Spyderco Sharpmaker Angles for RC-6, RC-4, RC-3, Izula?

ridgeline

ridgeline

Think Twice - Post Once
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May 10, 2009
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Title basically says it all, I just got a Spyderco Sharpmaker, and I'd like to know what setting I should sharpen my RATs at. Thanks in advance.
 
I'd say sharpie the edge and run a couple swipes down 40*. If it isn't removing anything you're probably going to have to grab a set of the diamond rods or you'll be there for a while.
 
Factory edge should be pretty close to 20 degrees per side. If you have the time and inclination though I'd recommend you reprofile it to 15 degrees per side.
 
Use a marker to "paint" the edge. Then very lightly sharpen just to remove ink and adjust angle till you are removing the most ink you can from edge towards spine and record that angle for that knife. Most knives seem to be in the 20-18 degree range.
 
That's degrees per side so double if the sharpener uses close to 40 degrees for it readings.
 
I neglected to mention that my RATs all have the factory edges, I was just curious as to what angle I should maintain the edge at, I'm not really wanting to reprofile them.

Thanks for all of the informative replies so far, I wondered if those angles were per-side or inclusive. Great responses!
 
ridgeline said:
I wondered if those angles were per-side or inclusive.
Click to expand...

This is what 20 degrees inclusive looks like :eek:
dsc5446sml.jpg


:D
 
I have done my Izulas and my RC-3 on the Sharpmaker at 40* since day one. Gets them hair-whittling sharp too!
 
I just got my Sharpmaker today. (great DVD included) Seems pretty easy to use. Tried it on a number of cheap knives today so tomorrow I am going to tackle my RC-4.
 
I use a Sharpmaker exclusively also. On my RC-5 I used the 15 degree setting to put a back-bevel on the edge because the blade is so thick.
 
Billy516 said:
I have done my Izulas and my RC-3 on the Sharpmaker at 40* since day one. Gets them hair-whittling sharp too!
Click to expand...

I concur.

Izula, RC3 and RC4 all get 40* on the Sharpmaker - I have never used the 30*.

They are all hair popping sharp and VERY easy to do on the SM.

Pick up a strop and some green compound - give em about 10 strokes on each side after the Sharpmaker and the air will bleed ;)

If you get into the habit of a quick strop after a couple of uses you will not need to go back to the Sharpmaker for a while - unless you give the edge a hard workout.

There should be a specific RC sharpening sticky - a lot of questions on the topic!
 
wow I never really noticed - there are a ton!

There should be one consolidated "RAT Pack Welcome Mat" with a lot of the stickies combined!
 
TrailWolf said:
wow I never really noticed - there are a ton!

There should be one consolidated "RAT Pack Welcome Mat" with a lot of the stickies combined!
Click to expand...


I agree, but I always hate to make more work for Mods....

Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate it!
 
I went from the Sharpmaker to the KME (similar to Lansky). Less margin of error. I start with a 20 degree angle and work through all the stones, then finish with a 25 degree to just to hit the edge. Polish with the finest stone, then just a few strops on leather or cardboard. My RC-4 is now hair poppin' sharp! :)
 
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