Rex 45 - Spyderco PM2 and Para 3 Review and Sharpening

This is a review of the Spyderco Para Military 2 and Para 3 sprint runs in Rex 45. There’s discussion on the steel and it’s performance. There’s also a test between Rex 45 and HAP40. The video also documents sharpening Rex 45.

[@Idaho_Knife_Climb]

Man you have a CRIMINALLY underrated channel

[@CedricAda]

Very interesting result and speaks volumes about how treatments change performances. Very interesting results, shared and liked!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors thanks. I agree with you, it speaks volumes to the details.

[@convex7456]

@@michaelchristy4982 do u still have and use your 52100 spyderco. Whats your opinion of that on a folder now?

[@michaelchristy4982]

convex which one? The Military or PM2?

[@E1337N3SS]

Man I just got a PM3 in M390. Now I have to get a PM2 in Rex 45. You're costing me money here!

[@VincenzoNero94]

Dam nice scores. I just picked up the Rex45 mili. Thanks for the video

[@ianbeausejour11]

Great job on your content! I love watching your videos. I have to say you're probably the most informative youtuber that I watch when it comes to knife sharpening and combinations of stones and strops. You're open about your testing methods as well and you present facts rather than opinions! Thanks for providing all the great information

[@michaelchristy4982]

Ian Beausejour thank you.

[@markb3727]

Impressive results and thanks for another great video. FWIW, 1122 is 21% more than 924 (not 17%. Change is measured against the first number, not the second). I liked your toughness testing comments and notes. I brought this up on the forums. That seems to be a more challenging test to standardize and measure. BBB's test was impressive though.

[@oceanwaves83]

Mark Berley it depends on how it's worded. If you're just saying a "##% difference" you could use either number as long as you specified. But as far as the percentage of increase, you're correct.

[@moparhemi1777]

Hoping to be able to pick up a Rex 45 Para 2 in the next few days. Thanks for getting this video out so quickly.

[@wrjames38]

Nice job Michael. ..another informative and interesting video. Got both the PM2 and Para 3 in this run and going for military also. Thanks for your efforts!

[@michaelchristy4982]

wrjames38 thank you.

[@jamesmiller360]

Man I need to quit watching your vids. Each time I watch one I have to buy another knife. Enjoyed the video, very interesting.

[@gilbertopadilla3611]

Great video. You are one of my go to knife channels. My Native Chief in REX 45 should be here today.

[@mikeb8283]

Really appreciate your videos MC. Thanks for the time and knowledge you put into each one.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Michael Brogdon thank you.

[@marvinbrock960]

I love your approach, what I know vs what I’ve heard. Very matter of fact. Thanks bro keep it up.

[@cavtj1]

Great job Michael, you are lucky to get one, let alone both of those knives. Very elusive! They were gone very quick everywhere! Not sure I am ready to pay what they are asking on e-bay! Thanks for another informative video Sir! Between you and Big Brown Bear, very knowledgeable and inspiring people!

[@michaelchristy4982]

cavtj1 thank you. He and I both really appreciate it.

[@ericmack1709]

The Para 3 in Rex 45 is selling for 200 on eBay. That is not bad. The knife is worth 200 $

[@slabside67]

Just got one from BBS. My first Spyderco. Holy sh!t is this thing amazing. Been carrying ZT 0562 CF for 7 yrs in m390...its looks good on my dresser. CruWear eventually. Your channel has convinced me to learn freehand. I’m astounded at your skill brotha. Master of Craft.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Mujuro Utsutsu thanks man. Enjoy the journey of freehand.

[@slabside67]

Michael Christy Hey brotha. Would a softer steel be a good place to start to get a feel for how the stone interacts with the bevel. Seems like freehand is more feel that see.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Mujuro Utsutsu I think a less expensive steel is a good place to start getting a feel for freehand. Mistakes will be made... may as well anticipate that from a financial perspective. I often suggest Opinels because they can sharpen well. Some of the softer steels, like some 400 series steels, will be difficult to get good results with. They grind easy, but that doesn’t mean they take a good edge.

[@justinAroy]

Recently found your channel. I think I've watched every video now, lol. Appreciate the content.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Justin Roy thanks.

[@jeffreyweber8006]

Wow. Quite a difference. I was not expecting that. Great video, brother!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Jeffrey Weber thanks man.

[@FearNoSteel]

CLASSIC

[@michaelchristy4982]

Big Brown Bear thank you brother.

[@SteveKluver]

Thank you Michael. I'll do my best to get next door today, and have my PM2 Rockwell hardness tested, and report back here.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Steve Kluver good deal.

[@SteveKluver]

I just got it finished up. We did a calibration test first, to make sure the unit was dead on. We then hit it, half way between the Spydie hole, and the scales, on the show side of the blade. The result, was 66.5. I took a picture of the dial gauge, if anyone wants that emailed to them.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Steve Kluver wow. 66.5 is up there. That’s great.

[@SteveKluver]

That is great. I was crossing my fingers, for at least a 64.5. I'd of been happy enough there, but no lower. I'd pat Sal on the back right now too, if he was near by. That number, is not them being conservative, at all. Well done, Spyderco. I say.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Steve Kluver I agree, it’s not conservative at all. I wonder what kind of variation there is in the run? I wonder what the curve looks like?

[@MsKatiepeter]

Good results on Rex 45. 64-65 rc is a good balance for this steel it seems. M4 at that same hardness would be a little better edge holding and possibly tougher IMO. Rex 45 is pretty much the same as M3 with an addition of cobalt alloying for higher attainable and red hardness. Thanks for your input, great video!

[@alecstillwell4744]

Should j put my rex 45 pm2 yo use or keep it in the box 🤔

[@MichaelSmith-ti6qc]

67 hrc

[@williamthomas5780]

I have the REX Shaman OTW. I'm loving the K390 PM2. Very keen edge and good feel in sharpening on Venev ocb 8 - 12. Can't wait to work with the REX 45. It took a while to pull the trigger but they're almost gone so... Yeah. Stellar content BTW. I don't comment much but I watch over and over again. 🤙

[@markanthonystringfellow3923]

Michael Christy!, The Definition of Consistency :-)))

[@mikelikesknives428]

Great video as always. I'll be on the lookout for this steel. It looks interesting. I am late to the party as usual. Thanks👍

[@PockeTanK]

Would love for you to give a revisit of this steel sometime. Would like to hear what you have to say.

[@manifestgtr]

People who say that your front end disappears after the first cut simply haven’t checked for themselves. I was cleaning my Cruwear PM2 earlier this week after an encounter with some really brutal adhesive…figured it would at least need to be stropped after such an onslaught so I checked it out and after a month in the rotation, it was still splitting hair on contact…tip to ricasso…with a .25 micron polished edge, no less.

[@ASOKAEdge]

Since subscribing to your channel, I have learned quite a bit from your videos. Keep posting 👍. I definitely would like to have a chat sometime.

[@sst3tz]

Hey Michael I think you would enjoy LC200N. Just sharpened it and the edge just jumped out. Got it to sticky sharp very quick.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Scot S yeah, I’m interested in it, but I don’t have any knives in LC200N. I’ve heard good things about it though.

[@notcatfish]

I was able to get the edge I wanted on shaptons but my skill level is nowhere near where you are at and I know I don't have as high a standard as you do. The steel felt quite hard during sharpening to me--to the extent that the Rockwell numbers showing up are a little surprising. Could be my sharpening technique and the stone progression I'm using. Thanks for doing the cut test. Those are impressive results. I was actually expecting the Endura to cut a little longer. I don't know why though.

[@stevefrigon209]

U the man mike

[@michaelchristy4982]

Steve Frigon no my friend, you’re the man.

[@Molokairider]

Great info as always!

[@lucacadianalbert]

man I love your videos. I must ask - do you have a bucket of hair hanging on your bench for these tests? LOL

[@michaelchristy4982]

Luc Albert glad you like the videos. Just a couple set aside.

[@Damen0530]

Awesome testing Mike....

[@michaelchristy4982]

Damen0530 thank you.

[@PaulK390S90V]

Another great video Michael. I have the rex 45 para 3 and endura hap 40. Very interesting. I thought they would be much more similar. Hopefully you can get a knife in rex 76 from Jay or something else you haven't tested

[@jesseg.2416]

PS, I'm about to pay way too much for a cruwear para3, you got any laying around that you want to get rid of at a good price like under 3?

[@Steveo30xyz]

Great video man

[@michaelshuey1614]

The proper way to mathematically quantify the difference in inches cut is to divide 1122” by 924”. This results in approximately a 21% improvement over HAP 40

[@jesseg.2416]

You need to sell spyderco knives at twice the markup as bento and put an edge on and your makers mark. Just a thought. Great content as usual

[@thaknobodi]

If you lighly rub the edge on the flat surface of cardboard, without cutting it, your apex will reflect light in short order. I feel the act of actual cutting, splitting the fibers, is less abrasive than rubbing the edge back and forth on flat cardboard lightly.

[@mforrest1508]

Hap 40 is slightly higher alloy content you would think would give it the edge. Gotta be a hardness issue. My hap40 endura doesn’t feel super hard on the stones to me.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Matthew Forrest you’re not the first person I’ve heard say that about the HAP40 folders.

[@mforrest1508]

Michael Christy it was still good, great actually. Really liked it. But I have xhp that feels significantly harder on the stones.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Matthew Forrest I agree, I’m still very happy with the HAP40 models that I have. It would be interesting to know what the RC of the HAP40 models is.

[@anthonywaldrep5982]

Seriously awesome channel!! I can only imagine how much more cardboard you could cut with a micro-bevel !!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Anthony Waldrep why would a micro bevel cut more cardboard?

[@anthonywaldrep5982]

@@michaelchristy4982 I think I saw a Cliff Stamp video that posits a microbevel gives a little more strength behind the edge. I have noticed an increase in edge durability on a knife sharpened to 30° to cut cardboard and then touching that edge up with a 40° microbevel. Is there conclusive evidence to back this up or is this just a placebo effect?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Anthony Waldrep a micro bevel will give more strength to the edge, but 30 inclusive is not a problem with S90V at this HRC cutting cardboard, so why micro bevel? Also, a higher edge angle (like with a micro bevel) will decrease edge retention, so again, why micro bevel at 30 inclusive?

[@anthonywaldrep5982]

@@michaelchristy4982 I did a 40° microbevel after originally sharpening to 30° inclusive. I usually use a microbevel for quick touch ups to minimize sharpening time. Thank you for your insight!

[@littlewoody5539]

Good video answer my questions on rex45 thanks .

[@michaelchristy4982]

little woody thanks.

[@johnmpifer]

+Michael Christy Military in Rex45 for $180, or Military in Cru-Wear for $260?

[@michaelchristy4982]

John Pifer pick your color.

[@ToddGajewski]

Excellent review of the steel, as usual! Really curious about the rockwell on a small sampling of this run...let us know if you have yours tested...my guess after seeing your results is that it’s higher than we originally thought.

[@michaelchristy4982]

ToddGajewski thanks. They might be high.

[@ToddGajewski]

Michael Christy One thing is for sure, the results of your testing made me order a Para 2 to go with the para 3 I already have. A few left on Ebay, get em before they go to $300!🤔

[@dariocarafa3788]

It sounds like you're saying charpy c notch instead of charpy v-notch am I hearing you wrong or is there a difference between a c notch and a v notch? I'm trying to learn about this and there's one other place I've heard someone say c notch but all the research I've done about charpy impact tests have all called it a v notch. Just curious, no hate

[@angelos5348]

Did you see BBBs video comparing the rex para 3 to an m4 para 3. Rex seemed to be tougher than m4 on that one. But that's just one test of course. Love your work man. Keep it up. (Edit) didn't see the caption you put up stating exactly this.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Puiu 1 yeah, two different kinds of toughness tests, the Charpy C notch test and bend fracture test.

[@peter-zs4ml]

Do you keep a jar of hair stashed in the shop, hahaha. Great video as always. Huge fan of PM2, but have too many so I skipped it. But looking forward to getting Rex 45 Military.

[@michaelchristy4982]

peter thanks. No jar. Just a couple hairs set aside usually.

[@finnrockefeller669]

Very interesting videos. Thanks for doing all the hard work so I know what I’m getting in to when I make a purchase! What is your preferred media for stropping? Are abrasive compounds a necessity?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Finn Rockefeller leather for a long term strop, bass wood for a short term strop. Yes, compounds are a necessity.

[@finnrockefeller669]

Michael Christy, if I’ve committed on a knife/steel that I’ll use until inoperable, how would I go about deciding on stones to suit it? What would I need to consider?

[@hidude2124]

Since the composition of the steels are so similar, is there any way Rex 45 can be actually better than hap 40 in edge retention. They seem too similar to make that significant of a difference in edge retention. The only reason I could think of explaining this anomaly is heat treat, which would be an in interesting test. Two knives of the same model and steel, only difference is hrc. And testing to see how ranged the results are in terms of edge retention and toughness. Also I’ve seen the tests big brown bear has done with toughness testing, and it’s looking like this is some “insane edge retaining brass cutting SUPER STEEL!!” In which hap 40 is the same steel. How does this Rex have so many pros over hap when they are the same steel with seeming only a different heat treat

[@michaelchristy4982]

Hi Dude the difference is the HT and RC. That’s what’s significant.

[@hidude2124]

Michael Christy have you done testing on hrc to edge retention ratio? Same steel different hrc.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Hi Dude no. Find a maker to make the knives, pay for them, and make them in an interesting steel, and I’d consider it... it’s a tall order.

[@hidude2124]

Michael Christy it would be interesting. It would really open up how important that hrc number is. I want to know your hypothesis. Do you think hrc will really make a huge difference? Based off this Rex test, I think so.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Hi Dude I think the steel and type of edge and type of test will be determining factors. But in some cases, yes, the HRC will make a huge difference.

[@gearbarrel6237]

I live in Florida what’s corrosion resistance like with this steel. Your steel test/reviews are the best!!!

[@michaelchristy4982]

Gear Barrel thanks. It’s my stainless. Beyond that, I’m not sure yet. Haven’t been carrying the steel long enough.

[@cody3078]

Great video! If m4 has better edge retention and toughness then is there any reason to choose rex45? Sounds like m4 is just better, no?

[@jimmycricket7946]

Rex45 has better edge stability. You can take that to the bank!!! It's a tougher steel. It's also Heat treated much higher. I think spyderco typically runs it 66-67 as far as I know. I like m4 but I think rex45 has it beat.

[@PeterC585]

Great video! What's the corrosion resistance of rex 45? Just scored a para 3 rex 45! Para 3 has really become my edc!

[@michaelchristy4982]

PeterC585 it’s not stainless. Probably a little more corrosion resistance then M4.

[@PeterC585]

@@michaelchristy4982 thank you keep up the great videos, if you want to test a spydie chef let me know

[@ianleicester7066]

hey michael, in your opinion which steel holds an edge for the longest ? i like spyderco's . and would love a military. i have watched a lot of your video's. i'm guessing maxemet ? but no mililary in maxemet. s110v ? if you have the time please reply, many thanks ian.

[@DANVIIL]

This reminds me of speeds and feeds in the old days of computers. For my money give me a properly heat treated D2 like the way Bob Dozier does for a high chromium knife or a 1084 simple steel. I don't need any knife that has an RC above 60 because of brittleness which leads to chipping. Unless you've used a Dozier in D2 it's hard to know what a great job it does.

[@harrisquicksilver6595]

I guess it really is the heat treat cause bbb has a vid with pm2m4 and pm2rex and the rex kicked its ass on the brass rod test

[@BCMZ]

Hi Mike, good test.....what's your opinion about maserin Nimrod knife? Do you know?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Ces Bma don’t know anything about it.

[@BCMZ]

@@michaelchristy4982 i'm on it, i like ergos and good package (m390 but i don't know the temp. of the steel). What's do you advice for edc sharpening? I mean do you put an aggresive edge or something different?

[@BCMZ]

@@michaelchristy4982 knifenews.com/tommaso-rumici-rethink-tactical-knives-with-the-maserin-nimrod/

[@michaelchristy4982]

Ces Bma depends on the steel.

[@BCMZ]

@@michaelchristy4982 M390 but i don't know how is hardned

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

I managed to get the Rex-45 PM2 but the para 3 I can't seem to catch,... very interesting, could blade geometry have been a factor in the difference? Either way. Looking forward to your afterthoughts once you've had the knife a while.

[@touchMelilbro]

No because pm2 has thincker stock and it is thicker behind the edge than endura so this would mean rex45 would have disadvantaged over hap40 but the result was totally the opposite .

[@Shanes_Sharp_Sheet]

True, so if the test was done using Hap-40 and Rex-45 say in the same model, the result should be even greater ... I really wasn't expecting a difference between the steels, hope Michael keeps looking at these two steels for a while.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Shane miller the blade geometry is not so different that it would swing the results.

[@ianbeausejour11]

I was wondering the same thing about blade geometry. The PM2 is a bit of a taller grind than the endura but the shapes are similar enough that I figured they should provide similar performance if the endura was a little thinner behind the edge.

[@bendurrance1682]

Rex 45 pm2 or cruwear Manix 2?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Ben Durrance I prefer the PM2 over the Manix 2... just my preference.

[@MrFedexboxes]

Where can I buy the 3000 grit combination stone, is there a link?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Fed Ex if you’re on FB, contact Ken Schwartz on messenger.

[@MrFedexboxes]

Ok I will thanks

[@mattwhite9568]

How has the edge held over time carrying it as an edc knife?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Matt White the edges have held amazingly. It’s really something I should revisit, because my initial impressions don’t do it justice.

[@mattwhite9568]

Great! I have a Rex 45 pm2 on the way.

[@michaelchristy4982]

Matt White enjoy it.

[@thefinder8087]

Thanks for the video, great as always. It's hard for me to suss out where this steel fits, and whether or not I'd carry it over the M4 or M390 versions I already have. Same goes for the 52100 Para 3 that's coming, I'd like it just for my collection but if I won't carry it then I probably won't buy it. Would you carry this over M4?

[@michaelchristy4982]

Nathaniel Graham with this heat treat, I’m not sure which will have better edge retention. But buy what you want. The point is to enjoy the hobby.

[@don0giorgio]

Hey man! Love your channel. What angle doy you use free hand sharpening? I assume its about 15 dps?

[@michaelchristy4982]

don0giorgio thanks. Glad you like the channel. I usually use 30 inclusive (15 DPS).

[@don0giorgio]

@@michaelchristy4982 is it possible to make hair whitling sharp edge with 40 inclusive angle?

[@cyphersuit1]

@@don0giorgio why not?

[@don0giorgio]

@@cyphersuit1 you achieved that i presume?)

[@cyphersuit1]

@@don0giorgio all the time. But i am not always sure its really 15 dps

[@drewpfeif5028]

What is the Rex comparable to as far as corrosion resistance?

[@michaelchristy4982]

drew Pfeif I haven’t had it long enough to know, but I would guess HAP40.

[@drewpfeif5028]

@@michaelchristy4982 I understand that. What's Hap40 close to? It has chromium comparable to M4, but it has a lot other things going on in there.

[@michaelchristy4982]

drew Pfeif from my use, I found that corrosion resistance with HAP40 was a little better then CPM M4. Although, corrosion isn’t something I really worry about, so it’s not very high on my radar.

[@drewpfeif5028]

Does it patina easily from EDC?

[@michaelchristy4982]

drew Pfeif not for me, but I’ve heard varying reports on M4 and it’s corrosive reactions to being carried that seemed to be largely based on where you lived. For me, corrosion with steels like M4, HAP40 and 10V is not an issue, but I’ve heard of people in other parts of the country that had more trouble with it then I did.

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

Do you recommend any books where I can get close to your level of knowledge on steels?

[@michaelchristy4982]

PowerMadHeadBanger there’s books on metallurgy that make me look completely amateur. (And quite frankly, I’m no metallurgist). Nothing I can think of to suggest though, but that’s not my typical reading material.

[@0onpoint]

@@michaelchristy4982 what do you read?

[@D00MTR33]

So you expected 15-20 cuts into wood to do something to an edge? Wood isn't very abrasive like cardboard which has silica. You should be able to do 500-1000 cuts into wood and it still cut phonebook paper especially on such a robust edge. Unless you twist and turn the edge every time trying to damage the edge Wood isn't a great media for edge testing.

[@michaelchristy4982]

D00MTR33 well, I wasn’t testing on the wood. There was nothing quantitative about it. It was qualitative. Think of it as a demonstration.

[@jovonntrujillo1143]

M4 vs Rex Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sebastianfaix]

please can you make video about cod steel cpm 20cv ? and how tough it it compare to s110v thanks

[@michaelchristy4982]

sebastian faix we’ll have to see when something in 20CV comes along that I want. I have done videos on M390 and CTS-204p, which are basically the same steel from different manufacturers. You could always look at those videos.

[@jdh9364]

Michael Christy bench made said on there site that cpm 20cv holds a longer edge then m390 but m390 is a little tougher. Every video I seen with the comparison of the two steel cpm 20cv comes out on top of the videos I seen. I have a bos heat treated 20cv knife coming. I have a few m390 knives already. I really think u should test 20cv when u get it. I think you’ll be impressed.

[@michaelchristy4982]

JDH 9 unless Crucible has changed the composition of the steel, it’ll be identical to M390, so any difference you’re seeing in a test is due to RC.

[@jdh9364]

Michael Christy that’s very true. But benchmade does say on there site they tested both of them as well and they seen that 20cv has better edge retention. I know there almost identical steels. And there shouldn’t be a noticeable or any difference in testing. Just stating what there saying due to there testing. I know hrc is everything with that. I love your vids man..!!

[@jdh9364]

Michael Christy What do u think the best edge holding non powered steel is. I’m a steel junkie and a machinist so I’m intrigued by your testing and these different steels...

[@sodalines]

it doesn't touch m4...

[@kevinAuman1]

How can you be an edge snob and have so much arm hair?!?!? Lmao, I have not had any hair on either arm and most of my lower legs for past 10yrs or so hahaha- damned high-polished edges!

[@michaelchristy4982]

kevin auman I split head hairs. I don’t bother with shaving arm hair.

[@kevinAuman1]

@@michaelchristy4982 yes I have been a sub for quite a while, lol always wondered where you get all those long hairs from if your wife and daughters are going bald as a result 🤣

[@michaelchristy4982]

kevin auman no need for bald, but it all comes from the wife. She has like 6 million of them... I only need a few.