keep that grind angle low! (i made hours of work for myself by sharpening my first Scrapper6 too steep...

How many hours?

Here are some pics of the tip. I really want to figure out how to do that penetrator tip someone else posted in another thread.

I completely agree with 360 on this one - Warren (t1mpani) or ThomBrogan are masters at this! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Yup! Yup! I agree too. I'd search Rat Chat as this has been asked many times before. Here’s a couple links to help you.

SRKW Search for "Sharpen"

Keeping it Sharp (From SwampShack)

I tried the sandpaper/mousepad a while when I got my first rat. I decided I didn’t like it after a while. The sandpaper wore out too quick, and I thought it was kinda expensive to keep buying it all the time. I’ve since switched to using V grinds with stones, and have had no problems with it.

I use a 3 sided Gerber stone, then a fine AR stone, then a ceramic rod, then strop it on a leather belt. I can get it shaving sharp this way, and the stones don’t wear out like the sandpaper does.

Whatever works for you Andy, and it sounds like it works well! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

probably one and a half, but it seemed like about a jillion.

I use a double sided waterstone for reprofiling and sharpening, and an old belt/strop with the green compound for touchups and polishing.

Mine came with the penetrator tip from the factory, btw, but you could put one on with a file, I imagine.

It took me about 2 years to get the hang of the sandpaper/mousepad system but now that I can do it I love it! I can touch up the edge on my Battle Rat in just a few minutes with 400 grit paper and maintain the convex edge, which I happen to like. I consider sandpaper to be fairly cheap although it does wear out fairly quickly.

For my knives without a convex edge I mostly use the Spyderco Sharpmaker along with a set of Spyderco bench stones.

I think that a person should try several different methods, then settle on the one he is most proficient and comfortable with.

What Private Klink said! youse guys are making me blush. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Rvogster,

One of the best ways to learn how to hand-sharpen is found on this site. The method works with oilstones, waterstones, diamond hones, sandpaper glued to a hard surface, and, if you only move the knife with its edge trailing behind it, on leather. Worried about losing a convex edge and getting a V-grind? Don't worry for two reasons:

• Your body will get in the way of forming a flat edge. Your arms move in arcs and your hands have 'give' in the muscles and tendons.
  
• Whatever you're cutting doesn't care if the edge is convex or flat - only that it's sharp

You can also try the ye olde Belt-Sander method. It takes a $40 1x30 belt sander, an 80 or 100 grit belt, and some finer belts like those sold by a&h abrasives and Lee Valley.

There are a million other methods, too. What matters most is if you can stick with the method.

Thanks for your input Thom - excellent advice as usual!