Hi Michael, blessings to you and your family. I've watched all of your videos, digested, pondered, and practiced. Please keep posting, It's very appreciated and extremely interesting. Knife nuts we are... this hobby is a craft and I'm glad you support it. Keep posting sir...pure gold.
Well I'd say that's the right video for christmas! Thank you for this gift. I have read some information about it but could never had an idea what rex121 really is to work with.
Great review Michael,looking forward to your cardboard testing as I have a Farid K2 and a mule in 110v and as you say Gary's knife should smoke them both.
Just found your channel, love your videos. No bs, just relevant facts and well-informed opinions. Keep it up. Although the presence of hair on your arms is a little unsettling for a knife guy.
Michael I wonder if you would comment on the impact of tempering to a lower than maximum possible RCH? In the case of this Rex 121 and also the Maxamet mule. Some time back you mentioned that you got the Spyerco Maxamet mule and that it was not as hard as the final production blades. Did you ever compare the muel with the production steel? Your comments on this would be interesting, thank you.
moray james tempering to a lower HRC would increase the toughness of the steel, which might prove important in mass marketed Maxamet. I’m not sure if the Mule in Maxamet is a lower HRC then the regular production knives in Maxamet or not. That was just a possible theory as to why I was not having trouble with sharpening. However, I have since gotten a production PM2 in Maxamet and have not had any issues.
Thank you Michael. I was curious if a steel like Maxamet or Rex 121 could be sharpened with a lower angle providing a finer edge and be able to hold that edge because of the greater toughness provided by the lower hardness of the tempering? There must be a sweet spot for knife steel where you get the best balance between these two physical qualities and I can't see that hardness alone is always the best option. Lots of variables I suppose but I am thinking of an EDC situation where you wanted a very sharp knife that could retain that sharpness for a long time. Thank you for your response.
moray james I’ve had very good success using these steels at 30 inclusive. (This of course is relative to use). I would think dropping them to a lower angle may cause an issue with stability.
Thanx for all the work and time you put in to making these excellent on point vids. Ive learned alot. Was wondering your thoughts on N690? I see it being compared to vg10 ?? Im not big on vg10
Shane miller I’m not big on VG-10 either. I use N690 with a mirror polished edge, and the polish it takes is what I like most about that steel. It’s probably close to VG-10 in performance, but I haven’t tested it to be sure.
Rob Babcock I’ve been interested to see how it holds up as well. I’ve begun testing. I’m not going to give things away, but I will say it’s held up well so far.
Cliff Stamp I believe I have a ceramic knife. It’s not an expensive model. I bought it and never ended up using it. I think it’s still laying around somewhere.
@Big Brown Bear , BEAST ?! "May your knife chip and shatter!" In other words.... this knife has zero use for the outdoors. Hitting a bone would probably wreck the edge. This is a completely impractical knife. I don't know what you could use it for indoors either. Carving wood? No, any hardwood would chip it if there were any hard lateral deflection. Might as well use a ceramic knife, lol. Cutting cardboard? Fine, but you better pray you don't hit a large staple. Seems like it might just be an interesting experiment.
Great video man, i was debating getting some Rex121 from bluntcut. but he's showing great performance from so many different materials. i just need to save up more and get them all. are you going to eventually do a follow up with cut test numbers? i couldn't image how long that would take.
Thank you Michael. This is pretty exciting. Any idea, on how long it could be yet. Before a decision is made, to go ahead and produce a batch of the Rex 121 Mako? Merry Christmas!
Very good. Thank you. The last I had heard (maybe around early-November) That he was going to make three to start. If you mentioned in this video, that a batch has been started. I apologize for missing it. I am on his email list. So I should hear when things are closer to being done.
I have a knife from Gary in CPM REX 76, and I like it quite a bit. But, I tend to carry my Carothers Performance Knives EDC in 4V more often. I did have a Spyderco Maxamet Mule, but that has since left my hands. How do you feel that Maxamet compares to REX 121?
Michael Christy Edge stability in terms of chipping due to being too thin BTE, or when pushed to a harder use resulting in chipping? What role do you expect this to fulfill? It seems that this knife needed a more thorough sharpening than you put most of your other knives through. Do you feel that this maintenance regimen will cause the alloy to lose its luster sooner than a less sharpening intensive/involved alloy? Do you think the steps that it took to get the edge to its current state would relegate this to being used less often than some of your other knives?
BillKayNJ if there’s a chipping issue, it’ll be because of carbide content in the steel. The roll it fills, if no other, is being a knife in Rex 121. To us steel guys who are sharpeners, working with Rex 121, especially in a knife with such good geometry, is a big deal in itself.
Michael Christy If there is chipping as a result of the carbide content, wouldn't this be likely alleviated by a steeper edge angle? I know that it may sacrifice some of the cutting ability of the thinner geometry. But a faulty and fragile geometry and chipped blade will cut less than a more stout (but intact) edge profile. At least in the long run. Do you think this knife will see regular carry? What do you normally use your knives for, in an average day?
BillKayNJ sure, a higher angle would make sense if chipping is an issue, but why start there? I’d rather start low and work my way up as needed. The geometry of the knife (primary grind) is not issue. The knife is not meant for hard use. Only someone who really doesn’t know what they’re doing would try to put the knife in that roll. It might see regular carry.
amazing design!!! Damn, 379 bucks. A bit too much for me lol. Anyone know if this steel should be used with limitation? I mean, Can I cut wood? Use as a normal knife, or should be just for light use due to low toughness? Chipping issues?
Great video Michael! Rex 121 steel seems interesting. My gf got me the pma11 spyderco mule and some scales. Should be fun. As far as wood strops, I’m sure you’re already aware but I’m guessing the harder the substrate I think it’s called the more pressure. The same micron size on a nickled plate would more than likely cause a tougher finish than on leather or wood. Either way bass wood had been working good for me thanks to your videos. So far maxamet is a sweet sweet steel! Happy new year!!
crf450r bullet david I thought of using some kind of metallic surface for stropping a while back. I even bought something to try it. Then I realized, the diamond will likely strop the softer metallic strop then the hardened steel, so it would likely be wasted effort. The diamond gets caught in the leather and wood. I don’t think it would on metal. Still might be interesting to try, but I don’t think it would work.
Michael Christy I’ve heard a while back of putting diamond compounds on the finer diamond plates but haven’t tried it. I did try using some spray on my ultra fine but it left my ultra fine kinda weird looking so I only use that one side for experimenting. Thanks for the tip of slowing down while sharpening. I was totally getting frustrated there for a while and am now getting fairly good results. I’ve pretty much ditched my wicked edge for the time being. The way I’m learning to sharpen is ambidextrous and it’s been a beast trying to train my left hand to cooperate. It’s getting a lot better now so thanks for the tip.
Hey where do you buy your poly diamond sprays at and buy the way beautiful knife love your videos I to am avid sharpener love trying new things in search of the perfect edge thanks for your time and dedication and sharing your experience keep the vids coming love em
Jovonn Trujillo I know where the Pukko came from... 4V is a good steel with a lot of potential. Who ever is making the knife needs to push the HT to really up the performance.
Hey Michael, ik this doesn't have anything to do with this video but as far as edge retention and ease of sharpening would you go with 52100 or s110v? Ik they are completely different steels
Hey Michael I was thinking of getting a shapton 12k m series. Do u know what the difference is between he m series and pro? Thanks a lot sorry to bug but u have some of the best info out there!
Jovonn Trujillo I have that stone. It’s different then some of the other Shaptons. That being said, it’s still a great stone at a good price, and gives you an introduction to very high grit ceramic water stones. Eventually you’ll need something to true it.
I'd like to bump up Gary Creely's comment, from down below. 1 week ago, he posted a link. For those that may be interested in joining the Kickstarter Project, for this Mako Knife, in CPM Rex 121. 17 days to go yet, as of the time I type my comment here, on January 9th, 2018. Here is that link, to Gary Creely's Mako Knife Kickstarter Project > www.kickstarter.com/projects/459015078/mako-edc-knife-with-cpm-rex-121-super-steel
I’m not familiar with Gavko designs, but I did hear there have been a few other knives of the same name as mine. I looked up that Gavko and did see muck in common. www.knifecenter.com/item/GAVMAKOMT/gavko-knives-michal-gavac-mid-tech-mako-flipper-folding-knife-154cm-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles
Off topic. Wanted to see how steep I could take a D2 edge. Well 30 inc it did not like( go figure) 😁 There is a "permanent " micro crack or chip I cannot see that I cannot get out. I've resharpened 3 times. Every time getting a solid burr then to shaving sharp. Never had this happen. Wierd I cannot see or feel it. Only on phone book paper
Hi Michael, blessings to you and your family. I've watched all of your videos, digested, pondered, and practiced. Please keep posting, It's very appreciated and extremely interesting. Knife nuts we are... this hobby is a craft and I'm glad you support it. Keep posting sir...pure gold.
Molokairider thank you.
That looks like a truly useful and beautiful little knife. I'm loving the overall look of it!
A great batch of videos you have put out this past week. Most informative and very well done. Thank you and Merry Christmas
Beautiful knife, steel, and edge geometry/shape. Your feedback definitely shows through the iterations. Enjoy your holidays and the new year.
jussa101 thank you. You too.
Well I'd say that's the right video for christmas! Thank you for this gift. I have read some information about it but could never had an idea what rex121 really is to work with.
For those interested the kickstarter for this project is up: www.kickstarter.com/projects/459015078/mako-edc-knife-with-cpm-rex-121-super-steel
Man, I love the look of that wharncliffe style blade...
Taking it to the final frontier of blade science
Great review Michael,looking forward to your cardboard testing as I have a Farid K2 and a mule in 110v and as you say Gary's knife should smoke them both.
Phil SEYMOUR we’ll see where Rex 121 lands.
I would love to put an edge on this bad boy with the Wicked Edge!!! :-) Thanks for the review!
Just found your channel, love your videos. No bs, just relevant facts and well-informed opinions. Keep it up. Although the presence of hair on your arms is a little unsettling for a knife guy.
congratulations :) outstanding knife, your collaboration
boldsaikhan bundan I was just the customer my friend. This is Gary’s creation.
Michael I wonder if you would comment on the impact of tempering to a lower than maximum possible RCH? In the case of this Rex 121 and also the Maxamet mule. Some time back you mentioned that you got the Spyerco Maxamet mule and that it was not as hard as the final production blades. Did you ever compare the muel with the production steel? Your comments on this would be interesting, thank you.
moray james tempering to a lower HRC would increase the toughness of the steel, which might prove important in mass marketed Maxamet. I’m not sure if the Mule in Maxamet is a lower HRC then the regular production knives in Maxamet or not. That was just a possible theory as to why I was not having trouble with sharpening. However, I have since gotten a production PM2 in Maxamet and have not had any issues.
Thank you Michael. I was curious if a steel like Maxamet or Rex 121 could be sharpened with a lower angle providing a finer edge and be able to hold that edge because of the greater toughness provided by the lower hardness of the tempering? There must be a sweet spot for knife steel where you get the best balance between these two physical qualities and I can't see that hardness alone is always the best option. Lots of variables I suppose but I am thinking of an EDC situation where you wanted a very sharp knife that could retain that sharpness for a long time. Thank you for your response.
moray james I’ve had very good success using these steels at 30 inclusive. (This of course is relative to use). I would think dropping them to a lower angle may cause an issue with stability.
Thanx for all the work and time you put in to making these excellent on point vids. Ive learned alot. Was wondering your thoughts on N690? I see it being compared to vg10 ?? Im not big on vg10
Shane miller I’m not big on VG-10 either. I use N690 with a mirror polished edge, and the polish it takes is what I like most about that steel. It’s probably close to VG-10 in performance, but I haven’t tested it to be sure.
I've read about REX but I'm not sure if it would be real practical for my uses. But I'm interested to see how this one holds up to use.
Rob Babcock I’ve been interested to see how it holds up as well. I’ve begun testing. I’m not going to give things away, but I will say it’s held up well so far.
Curious if you would compare this to sharpening ceramic.
Cliff Stamp I believe I have a ceramic knife. It’s not an expensive model. I bought it and never ended up using it. I think it’s still laying around somewhere.
It's very encouraging to see Cliff Stamp is still actively watching and participating. Cliff! I miss your videos sir!
REX 121!!!!! BEAST
@Big Brown Bear , BEAST ?! "May your knife chip and shatter!"
In other words.... this knife has zero use for the outdoors.
Hitting a bone would probably wreck the edge. This is a completely impractical knife. I don't know what you could use it for indoors either. Carving wood? No, any hardwood would chip it if there were any hard lateral deflection. Might as well use a ceramic knife, lol. Cutting cardboard? Fine, but you better pray you don't hit a large staple. Seems like it might just be an interesting experiment.
Great video man, i was debating getting some Rex121 from bluntcut. but he's showing great performance from so many different materials. i just need to save up more and get them all.
are you going to eventually do a follow up with cut test numbers? i couldn't image how long that would take.
Tactical Center I am planning for more to come with Rex 121.
That Rex is some cool stuff
Dubglock23 it’s interesting to work with.
Merry Christmas Michael.
Tony Westin Merry Christmas.
Please do a review on LC200N. Love to know your thoughts!
PeterC585 I’d need to get a knife in LC200N. If one comes around, I’ll review it.
Really nice blade .
Thank you Michael. This is pretty exciting.
Any idea, on how long it could be yet. Before a decision is made, to go ahead and produce a batch of the Rex 121 Mako?
Merry Christmas!
Steve Kluver Gary Creely already has that process underway.
Very good. Thank you. The last I had heard (maybe around early-November) That he was going to make three to start.
If you mentioned in this video, that a batch has been started. I apologize for missing it.
I am on his email list. So I should hear when things are closer to being done.
I have a knife from Gary in CPM REX 76, and I like it quite a bit. But, I tend to carry my Carothers Performance Knives EDC in 4V more often.
I did have a Spyderco Maxamet Mule, but that has since left my hands.
How do you feel that Maxamet compares to REX 121?
BillKayNJ I think it’ll be a matter of edge stability for Rex 121. It’ll be an interesting comparison.
Michael Christy Edge stability in terms of chipping due to being too thin BTE, or when pushed to a harder use resulting in chipping?
What role do you expect this to fulfill?
It seems that this knife needed a more thorough sharpening than you put most of your other knives through.
Do you feel that this maintenance regimen will cause the alloy to lose its luster sooner than a less sharpening intensive/involved alloy?
Do you think the steps that it took to get the edge to its current state would relegate this to being used less often than some of your other knives?
BillKayNJ if there’s a chipping issue, it’ll be because of carbide content in the steel.
The roll it fills, if no other, is being a knife in Rex 121. To us steel guys who are sharpeners, working with Rex 121, especially in a knife with such good geometry, is a big deal in itself.
Michael Christy If there is chipping as a result of the carbide content, wouldn't this be likely alleviated by a steeper edge angle?
I know that it may sacrifice some of the cutting ability of the thinner geometry. But a faulty and fragile geometry and chipped blade will cut less than a more stout (but intact) edge profile. At least in the long run.
Do you think this knife will see regular carry?
What do you normally use your knives for, in an average day?
BillKayNJ sure, a higher angle would make sense if chipping is an issue, but why start there? I’d rather start low and work my way up as needed.
The geometry of the knife (primary grind) is not issue. The knife is not meant for hard use. Only someone who really doesn’t know what they’re doing would try to put the knife in that roll.
It might see regular carry.
amazing design!!! Damn, 379 bucks. A bit too much for me lol.
Anyone know if this steel should be used with limitation? I mean, Can I cut wood? Use as a normal knife, or should be just for light use due to low toughness? Chipping issues?
Wilson Miranda low toughness. Use it as you would Maxamet, which also has a low toughness.
Great video Michael! Rex 121 steel seems interesting. My gf got me the pma11 spyderco mule and some scales. Should be fun. As far as wood strops, I’m sure you’re already aware but I’m guessing the harder the substrate I think it’s called the more pressure. The same micron size on a nickled plate would more than likely cause a tougher finish than on leather or wood. Either way bass wood had been working good for me thanks to your videos. So far maxamet is a sweet sweet steel! Happy new year!!
crf450r bullet david I thought of using some kind of metallic surface for stropping a while back. I even bought something to try it. Then I realized, the diamond will likely strop the softer metallic strop then the hardened steel, so it would likely be wasted effort. The diamond gets caught in the leather and wood. I don’t think it would on metal.
Still might be interesting to try, but I don’t think it would work.
Michael Christy I’ve heard a while back of putting diamond compounds on the finer diamond plates but haven’t tried it. I did try using some spray on my ultra fine but it left my ultra fine kinda weird looking so I only use that one side for experimenting. Thanks for the tip of slowing down while sharpening. I was totally getting frustrated there for a while and am now getting fairly good results. I’ve pretty much ditched my wicked edge for the time being. The way I’m learning to sharpen is ambidextrous and it’s been a beast trying to train my left hand to cooperate. It’s getting a lot better now so thanks for the tip.
crf450r bullet david when using your left hand becomes normal, you’re be much better off for it.
Hey where do you buy your poly diamond sprays at and buy the way beautiful knife love your videos I to am avid sharpener love trying new things in search of the perfect edge thanks for your time and dedication and sharing your experience keep the vids coming love em
Any thoughts on 4v! Seen a crazy 4v pukko that looks amazing but don’t really have any real life info? Thanks for this channel!
Jovonn Trujillo I know where the Pukko came from...
4V is a good steel with a lot of potential. Who ever is making the knife needs to push the HT to really up the performance.
how do you experience the XXFine DMT? i have the XFine DMT . Thanks.
Hi Michael, do you think it is too big of a jump from the dmt coarse to the Spyderco medium ceramic?
Tomer Ben Avi not if you’re going for a coarse/toothy edge.
Michael Christy ok thank you very much.
are spyderco's ceramics harder than vanadium carbide?
Tomer Ben Avi short answer, no. But before you go any farther on the topic, watch my video S110V - carbide tear out in sharpening.
Hey Michael, ik this doesn't have anything to do with this video but as far as edge retention and ease of sharpening would you go with 52100 or s110v? Ik they are completely different steels
Dean Grondin it would depend on what stones I had to use and what the knives were being used for.
Hey Michael I was thinking of getting a shapton 12k m series. Do u know what the difference is between he m series and pro? Thanks a lot sorry to bug but u have some of the best info out there!
Jovonn Trujillo I have that stone. It’s different then some of the other Shaptons. That being said, it’s still a great stone at a good price, and gives you an introduction to very high grit ceramic water stones. Eventually you’ll need something to true it.
Michael Christy any recommendations?
Michael Christy for a flattened?
Jovonn Trujillo I usually use diamond plates because I have them, but they make products for it. You may want to look into that.
I'd like to bump up Gary Creely's comment, from down below.
1 week ago, he posted a link. For those that may be interested in joining the Kickstarter Project, for this Mako Knife, in CPM Rex 121.
17 days to go yet, as of the time I type my comment here, on January 9th, 2018.
Here is that link, to Gary Creely's Mako Knife Kickstarter Project >
www.kickstarter.com/projects/459015078/mako-edc-knife-with-cpm-rex-121-super-steel
hi Michael, will you review the Benchmade altitude??
Tomer Ben Avi if Benchmade wants to send me the knife, I’ll review it.
Michael Christy hoo yes😎
oh didn't read it right :(
Good looking knife. I really dig the handle shape. Did Creely create it in conjunction with Gavko?
jooky5 not that I know of, why?
Michael Christy very reminiscent of Gavko’s mako
I’m not familiar with Gavko designs, but I did hear there have been a few other knives of the same name as mine. I looked up that Gavko and did see muck in common. www.knifecenter.com/item/GAVMAKOMT/gavko-knives-michal-gavac-mid-tech-mako-flipper-folding-knife-154cm-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles
Gary Creely I didn’t see it either.
How do we order one?
Donttreadonme1001 talk to Gary Creely. Creelyblades.com.
Michael Christy thank you, your videos are the best brother
Lorem Ipsum context Gary directly at Gscreely+creelyblades@gmail.com
Can you drop it?
wish to have 1 :)
boldsaikhan bundan Creelyblades.com
50-100% more wear resistant than 10V, not 1,3,4 but 10V:; WoW, unbelievable...
Off topic. Wanted to see how steep I could take a D2 edge. Well 30 inc it did not like( go figure) 😁 There is a "permanent " micro crack or chip I cannot see that I cannot get out. I've resharpened 3 times. Every time getting a solid burr then to shaving sharp. Never had this happen. Wierd I cannot see or feel it. Only on phone book paper
funny i am watching this vid and holding shirogorov tabargan clone. just said