I was fifteen years old when I read Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry. I remember being at a friend’s house sitting in a corner reading while maybe half a dozen other people were absorbed in a LAN party (If you know, you know). I abstained, opting for the book. I don’t remember which videogame was being played but to me the book was better. 

Sixteen years and fourteen Joe Ledger novels later, I have had the honor of thoughtfully and dutifully replacing Colonel Ledger’s duty knife – a Wilson Combat tactical folding knife – with a Night Watch Knives Mule.  

For those of you who are familiar with the series, you may be amused to know that Ledger’s approach to knife fighting – masterfully informed by the author’s lifelong devotion to martial arts in countless disciplines – has shaped my entire philosophy in the craft of knifemaking. True to this idea, the Mule is far lighter than a knife in its weight class ought to be and allows for a comfortable and secure grip in just about any alternative positioning or fighting style the user may choose. This is the most critically important component of the design. 

The original prototype of the knife was made from 0.125” thick AEB-L stainless steel, and featured a set of carbon fiber scales. Since then, the pattern has been modified slightly. All Night Watch Knives are built using CPM Magnacut steel, which boasts a considerable performance upgrade from the already stellar AEB-L. Carbon fiber has been replaced by Black G10 for two reasons – first, the dubious quality control issues and unnecessary high cost of carbon fiber make it an unattractive option that does a disservice to customers in exchange for a really trivial amount of weight reduction. The use of G10 also allows for a sand blasted – and therefore beautifully textured – finish which adds to the positive tactile grip of the knife. 

The tapered tang on the knife ensures the perfect balance point of the blade lands right beneath the user’s index finger, giving the impression that the knife is virtually weightless. The serrations at the heel of the blade are hand cut, and are paper shaving sharp all on their own. 

Although there will inevitably be some variation due to the hand made nature of this craft, generally the Joe Ledger signature Mule checks in at about 5 ounces. The knife is light enough to be free of drag, as Jonathan Maberry puts it, meaning the blade is as fast as your hand. It disappears on your waist in its ambidextrous leather belt sheath. 

While sitting inventory of this knife varies, hopeful fans of the Joe Ledger novels are encouraged to use the contact form in order to comission a Joe Ledger signature mule for themselves.