FOG HORN
August 2020 Twobirds Flying Publications
Spyderco’s Limited Edition Shaman REX 45 Made In The U.S.A. Copyright 2020, Towbirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.
Spyderco’s Limited Edition Shaman REX 45 – Made in the U.S.A.
Spyderco’s Limited Edition Shaman REX 45 – Made in the U.S.A. By: Sal Palma
From time to time, Spyderco will introduce, in limited quantities, a knife based on a previously released design or older offering that has been enhanced in some unique way; such is the case with the Shaman REX 45 limited edition that I understand has already been sold out. I believe I’m correct in describing the Shaman pocket folder as a multigenerational evolution of the original Native folder introduced in 1997. Along the way, Spyderco improved each subsequent offering to more closely meet the needs of law enforcement and the military. Its Native name should not invoke visions of our great Native American Chief Geronimo; instead it reflects its Made in the U.S.A. lineage.
2020
The Shaman REX 45 is Spyderco’s newest and limited edition of its highly successful Native and Shaman pocket folders. It initially brought out the child in me as its REX 45 name conjured up visions of a Woolly Mammoth – let’s call it a side effect from being locked down for nearly 6 months. REX 45 refers to the blade steel, which is a composition of very high-speed steel (HSS), 8% Cobalt and 3.05% of Vanadium. When tool or knife makers talk about a high-speed steel they a referring to a tool grade steel designed for cutting tools, like milling machines. HSS replaced high-carbon steels used in machine tools manufactured years ago. The Cobalt content enhances hardness and resistance to high heat; hence, it is not uncommon to heat treat a knife blade to a 68 Rockwell Hardness or higher and Vanadium, which enhances ware resistance. As interesting as the blade material chemistry is, what I truly love about the Shaman is its magnificent blade profile. The knife sports a superb drop point, full flat ground blade that is all business. With its high HRC and a blade thickness of .145” the Shaman is quite capable of heavy duty work. The Shaman REX 45 is not just a workhorse; it’s visually stunning beginning with the characteristic Spyderco thumbhole and brushed steel blade, and climaxing at its G10 Burnt Orange scales. Spyderco 3D machines and contours the scales to perfection. There are no sharp edges and the large finger coil placement is well thought-out; functionally enhancing comfort and control.
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved
Spyderco’s Limited Edition Shaman REX 45 – Made in the U.S.A. Jimping aplenty! Spyderco ensures grip and control by providing very aggressive jimping forward of the axis point along the blade spine and forward of the lower finger coil.
2020
and construction reflect its upscale position in the marketplace. It’s handsome enough to carry with business apparel but very capable of tactical duty work. Describing it as merely impressive is an understatement; however, as the market has come to expect it is typical Spyderco, and Made in the U.S.A. -SP Manufacturer Specifications
The mechanics of this knife are excellent. There’s absolutely no movement at the axis. Structural stability and toughness are achieved by a skeletonized stainless steel frame, providing the mounting surface for the G10 handle scales and the Shaman’s patented Compression Lock.
Blade lockup is rock solid and bringing the feel of a fixed blade knife. You don’t have to worry about accidentally closing the blade on your fingers while using this folder. Make sure you’ve had your Wheaties if you want to release and close the blade.
You can carry the Shaman right or left side, tip up or tip down, Spyderco included a four position pocket clip, secured by three small torx screws, that’s easy on your finest apparel as well as a lanyard hole that will accommodate 550 paracord.
Blade Length: 3.58" Closed Length: 4.67" Overall Length: 8.25" Cutting Edge: 3.12" Blade Thickness: 0.145" Blade Material: CPM-S30V Stainless Steel Blade Style: Spear Point Blade Grind: Full-Flat Blade Finish: Stonewash Blade Edge: Plain Handle Material: G10 Handle Color: Matte Black Locking Mechanism: Compression Pocket Clip: Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left Carry Model Number: C229GP Model Name: Shaman Weight: 5.2 oz. Made in the USA
The Shaman’s journey began in 1997 as a Native and its years of improvement and design enhancements are evident in this excellent pocket folder. Blade material, design, features
Copyright 2020, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights Reserved