Problem convexing Rat-1

T

trugracie

Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
257
The problem began with me lending my knife to my co worker. By the time I looked, he had already cut a 208 volt cord from an old refrigerator. "wow, went right through it" he said. Never the less I was pissed, $30 dollar knife or not, it's still mine! Anyway, its dull as a spoon now. Even after using the Lansky system, its still not hair popping like it used to be.
I decided this was my chance to put a convex edge on it, and have apparently done so, however, it's just not getting hair popping sharp. Hell, its not even slicing paper anymore.

Do you guys have an idea whats going on?
Do you have any tips or tricks?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
The best place for sharpening advice is Maintenance, Tinkering & Embellishment, so I moved it here from ESEE KNIVES, since they have no responsibility for the Rat-1 which is an Ontario knife.
 
Sounds like poor technique. Get some 500 grit wet and dry sand paper and put a mouse pad underneath and sharpen to get the edge right. Then strop to finish. Regardless, doing a convex edge on a stone not easy. I would take a real close look at the edge to see what needs to be done.

God Bless
 
My three tips would be 1) make sure you aren't holding the knife at too high of angle. You want the edge to just touch the paper. 2) try running a sharpy marker along the edge before you sharpen. That way you can see exactly where you are removing material. 3) Be Gentle Be sure not to press down while you sharpen. The weight of the knife will be enough to help the paper/leather "hug" the edge of your knife. Too much pressure and it will take the edge right off.

These tips were the biggest help to me (and still are) when I sharpen or convex my knives. :)
 
Thanks guys!
I've been playing with it, and noticed its doing good until I hit the leather strop.
Why would the strop remove the edge?
 
trugracie said:
Tip to heel with little to no pressure.
Click to expand...

1. Are you sure your touching the edge?

2. What compound are you using?

3. What grit/micron did you leave off on and headed to the strop?

4. How sharp was the edge before it hit the strop?

5. How firm is the leather?
 
Perhaps the angle is wrong and the leather is wrapping around and dulling the edge dispite your light pressure? Not sure. Have you watched the videos on knives ship free's website? They are very informative.
 
trugracie said:
1. Yes the edge is touching. I checked with a sharpie and magnifier.
2. using this system http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Sharpening-Kit-Double-Sided-Hone-Compound-1
3. Went from 2000 grit to black compound.
4. the knife cuts through paper OK before, but after it just tares.
5. The leather is brand new, and fairly firm.

I watched the videos from KFS, and followed step by step. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. : (
Click to expand...

You want the edge to just touch. Use little to no pressure, let the sand paper do the work. Use the same angle as when sharpening.

Was your edge slicing paper before the strop?
 
trugracie said:
4. the knife cuts through paper OK before, but after it just tares.
Click to expand...

If the knife doesn't cleanly Pushcut I don't take it to the strop.

Other than that all I can ask is how much compound did you use and is it evenly spread?
 
OK guys, I think I got it!
Apparently, patience is virtue. I went at it for a good 3 hours, and it is now right where I wanted it. I think this AUS-8 is very tough cause it took me no time to get it on 1095.

Thank you everybody for your help and tips!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top