel. Sold consumer direct only, Mule Team blades do not include handle scales or a sheath. | ~1000[60] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT34P | PE | CPM REX T15 | June 2023 | $75.00 (2023) | Whether you're a hobbyist knifemaker or obsessed with testing the limits of exotic blade steels, this edition of the Spyderco Mule Team is sure to please. It is crafted from CPM REX T15, a super-high-speed tool steel enriched with high volumes of tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt for extreme abrasion resistance. This advanced material is used primarily in the manufacture of end mills, broaches, and other tools used to shape difficult-to-machine materials under conditions of high frictional heating. Its sophisticated alloy composition can only be achieved through the Crucible® Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process, which also ensures a homogenous microstructure with a finer, more uniform carbide distribution. Like all Mule Team blades, this one is sold consumer direct only and is furnished without handle scales or a blade sheath. | ~1100[61] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT35 | PE | CPM MagnaCut | 2021 | $75.00 (2021) | CPM® MagnaCut™, is a powder metallurgy steel conceived by Larrin Thomas, a Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. MagnaCut challenges traditional stainless steel chemistry by reducing the amount of chromium in the steel to a precise range while adding vanadium and niobium. The result is a blade material that offers an extraordinary balance of wear resistance, toughness, and corrosion resistance. | ~2000 [62] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT36P | PE | K294 MICROCLEAN | Aug. 2023 | $95.00 (2023) | This Mule Team blade features Böhler-Uddeholm’s K294 MICROCLEAN tool steel. Manufactured in Sweden using their third-generation powder metallurgy technology, K294 is essentially an expression of A11 tool steel enhanced by the benefits of the powder metallurgy process. Also comprable to Crucible Industries' CPM 10V®, it is most often used in demanding cold-work tooling applications requiring extreme wear resistance and compressive strength. As a blade material, its wear resistance translates into outstanding edge retention, especially when used to cut abrasive materials. | Full Flat grind | Variant | ||
MT37P | PE | AEB-L | Apr. 2023 | $80.00 (2023) | This expression of the Mule Team concept features Uddeholm AEB-L, a blankable stainless steel originally developed in the 1960’s for use in razor blades. AEB-L offers a unique combination of high hardness, sharpness, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Although its edge retention is overshadowed by other steels, its superior edge stability makes it ideal for knives with thinner edges and large knives requiring extreme toughness. | ~1200[63] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT38P | PE | M398 | 2022 | $85.00 (2021) | This edition of Spyderco’s popular Mule Team series features Böhler M398 MICROCLEAN®, an advanced martensitic chromium steel manufactured through the powder metallurgy process. Its finely tuned alloy composition includes high volumes of carbon, chromium, and vanadium, which increase its primary carbide volume significantly over M390. The result is a steel that offers extremely high wear resistance and high corrosion resistance. This Mule Team blade is the perfect platform for testing this high-performance steel and a high-quality “kit” blade for those learning the knifemaker’s craft. | ~1800[64] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT39P | PE | CPM 15V | May 2023 | $75.00 (2023) | This eagerly anticipated addition to Spyderco’s Mule Team Series showcases Crucible Industries’ CPM 15V blade steel. Boasting over three percent carbon and almost a 15 percent vanadium, its advanced alloy composition gives it the highest wear resistance of any cold-work tool steel available today. Considered a viable alternative to solid carbide in the production of intricate industrial tool designs, it also makes an extraordinary blade steel. Capable of extreme sharpness and unparalleled edge retention, the CPM 15V in this Mule Team is even better when its performance is optimized by a special heat-treating protocol developed by acclaimed custom knifemaker Shawn Houston. | ~1300[65] | Full Flat grind | Variant | |
MT40 | PE | HIC | 2024 | $150.00 (2024) | One of the most unique Mule Team blades ever offered, the MT40 Mule is made from High-Impact Ceramic (HIC)—a state-of-the-art Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM) material. Developed by Harcane Industries of Switzerland, this remarkable zirconia-based material is significantly more resistant to breakage than conventional ceramics. It is specially formulated to obtain the highest density during sintering, giving it exceptional toughness and resistance to crack propagation. This proprietary material also achieves far greater hardness than steel blades, allowing it to both cut and retain its edge incredibly well. Because this blade is produced by an injection-molding process, its full tang only includes the holes necessary for handle-scale mounting. The additional weight-reduction holes seen in steel Mules have been eliminated. | Full Flat grind | Variant
| ||
MT41 | PE | VG XEOS | July 2024 | $75.00 (2024) | The newest member of Spyderco’s remarkable Mule Team family showcases a unique steel called VG XEOS. Created by Takefu Special Steel Company in Japan, it is basically a “rebalanced” version of VG-10 stainless steel optimized for corrosion resistance. Although its alloy composition is not officially published, based on Spyderco’s laboratory analysis, it features reduced carbon and cobalt, increased chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, and the addition of nickel and tungsten. The result is a matrix of low-volume, higher-wear-resistance carbides within a chromium-enriched microstructure. In simpler terms, it offers edge retention comparable to VG-10, but with significantly enhanced corrosion resistance. | Full Flat grind | Variant
|
Related products
Spyderco also offers several related products, or parts, for the Mule Team project via their website at www.spyderco.com. These parts, such as handles and sheaths, help customers find a quick and easy solution to finish their Mule Team knife.
SKU | Name | From/to | MSRP | Information from the Spyderco website |
MTGBK | Mule Team Black G-10 Handle | 2017 - | $54.00 (2024) | Now you can quickly and easily turn any Spyderco Mule Team blade into a finished knife with this “bolt-on” G-10 handle kit. The handle scales in this kit are precision machined from solid black G-10 and feature a beautifully contoured checkered texture that provides a comfortable, non-slip grip. The kit comes complete with three sets of stainless steel screws and three threaded posts and is compatible with all Spyderco Mule Team blades. All you need to install it is a T-8 Torx® driver (not included) and a few minutes of your time.
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MTLSH | Mule Team Leather Sheath | 2017 - | $30.00 (2024) | Designed specifically for Spyderco’s popular Mule Team knives, this premium pouch-style sheath is beautifully crafted from fine-tooled brown leather by one of Spain’s most respected sheathmakers. This premium sheath provides a turnkey solution for safely storing and carrying any Mule Team model in style. It includes an integral loop for convenient belt carry and proudly bears a stamped Spyderco “bug” logo. |
MTSH | Mule Team Boltaron Sheath | 2017 - | $40.00 (2024) | This custom-molded Boltaron® sheath provides the perfect turnkey carry solution for your Mule Team blade. Designed specifically to fit a Spyderco Mule Team blade equipped with our “bolt-on” G-10 handle scales (sold separately), this snap-fit sheath retains the knife securely while leaving most of the handle exposed for a quick, positive draw. The sheath comes complete with a fully configurable G-Clip™ attachment that supports both belt carry, and clip-on inside-the-waistband carry. Angle adjustable for vertical, horizontal, or canted positioning, the G-Clip can also be mounted on either side of the symmetrical sheath for edge-forward or edge-back carry. This high-quality sheath is also assembled with eyelets instead of rivets to allow it to be easily lashed or zip-tied to packs and other platforms. - This sheath is NOT intended for use with the MT28P2 - Mule Team 2 Straight Spine. |
MTSH2 | Mule Team 2 Boltaron Sheath | 2017 - | $40.00 (2024) | This custom-molded Boltaron® sheath provides the perfect turnkey carry solution for Spyderco’s Mule Team 2 CPM SPY27 blade. It is specifically designed to fit that straight-spined, full-production blade when it is equipped with our “bolt-on” G-10 handle scales (sold separately) and does not accept other Mule Team blades. This sheath’s snap-fit retention holds the knife securely while leaving most of the handle exposed for a quick, positive draw. It comes complete with a fully configurable G-Clip™ attachment that supports both belt carry and clip-on inside-the-waistband carry. Angle adjustable for vertical, horizontal, or canted positioning, the G-Clip can also be mounted on either side of the symmetrical sheath for edge-forward or edge-back carry. This high-quality sheath is also assembled with eyelets instead of rivets to allow it to be easily lashed or zip-tied to packs and other platforms. |
Most collectible variation
Either one of the MT01P factory stonewashed or the MT01P with Collectors club markings is believed to be the most collectible.
Questions regarding collecting the Mule Team
What is a Mule?;
In the English language the term mule has multiple definitions: There’s the obvious equine reference being the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. It can be a coin minted from two dies by mistake and the auto industry refers to their test vehicles as a mules. Spyderco also calls knife models designed and built for testing and evaluation Mules. When a group of these are brought together they make a team of mules, thus the name of our new knife release: The Mule Team.
Knife and steel-devotees love trying out new blade steels. Spyderco leads the industry in offering, testing and manufacturing knives using new and exotic blade steels. Taking that idea a step up, why not offer a series (team) of blades using different, exotic and freshly unveiled steels? In doing this steel-obsessed knife knuts can try, test and use something normally not offered to the industry.
What is the Spyderco Mule Team?
Spyderco’s Mule Team officially launches with a single-piece fixed blade pattern. The blade is leaf-shaped with a sharpened and finished PlainEdge blade but with an unfinished handle providing some a do-it-yourself opportunity. The unfinished handle has a series of holes for attaching a custom handle or for wrapping in cord. All Mule Team Pieces are sold without handle scales or a carry sheath focusing the project on the blade steel and opening the door for the owner to create his/her own handle scale and carry options.
How many and how often will they be released?
Our plan is to release several variations per year using the same fixed blade pattern produced with different exotic steels. Each steel offering is limited to approximately 600 pieces and engraved indicating the steel used. Variations are priced accordingly with the only cost variable being the steel itself. Prices will be announced prior to the release of the upcoming model.
How can I buy them?
All purchases are handled through Spyderco Factory Outlet (SFO). When a new Mule Team knife is offered, it can be ordered via the Spyderco website."
How are the Mule team knives offered to members of Collectors club?
If you are a Collector, the Mule Team is included as a new model and the first offering (MT01 in 52100) will be sent to the Dealer that you normally purchase your Collector knives through. Your Dealer will receive a letter explaining the program, its purpose and how we envision it moving forward. We have asked our Dealers to honor the spirit of the program and if they are unable to, we've asked that they return the knife to us so you will be able to purchase your numbered knife through SFO.
If you are a Collector who receives all variants, you will be given the option to sign up for all or none of the future Mule Team variants when you receive the first model (MT01). If you choose to sign up for all variations of the Mule Team, all future models of the Mule Team will be handled directly through SFO. This is to not place a burden on our Dealers and maintain our vision of this program.
If you are not a Collector and would like to purchase a Mule Team knife, you will be able to do so through our site. As originally stated, there will only be a Net Price. This will guarantee that you are able to acquire the models in this program at the most affordable price. We will offer these through our normal distribution chain of Distributors and Dealers in lots of 2 each at the same price. Pricing will vary from one variation to another and will primarily be dependent on the steel used.
If you are not a Collector who chooses to receive all variants of the Mule Team, purchases will be one model at a time with no commitment to future models. You purchase only those that interest you.
Sales are on a first come first served basis. Once the quantity made is sold out, that variation will be gone. We will initially set a maximum allowed of 2 pieces per person/address, but we do reserve the right to change this limit at any time. If you are a collector these 2 pieces are in addition to your collector numbered piece.[66]
Technical information
Typically measurements (mm and grams) of the Mule Team:
Length overall | Hole Ø | Blade length | Cutting edge | Blade thickness | Weight |
194 mm | 8.5 mm | 84 mm | 84 mm | 3 mm | ~76 g |
Typically measurements (inches and ounces) of the Mule Team:
Length overall | Hole Ø | Blade length | Cutting edge | Blade thickness | Weight |
7 5/8" | 21/64" | 3 5/16" | 3 5/16" | 1/8" | ~2.7 oz. |
Pictures
References
- ↑ Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [1]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Sal Glesser refers to the C36 Military as a Mule to test new steels
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Spyderco Forum discussion: Sal Glesser discusses his first idea about a future Mule Team project
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Welcome to the Mule Team Sub-Forum!
- ↑ From the Spyderco.com discussion forum thread | 'More Edge Retention Testing - Rex 45, Maxamet, SPY27, XHP, CPM-T15, 420, Rex 76d'
- ↑ The Mule Team Project page on Spyderco's website
- ↑ MT01 Rc on product description page [2]
- ↑ MT02 Rc test [3]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT03 Rc test [4]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT04 Rc goal mentioned by Sal here.
- ↑ MT04 Rc test [5]
- ↑ MT04 ZDP-189 recall [6]
- ↑ MT04 ZDP-189 recall follow-up [7]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT05 Rc test [8]
- ↑ MT05 production quantity here.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT08 Hc test [9].
- ↑ MT08 production quantity here.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT10 Rc test [10]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT11 Rc test [11]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT12 Rc test [12].
- ↑ MT12 production quantity here.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT13 Rc test [13].
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Details in Sal Glessers post.[14]
- ↑ MT15 Rc test [15].
- ↑ MT15 production quantity [16].
- ↑ MT16 Rc test [17].
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT17 Rc test [18].
- ↑ MT17 Rc test [19].
- ↑ MT17 production quantity [20].
- ↑ MT18 Rc test [21].
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT24 Rc hardness [22]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ MT26 Rc hardness [23]
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ Spyderco Forum discussion thread: Past Mule Teams.
- ↑ The entire thread containing the whole comment can be found here.