Cloak..... Bruce now you.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />.....

Just messin' a little. I like seeing field tests myself. I just have confidence and feel pretty condident in what to expect - very good performance for a knife this size and for tasks a knife this size would be expected to do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Based on what you are requesting to see done to the MPLE, I would call the tasks requested very basic routine work for most ANY small 3" - 4" bladed knife and I honestly feel most any half worthy knife blade steel with similar size, shape and thickness to the MPLE (once properly sharpened) should be able to manage "slicing, fuzzy stick making, drilling, and light batoning".

To me, 154CM is proven enough for certain knife designs. Busse's track record of incredible heat treatments just gives me more confidence in the MPLE and HCLE.

I am very confident Busse's 154CM will be way above half worthy.

The key is in the design. I would be very dissappointed to see Busse use 154CM for an S7. But, for this well designed little MPLE, it is a GREAT choice. I think it is a better steel choice for the MPLE than SR-77.... IMO - **** And based on how "I" would use this knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Cheap little Mora's can do most of what you are asking, but I don't feel Mora's are best with battoning and drilling due to their very thin blades.

The MPLE has plenty of thickness to be sufficient at drilling and light batonning. And yet not "too" thick. It is still thin enough with good blade geometry/height/grind/etc. to be good at slicing and sufficiently thick and tough for reasonably light drilling and batoning.

If you are concerned about 154CM being able to handle those tasks, that won't even be a challenge for 154CM. Much lesser steels from lesser companies can do that.

But, at least you are being realistic about what a 3.5" bladed knife "SHOULD" be good at - As opposed to chopping cinder blocks and using for a step up for climbing or similar. Busse may have made 154CM capable of similar severe abuse, but 154CM is not going to be as good as SR-77 at high torgue stress.

If you don't already own a Mudder grip handle, all I can say is that I personally own the SS4 and Bog Dog and the both feel VERY good in my hands. But, I acknowledge that there are a lot of different hand sizes and shapes out there along with different preferrences. My hands are fairly large, but not terribly thick. I typically wear XL gloves as large tends to be a little short or tight. I were a size 12.5 wedding ring, but I have larger knuckles than meat on my fingers. So, ring is tight over my knuckles and loose on my finger - somewhat annoying. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> But, you get used to it over the years. Anyway, for me, I am VERY confident in the ergos and comfort of the Mudder handles.

The Blade shape is OUTSTANDING for task and chore use, along with great potential for woodcraft and similar. This flat grind spearpoint type blade and similar variations is a proven blade design. The blade is basically an improved AD blade - Improved from the AD (IMO) in that the choil on the MPLE should be moderately functional on the MPLE vs. the choil is NOT functional on the AD. Yet many people love the AD. The AD really is an awesome knife except for the Talon Hole and choil (IMO).
But, this blade design and similar variations have been proven on many other great knives as well.

Without even handling the knife, I am confident in the MPLE.

I hope to have a MPLE in my hands later this week. I never take my camera out in the field or yard with me. Maybe it is time. But, for me, you will need some patience. Don't have it here yet and will need to find the time to get out and take pics. Also, I have a hunch I will need to do a little edge work for optimal performance.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> But, in all fairness, most any factory blade edge can be made better on a strop.

I recently made me a new two sided leather strop with compounds. I love when my knives are razor/shaving sharp. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Somehow I feel somebody else will jump in with test pics before I can even get a chance.

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