New RC-3, Sharpening Angle

jonnymac44

jonnymac44

Joined
Sep 27, 2007
Messages
7,680
Hey all,
I'm normally a folder fanatic. Even so, I've always had a few fixed blades in my collection. I've got a K-9 Dingo, a couple of Bark Rivers, etc., but I've never owned a RAT....until now that is!:D

The latest addition was a RAT RC-3 in blaze orange and OD blade finish with the standard pommel, which arrived yesterday. I could not be happier. What a great knife this is!:thumbup: I love the coating and the handle color. Very comfortable in the hand. I really like the size for easy, comfortable carry and the sheath options are a big plus.

My question is about the sharpening angle. It looks like it's about 20 degrees per side, but I just wanted to check for sure. Anybody know exactly what it is? This knife seems like it really wants to be used, so I assume I'll be doing some touching up on the blade very soon and would like to get it right.

Anybody here like to sharpen their RC's at an angle different than the factory edge? If so, what is it, and why?

Thanks,
Jonny

I'll get a couple pics up this afternoon.

EDIT: Here are some pics

RATRC33.jpg


RATRC32.jpg


RATRC3.jpg


RATRC31.jpg


RATRC34.jpg
 
Last edited:
The RC-3 comes at a 20* angle per side. I know some of the guys and gals do alter their edge angle, but I've left mine at 20* at it seems to be a great angle to handle most tasks. The only thing I have done is convex the edges on all my RAT's.
 
333rm said:
The RC-3 comes at a 20* angle per side. I know some of the guys and gals do alter their edge angle, but I've left mine at 20* at it seems to be a great angle to handle most tasks. The only thing I have done is convex the edges on all my RAT's.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it looks like it's 20 per side and that's what I kinda plan on sticking with for now. I haven't gotten too involved in convexing. The Bark Rivers I own are convexed, and I can maintain those edges with varying grits of sandpaper, but they came that way. I've never taken a flat or hollow ground knife and convexed it.

I'm really liking this RC-3 though, sitting here grinning like a kid in a candy store just lookin' at it. I think it will be a really fun blade to have around.
 
Well, it seems that 20 degrees per side is just fine. I sharpened the heck outta my new Rat3 last night and it bit my index finger really good while I was showing it to a customer at work. Just touched that blade to my finger and.....instant filet!!!:eek:
 
I remember when mine looked like that,love that orange & od green.
get more!
 
If after use I can get my RC-3 back as sharp as it came I'll be a happy camper. That thing was beyond shaving sharp right out of the bag.
 
I was just doing a search last night about sharpening an Izula and I came up with quite a few posts in the RAT forum that had some great ideas. The info that I found most useful was regarding some of the sharpeners available and inclusive angles, if that applied. I'm not sure how to explain it, but I understand it. 20 degrees and 20 degrees of course, equals 40, etc...That and using a black sharpie on the edge. Man, I love this forum just for that tip.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top