Favorite "Portable/Field Expedient" Knife sharpener?

druid189 · Jun 22, 2015

While I carried an axe in the field, I had always carried a "Carborundum Stone" that would sharpen everything I needed. I no longer carry and axe and therefore, don't use that brick anymore. In fact, I have no idea what I did with the it...

For my fixed/belt knives, I always carried a small Arkansas wet [water] stone [usually a white medium+fine model]. In recent years I've been using the EZE-LAP "L" pack [3 piece set] but I'm now looking for a compact/collapsible diamond dust-type of sharpening stick to add directly to the sheath. I want something that I can put into a "loop" system, much like the Ferro-rod loop.

What is your favorite model and what grit?

Thanks.

neeman · Jun 22, 2015

I presume I will need only to touch up my blades and not do a fundamental sharpening
I carry the DMT Extra Fine Mini-Sharp Sharpener (Green)
I stopped carrying the Fine (Red) as I never needed that course in the field

The Mini-Sharp does not weight an oz
I like it as I can take the stone to the blade as a file, which is good for longer blades or axes
Or take the knife to the stone like as a small regular stone

Serves all my needs in the field or going on vacation

Fred.Rowe · Jun 23, 2015

Obsessed with Edges · Jun 23, 2015

For a compact rod-type diamond hone, I've liked the Eze-Lap model 'M'. It's the one in the brass tube, which unscrews and reverses to serve as a handle. It comes with it's own sheath, but I'd think it could also be adapted into a loop-carry system as you describe. It's grit is roughly comparable to a DMT 'Fine' (600), perhaps a little coarser.

I'll also 2nd the suggestion for the DMT Mini-Sharp hones as well. They're not a rod-type, but a foldable keychain-carry flat hone, in DMT's interrupted-surface format. These are becoming my favorite overall pocket hone; very handy, light and almost disappears into a pocket. These are available in XC, Coarse, Fine & EF (220, 325, 600, 1200). I think either/both of the Fine & EF would be my favorites for regular maintenance & touch-ups, and the Coarse would handle major edge repairs pretty easily.

David

Komitadjie · Jun 23, 2015

I personally love the DMT credit-card continuous surface plates for field work, I carry Coarse, Fine, and Extra-Fine in my wallet with me. My wallet is the large Saddleback one, if you carry a less brobdingnagian wallet, you might want to limit it to ONE plate.

EDIT: I currently have one of Fred Rowe's "ERU" carbide sharpeners on order for testing to occupy that slot, we'll see how it comes out! :thumbup:

druid189 · Jun 23, 2015

Fred....That's an interesting concept on a sharpener and I'm not discounting it....but 'readily adaptable' to mount onto a sheath is what I'm currently looking for. I did bookmark that thread in your signature in case I want one for home.

OwE.....thanks for those. I will definitely look into that brass one and I did see those DMT minis before....I thought them a bit too small to accomplish a task but I guess if I'm only 'touching up' an edge, they should be fine.

neeman · Jun 24, 2015

Druid
the minis are not to small especially as you can take the sharpener to the blade like a file

Jamesh Bond · Jun 26, 2015

Maybe a bit bigger than youre looking for, but what about the kershaw ultra tek ?

Modoc ED · Jun 26, 2015

The DMT Mini-Sharp hones work well and even though they come with a key ring, they carry nicely in a pocket. The key ring body/eyelet is detachable for an even more compact carry.