What's the edge on Rat Traps?

Dennis in MA

Dennis in MA

Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
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I got a used one in today. Previous owner says he never sharpened it. It doesn't look quite convex and it doesn't look quite v-ground at the edge.

Anyone know for sure? I'd like to clean up this edge and need some direction of what one I should use. (I don't want to take off too much metal changing it from one to the other. I don't care which one, just want to stay with the theme.)

Thanks.
 
Just pulled out my Rat Trap and based on (1) how the light reflects off it and (2) how there are no machine marks like on a normal Busse V grind I would say it is a convex edge.
 
I think Bill is right, although I no longer have one.

You might check with KH -- he's always got a few around.:)
 
I pulled out my RT LE and I am 100% sure it is a v-grind. I am the second owner, but I am very sure it was never sharpened. It is perfect. Maybe the standard ones are different.
 
Dangit.

I have to go back to the thread on another forum where I bot it. It really looks like someone sharpened it at some point. It looks like they use a 200grit belt lightly but didn't know what they were doing and pulled the tip off. All in all it's not terrible, but needs work.

Maybe I'll chuck it into my Edge Pro and do the Magic Marker test on it to see if it tracks like a v-grind. That will confirm it one way or another.

Thanks!
 
I sharpened it today. It was "attempted" at a convex, but appears then an attempt to v-grind it again. The tip is definitely gone.

Got it mostly repaired to near factory. I did have to adjust angles while I went (Edge Pro) or the sucker woulda lost a ton of steel.

Slices like a mo-fo now. :) Now I just need to tighten the main blade bolt - this thing opens TOO easily. Oh, and adjust the tension on the clip while I'm at it.
 
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