Sharpening tips for the belly

W

Winter Tyrant

Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Messages
73
Hey RAT packers,

I am looking for info and possibly a video (hint hint) about sharpening from the belly to the tip. I am not used to sharpening blades with the upswept belly like on an RC-4, I am using DMT diamond stones btw so any vids, pics or tips are appreciated!

Thanks
Floyd
 
When I touch up my blades, I strop them from tip to hilt on the finest grit I have available. Just be careful to mind your angles and you'll do fine.
 
I have found that it really doesn't seem to matter whether you go hilt to tip or tip to hilt.

For some reason, it is really easy to loose your angle on the belly. If I get sloppy, I find that I start removing material from the "shoulder" instead of the edge when I transition to the belly. Sometimes the necessary angle on the belly seems way too steep (at least it does to me) even though it is actually fine. So I would caution you to make sure you are actually putting the edge to the stone.
 
sharpie the edge then check it after each stroke.

when youre removing the sharpie then youre right on.
 
Another way to help get the bellies sharpened is to keep the sharpening motion perpendicular the the sharpener. When I use my sharpmaker it helps to tilt the blade quite aggressively up and go slow when I get to the belly.
 
hilt to tip, make sure you do not draw the tip off the edge of the stone or you will round your tip off. I like to keep a couple fingertips on the blade just above the edge, it will help you control your angle better.
 
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