I heard "supple". Made the week for my inner 14 year old. 😁 I feel like the K390 not even needing to be sharpened is enough for me. I ordered a Stretch 2 in K390, can't wait for it to show up.
I love rex45 for its ability to stay toothy through rougher use. BBB and some others on the spyderco forum say it favors a fine edge, but I think because of its hardness, strength and toughness at the edge, it also has an exceptional ability to hold a toothy edge. Seemingly the teeth just don't want to bend or break off in use. That kind of aligns with what Engineer's Perspective said about rex45, "too hard to roll, too tough to chip." I think k390 is similar, and I remember Eric Glesser saying it's unusual compared to maxamet or s110v etc in that it has enough strength and toughness to make serrated knives in.
This is a great example of how optimizing the geometry of the knife to take advantage of the steel and heat treatment can enhance the cutting performance.
Just because of my hand geometry the stretch 2 is the best K390 for me. I have smaller hands but the Delica just does not fit comfortably. I have 3 k390 knives and I’m very happy with them
Hey. I just found your channel last night. I have subbed and am enjoying your videos. I especially like how you use your knives for a month before review. You have inspired me to get a delica in k390. Have a great day!!
I was blown away by how quickly it sharpened with my Diamond stones… agree with you 100% on the seki k390…. Seems like it can do well with either a toothy edge or a high grit edge… such an amazing steel. Wish we could get some seki k390 in the native 5 LW!!
I've been warming up to my delica. I didn't like it at first and nearly sold it. But I just kept using it and comparing it to other knives in the smaller category. And wow, the M4 blade, mint scales and the delica ergos are amazing. I love this knife. By far my favorite small carry
I'm wonder if the underperforming Rex 45 was a fatigued edge from the factory. When I laid the angle back to 15 degrees, I made sure to apex it and form a burr, but maybe I should've gone a tad deeper in order to get down to really fresh steel. Then when you sharpened it twice, you cleared away the last remainder of the factory edge? It might explain why my BESS score of 75-ish wasn't mind-blowing when put to use. I always love to get to the bottom of these little mysteries, but sometimes all we can say is "all's well that ends well". I'm glad your Native finally performed for you. Have a wonderful weekend!
I've heard people say you shouldn't be able to burn an edge on a high speed steel like rex 45 that's designed for hot hardness, but I'm not so sure. I have nothing to back this up, but I wonder if belt sharpening can create stress or damage to the edge from the sheer speed and kinetic energy of the belt, independent of temperature. I also don't know if spyderco uses the same heat treat that's used for those industrial tools or if that can affect its resistance to heat.
@@joshstarkey8883 I always check the steel data sheets before I regrind a steel, and Rex 45's tempering temperature is way up there (north of 800 degrees if I remember it right), so yep it's pretty much impossible to reach that temp while regrinding with bare hands. Whatever method spyderco is using to put the factory secondary on a knife could definitely reach those temps if nobody's actually touching the blades (like a robot is doing it). But I'd expect the spyderco folks to be far less sloppy than that.
Personally for a work knife the delica series, for me the endela now, is the best fuckin work knife ever with the FRN cause I don't feel like keeping it clean and nice and spyderco has the toughest grippiest frn out there
Based on your review I bought a k390 delica. Love your videos and am impressed with your honest impressions of each knife. Use your shit!! Awesome phrase and so true.
@@ericasedc I was shocked when I unboxed it though . The edge wasn’t equal and one side had a nice burr. I almost sent it back but decided to fix it and move on.
That Enuff 2 (missed opportunity to name it the More Than Enuff) is really appealing. I was thinking it would be an instant buy for me, but I expected the price to be closer to the k390 folders. At $224 I have to think about it.
@@knickly Yeah, I used to never buy production knives above $200 for that reason, might as well go custom. With inflation these last few years though, I'm trying to figure out how much to adjust that cutoff point. I did buy a Shaman and a Neutron 2 last summer, both over 200 and I don't regret either. It's hard to compare folders with fixed blades though, and John doesn't offer k390, so still a grey area for me.
Running late today. Great review and do have a K390 in an Endela ... but s90v Yojumbo edge seems sharper by a bit. Just testing so far on prescription hazmat warning paper! Hope you have a good weekend Erica, supposed to snow the next three days then back to -27 F. Yuk
Didn't know about Seki city. I just googled it to spell it for this comment and learned there is another factory in Moki and they are marked "Japan". Never used a basswood strop although my strops are the hardest and smoothest leather I can find. I have used a piece of cardboard off a 12 pack taped to a piece of oak though. Due to my size and adversion to wasting blade space with a finger choil I think I am looking for an endela in one of these steels to try(now). All in all one of the best knife video I have ever watched.
The Delica looks nice, but I’m not really enjoying the back lock on my Dragonfly 2, so I’m looking forward to getting the P3 or maybe the Yojimbo or Microjimbo. 🙃
Great review Erica, I do have to get my hands on some K390. Not sure if you want to make a video about this subject but I wanted to get your thoughts on something I’ve been thinking about. You recently talked about Chinese made knives and how we should support our US companies as much as possible. I agree with you however what about companies like Spyderco that make knives in china as well as in the US and other countries? One thing I’ve struggled with is there are knives made in china but the designs are from American designers like Ray Laconico and Dirk Pinkerton. In a way yes you’re buying a Chinese knife but you’re also supporting the designer in a way so there is the conflict. Thoughts?
Idk what his regrind procedure is but my guess is at that thin of a grind he most likely ended up with a burnt edge which would cause low edge retention until you sharpened away the burnt steel
Great video Erica! Is there a way to communicate with you other than this comment section? Wanted to run a topic by you but this is not the right place. Obviously you’re not on IG anymore so was just curious. Hope all is well with you.
Yojimbo 2 all the way lol but actually even the cheap light weight models from spyderco are really good!!! But actually at least the 🇺🇸 stuff..... all the models are good!!!
Hey Erica have you tried/reviewed the Spyderco Sharpmaker? it makes for some soooper easy upkeep of the trademark slicey angles that their knives are ground at by micro-beveling the edge but i bet you know that i jw if you had tried one lol
For edc I might like a cF 535 better than a spiderco but for me , when I know I m going to work and will be using a knife I grab a spiderco or cold steel . Sometimes I’ll take the clip off the smaller or lighter knives since they’re really not needed
Benchmades prices are out of control now. K390 is the best steel by far IMO. My delica k390 has a good amount of patina. I think its what you are cutting. Food ect. I think thats all it is.
I love your knowledge of knives, but a review of any knife that is modified is not a true review of that knife from that manufacturer. A review of the bone stock version is the only true way to test a knife. You even stated this in one of your other videos. What would be better is to have a review of the stock versions and then another video on the modified version with explanations of why these modes are needed and how to do them and / or get them done. Also which mods negate the manufacturers warranty. Also on the manufacturer website the Native 5 Lightweight is $172.50 vs $180 for the Bugout, that’s really a minor difference comparing both companies entry offerings. Thanks again, I enjoy watching your videos, but you really should consider a Patreon addition it would help you out and we all would benefit.
I get what you're saying, but she's done a bunch of stock native 5 reviews already. This one being thinner is just going to slice easier and sharpen faster. The handle rounding speaks for itself. Any permanent mod you can expect to void any manufacturer's warranty. As far as prices go, you're talking about MSRP, which is not real world, nobody pays that. In the knife industry, all the retailers like bladeHQ, knifecenter etc sell significantly under that price. Looking at their retail prices, an s30v native 5 lightweight is $120 and an s30v bugout is 160. There are a few upgraded steel native fives around 160, and the maxamet one at 200. Upgraded bugouts are listed at around 200-300. Basically the bugout is 40-100 USD more expensive.
I see your point, but I can purchase the Bugout for $109 with some versions at $124 (from the military exchange). I have also purchased almost all their limited editions and even a titanium one from their custom shop. But when someone has multiple $500 plus CR knives and says a Benchmade Bugout isn’t worth consideration at $180 that isn’t really being fair, INHO I’ve also had several Spyderco knives and have given them all away, I just prefer the Benchmade because of their ease of carrying , I have also had great customer support/ service from them. So, yes I am a little biased. Just seems she a little harsh on Benchmade lately.
I literally reviewed the stock Native 5 LW multiple times so please don’t put false information in my comments section. It helps no one. I am comparing this to a stock Native 5 LW. I literally tested and reviewed the stock LC200N one showed in this video. Thanks for watching!
@@whiskey6350 I can be harsh on BM. They pull annoying shit. I also made a video explaining why I prefer Spyderco. I think nit picking pretend ideologies in the comments section is a waste of your time❤ But I do appreciate you watching!
The Delica still is after many years, my EDC preferred.
It is simply a genius design!
I heard "supple". Made the week for my inner 14 year old. 😁 I feel like the K390 not even needing to be sharpened is enough for me. I ordered a Stretch 2 in K390, can't wait for it to show up.
You are going to love that !!!!
It’s one of my favorites! Takes a great edge and keeps it for a loooong time!
I love rex45 for its ability to stay toothy through rougher use. BBB and some others on the spyderco forum say it favors a fine edge, but I think because of its hardness, strength and toughness at the edge, it also has an exceptional ability to hold a toothy edge. Seemingly the teeth just don't want to bend or break off in use. That kind of aligns with what Engineer's Perspective said about rex45, "too hard to roll, too tough to chip." I think k390 is similar, and I remember Eric Glesser saying it's unusual compared to maxamet or s110v etc in that it has enough strength and toughness to make serrated knives in.
It really is impressive in all aspects! ❤
Thanks Erica!! Now that I’ve heard this review on REX45, I’m gonna have to try it out!! Cheers Sista!! 🤘🏼🇺🇸🔪🍺
Please do! Cheers my brother!
I am sharpening at a lower angle due to the knife guiders now it really helps me 👍🙂
That is awesome to hear!
This is a great example of how optimizing the geometry of the knife to take advantage of the steel and heat treatment can enhance the cutting performance.
I have to say the rex45 looks cool all scratched up and reground .👍
It’s absolutely awesome
Endura in k390 one of my favorites. My blade patina is basically spotty dull cloudiness. It also sharpens up very well.
Heck yes!
Just because of my hand geometry the stretch 2 is the best K390 for me. I have smaller hands but the Delica just does not fit comfortably. I have 3 k390 knives and I’m very happy with them
I have heard that!
Hey. I just found your channel last night. I have subbed and am enjoying your videos. I especially like how you use your knives for a month before review. You have inspired me to get a delica in k390. Have a great day!!
Welcome Dean! Love hearing that!!!
I was blown away by how quickly it sharpened with my Diamond stones… agree with you 100% on the seki k390…. Seems like it can do well with either a toothy edge or a high grit edge… such an amazing steel. Wish we could get some seki k390 in the native 5 LW!!
Yes we NEED THAT
Awesome knives this time. I have been wanting to get a Native so maybe I can get one in Rex45. We’ll see.
Last I knew GPKnives had some in stock from the exclusive run!
I need to try k390, I have my Native 5lw thinned out a bit and i raised my edge and convex it, its a beast.
You will LOVE K390!!!!❤
Spider Cuz K3 90s edge lasts a very very long time imo.
What an amazing review!! I wish I had the extra money right now to buy both steels, one day I absolutely will!! I love my Native 5, great model!!
One of the best!
I've been warming up to my delica. I didn't like it at first and nearly sold it. But I just kept using it and comparing it to other knives in the smaller category. And wow, the M4 blade, mint scales and the delica ergos are amazing. I love this knife. By far my favorite small carry
I want to get my hands on a native 5 and try one out. I'm basically at the point of, Para 3, Native 5, or Delica for my compact carry
The Delica is AMAZING!
I'm wonder if the underperforming Rex 45 was a fatigued edge from the factory. When I laid the angle back to 15 degrees, I made sure to apex it and form a burr, but maybe I should've gone a tad deeper in order to get down to really fresh steel. Then when you sharpened it twice, you cleared away the last remainder of the factory edge? It might explain why my BESS score of 75-ish wasn't mind-blowing when put to use.
I always love to get to the bottom of these little mysteries, but sometimes all we can say is "all's well that ends well". I'm glad your Native finally performed for you. Have a wonderful weekend!
I've heard people say you shouldn't be able to burn an edge on a high speed steel like rex 45 that's designed for hot hardness, but I'm not so sure. I have nothing to back this up, but I wonder if belt sharpening can create stress or damage to the edge from the sheer speed and kinetic energy of the belt, independent of temperature. I also don't know if spyderco uses the same heat treat that's used for those industrial tools or if that can affect its resistance to heat.
@@joshstarkey8883 I always check the steel data sheets before I regrind a steel, and Rex 45's tempering temperature is way up there (north of 800 degrees if I remember it right), so yep it's pretty much impossible to reach that temp while regrinding with bare hands. Whatever method spyderco is using to put the factory secondary on a knife could definitely reach those temps if nobody's actually touching the blades (like a robot is doing it). But I'd expect the spyderco folks to be far less sloppy than that.
@@ZPositive I think that is exactly what happened!!!!
where can we go to get details on your regrinds? Are you still taking requests?
@@ryanyoung3890 his instagram last I knew was @bulletbouquets
Personally for a work knife the delica series, for me the endela now, is the best fuckin work knife ever with the FRN cause I don't feel like keeping it clean and nice and spyderco has the toughest grippiest frn out there
Yes!
Based on your review I bought a k390 delica. Love your videos and am impressed with your honest impressions of each knife. Use your shit!! Awesome phrase and so true.
Awh thank you!!!!!
@@ericasedc
I was shocked when I unboxed it though . The edge wasn’t equal and one side had a nice burr. I almost sent it back but decided to fix it and move on.
@@gandermtnkid that is pretty typical!
@@ericasedc
Hmm there QA could use some improvement right??
I just saw a couple new Seki K390 releases in the new product reveal... The Lil Temperance 3 lockback folder, and fixed blade Enuff 2.
Awesome!
That Enuff 2 (missed opportunity to name it the More Than Enuff) is really appealing. I was thinking it would be an instant buy for me, but I expected the price to be closer to the k390 folders. At $224 I have to think about it.
Agreed, I'd be looking at a BGM fixie at that price.
@@knickly Yeah, I used to never buy production knives above $200 for that reason, might as well go custom. With inflation these last few years though, I'm trying to figure out how much to adjust that cutoff point. I did buy a Shaman and a Neutron 2 last summer, both over 200 and I don't regret either. It's hard to compare folders with fixed blades though, and John doesn't offer k390, so still a grey area for me.
Running late today. Great review and do have a K390 in an Endela ... but s90v Yojumbo edge seems sharper by a bit.
Just testing so far on prescription hazmat warning paper! Hope you have a good weekend Erica, supposed to snow the next three days then back to -27 F. Yuk
All my love to you my brother!
Love you. You are the Woman of Steel. In two ways: Knowledge of steels…. And your backbone of steel and strength. ❤
I LOVE YOU ROB!
Good job, Great view
Thank you so much!
390 FTW is the take away🗡🗡 Thank you,... appreciate your expertise.
Best knife site for keeping it real, IMO🗡🗡🗡
Thanks for watching!!!
Didn't know about Seki city. I just googled it to spell it for this comment and learned there is another factory in Moki and they are marked "Japan". Never used a basswood strop although my strops are the hardest and smoothest leather I can find. I have used a piece of cardboard off a 12 pack taped to a piece of oak though. Due to my size and adversion to wasting blade space with a finger choil I think I am looking for an endela in one of these steels to try(now). All in all one of the best knife video I have ever watched.
Wow thank you!!!!
Love my k390 endela, she cuts relentlessly! Good video
Live the hair!!! 😍
Thanks my love!❤
@@ericasedc curly nice 🤗
The Delica looks nice, but I’m not really enjoying the back lock on my Dragonfly 2, so I’m looking forward to getting the P3 or maybe the Yojimbo or Microjimbo. 🙃
There ya go!!!!
Great review Erica, I do have to get my hands on some K390. Not sure if you want to make a video about this subject but I wanted to get your thoughts on something I’ve been thinking about. You recently talked about Chinese made knives and how we should support our US companies as much as possible. I agree with you however what about companies like Spyderco that make knives in china as well as in the US and other countries? One thing I’ve struggled with is there are knives made in china but the designs are from American designers like Ray Laconico and Dirk Pinkerton. In a way yes you’re buying a Chinese knife but you’re also supporting the designer in a way so there is the conflict. Thoughts?
I made a video on that! Check it out!!! Thanks for the continuous support on the channel my brother!
You did, either I missed it or forgot lol.
Idk what his regrind procedure is but my guess is at that thin of a grind he most likely ended up with a burnt edge which would cause low edge retention until you sharpened away the burnt steel
Thanks for watching!
K390 is some good shit!
You know it man!
Great video Erica! Is there a way to communicate with you other than this comment section? Wanted to run a topic by you but this is not the right place. Obviously you’re not on IG anymore so was just curious. Hope all is well with you.
Email me brother! eslater9@gmail.com
Yojimbo 2 all the way lol but actually even the cheap light weight models from spyderco are really good!!! But actually at least the 🇺🇸 stuff..... all the models are good!!!
Yassss!
To me, the Native 5 still stands tall as one of the very best folding designs ever. Waiting for one in k390 to come out. Great vid!
Do you think the improved performance on Rex45 was just sharpening past the fatigued edge? I don’t see how a regrind could affect edge retention 🤔
Hey Erica have you tried/reviewed the Spyderco Sharpmaker? it makes for some soooper easy upkeep of the trademark slicey angles that their knives are ground at by micro-beveling the edge but i bet you know that i jw if you had tried one lol
Never tried one- but have heard great things!
For edc I might like a cF 535 better than a spiderco but for me , when I know I m going to work and will be using a knife I grab a spiderco or cold steel . Sometimes I’ll take the clip off the smaller or lighter knives since they’re really not needed
So it’s $150 for a knife with no maintenance or $150 plus a small fortune for a regrind Am I hearing you right
If you get a blade reground to be thinner, what is the spec for how much steel to remove from each side? Thanks in advance!
No idea haha I just let Anthony do his thing!
Benchmades prices are out of control now. K390 is the best steel by far IMO. My delica k390 has a good amount of patina. I think its what you are cutting. Food ect. I think thats all it is.
Yes their prices are just out of control right now.
I picked up a new para 3 last week all black s45 for $150 at fin fur feather . What were they last year ballpark ? Thanks
@@Hungrybird474 same price (:
Have you noticed any rust issues with Rex 45. I have the native in Rex 45 and started to notice some slight surface rust by the spidey hole.
Mine has a force patina so nope!
Thinking about selling it and buying the new micro tech MSI. Have any thoughts on M390mk?
Do you think one is tougher than the other in terms of micro chipping?
I love your knowledge of knives, but a review of any knife that is modified is not a true review of that knife from that manufacturer. A review of the bone stock version is the only true way to test a knife. You even stated this in one of your other videos. What would be better is to have a review of the stock versions and then another video on the modified version with explanations of why these modes are needed and how to do them and / or get them done. Also which mods negate the manufacturers warranty.
Also on the manufacturer website the Native 5 Lightweight is $172.50 vs $180 for the Bugout, that’s really a minor difference comparing both companies entry offerings.
Thanks again, I enjoy watching your videos, but you really should consider a Patreon addition it would help you out and we all would benefit.
I get what you're saying, but she's done a bunch of stock native 5 reviews already. This one being thinner is just going to slice easier and sharpen faster. The handle rounding speaks for itself. Any permanent mod you can expect to void any manufacturer's warranty. As far as prices go, you're talking about MSRP, which is not real world, nobody pays that. In the knife industry, all the retailers like bladeHQ, knifecenter etc sell significantly under that price. Looking at their retail prices, an s30v native 5 lightweight is $120 and an s30v bugout is 160. There are a few upgraded steel native fives around 160, and the maxamet one at 200. Upgraded bugouts are listed at around 200-300. Basically the bugout is 40-100 USD more expensive.
I see your point, but I can purchase the Bugout for $109 with some versions at $124 (from the military exchange). I have also purchased almost all their limited editions and even a titanium one from their custom shop. But when someone has multiple $500 plus CR knives and says a Benchmade Bugout isn’t worth consideration at $180 that isn’t really being fair, INHO
I’ve also had several Spyderco knives and have given them all away, I just prefer the Benchmade because of their ease of carrying , I have also had great customer support/ service from them. So, yes I am a little biased. Just seems she a little harsh on Benchmade lately.
I literally reviewed the stock Native 5 LW multiple times so please don’t put false information in my comments section. It helps no one. I am comparing this to a stock Native 5 LW. I literally tested and reviewed the stock LC200N one showed in this video. Thanks for watching!
@@whiskey6350 I can be harsh on BM. They pull annoying shit. I also made a video explaining why I prefer Spyderco. I think nit picking pretend ideologies in the comments section is a waste of your time❤ But I do appreciate you watching!
What do you use to strop k390?
Basswood
@@ericasedc with what compounds?
@@conley_v5848 go watch my videos on what I use . Thanks!
U sure native5 rex 45 $120?