Coating Recommendations

[kgd]

Convexing is a specialized sharpening or grinding technique. The idea is that there is a full curvature all the way to the actual edge kind of like how a bullet is rounded right to the point. The V grind has two bevels, a primary bevel which is the edge itself and usually a thicker 2nd bevel. In the case of the full flat grind present on most of the Rats, the 2nd bevel reflects the transition from the top of the V to the main part of the blade.

When you convert a V+flat grind like the Rats come with to a convex, essentially what you are doing is smoothing out that shoulder where the top of the V meets the downward slope of the full flat grind. It appears to be a wider angle, but by convexing it you aren't really changing the actual edge angle that much (unless you purposely do so in how you sharpen it). Smoothing the transition point between bevel and flat grind makes the slice go smoother - just less friction when the blade sinks into the cut medium below the bevel.

 

[Jeff S1]

I have a stripped RC4 and mineral oil is needed for my uses. I use the 4 for everything from hunting to food preperation. I do not like coated blades in general. So when I use the 4 for food prep, I prefer mineral oil being wiped from the blade vs. petrol products that may transfer to my kids. Mabey I am crazy but it seems a little safer.
I agree if you have a coated blade, oiling is not such a high priority. My other Rats have their coatings and they get minimal attention in the oiling departmant. My 4 is my go to Rat.

 

[R.A.T.]

Not trying to argue with you, but I would bet that your kids probably get more petrol products in their mouth from transference (from fingers to the mouth) than they ever will from a blade. With that said, I see your point and no sense in giving them yet more petro in their mouths

 

[Jeff S1]

Me either...
I agree with you. I just try and keep it away when possible. I bet they have got more petrol in their diet this week on vaca than any other, with sun screen alone! Since my 4 is bare, I just like the M.O., personal thing I guess.

 

[D1omedes]

if you want to keep your coating all pretty don't baton with your knife. Personally I think this adds character and was the second thing i did with my rc 4. Havent batoned with my izula, and dont plan on it--too small

It's funny, I don't even have a RAT knife yet but I plan on picking up an Izula and to complement it, an RC4. The RC4 will be my batoning workhorse.

Convexing is a specialized sharpening or grinding technique. The idea is that there is a full curvature all the way to the actual edge kind of like how a bullet is rounded right to the point. The V grind has two bevels, a primary bevel which is the edge itself and usually a thicker 2nd bevel. In the case of the full flat grind present on most of the Rats, the 2nd bevel reflects the transition from the top of the V to the main part of the blade.

When you convert a V+flat grind like the Rats come with to a convex, essentially what you are doing is smoothing out that shoulder where the top of the V meets the downward slope of the full flat grind. It appears to be a wider angle, but by convexing it you aren't really changing the actual edge angle that much (unless you purposely do so in how you sharpen it). Smoothing the transition point between bevel and flat grind makes the slice go smoother - just less friction when the blade sinks into the cut medium below the bevel.

I think I have a basic understanding now, thanks. Do you have any links to a video tutorial?

Does convexing the edge make the coat wear away faster? Your Desert Tan Izula looks like it has much more wear than the pink one. Is that just because of usage or the actual edge?

I have a stripped RC4 and mineral oil is needed for my uses. I use the 4 for everything from hunting to food preperation. I do not like coated blades in general. So when I use the 4 for food prep, I prefer mineral oil being wiped from the blade vs. petrol products that may transfer to my kids. Mabey I am crazy but it seems a little safer.
I agree if you have a coated blade, oiling is not such a high priority. My other Rats have their coatings and they get minimal attention in the oiling departmant. My 4 is my go to Rat.

Yeah, I choose mineral oil for the same reasons. It's nice to know that I have a steady supply of cheap oil that won't harm me if digested.

 

[lsheldon]

I have one of each color plus an extra in green, you should get them all too. You can never have enought Izula's.

 

[v1046r]

Just got a pink one on Wednesday and I can tell you that I totally love it. Most people I know don't think that a pink knife can be such a badass and now they know they're wrong.