degree angle sharpening RATs

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planb

Joined
May 5, 2009
Messages
42
guys,

wich degree anglee do you prefer for the RATs?
I have a Lansky sharpening system.

thnx
 
The little instruction sheet that comes with the knife recommends sharpening at 20*. That's good enough for me.
 
I sharpen my Izulas and RC-3 on the 40* setting on the Sharpmaker and get them hair-splitting sharp. I love 1095!:thumbup::D
 
20 degrees seems to be the answer. I will however tell you I had a less than ideal experience trying to sharpen my RC-4 on a Lanksy due to the flat grind and thickness of the blade. The blade wanted to wobble and without flat edges for the clamp to make sure you have the knife in there square it's pretty tough IMO. YMMV.
 
Right now I've got my Izula sharpened at 15° and my RC-6 at 17°. I think I'm going to take them both down even further though. The increase in performance is definitely noticeable when carving wood, but perhaps not as much so when cutting paracord or when slicing a tomato in half.
 
I used the 21 degree setting on my EdgePro Apex and my Izula is very sharp. Plus the edge has a mirror finish on it which is very attractive. Wish I could take pictures to show off the beauty of it, but I have no lighting fixtures.


Bill
 
Usually but not always. 20 can be 20 each side or 10 each side 20 total.

Since almost all knives get sharpened at 15-25 degrees each side, unless someone specifically states total, I assume the number listed means each side.

Bill
 
planb said:
by taking 20° means 20 each side correct?

thnx
Click to expand...

Correct. 20 per side meaning 40 inclusive. When people say 30 they are stating 15 per side.

Since I got my Sharpmaker, I get the cutting edge sharp using the 40 then knocking off the transition angle with the 30. Works so far.
 
ok thanks guys.
Had no problems before with my lansky, but want to give the edge pro apex a try in the future..
 
My lansky works good, I use the 20* notch per side on my RATs and their all razor sharp. Cant wait till I can get an edge pro though.
 
Mine all become convex over time. However, if I were to use a degree, it comes perfect, so why change it?
 
planb said:
wich degree anglee do you prefer for the RATs?
I have a Lansky sharpening system.
Click to expand...

I have a DMT Aligner which I believe is fairly similar in concept to the Lansky. What I do is use a sharpie marker pen and check to see if I am following the factory bevel - once I know which setting matches the factory bevel I go from there:
1. If I am happy with the performance I stick with the factory bevel and just polish the edge with a fine stone, then strop.
2. If I am NOT happy with the performance then I lower the angle and grind with the coarsest stone I have until I get a burr, then I polish with finer and finer stones, finishing with a strop.

Reducing the angle will make the edge weaker, but the 1095 is a good steel and will have enough strength for most users even at a sharper angle. To me it is more important to be happy with how the knife cuts than to have a big angle to maximise the steel behind the edge.
 
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