Rat RC-6 and Sharpmaker

[kypatriot]

Hello all - thanks for a great forum, have already learned a lot.

Ok, I have an Rc-6 from ESEE on the way and want to maintain it right from the start. I am considering starting with the Spyderco Sharpmaker and one day progress to freehand with bench stones.

Hoping to get a couple of questions anwered...

Does the Rc-6 have a 15 degree/then 20 degree double bevel from the factory?

Is the sharpmaker worth it and does it come with the right stones or do I need to order some additional stones?

Thanks in advance.

Oh, should I convex the edge instead, and if so how? The $5 mousepad trick seems attractive. Once again thanks.

 

[frank k]

Welcome to Bladeforums!

I don't know what the factory edge is set at for the RC6, but I can vouch for the Sharpmaker as an excellent sharpening system. Highly recommended. The 2 sets of rods that come with it are all that you need to get started.

 

[berandom]

You would get more answers in the ESEE part of the forum, but I heard all RAT Cutlery knives have a 20 degree factory edge.

 

[Jason B.]

The factory angle might be close to what they say but don't expect it to be exact. The sharpmaker will work if the pre set angles are good but if not then then the SM will be ineffective without additional rods. If you want to learn freehand you should start now, get a benchstone and a mora as it will teach you a lot about angle control and the movements needed in freehand sharpening. Though the SM may work large FB's are better done on large benchstones.