Sharpening my Rat RC 3 Mil

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Deerhunter2010

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
219
Good morning to the entire Rat Nation, as you can see I am new to the Blade Forums and the Rat Family, I just wanted to know what is the best way to sharpen my RC 3 Mil at home and also while in the field? Thanks again for all of the help and suggestions I have received thus far.
 
I have both the Lansky and Sharpmaker, and have sharpened my RC 3 with both. Personally I don't think you can beat the Sharpmaker. It is easy to set up and easy to use. I do not have the diamond rods but I have not had any issues with the ceramic ones. I love this sharpening system I wish I had found it before I got my Lansky.

As for field touch ups, the best way to go is to learn how to sharpen free hand. It is something that I am currently working on.
 
Unless your knife is damaged or really dull you should just skip the stone and go right to the strop.
 
I recommend the Sharpmaker for my RAT Cutlery customers. It is easy to maintain the knife with the basic setup.
 
Anyone got the specs on the factory grind? Just bought one myself and would like a better edge.
 
Do you folks think 30* is too steep? That's what I put on my Izula with a lot of stropping as well and it's VERY sharp.

Thanks :)
 
At home I use the Lansky Diamond system at home, then strop them on the leather after that and they come out hair popping sharp! I sharpen mine at 20 degrees a side. It's very easy and it works great, I'd definitly recommend it. The Sharpamker is also a great system, most of the RAT packers seem to use it and they all love it. One thing that you can do to get your edges in perfect shape is to strop them. It's pretty easy and makes a big difference, knivesshipfree.com has some really good strops and compounds for your RAT's.
 
Maybe I should but another factory 40* micro bevel on it. I meant 15* per side for 30* total on my Izula presently.

It's so darn sharp it will shave now but it wouldn't, out of the box with the presumed 40* edge. Am I compromising the edge durability at the more acute angle? I doubt it but I'm all ears. :)

To the OP: I have a Sharpmaker kit with diamond rods (no xxf rods yet) and a strop loaded with that green polishing compound.

I love to strop. It's a relaxing way to watch my wife's cooking shows with her and spend "quality time together"....."oh that looks good dear"....lol..looking at my edge under the lamp. :thumbup:

We've been together for 25 yrs so I'm allowed some latitude.
 
I've had good results with a sharpmaker with the diamond stones at home, and one of those folding DMT sharpeners in my pack for field maintenance.
 
cziv said:
Do you folks think 30* is too steep? That's what I put on my Izula with a lot of stropping as well and it's VERY sharp.

Thanks :)
Click to expand...

No. 30* is fine. In fact I think it is preferable. Especially on the izula which has thicker edge geomery due to its overall thickness. I'm working my izulas down from the 40* factory edge with each sharpening.
 
Thanks guys.

CID25 - is it that little duo-fold with the coarse/fine diamond stones that collapse into the handle after using? Those look cool for a camping trip.
 
cziv said:
I love to strop. It's a relaxing way to watch my wife's cooking shows with her and spend "quality time together"....."oh that looks good dear"....lol..looking at my edge under the lamp. :thumbup:

We've been together for 25 yrs so I'm allowed some latitude.
Click to expand...
Am I a fast learner or is it totally abnormal to have reached this 'level' after 2 years :D

I use the sharpmaker also
 
Sharpmaker is great to maintain at home IMO, if you are out in the woods however it is a bit different. I use the steel file on my victorinox multitool to maintain a working edge or a small diamond sharpening rod. Its not ideal, but if you get your eye in you can sharpen free hand at a steady angle. (I am still struggling with freehand somewhat but great fun, just did it to my new Large EXK folding knife. Edge is thin (I love that!) not perfectly even (but who cares). Knives are meant to be used and it cuts like a dream!!!)
 
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I have a lanskey and it works good, Im saving for an edge pro though, if you have the money available its the best you will get. The last knife sharpening system you will ever buy. It adjusts from 6* to 33* per side. My friend has one and its unbelivable how great it works.
 
Which edge pro is the best one? I went to their site and if I recall there were at least 2 to 4 sharpeners - or maybe it was 2 sharpeners with a choice of how many stones you get?

They're a little rich for my blood. I have a Sharpmaker and I'm practicing on mousepad, with various grits of sandpaper, using leather and cardboard stropping too.

(beat up knives that can be thrown to the wolves but I haven't ruined one so far)
 
There's 2 models, the only real difference is the bottom where they stand, the pro has a suction cup and the apex does not. They both sharpen the same way. I'm saving for the pro.
 
jonnyghost said:
Unless your knife is damaged or really dull you should just skip the stone and go right to the strop.
Click to expand...

loaded strops are all I use to maintain my edges, both plain and convex. The only time I use a diamond stone or crock sticks etc, is when I have damaged the edge. I also use sandpaper/mousepad on my convex edges when they get damaged (also use a smooth steel for re aligning the edge if it is rolled or dented before hitting it with the mousepad/sandpaper).

you can make a home made strop with a board/piece of leather and glue, and get some stropping compound for pretty cheap.
 
I'm hoping to learn to strop one of these days. I currently sharpen by hand with a DMT diamond stone. It takes a bit of learning and patience to get the angle just right by just using the Mk 1 EB, but it is a great skill to have once in the field. I've also used the diamond file on my LM Charge in the field.
 
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