Mule Team™ VG XEOS® MT41 (with MTGBK G-10 handle)

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. 

MTGBK G-10 handle (included)

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.

Custom Kydex Sheath with adjustable belt clip (included)

Custom hand made Kydex Sheath with "AC" icon embellishment

Specifications

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 furnished without handles or sheaths and are also popular "kit" blades for aspiring knifemakers and hobbyists.

Spyderco's MT41 Mule Team showcases a unique steel called VG XEOS. Created by Takefu Special Steel Company in Japan, it is described as having "high corrosion resistance and high hardness," as well as "a fine microstructure created by a special melting method that improves wear resistance, strength, and quenching properties." The alloy composition of VG-XEOS is not officially published. However, based on Spyderco's laboratory analysis, when compared to VG-10, it features reduced carbon, increased chromium, vanadium, and molybdenum, and the addition of nickel and tungsten, and no cobalt. The result is a matrix of low-volume, higher-wear-resistance carbides within a chromium-enriched microstructure. Based on our extensive in-house testing, it offers edge retention comparable to VG-10, but with significantly enhanced corrosion resistance.

Spyderco's analysis of VG XEOS determined that its alloy composition is as follows: Carbon: 0.70-0.80%
Chromium: 18.00-19.00%
Tungsten: 0.11%
Vanadium: 0.35-0.45%
Manganese: 0.68%
Molybdenum: 1.85-2.00%
Niobium: 0.01-0.02%
Nickel: 0.12%
Copper: 0.08%
Silicon: 0.25-0.30%