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What makes a knife a natural extension of your hand during a day of hunting in the mountains, a tool of surgical precision for butchering in the field, or a collector's item that crosses generations without losing its edge or its beauty? The answer has been forged for more than six decades in the Manufacturas Muela facilities, in the heart of Ciudad Real, where each leaf tells the story of a perfect balance between artisanal tradition and cutting-edge technology.
The Muela knives They are not simple tools: they are the result of an unwavering commitment to metallurgical excellence, functional ergonomics and respect for noble materials. From 38-piece hand-carved pocket knives to finishing knives for big game with Damascus steel blades and sterling silver fittings, Muela has consolidated its position as the first sporting cutlery brand in Spain and a global reference for hunters, adventurers and demanding collectors.
In this article you will discover Muela's complete history, the secrets of its manufacturing process, the materials that guarantee extreme durability, the emblematic models that have marked history, and the practical keys to choosing, maintaining and protecting your investment in quality steel.
Muela: milestones and evolution since its origins
The trajectory of Manufacturas Muela covers the journey from a small artisanal workshop to becoming an international reference in hunting cutlery, marked by the initiative of its founder, the progressive professionalization and internationalization of its production.
| Era | Event |
|---|---|
| Childhood and early work of the founder | |
| Birth | Mr. Eladio Muela León was born in Santa Cruz de Mudela (Ciudad Real). |
| Childhood | At the age of eight he left school and began working in the fields. |
| First contacts with cutlery | He had a short stay in the workshop of a relative dedicated to the manufacture of knives. |
| industrial work | He worked as an adjusting mechanic at the National Company Calvo Sotelo (currently Repsol) in Puertollano. |
| Artisanal developments | He made a 38-piece handmade pocket knife, which he considered “a work of art”; German engineers at the refinery ordered replicas, so he worked many nights to fill the orders. |
| Founding and early years (1950s) | |
| 1952 | Eladio Muela León founded Manufacturas Muela in Ciudad Real as a small workshop. |
| 50's decade | The company begins to produce handmade pocket knives. |
| Mid 50's | The Muela companies are started and consolidated driven by the great reception of the artisanal knife; After a brief period with a partner, Eladio gets his own workshop. |
| First employees | The first factory/workshop set up by Mr. Eladio initially employed seven people. |
| Growth and consolidation | |
| Reinvestment | Initial profits were reinvested in machinery to increase productivity. |
| Factory expansion | The factory was expanded and installed in Argamasilla de Calatrava (Ciudad Real). |
| Materials and collections | Deer antler has been used in numerous models for many decades; Ivory, used in luxury museum pieces, has not been used for many years. |
| 1983 | Since this year, the Manufacturas Muela catalog was mainly prepared by Luis Pérez de León (author of one of the articles). |
| 1987 | The photograph of Eladio Muela, who presides over the museum, was taken. |
| Heritage and museum | The Muela Museum, which exhibits the history of the brand, was recently expanded by several square meters. |
| Recent status and international scope | |
| More than six decades | The brand has accumulated more than six decades of producing knives and folding knives; in contemporary texts she is described as being “over 60” or “about to turn 65” at the time of some articles. |
| Facilities | The facilities in Argamasilla de Calatrava have more than 5,000 m². |
| Production | Current production is estimated at more than 350,000 pieces per year. |
| Export | Around 70% of the production is exported to more than 50 countries (other sources mention close to 70 countries), reaching all five continents. |
| family address | Three of Eladio Muela's five children (two girls and three boys in total) have worked in the company for decades in its development. |
| Market position | The Muela Group is one of the leading firms in artisanal hunting cutlery worldwide. |
| 2015 | In 2015 Manufacturas Muela displayed rights reserved in the copyright notices on its website. |
From mechanic fitter to master knife maker: the story of a commitment
It all started in the sleepless nights of an improvised workshop. Mr. Eladio Muela León, mechanical adjuster at the Calvo Sotelo refinery in Puertollano, could not imagine that that 38-piece handmade knife—considered by himself “a work of art”—would end up being the seed of an industry that would be exported to the five continents.
When the German engineers at the refinery discovered Eladio's work, the orders multiplied. The nights became days of filing, adjustment and tempering. Eladio's business vocation, together with economic necessity and his thirst for independence, forged the path towards the profession of cutler.
In 1952, with seven employees and the firm conviction that a knife should be more than a tool—an extension of the personality of its owner—Eladio founded Manufacturas Muela in Ciudad Real. Since then, every profit was reinvested in machinery, every model was designed to outperform the previous one, and every blade was subjected to quality controls that are now standard in the industry.
Two companies, one philosophy: Manufacturas and Comercial Muela
The Muela Group is made up of two complementary entities that allow us to control the entire cycle from forging to global distribution:
- Manufacturas Muela, S.A. specializes in sports cutlery and maintains technical and industrial facilities of more than 5,000 m² in Argamasilla de Calatrava. All manufacturing processes are carried out here: from cutting steel plates to heat treatments, precision machining and artisanal assembly of limited edition pieces.
- Comercial Muela, S.A., established in 1985, was born to market Manufacturas Muela products in Spain. Over time, it expanded its activity towards the wholesale distribution of items for hardware, gifts, sports, adventure, cutlery and gun shops, taking advantage of the logistics infrastructure created.
This dual structure allows Muela to handle large-volume industrial orders without giving up the production area reserved for pieces with artisanal value, where the expert hand adjusts, polishes and assembles every detail.
Design philosophy: where tradition meets technology
Muela works with a clear conviction: to produce knives and razorshigh performance without giving up aesthetics or tradition. The company combines modern metallurgical processes—controlled heat treatments, computer-assisted precision machining and automated finishing—with the manual work that defines final quality.
The catalog contains utilitarian pieces for hunting, fishing and adventure alongside limited series designed for collectors. These series usually feature exclusive materials, special finishes and numbering that differentiate them from the rest of the production. Every detail is thought out so that the knife fulfills its function optimally and, at the same time, transmits the values of quality and craftsmanship that have characterized Muela since its origins.
The balance between productive capacity and manual work is the basis of the brand's prestige. The modern facilities allow international orders to be met quickly and homogeneously, while the artisanal production area guarantees that the collection pieces maintain the soul of the knife craft.
High-quality steels: the science behind the perfect edge
The steel is the heart of the knife. Muela uses the highest quality steels, selected for their edge retention capacity, corrosion resistance and durability in extreme conditions. Among the most used steels, the following stand out:
- Molybdenum Vanadium Steel (MoVa): special alloy that combines great corrosion resistance with high carbon richness, allowing exceptional tempering, hardness and cutting capacity. It reaches hardnesses of up to 58 HRC on the Rockwell scale, ideal for extreme demands in the field, hunting and tactical-military use.
- X50CrMoV15 steel: Martensitic stainless steel alloyed with chrome-vanadium-molybdenum, known for its wear resistance and ease of sharpening.
- Nitro 42 Steel: Used in tactical and survival models, it offers a balance between hardness and tenacity.
- Damascus steel: Used in limited series, it combines layers of steel of different composition that provide resistance, flexibility and a unique aesthetic pattern. Damascus pieces are highly valued by collectors.
The level of hardness achieved in the Muela knives ranges between 54 and 58 degrees Rockwell, depending on the intended use and after appropriate quenching and tempering phases. This range guarantees blades that stay sharp for long days without becoming brittle.
Each blade undergoes rigorous testing before sale, ensuring that it meets the quality standards that have made Muela synonymous with reliability.
Noble materials for handles and garnishes: art and function
The handle of a Muela knife is not a simple grip: it is the connection between the tool and the user, designed to offer comfort, safety and durability even in the most demanding conditions. Muela selects noble materials that combine resistance and ergonomics:
- Deer antler: typical and appreciated material in hunting knives. Manufacturas Muela consumes thousands of kilos of deer antler annually. Each piece is selected, sized and adjusted in the factory, guaranteeing a firm, natural and aesthetically unique grip.
- Coral pressed wood: Used in sports and general use models, it provides resistance to humidity and durability.
- Exotic woods: Olive root, ebony and other precious woods are reserved for luxury pieces and limited series.
- African buffalo horn: resistant material with natural patterns that provide exclusivity.
- Micarta:High-performance, light and resistant synthetic material, used in tactical and survival knives.
In luxury models of limited and numbered series, the fittings are made of noble metals such as sterling silver, worked by the best goldsmiths. These details turn each piece into a functional work of art.
The assembly of the handle is done manually. In many cases, specialized craftsmen carve each handle to fit perfectly to the blade, guaranteeing balance, ergonomics and safety in use.
Limited series: when steel becomes a collection
Muela's most valued pieces are those that make up the limited series, where craftsmanship and tradition are evident in every detail. For these pieces, the materials are selected with special care: high-quality forged and damascus steels, natural stones, deer antler handles, exotic woods and decorative finishes that elevate the knife to the category of a collector's item.
In addition to the materials, the difference lies in additional processes: personalized heat treatments, etchings, limited edition stamps and a final assembly where an expert hand adjusts and polishes each piece. That is why limited series usually have a short commercial life and, in many cases, increase in value over time.
Recently, Muela has presented special products under the theme “Steel Will”, among which two luxury knives stand out: The Macareno and The Podenquero-Luxury. This type of limited releases underlines the brand's orientation towards collectors and high-end knife fans.
Emblematic models: the range that defines Muela
Muela offers a wide range of models, each one designed for a specific use. With more than 450 references in the current catalog, the brand covers the needs of hunters, adventurers, tactical professionals and collectors. Below is a quick guide to identify the model that may fit your needs:
Big game and finishing knives
Designed for cutting, finishing and field work, these knives combine robust blades with hollows designed to facilitate clean and precise cutting. Models such as the Cervus, appreciated for its classic aesthetic and deer antler cuffs; and the Dachshund-8P, with antler handle that fuses art and functionality.
The finishing knives For large game, they allow you to kill prey with maximum safety and efficiency, even in delicate situations without firearms, such as in hunts with packs. Models like the Outdoor Grinding Wheel 7222 With Bowie-type blade and solid construction, they offer surgical precision and perfect balance.
Tactical and survival knives
Strong edges, retention systems and sure-grip cuffs characterize this range. The kodiak, with a robust design for demanding activities, is one of the most recognized. MoVa steel blades with hardness up to 58 HRC guarantee performance in extreme conditions.
Folding and pocket knives
Light and practical for urban use or as a multipurpose tool, the Muela pocket knives They recover traditional shapes with modern finishes. The collection of historic knives, such as those inspired by the 18th century, combines classic aesthetics with contemporary functionality.
Skinning and sporting knives
With blade lengths between 7 cm and 11 cm, these models are designed for precision work in the cutting and preparation of parts. The ergonomics of the handle and the balance of the blade facilitate long days without fatigue.
Collectible series and luxury pieces
Exquisite finishes, noble materials and numbering characterize these pieces. Notable examples include the Grand Duke, with engravings and enamels on the blade; and pieces dedicated to game species such as the Iberian wolf or the African “Big 5”, with sterling silver fittings, Damascus steel blades and olive root handles.
Discover the full range of Muela knives
From classic hunting knives to limited edition pieces, Muela's offer covers all the needs of the amateur and professional. Explore iconic models like the Rhino, known for its ergonomic design and versatility; the bowie, with robust and curved blade ideal for outdoor activities; the elk, a classic in the hunting category; and the Cazorla, with traditional design and excellent manufacturing quality.
Manufacturing process: where technology respects tradition
The manufacturing process of Manufacturas Muela is an example of how modern technology can respect and enhance artisanal tradition. All processes are carried out in the Argamasilla de Calatrava factory itself, from cutting the steel plates to the final heat treatments.
Precision cutting and machining
The sheets are cut into plates of selected steel using machines assisted by computerized technology. Precision machining ensures that each blade has the exact dimensions and profile suitable for its intended use.
Heat treatments and tempering
Quenching and tempering are critical processes that determine the final hardness of the steel. Muela carries out these thermal treatments in its own facilities, controlled by specialized technical personnel. The goal is to achieve the optimal hardness – between 54 and 58 HRC – without compromising the toughness of the blade.
Handcrafted assembly of handles
The handle is placed manually on the blade. In many cases, it is carved by specialized craftsmen who adjust the grip to ensure ergonomics, balance and aesthetics. Materials such as deer antler require individual factory selection, carving and fitting.
Design and production of covers
To design and make the covers for each model, Manufacturas Muela has a saddlery department. Here the skins that become the handmade covers that accompany the different models are designed, cut, sewn and finished. These leather sheaths protect the blade and facilitate safe transportation.
Sharpening, polishing and final quality control
Once the sheaths are finished, the knives are sharpened, polished and checked before packaging. Each piece is subjected to rigorous tests for hardness, sharpness and finish, ensuring that it meets the quality standards that have made Muela a global benchmark.
Quality is the fundamental objective of the Muela Group. Maintaining a high artisan component—using the ancestral file and the work of expert hands—is the key to making each knife unique.
How to choose your Muela knife: technical criteria for a successful purchase
Choosing a Muela piece involves evaluating several factors that go beyond aesthetics. Here is a list of practical criteria to make an informed decision:
Defines intended use
Don't buy a hunting knife for urban use if what you need is a practical knife. Identify the main activity: big game hunting, fishing, cooking, outdoor, collection or daily use. Each model is designed for a specific purpose.
Select the type of steel
Carbon steels take a better edge but require more maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steels resist corrosion and are ideal for humid environments. Damascus steel provides aesthetics, exclusivity and superior mechanical properties, but is usually reserved for collector's items.
Evaluate the length and width of the blade
Blade length affects local legality and transportation convenience. Check the restrictions of your country or autonomous community before purchasing. The type of shell influences the ease of cutting and the maintenance of the edge: flat shells facilitate sharpening, convex shells provide resistance.
Prioritize the ergonomics of the handle
A comfortable handle prevents fatigue and improves safety. Pieces with antler or wood grips offer natural grip and traditional aesthetics, but require different maintenance than synthetic ones like micarta. Try balance: A well-balanced knife feels like an extension of your hand.
Consider aesthetics and resale value
If you are looking to collect, prioritize limited, numbered series and with exclusive materials. These pieces tend to have a higher resale value and can increase in price over time. Verify that the seller offers a certificate of edition, original box and purchase invoice.
Don't get carried away by appearance alone
Pretty pieces can be delicate. If you need resistance for demanding jobs, choose robust models with materials suitable for intensive use. Aesthetics are important, but function must take precedence in work tools.
Check the warranty and technical service
A brand with support will save you problems in the long term. Muela offers a guarantee on all its products and has authorized distributors that provide after-sales service, spare parts and maintenance services.
Knowing your needs and Muela's offer, the purchase will be more successful and your investment will last longer.
Maintenance: care so that your Muela lasts generations
A Muela knife It can last for decades if maintained properly. Here are best practices for preserving both the steel and the handle:
Cleaning after each use
Clean the blade with warm water and neutral soap immediately after use. Dry completely to avoid stains and oxidation. Avoid dishwashers that can damage the blade and handle, especially in pieces with handles made of natural materials.
Oiling and protection of steel
Apply a light coat of mineral oil to carbon steel blades to prevent rust. In stainless steel, oil also helps protect, although it is not essential. Mineral oil has high penetration and does not attract dirt. Natural and acid-free camellia oil is also excellent for antioxidant protection.
Professional sharpening
Use water stones or quality synthetic stones. Maintain the angle recommended by the manufacturer; If you don't know, an angle between 18º and 22º is usually adequate for many hunting and general purpose knives. If you are not comfortable sharpening, take your knife to a professional service. Good sharpening not only improves performance, it also extends the life of the blade.
Caring for antler and wood handles
For antler or wooden grips, use specific oils to maintain the natural humidity of the material and prevent cracks. Dry wood can crack; the antler may lose color. Regular maintenance with natural oils preserves the beauty and functionality of the handle.
Secure storage
Always store the knife in its sheath or hard case, out of the reach of minors. Storage in dry and cool environments prevents corrosion and deterioration of materials. If you have valuable or limited edition pieces, consider additional cases or special boxes to protect against shocks and moisture.
These simple measures help preserve both the financial and sentimental value of your collection.
Collecting: what makes a Muela an investment piece
If your interest is collecting, there are several aspects that influence the value of a Muela piece and its potential for revaluation:
Limited edition and numbering
Limited series with individual numbering tend to have greater value. Each numbered piece has a certificate that certifies its authenticity and position in the series. The scarcity increases the interest of collectors.
Rare and exclusive materials
Special antlers, exotic woods, high-quality Damascus steel and sterling silver fittings elevate the collector's interest. Materials that can no longer be used, such as ivory in old museum pieces, have additional historical value.
Original condition
An original finish, without touch-ups or modifications, is preferable to preserve or increase value. Pieces with original engravings, intact enamels and covers in perfect condition reach higher prices in the collectors market.
Documentation and provenance
Edition certificate, original box and purchase invoice add reliability and price. Maintain an inventory with photos and documentation to facilitate appraisals and future sales.
Theme and special dedications
Pieces dedicated to game species, historical events (such as the V Centenary of the Discovery) or characters (such as HRH Princess Alicia of Borbón-Parma) have added value due to their thematic exclusivity.
When purchasing collectibles, look for reputable sellers and avoid offers that do not provide detailed information about the condition and origin of the knife. Authorized dealers guarantee authenticity and offer complete documentation.
The Muela Museum: a journey through the history of steel
The factory in Argamasilla de Calatrava houses a spectacular museum created by Eladio Muela due to his love for knives. The museum exhibits hundreds of pieces that reflect quality, craftsmanship and variety: models throughout the history of the brand, current pieces and others already discontinued.
The walls of the museum also display a good collection of hunting trophies, an atmosphere linked to the brand and many of its achievements. Among the featured pieces are:
- A collector's item more than a meter long, decorated with animals and hunting scenes along with the name of the creator, Eladio.
- A luxury knife dedicated to the Iberian wolf, with sterling silver fittings, Damascus steel blade and olive root handle.
- The impressive model Grand Duke, dressed in gala with engravings and enamels on its blade.
- A piece dedicated to the African “Big 5”.
- The extraordinary model Vulcanus, with ebony handle, silver fittings and enamels on the blade.
- An impressive collection of finishing knives with silver fittings and ivory handles (a material that has not been used for many years).
- A knife that commemorated the V Centenary of the Discovery, with the three caravels on its handle.
The museum is not directly open to the public, but it is possible to visit it by making an appointment with the factory. It is a unique opportunity to learn about the evolution of the brand and appreciate pieces that are normally only seen in historical catalogs.
Legal aspects and safety: use them responsibly
Before buying or carrying a knife, check the legislation of your country or autonomous community. In many territories there are restrictions on maximum length allowed for carrying, types of blades prohibited or restricted, and use in public spaces and transportation.
Safety is also key: always store the knife in a sheath or case, out of the reach of minors, and handle it with care to avoid accidents. A knife is a precision tool that requires respect and responsibility.
Check with local authorities or authorized distributors to ensure that your purchase complies with current regulations.
The international value of Muela: presence on all five continents
Today Muela is the first sports cutlery brand in Spain and an international reference. Its presence in foreign markets is based on the reliability of its products, the diversity of its catalog and the ability to offer both utility knives and pieces for collectors.
The Muela Group exports around 70% of its production to more than 50 countries on five continents. It has reached hunters, collectors and fans from nearly 70 countries, consolidating its position as a reference brand in artisanal cutlery worldwide.
For distributors, Muela offers clear advantages: brand recognition, quality assurance, a range that covers multiple market segments (hunting, tactical, collection, daily use) and technical support for after-sales service.
Myths and truths: clarifying doubts about Muela knives
Myths tend to circulate around any brand with a history. Here we clarify some common ones:
- Myth: “All Muelas are inaccessible luxury pieces.” Truth: Muela has industrial ranges and premium ranges; There are models for practical users and pieces for collectors. The quality-price ratio is competitive in all segments.
- Myth: “If it's expensive, you can't use it.” Truth: Many quality parts are designed to be used and maintained; The price reflects materials and process, not necessarily fragility.
- Myth: “Only stainless steels are good.” Truth: Each steel has advantages; The carbon ones are excellent for sharpness, the stainless steel ones for corrosion resistance, the damascus one for exclusivity and superior properties.
- Myth: “Handmade knives are not precise.” Truth: Muela combines precision technology with manual work. The artisanal component provides quality and exclusivity without sacrificing accuracy.
Being well informed and consulting with authorized distributors is the best way to distinguish marketing from reality.
Where to buy Muela knives with a guarantee of authenticity
You can buy Muela products in our online store: CuchillosNavajas.com. We are an authorized distributor for the brand. Buying from recognized stores assures you of original parts, guarantees and after-sales service. In addition, at authorized distributors you can consult limited series, spare parts and maintenance services.
If you buy online, verify that the seller offers clear information about materials, measurements and return policy. Always keep the invoice and certificates that accompany limited edition pieces. Authenticity is key to preserving the value of your investment.
Practical tips for your first Muela knife
If you are going to purchase your first Muela knife, follow these recommendations to make the right choice:
- Defines the main use: hunting, fishing, outdoor, collection or everyday use. Don't buy a hunting knife if what you need is a practical urban knife.
- Prioritize ergonomics over aesthetics: A comfortable handle prevents fatigue and improves safety. Test the balance of the knife in your hand if possible.
- Don't get carried away by appearance alone: pretty pieces can be delicate; If you need resistance, choose robust models with materials suitable for the job.
- Check the warranty and technical service: A brand with support will save you problems in the long term. Muela offers a warranty and network of authorized distributors.
- Invest in basic maintenance: Extra oils, sharpening stones and sheaths extend the life of your knife.
Knowing your needs and Muela's offer, the purchase will be more successful and your investment will last longer.
Resolve your doubts about Muela knives
What are the most outstanding features of Muela knives?
The most outstanding features of Muela knives are:
- High quality steel, generally an alloy of molybdenum and vanadium (MoVa), which offers great hardness (between 56 and 61 HRC) and resistance, suitable for extreme demands and use in the field, hunting and tactical-military.
- Ergonomic handle design, which provides comfort, lightness and good grip, using materials such as rubber, pressed wood or antler.
- Solid and robust blade, with good balance and quality-price ratio, ideal for precision work, big game hunting, survival and outdoor activities.
- Includes handmade leather covers for protection and safe transportation.
- Variety of specialized models, such as tactical knives, finishing knives for big game hunting, sports knives and general use knives, adapted to different needs.
What materials do Muela knives use to ensure their durability?
Muela knives mainly use high quality steels, especially 440 steel with molybdenum and vanadium alloys, which provide additional hardness and resistance to wear and corrosion, thus ensuring durability. In addition, they use advanced manufacturing techniques to optimize these properties. For the handles, they use noble materials such as selected woods and deer antler, which combine resistance and ergonomics.
How do Muela knives compare to other manufacturers in terms of quality?
Muela knives compare very favorably with other manufacturers in terms of quality, standing out for their combination of high-quality materials, artisanal manufacturing and modern technology. They are recognized for their excellent resistant steel, durability, precision in cutting and impeccable finishes. In addition, they include handmade leather covers that complement their presentation and functionality. This positions them as a superior or equivalent option to other recognized brands, especially in the field of hunting and outdoor knives, where resistance and precision are crucial. Muela offers very high and reliable quality for demanding users.
What recent innovations has Muela introduced in its knives?
Muela has recently presented special products under the theme “Voluntad de Acero”, among which the exclusive sale of two luxury knives stands out: El Macareno and El Podenquero-Lujo. These types of limited releases underscore an orientation towards collectors and high-end knife aficionados, beyond their traditional range of hunting and survival knives.
In addition, Muela has started an official podcast called “Voluntad de Acero”, which indicates a commitment to strengthen its brand through digital content and approach its community in an innovative way. There are no public details on new material technologies or functional design in its standard lines recently; The notable innovation focuses on limited editions and the brand's communication strategy.
What are the most popular Muela knife models among users?
Among the most popular Muela knife models are:
- Rhino grinding wheel: Known for its ergonomic design and versatility, it is ideal for various tasks.
- Kodiak grinding wheel: This hunting knife stands out for its wooden handle and sharp blade, perfect for precision work.
- Bowie grind: A classic Bowie style, recognized for its robust and curved blade, ideal for outdoor activities and hunting.
- Moose Grinding Wheel: A popular model in the hunting category, known for its quality and traditional design.
- Muela Cazorla: With traditional design and excellent manufacturing quality, it is ideal for daily use and outdoor activities.
These knives are highly valued for their quality and functionality.
Grinding wheel It represents a solid combination between industrial know-how and artisanal dedication. Its knives and folding knives cover practical and aesthetic needs, and its offering is capable of satisfying everyone from the user looking for a reliable instrument for the field to the demanding collector. Each piece made of Argamasilla de Calatrava carries with it the promise of durability, precision and the soul of a craft that has spanned more than six decades without losing its essence. If you value quality, tradition and design, Muela is an option that deserves to be considered in your next purchase.
