33RSK

[Loony661]

Regular RS and RSK have different top plate angles (from cutting edge to butt of the cutter) and also different raker profiles. Lastly, standard RS has a “relief” under the rear rivet that allows it to rock back slightly (formerly known as Comfort chain feature) to reduce felt vibrations while cutting.

RSK is 9 degrees sloped from front to back, and RS is 7 degrees - but the RS “rocks back” roughly two more degrees when in the cut.

I wish I had some of both on hand to show the difference, but all I have is RSK. It’s my favorite chain. It’s faster than RS.

Lastly, all I ever sharpen it with is a 7/32 file. The first pass though will knock out the little burr left behind from the factory grind at the bottom of the gullet. After that it’s smooth sailing and makes the chain even faster than the factory grind.

 

[Jusgunn3]

Regular RS and RSK have different top plate angles (from cutting edge to butt of the cutter) and also different raker profiles. Lastly, standard RS has a “relief” under the rear rivet that allows it to rock back slightly (formerly known as Comfort chain feature) to reduce felt vibrations while cutting.

RSK is 9 degrees sloped from front to back, and RS is 7 degrees - but the RS “rocks back” roughly two more degrees when in the cut.

I wish I had some of both on hand to show the difference, but all I have is RSK. It’s my favorite chain. It’s faster than RS.

Lastly, all I ever sharpen it with is a 7/32 file. The first pass though will knock out the little burr left behind from the factory grind at the bottom of the gullet. After that it’s smooth sailing and makes the chain even faster than the factory grind.

Good to know, thanks! I need to find more RSK before it’s all gone!

 

[Loony661]

Good to know, thanks! I need to find more RSK before it’s all gone!

I don’t think it’s going anywhere - I just ordered a roll from the dealer about a month and a half ago.

It is regional though - Madsens cannot get it, it’s not offered out west. But it’s readily available here in the upper midwest.

 

[Jusgunn3]

I don’t think it’s going anywhere - I just ordered a roll from the dealer about a month and a half ago.

It is regional though - Madsens cannot get it, it’s not offered out west. But it’s readily available here in the upper midwest.

Great news, thanks for the heads up!

 

[Sloughfoot]

Not at Madsen's. Not at Bailey's. @Jusgunn3 has got the west coast RSK market cornered.

 

[lehman live edge slab]

Klassic being old school RS, I guess I have used a bunch of it. Is Stihl letting Hexa quietly go away?

Hexa not going anywhere they want to push more of it in the USA. I actually find nothing wrong with it except for it being more expensive.

 

[Loony661]

I was able to take some pictures of the differences between RS/RM (Previously RSC or RMC) with the “Comfort” anti/vibe feature that is now standard, and RSK which is a legacy chain with nothing fancy.

Pictured first is RM and you can clearly see the area under the rear rivet where it will rock-back once it engages wood.

Next is RSK, and aside from a bur from logging wear and tear, you can see how it makes full contact across the whole tooth.


Also note the raker difference. I hope this helps coincide with my description previously about the difference.