Ontario Rat 3 sharpening

[jimmydeuce]

I got a Rat 3 a year or so ago to keep in my vehicle. It's been used 2 or 3 times, just enough to start getting the factory edge a little dull (wasn't very sharp to begin with). I bought a DMT Alinger along with an xx coarse and xx fine stone for it and it's been a lifesaver for my lack of talent at freehand sharpening ass. I've used it on a few of my knives, even one el cheapo, and got hair shaving results.

 

I decided to get the Rat 3 out last night and got to work with the Aligner. After 45 min. I decided it's either made from Kyrptonite or Sharpnessunobtainium. After another wasted hour today I'm sure it's Sharpnessunobtainium. This thing will not take an edge. I have honestly gotten nowhere wth it. Has anybody had a problem with sharpening a Rat? It's supposed to be 1095 but I'm beginning to wonder if I somehow got a D2. The DMT has done great with my other knives that are 1095. I've had a few ESEE's and could get them fairly sharp with just a couple stones and, as I said, I really suck at sharpening.

 

I'm starting to move passed the pissed off stage and in to the going to Home Depot and buy a damn belt sander stage. If that happens there will probably be a Rat with a 1/2" long, 1/8" wide blade with no edge free to a good home listed in the Classifieds.

 

Thank you.....I feel a little better now.

Edited February 19, 2013 by jimmydeuce

[Major Kong]

If you're going to go the belt sander route I'd recommend the Harbor Freight 1x30 sander with Klingspor belts. It's actually very intuitive to sand with a belt sander. Go to YouTube and watch a few videos.

[Major Kong]

Oh, in addition to the Klingspor belts pick up a Surgi Sharp leather belt for the sander.

[gjohnsoniv]

Or you could go to Kinney Sharpening to have them deal with the frustration.

[jimmydeuce]

I was kidding about going to Home Depot but I think I might order that Harbor Freight sander. I've seen it recommended before. Thanks Major.

[jimmydeuce]

Or you could go to Kinney Sharpening to have them deal with the frustration.

I think I'm going to drop by there next time I'm in Knoxville.

[itchytriggerfinger]

I have a Chef's Choice M120 3-stage sharpener that can often time cure Sharpnessunobtanium.  It puts a razor edge on my kitchen and filet knives.  It even put a decent edge (not razor) on those $10 Smith & Wesson tanto knives from Bass Pro.