Chapter 5: Conclusion
We have nearly reached the end of our journey with the Rhino. After the knife has been completely finished, the blade is sent out to have the logo and blade steel type laser-etched onto the blade. I prefer to use a laser etching company located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for this service. Although this is an expensive process (about $40 per blade), I feel they do an excellent job and are very accurate with their laser etches. This process usually takes about a week or so, depending on scheduling.
After the blade returns from the laser shop, the knife is carefully reassembled and inspected for any issues. The blade is centered and the tension on the pivot is adjusted. Following this, the knife is ready to be tested. I usually perform a few informal cutting tests on items like cardboard and printer paper. I then finish things off by whittling on a seasoned chunk of maple to test the integrity of the edge. If everything checks out with the edge testing, I then re-sharpen the blade on the Sharpmaker and get ready to stow the knife in my pocket for a little test-drive. The first Rhino is now complete.
Here are a few informal comparison shots of the Rhino alongside the Spyderco Poliwog. For your convenience, I have added the specifications of both knives (below):
Spyderco Poliwog:
Overall Length: 5.625" (143 mm)
Blade Length: 2.313" (59 mm)
Steel: VG-10
Closed Length: 3.375" (86 mm)
Edge Length: 1.875" (48 mm)
Weight: 2.5 oz (70 g)
Blade Thickness: .125" (3 mm)
Handle: G-10
Reinhold Rhino (custom):
Closed length: 3 9/16" (90 mm)
Overall length: 5 3/4" (146 mm)
Blade length: 2 1/4" (57 mm)
Edge length: 2 1/16" (52 mm)
Blade thickness: .125" (3 mm)
Blade profile: Trailing Point (Bowie-style)
Round Hole diameter: 1/2" (12 mm)
Steel: CPM-S35VN
Handle material: Canvas Micarta (dark green)
Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 grams)
Grind: Full-Flat
Clip: Right/Tip-up
Lock type: Michael Walker Liner Lock
My old knife shop:
This is where the Rhino was born. My wife and I have since moved to a new home and my knife shop now enjoys a much larger area.
Spyderco Headquarters -- August 2015 -- Sal, Eric, and me
In light of the news about the Rhino, my loving wife and her parents blessed me with a surprise trip to Golden, Colorado last August so that I could thank Sal and Eric in person. This particular day was one of the happiest days of my life.

My sincere gratitude to Sal and Eric for allowing my dream to become a reality:
Thank you for reading! I appreciate each and every one of you for all the support and I am excited to hear your thoughts on the Spyderco Rhino when it arrives.
All the best,
~Michael