Just got my Ratmandu.... Under what conditions will it shine? Compare to others....

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wacki

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Sep 12, 2009
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I've got my first Ratmandu. It's not as sharp as my AUS 8 SOG Knives and definitely not as sharp as my S30V knives.

Under what conditions will the SR101 steel shine?
 
Well if its like mine, its only not as sharp as other knives because the edge is too thick, which can be fixed with some reprofiling, SR101 (52100) will be easier to sharpen than both the above steels, will hold its edge longer than AUS-8 and will be tougher than both those steels, overall its a much better hard use steel, than most stainless steels, while also being much easier to sharpen in the field than most stainless knives. My RMD was probably at like 50 to 55 degrees inclusive when I got it, but I took it down to about 35 and it cuts much better.
 
When you say "not sharp," do you mean it doesn't cut well, or that the knife is dull? If the former is the case, then reprofile it, like Michael said. If it's the latter, then just sharpen it. Neither is really a big deal.
 
It's factory new and doesn't shave my arm well. If it's the profile then I guess it's ok. The 55 degree profile might be best anyway as this is my great outdoors knife.

If I want to change the profile, whats the best method/sharpener?
 
If you like the edge angle, you can just strop it to shaving-sharpness. If you want a thinner edge, you'll need to work it down. SR101 is very abrasion resistant (52100 ball-bearing steel brought to 61 Rc). Reducing that edge-angle by hand can take a LONG time. I recommend either using power-tools (e.g. 1x30 belt-grinder) or a good diamond hone at low-grit for the major removal of steel, then increase the grit level to eliminate the scratches and refine your edge.

FYI there is a Swamp Rat subforum with a number of threads/posts on this very subject. The "search" tool is your friend ;)
 
wacki said:
I've got my first Ratmandu. It's not as sharp as my AUS 8 SOG Knives and definitely not as sharp as my S30V knives.

Under what conditions will the SR101 steel shine?
Click to expand...

How sharp your knife is, will depend on you. No matter how sharp it came from the factory you will have to sharpen it at some point if you use them.
 
Under what conditions will it shine?
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Hard use cutting. High sharpness which 52100 is known for. Michaelm466 describes it pretty well. It was made to use and is a nice knife. They are made well and it would be a shame to not use one.

Joe
 
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