Sal, will there be more Rex 121?

[Deadboxhero]

Sal, was the Sage 5 just a "one and done" run or will there be more of this exotic material in the future in Spyderco knives?


-shawn

[sal]

Hi Shawn,

We have another run coming in. It's pretty amazing stuff. We don't know much after that. It's odd that a company capable of producing such a blend as REX-121, would not be able to cover costs? The folks that we know at Crucible are pretty smart people.

sal

[Deadboxhero]

Hi Shawn,

We have another run coming in. It's pretty amazing stuff. We don't know much after that. It's odd that a company capable of producing such a blend as REX-121, would not be able to cover costs? The folks that we know at Crucible are pretty smart people.

sal

Well I'm glad to hear. I think you guys don't get enough credit for doing the impossible and making a production knife out of that material.

When I ground all of those CATRA blades for Dr Larrin's big CATRA test it really put into perspective how obstinate CPM Rex 121 is to grind.

It took six ceramic belts to grind a 2.5" test blade.

Meanwhile, 1095, 8670, 80CrV2 and O1 took one belt.


Blades per belt? Or belts per blade?


About Crucible, I was very disappointed when I heard the news about Crucible, but I am very grateful for people like Mr. Bob Shabala at Niagara Specialty Metals for doing whatever they can to make sure we still get the high performance knife steel grades we've come to appreciate and even a new one like the prototype steel that's been the buzz.


I think Crucible will always be very special, They did a lot of great things for the Knife community even though perhaps it must not have paid the bills for the infrastructure and overhead to be an area of focus.

Even at the end, it seems like Crucible is still working hard and doing what they can before the doors close rather than sulk in defeat. I guess we'll see what happens in February with the buyers.

Back on topic, with the next run in CPM Rex121 is it going to be another Taiwan made model? Anything in Golden?

[sal]

The Model planned is the same.

I've been using a "Mule Team" made from the Proto-X grade. It's been quite impressive in use.

Bob Shabala and Niagara have been great. Trying very hard to minimize effect.

sal

[Deadboxhero]

The Model planned is the same.

That's good, I've never had a sage 5 before until now, I was very pleased with the smooth action and fit and finish. The design seems to fit nicely with many different day to day roles and I find it pleasing to the eyes and hand.

I've been using a "Mule Team" made from the Proto-X grade. It's been quite impressive in use.

I agree, did anything stand out in use from your experience like for example compared to other steels you have been using?

Bob Shabala and Niagara have been great. Trying very hard to minimize effect.

sal

World needs good people like that.


-shawn

[SpeedHoles]

Good question.

Hi Shawn,

We have another run coming in. It's pretty amazing stuff. We don't know much after that. It's odd that a company capable of producing such a blend as REX-121, would not be able to cover costs? The folks that we know at Crucible are pretty smart people.

sal

Incredible work, Sal, hope you know a lot of people do appreciate your efforts, even if not always spoken directly out loud.

[WilliamMunny]

I will second that, one of the many things I love about Spyderco is pushing the envelope and get these exotic steels to the public. I mean, trying REX-121 in a production knife can't in any way be for profit, just the love of knives and sharing it. Not to mention conversations put out there like this for us to see from two greats.

I have not purchased REX-121 yet, but it's on a short list this year. Same with Proto-X grade, excited on that one too. Unfortunately, the mortgage needs to be paid, and kids want to go to college, so I have to space my knife purchases out.

[RustyIron]

We have another run coming in.

That's intriguing. If it's made into one of the models that I like most, I'll get one if for no other reason than to satisfy my curiosity.

[Evil D]

This is usually where I'd say "oh great, I'd love this steel in a ______" but with this one being such a PITA to manufacture, I understand why it's being done on a smaller knife blade.

[sal]

I have not purchased REX-121 yet, but it's on a short list this year. Same with Proto-X grade, excited on that one too. Unfortunately, the mortgage needs to be paid, and kids want to go to college, so I have to space my knife purchases out.

Hi WilliamMunny,

Family first.

sal

[cabfrank]

RustyIron, sal says the model will be the same.

[RustyIron]

RustyIron, sal says the model will be the same.

I wasn't aware. Thanks for the info.
While my REX 121 curiosity will go unsatiated,
I'll get to spend more time using what I have.
Either way, it's a win.

[gooeytek]

...

It took six ceramic belts to grind a 2.5" test blade.

Meanwhile, 1095, 8670, 80CrV2 and O1 took one belt.


Blades per belt? Or belts per blade?


...

When I was chatting w Farid during his REX121 K2 and mule runs, he told me he would go through 8 belts per K2, and still had to leave the cold-rolled finish on the flats.

After I got them, I decided to convex the edge. That took a while too, lol

[dsm]

The Model planned is the same.

I've been using a "Mule Team" made from the Proto-X grade. It's been quite impressive in use.

Bob Shabala and Niagara have been great. Trying very hard to minimize effect.

sal

I have not heard of this Proto-X grade steel, can someone enlighten me?

[Fireman]

(Quietly buying all the Rex 121 knives I can find)

[ykspydiefan]

(Quietly buying all the Rex 121 knives I can find)

Don't miss Blades Canada, they have them in stock there too. We all want one but at $400. you can roll by scoop em up.

[WilliamMunny]

The Model planned is the same.

I've been using a "Mule Team" made from the Proto-X grade. It's been quite impressive in use.

Bob Shabala and Niagara have been great. Trying very hard to minimize effect.

sal

I have not heard of this Proto-X grade steel, can someone enlighten me?

I am 90% sure that 10% of the time they are referring to Larrin's new steel. From what has been said it will be stainless and focus more on edge retention. Possibly something along the lines of a stainless K390.

Take it with a grain of salt as I am just making an educated guess here based off comments on this forum.

[Danke]

Well if making knives doesn't pan out for this guy he can move over to sales because I just ordered one of the G10 versions.

[WilliamMunny]

Well if making knives doesn't pan out for this guy he can move over to sales because I just ordered one of the G10 versions.

No joke, if Spyderco and BBB put a big BB... in a box I would still probably by it.

In all seriousness it comes from trusting these guys. If Sal and Shawn put their name on it, you know it's not junk.

[W3OY-RAY]

Hi Shawn,

We have another run coming in. It's pretty amazing stuff. We don't know much after that. It's odd that a company capable of producing such a blend as REX-121, would not be able to cover costs? The folks that we know at Crucible are pretty smart people.

sal

Is Spyderco done with Rex 121 now? As far as I can see there are zero available anywhere other than the secondary market but they aren’t showing as discontinued. It wouldn’t break my heart because I have both although I’d buy another LW to keep as new.