CPM REX 45 | Edge Toughness

A comparison to CPM M4 for reference

[@CliffStamp]

Nice use of a benchmark for comparison. Without some kind of reference it is often hard to know if the performance was good, bad or ugly.

[@kinteruoru]

Cliff Stamp guys help me out I want only one knife would Para 3 in maxamet do or should I go with something more moderate like S30v sharpening is not a problem for me

[@CliffStamp]

What do you normally cut/use it for?

[@kinteruoru]

Cliff Stamp in Europe I can get para3 in s30v 110v maxamet and soon in rex45 I hope it will be my one knife on me all the time so will be used for everything what will require sharp edge or point if it’s less corrosion resistant that’s not a problem edge stability is more required but like I said I have choice off above mentioned steel thanks for help Cliff also glad you are back posting videos thanks to theme you opened my mind on steel what is what and what is more important then other sadly no aeb-l in Europe best you can do here is opinel in 12c27 wish spyderco used this on para3 would have no problem buying

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

Good to see you around still Cliff!

[@daveglarner2138]

Your sharpening skills and willingness to destroy everything you touch fascinate me.

[@FearNoSteel]

Dave Glarner kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3rQf3qAg8ipf8U

[@bp-hx9ts]

Big Brown Bear lol

[@daveglarner2138]

@@FearNoSteel Soooo......when you mess something up, you just leave the room and pretend it didn't happen. Well I could do that!

[@BurnDuration]

Dave Glarner agreed. BBB next will split a sledge hammer in half and then fix it with a small foundry and forge the two halves back together.

[@timothybecker8605]

Yeah me too

[@Rob_h_floridaman]

Man, that sound..... I thought for sure that edge would be all chunked out with little half moon chips.

[@markanthonystringfellow3923]

OUCH!!! Almost had to turn the sound off half way through!!! Great Test and Results B :-)))

[@FearNoSteel]

Right? Nasty shit bro

[@jrclad2964]

In the name of sciencie ;-) It is very much appreciated tough tests like this. Thanks a lot. Take care.

[@wrjames38]

Nice job Sean...thanks for the testing! Looks like Rex 45 is a keeper

[@fredspompinato8123]

Awesome test, no room for disputes, also very instructional about cutting and blade performance.

[@jarettgrondin2681]

I love rex 45 it's an awesome steel and wish more companies would use it! Also that m4 still did and looks better then I thought it would! Once again thanks for doing theses kinds of test really appreciate it 🐻!!!!

[@brose04008]

Oh man, makes me cringe to listen to that. But kudos to you for doing tests like this to help us know exactly what it is we’re carrying. You’ve got balls of CPM REX 45, dude.

[@Jef]

Gnarly. Excellent adjective to describe this. Tough stuff.

[@seanbarber5237]

Wow that hurts my soul. I appreciate your testing I could not do it. 👍🙏👊

[@nOObels1]

Just found this chanel because I want to add a nice slicer to my collection that is tough. Love the abuse you out these through 👌🏼🔪

[@alisuperhornet]

Great video, thank you! I can't wait for a rex45 Shaman!

[@aah4764]

YAY!!! I've been eagerly awaiting Rex 45 reviews!!! Thanks!

[@FearNoSteel]

I gotcha dawg

[@smookizi8658]

Seeing this in 2020 and finding the answer to why all the rex-45 sprints are disappering like we are all living in a fucking Harry Potter movie.

[@ToddGajewski]

Awesome job, this reinforces my reason for getting the Para 3 in Rex 45...thanks for extreme testing the steel so we don't have to!

[@tonycanniffe2360]

Love these torture tests! Rex45 super impressive.

[@barrylevitt1170]

THANKS FOR THE TEST; I COULD NEVER ABUSE MY KNIVES THE WAY YOU DO BUT THE TEST RESULTS ARE GREAT.

[@bigbullet9224]

Nn

[@Stassa23]

Wow that’s awesome I New Rex was tuff but I had no idea it was that much more stable than there M4. You rock brother 👍👊👊

[@FearNoSteel]

Thanks Nick :)

[@jcb6713]

….man, that's brutal ! :-) ...have a good week...

[@ericmack1709]

Wow!! Now I have to buy the Para 3 with the Rex 45. That was impressive! I would not abuse my knife like that. But it is interesting seeing how well the Rex 45 held up. Thank you

[@highvibration894]

That’s the spirit triple B, straight to the copper rod to sort out which beast runs supreme. Loved the info, thanks bro.

[@FearNoSteel]

Yeah man, thanks for stopping by :)

[@machete417]

I think this may be the first vid of yours I've seen. Dig it. Keep doing you.

[@FearNoSteel]

Thanks my man.

[@Rascal77s]

That sound chipped my soul 😥

[@johnmpifer]

I think it would be really interesting to see all the major high-end steels pitted against each other in this test. You know, for comparison - it would be interesting to see how some of the higher V stainless super steels would compare. How do you think that would end?

[@marekmasar5216]

That's crazy.. Now lot of ppl regard Rex 45 as overhyped M4 cause I guess they all taking into account only edge retention witch is almost identical but after watching this I see the difference.. Rex 45 has much higher edge stability..But I still go for that M4 in this case😁 That black blade with natural jade g10 looks just amazing and my most desired pm2 really.. Thx 🐻

[@Damen0530]

Great testing Shawn, nice to know the Rex45 holds up...

[@FearNoSteel]

Damen0530 yup, interesting stuff

[@SprayEndPray]

That hurt my ears to listen to. Now I really wish I had that copper PM2 in Rex45.

[@mikeboyer1114]

Nice test. I figured REX would have chipped at that high hardness. Have you thought about doing a similar test comparing CRUWEAR and 52100? That would be cool to see.

[@FearNoSteel]

Mike Boyer haha eventually 😂

[@southerncross100]

Pretty clear demonstration.

[@FearNoSteel]

Yeah huh? Cool stuff.

[@southerncross100]

Now that you have done the test, it would be interesting to see what effect convexing the edge of the M4 would have on the results if the test was done a second time.

[@revolvermaster4939]

Brother, I appreciate you doing this so I don’t have to!

[@littlewoody5539]

Holy smokes Batman !

[@Oozy9Millimeetah]

I've read your review on Spyderco forums on rex 45 and it seems like an amazing steel, buuut im gonna skip it i like toothy ripper edges on my high carbide steels i have plenty of knives that take smooth razor like edge already, just don't need another one. Thanks for the review.( That toughness makes me second guess my decision tho 😬) - Edit 2hr after commenting. Fuck it im getting it!!!! I need to get some fine diamond plates too!!!!!!

[@FearNoSteel]

LMAO love it, stay thristy bro

[@SteveKluver]

Thanks Bear. Damn, you sure know how to hurt a guy. Today, is my Jade Manix 2 M4 carry day! L o l, yesterday was PM2 REX 45 day. This does tell me, to put a micro-bevel on the M4 blade. The next time it's due up on the sharpeners bench.

[@markcowan3366]

Thank you for doing this test. I could/would not do anything like this to a $200+ knife, let alone 2! I can't wait for the day I'm financially solid enough to not care 😂.

[@HollywoodTacticool]

this is a truly evil test, thanks so much for the demonstration, the rest of us would never try! lol

[@macmccartney5760]

I'm finally sharpening my native chief in rex 45 for the first time

[@antonio792141]

I ordered a Para2 with Rex45 because of this video

[@em4703]

I believe that if M4 was the same hardness as Rex 45, the test results would have been way different. Lets face it, Rex 45/HAP-40 is just M4 with extra cobalt. A little cobalt helps with heat treatment (ex. The reason why S110V can be taken 3-4 HRC higher than S90V), but high amounts like in this steel are useless for a knife since red hot hardness is a useless attribute, and it definitely comes with a drawback. In theory, at the same heat treatment and hardness, CPM M4 should have higher toughness than Rex 45.

[@FearNoSteel]

E M prove it

[@zachstuff]

Gnarly test, love it!

[@THEEnfantTerrible]

I never bought an M4 and wasn’t going to buy the Rex bc I generally don’t care for super steel hype(Love ZDP and Vtoku though lol) HOWEVER, after seeing this video I bought a Rex PM2 today from Cutlery Shoppe

[@isaiah_b_3798]

I put a convex edge on my PM2 in M4 using a TSPROF Kadet. The convex edge puts more metal behind the apex giving me long times between sharpening. I strop it occasionally with CBN or Gunny Juice on leather. I don’t have an issue with edge rolling on heavy use and I like to think it’s the convex edge that gives the apex that little extra support.

[@timothyallen9495]

🤯 Dayuuuuum! Great test! Happy I have a Rex45 Para 3.

[@Greg_M308]

Great vid. Thanks!!

[@FearNoSteel]

Thanks Greg, I appreciate it.

[@dantone8734]

Heck yeah man. Looking forward to my Rex45 Pm2 coming in this week. See how she does against my Cruwear Pm2 ( current fav pocket knife steel)

[@prone_wolf8871]

Snap, crackle, pop! 👍👍

[@Outpost_76]

Great to see this.

[@FearNoSteel]

Outpost 76 thanks brother

[@DarkSim77]

Seeing this makes me want the Rex 45 Millie that much more..I never take a Pm 2 or 3 to work but take a Millie every day and it gets beat to death. The awesome burnt Orange is a bonus.

[@mikelikesknives428]

The sound! It's hard to listen to. I love theses tests. No fear.👍

[@FearNoSteel]

Jayzus haha I thought I was breaking that edge off lol

[@TurboGlenn]

That hurt me like a fork on a plate xD Nice video!

[@AndrewDanielson]

I would love to see a similar test with s30 s90 and s110

[@FearNoSteel]

Andrew Danielson one day lol

[@CoffeeAndSteel]

Very nice test. Now that I don't have as much free time to do testing I'm glad I'm finding channels where other people are. I'm curious how 52100 would fair in this test.

[@vindice5849]

Just scored a bnib one of these rex pm2 super stoked!

[@knifeISknife]

This Video is hard for my heart 😉

[@edcgearpocketknife]

Makes me cringe poor knife lol

[@tracybumgarner6624]

good review.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

I fucking knew it! Lol

[@gtslow7]

That was brutal and hard to watch. Nice test though. 👍🏻

[@FearNoSteel]

gtslow7 I don't know, I'm testing right now

[@vasiliykuznetzov7885]

Thanks!!!

[@Grimm-14]

I'm loving your vids! Good ol brass rod test, been seeing the same results with k390... sim type of mix-(W, Co, Mo) strong complex carbide structure? Lol, spyderco must love your vids too!

[@FearNoSteel]

K390 is in my top three

[@Grimm-14]

@@FearNoSteel Ditto! K390, CRU-WEAR, M4 or Vanex? I wonder how much the extra cobalt has a hand in HT, protecting the steel? I know the Cobalt HSS bits always lasted the longest on the job. Usually a high cobalt variant M2 & M3. HSS Steel geek out!

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

Fascinating. Im still an M4 man though. Imo its level of edge holding and toughness strikes a perfect balance. Its a bit of a beotch to sharpen but the edge it produces is just wicked.

[@FearNoSteel]

You would like Rex 45 that much better

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

@@FearNoSteel - i havent tried it yet. Ive been content with M4 but if theres a noticeable improvement maybe i should get me a nice terra cotta Spydy para 3!

[@matthewkuhl79]

i've got Manixes in M4 and Rex 45 and _definitely_ prefer the Rex. My M4 chips too easily.

[@lo_que3827]

That was brutal. Great video. You should do test vs large staples too! (the bane of all folding knives) ...would also like to see Maxamet and S110V stacked against M4 and REX45 in testing. You do great work BBB.

[@FearNoSteel]

Right on bro, Yea it's an interesting test.

[@Steveo30xyz]

That hurts to watch that trauma

[@SilverStackers]

Interesting test, but would be more interested in a wear resistance test as I don’t plan to cut metal rods with my knife.

[@FearNoSteel]

if you want wear resistance, look at the spec sheet and go with the steel that has more carbide forming alloys, high carbon and heat treatment at high hardness. Also it really depends on how its sharpened and used, your not always going to see MORE edge holding with the more wear resistant steel. I figured it was more interesting to see which had more stability

[@BirdShotIV]

no mercy indeed!!!!!!! :D

[@FearNoSteel]

BirdShot IV kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIWXeoCNr7epqc0

[@tomr3641]

Kinda makes you wonder, after today's sharpening of the WE/Ferrum Forge/S35VN how that would compare.....

[@javierguzman6987]

You should try the k390 on the Paramilitary 2 and compare it to the cruwear on the manix 2 awesome video by the way

[@RubricoA.]

Torque It Like Brown Bear is a new mixtape

[@inthepocket7405]

This is awesome! Never would have expected that... Could you possibly rest hap 40 against these two? It has a similar composition, and I’m curious if it would keep up with the Rex 45. Thanks for this video!

[@EDCandLace]

God that sound hurts me inside!

[@angeloshamus2870]

Subd for sure

[@SuperSteelSteve]

Here we go

[@jimmycricket7946]

Shawn what grits do you recommend for sharpening rex45? All I have are belts right now until i get some dmt. Im really struggling to find the right course for this stuff, i can't even get a decent burr. Thanks again and hope all is well!!

[@notcatfish]

I'm a complete baby--I had to put on subtitles and mute the video when you started cutting. Theres a joke in here somewhere about the dowel not being the only thing made out of brass in this video.

[@FearNoSteel]

LMAO

[@steeltoez8345]

I don't plan on pushing Rex 45 to that extreme but this comparison test proves superiority in edge stability. I predicted minor advantage but the Rex exceeded my expectations. The brass rod I hope stays as a benchmark for future tests or comparisons. I missed the cruwear run on the para 3 but Rex 45 for me is the next best thing. On a fluke I was able to score a rex para 3 but many have not. Having the guts to beat it up for the benefit of public knowledge, should never be undervalued. That manix in maxamet has been put thru hell to show me and others its capability. Rex 45 hopefully doesn't need 12 videos to prove its toughness. The shortcomings of rust is the only downside I can phathom at this point. According to the Rex 45 geekout vid rex45 at higher hardness was the way to improve spydercos hap40. If that's the case then the future tests will prove that theory.

[@FearNoSteel]

Haha I was hoping for a higher hardness and more aggression at the edge to be honest, my expectation for Rex 45 was for a "Maxamet Lite" little less horsepower for more toughness and ease of Sharpening but same attributes. REX 45 though is just different. Not up there with Maxamet but a killer blend of attributes dudes will LOVE

[@steeltoez8345]

If edge aggression is desirable I stick to fully serrated models. Having all the choices that we do its easy to forget plain edge or serrated if offered historically was the hardest choice we had to make. There might be more ideal steel compositions for serrations than s30v but its all we have right now. I have nothing in maxamet and maxamet lite doesn't exist as far as I'm aware. I see the vtoku runs hitting a high hardness. Rex45 with a confirmed 64 hrc makes me optimistic bd1n will follow that high hardness trend too.

[@macmccartney5760]

I assumed from what I've heard from KZbinrs that rex 45 was easily chipped. This makes me think otherwise. It seems to have good strength behind the edge kind of like k390, maybe not as much, butI'm not sure.. no expert here

[@PATISHAH]

Unfortunately m4 does not have right heat treatment, and rex45 does.

[@macmccartney5760]

What is the best grit finish on diamond stones for rex 45, should I stop on 600 or follow up threw 1200 then strop. Or should I go all the way up threw ceramics

[@dandildarious4849]

Let me guess, the REX 45s are sold out already?

[@bjdunne5113]

I thought M4 was tougher than Rex but less wear resistant.

[@tomr3641]

Thats a why.

[@atomedgesharpening]

Bro if that M4 was at optimal hardness like the Rex was... Perhaps another tale?

[@FearNoSteel]

Maxwell Super M4 would chip like crazy at that hardness.

[@atomedgesharpening]

Big Brown Bear wasn't it only at 60? I was thinking 62 was optimal for M4. The Rex45 is 65 though right?

[@BigDubstepEnergy]

Ugh that hurts! Lol

[@FearNoSteel]

Jared Comer yes, It was painful to do lol

[@stlchevy95]

did knifecenters orders get out yet?? ive been waiting for mine, still no sign of it

[@FearNoSteel]

stlchevy95 no idea, other mine from gpknives a few weeks ago

[@bp-hx9ts]

Wow that’s impressive I wouldn’t be able to do that

[@JohnSmith-ym3zq]

Hey man, how about seeing how tough S45 VN is compared to REX 45?

[@nevertakeadayoff]

lmao the camera was blurry most of the time

[@tomr3641]

Hi Shawn, Another interesting video. Thanks. Help my aging memory please, wasn't there another Rex45/M4 video before this one, comparing the two but not discussing pros and cons? I'm not finding it. Was it taken down?

[@FearNoSteel]

Let's save that video for when testing is done

[@tomr3641]

Ok, makes good sense. But I'm not losing my mind, there was another right?

[@FearNoSteel]

@@tomr3641 nah, no other vid : )

[@convex7456]

I had a feeling rex45 would hold up better. That coated m4 para3 is nice

[@FearNoSteel]

convex Yea, I thought so too based on how it behaved on the stones. Very interesting

[@speedykobac]

Hallo. What angle have this knives?

[@don0giorgio]

Do the same test with cru-wear and 20cv!)

[@FearNoSteel]

don0giorgio Yea man, soon 👊😁

[@don0giorgio]

Big Brown Bear we will be waiting) Also something tells me maxamet will chip like hell)

[@FearNoSteel]

don0giorgio yup, but it cuts like hell too

[@SteveKluver]

Guess who hardness tested their PM2/REX 45 today? Yep, me! Want to guess at the results?

[@FearNoSteel]

65rc

[@SteveKluver]

66.5!

[@FearNoSteel]

@@SteveKluver let's trade knives 😂

[@SteveKluver]

No way, Man! 😎 I just sent you a couple of pictures, via Google Hangouts. Did you get them?

[@FearNoSteel]

@@SteveKluver nah, I never use the hang out hahha

[@mforrest1508]

I did this on copper with hap40. I know that it’s softer than brass... but it was perfect! I was so surprised! Love that steel. Do you have a hap40 blade you could compare them to?

[@FearNoSteel]

I have a hap40 Delica but it's a different geometry so its not going to be as useful, part of what cool about this testing is that we are using the same knife, same edge, different steel

[@mforrest1508]

Big Brown Bear true dat! But if the thickness behind the edge is the same might be a cool thing. As long as your only using the very edge as you are here. Are you curious? I am! Appreciate you beating the shit out of your stuff 👍. Ridiculous how us guys totally dork out about this shit.

[@kinteruoru]

Big Brown Bear in theory how would maxamet perform vs Rex 45 is maxamet tougher then s30v trying make my mind on my first spyderco

[@mforrest1508]

kinteruoru if it’s your first spyderco, I’d prob not go right to maxamet. I know your asking BBB but just saying. S30v is tougher. Maxamet stronger. Maxamet famously difficult to sharpen. What other steels have you tried? Do you sharpen yourself? Do you have a favorite?

[@FearNoSteel]

@@mforrest1508 Yea, what Matt said :)

[@MsKatiepeter]

I bet the Rex 45 is 2-3 points higher in hardness then the M4 resulting in a stronger edge. Spyderco ran some M4 models a little soft for my liking 62-63. its better at 65 IMO. That Rex 45 is probably 66-67 hrc.

[@FearNoSteel]

matt peter @frankie_blade on Instagram did some hardness testing, 61.5 for M4 and 64hrc for Rex 45. Here are some of my observations from Sharpening www.spyderco.com/forumII/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=80749

[@SuperSteelSteve]

matt peter higher rockwell results in a stronger edge for Vertical force i.e cutting He's testing lateral stress... A higher rockwell with M4 likely would have resulted in big chips... The parts of the edge that you see rolling on the M4 blade would be chips at 64 hrc. Higher hrc generally means stronger edge holding (vertical stress) but less toughness (lateral stress)

[@MsKatiepeter]

Rex 45 seems to have a nice strong structure. Wonder where is falls into place with wear resistance.

[@MsKatiepeter]

On another channel here, a Spyderco Rex 45 blade was tested at 66.5. Those portable Ames testers like franky blades used are much less accurate then the heavy bench top style testers.

[@SuperSteelSteve]

@@MsKatiepeter what channel?

[@HalfBit360]

Hey man I got 2 questions that maybe you could help me with. One: is the Spyderco UK PK riding on washers? Two: so I bought a Nagao Higonokami in Aogami and it has a rust patch which is odd since I never got it wet and I live in Michigan, but the question I had about it was what could put a nice patina on the blue steel and how do you tell the difference visually from patina and rust?

[@FearNoSteel]

1. I've never owned a PK, no idea 2. All carbon steel takes a patina, avoid red/orange rust.

[@HalfBit360]

Big Brown Bear oh it must be an S110v para 3 my bad lol, thanks though!

[@markjg2275]

This is knife blade abuse , no knife steel no matter what steel it is was designed for cutting metal on metal . That said it is good to see how tough and good these knife steels are , though they will be a pain to hand sharpen on a diamond sharpener in the field as well.

[@FearNoSteel]

only if your sharpening grandpa style without moving back and forth and if you cant hit the angles. I've made several video of chip repair on high wear steels with diamond field stones. The user is the biggest variable

[@mforrest1508]

👍

[@AMCKEEL1]

What are those scales called??

[@macro820]

That is hard to watch! lol

[@FearNoSteel]

Preproto Yea, it was gnarly

[@aray9628]

Damn and I bought the Para 3 in M4 😭