Sharpening 1095 (my new RAT-5)

[Jackal]

I'm working on a 40 deg. edge with the coarse stones of my Sharpmaker and I'm wondering if I should even use the fine white stones. This is a 5" blade for general outdoor use. Thanks!!!

 

[Sword and Shield]

Go thinner. Trust me- 30 is plenty thick, and 1095 happens to love a fine edge.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

For wood work, a higher polish offers better cutting ability and edge retention. You want a more coarse finish for slicing softer vegetation, ropes, cardboard, meats etc. .

-Cliff

 

[Jackal]

30 huh? Damn, I just got it reprofiled @ 40. Would have taken all day and then some to get her down to 30. This one must have been ground out on a Fri. afternoon. I'm amazed at how quickly it sharpens. At first I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Thanks for the advice guys...good to "see" ya again Cliff.

 

[Cougar Allen]

 

[Macchina]

Go 30, and make it a semi polished edge. I find that a corse edge looses it's advantage (except for in D2) quickly when cutting things in the outdoors, due to wear and edge rust. A polished edge has less surface area, and therefore rust much more slowly. You sacrifice short term performance for long term durability. Plus if you do any chopping, the more polished the better.