To me, there are plenty of distinguishing factors in design between the HCLE and the MPLE.

No doubt they could overlap in use and substitute for each other. But, I think there are enough subtle differences to keep me from calling them "nearly identical".
And they are different enough to make me want BOTH! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I love well designed smaller 3.25" - 4.0" bladed knives.

From the pictures, the HCLE and MPLE both have LOTS of great merit! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I will have to have an HCLE. As much as I LOVE mudders, I am pretty impressed with what appears to be a very well shaped handle on the HCLE. - An apparently slimmed/scaled down HRLM handle with improved choil should be excellent for the HCLE. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I am not so sure about the full legth swedge on the spine. But, it isn't a huge detriment to the knife either and I can likely round it over or flatten if I prefer. - Easier than the easy HRLM choil mod.
Both handles should be EXCELLENT in their own way.

But, it appears to me that the MPLE has a couple of subtle advantages in my book. And positive compromises between the two in other ways.

Mud Puppy is a much cooler name than Hairy Carry too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Now, thanks to Andy, every time I see the name "Hairy Carry", I keeping visioning this:




Mud Puppy conjours better images for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


But, honestly, names don't mean much to me.

I am stoked about the designs and attention to details on both. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

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