Lee,
Very functional looking and has lots of Cool factor!
I like the overall flow of shape with the knife & scabbard and the Chicago type screws add a solid look to your overall package .
It's had to tell from a picture how it would work as a rope cutter?
I would give it more of a Scandi or Micro bevel edge.
About three times the height of the edge you currently have. It should increase the rope cutting ability greatly along with a big visual increase in WOW factor.
I do this on a slack belt, I first use a slack stiff back 60 grit Ceramic belt then use Hermes Superflex J weight belts
I use a 120 grit then a 600 and buff with green chrome to get a scary sharp con-vexed edge.
With that CPM-D2 steel you will be able to get a insanely sharp edge.