Spyderco urban Rex 45

Firstly, The Spyderco Urban Lightweight Rex 45 Sprint Run is a compact, non-locking folding knife that exemplifies Spyderco’s commitment to blending high-performance materials with user-focused design. Tailored for urban environments and places with restrictive knife laws, the Urban is part of Spyderco’s SLIPIT line—knives that operate with a slipjoint mechanism rather than a locking one.

🔩 Blade Steel: CPM-REX 45

Again, At the heart of this limited-editionSpyderco urban Rex is its CPM-REX 45 blade, a tool steel produced using Crucible’s particle metallurgy process. REX 45 is similar to HAP40 in composition, with a high level of tungsten, vanadium, and cobalt, which makes it:

• Extremely wear-resistant
• Capable of taking and holding a razor-sharp edge
• Tougher than most high-hardness steels, although somewhat prone to corrosion if not maintained

More so, This steel is not stainless and will develop a patina over time with use—a trait many knife enthusiasts appreciate for its character and history.

Furthermore, The blade itself is ground in Spyderco’s signature full-flat grind, which enhances slicing ability and reduces drag. The leaf-shaped profile offers a broad belly and a sharp tip, ideal for precision work. Finished with a black oxide (PVD) coating, the blade resists minor corrosion and adds a tactical aesthetic.

🖐️ Ergonomics & Handle

In addition, The handle is constructed from fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN)—lightweight, tough, and impervious to most chemicals. Spyderco’s bi-directional texturing on the scales ensures a solid grip in wet or dry conditions.

Despite its small size (overall length just under 6 inches), the ergonomic design includes:

• A finger choil and jimping that provide a secure forward grip
• An ambidextrous wire pocket clip that allows for deep carry and reversible positioning
• Lightweight build—just under 2 ounces, making it a near-invisible EDC option

📏 Specifications

• Overall Length: ~5.95” (151 mm)
• Blade Length: ~2.52” (64 mm)
• Closed Length: ~3.45” (88 mm)
• Blade Steel: CPM-REX 45
• Weight: ~1.98 oz (56 g)
• Grind: Full Flat
• Clip: Reversible wire clip
• Mechanism: Slipjoint (non-locking)

🔥 Sprint Run Details

• Collectors of Spyderco’s sprint runs and rare variants

 

Care & Maintenance for CPM-REX 45

While Spyderco urban Rex is an exceptional tool steel, it’s not stainless—meaning it will patina and possibly rust if not properly maintained. Here’s how to care for it:

🔧 Basic Maintenance

• Wipe blade after use, especially after cutting acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, etc.).
• Apply a thin layer of knife-safe oil like mineral oil or a dedicated protectant like EDCi (Every Day Corrosion Inhibitor).
• Store the knife in a dry place. Avoid leather sheaths for long-term storage as they can hold moisture.

🧪 Patina vs. Rust

• A patina is a natural discoloration that protects the blade. It appears gray, blue, or coppery.
• Lastly, Rust is flaky and orange-brown—this means your steel is oxidizing destructively.