Ferralsharpening

B

Briarbrow

Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
243
So... maybe I was watching a ytvid and dave Cant... said any slate will sharpen a machete or reading Lundin's book in which he off the cuff mentions using "homemade sandpaper.." somethin' somthin'

Me? I like to have a sharpening stone, or DMT card, something more that a chanced upon rock of unknown character.

I have the option of choosing a very small pack. And I hope to always have a good steel blade so why would or should I omit a nice option(s) for maintenance. I opt for 600 grit dmt 'credit card" and sliver of Jpn suita.:thumbup: I could throw them on scales if it's a weight thing or cut 'em up if bulk is a bother.

But what is the smart/woodswise solution you've devised and worked?
 
I carry a 3" x 1" arkansas stone in my pack. They cost about a buck, weigh almost nothing and get the job done.
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
A slim mill file is all I need in my chetes. :)
Click to expand...
Slim? last time I was in the Hdw store I dang sure meant to look at their ignition files. I think that's what hey're called/ very tiny/

Now i do like small files. But yesterday I was sharpening a new machete for work -needed one- and it was very sucky with a small file. I always imagine some great patience to overcome me in dire need. But for the softish steels a good fileman can do wonders at shaving. So I must ask-what do you file on?
 
i carry a Fallkniven DC3 stone with me.

abrasive as all hell and weighs next to nowt.
 
I was forced to learn how to sharpen with wild rock, my grandpa always told me you never know when you may be without.

I carry the idea with me to this day, so just in case I lose track of a conventional sharpener, I know a good backup solution.
 
ElSitherino said:
I was forced to learn how to sharpen with wild rock, my grandpa always told me you never know when you may be without.

I carry the idea with me to this day, so just in case I lose track of a conventional sharpener, I know a good backup solution.
Click to expand...

i've sharped blades using rocks many times because it's all i had...works good enough...then i'll put it through standard sharpening procedures when i get back home...
 
I have a set of the diamond credit card size sharpeners, but I use them mostly for smaller blades. I have some old grinding belts 2 X 72" that I'll carry 5" or 6" pieces of 120 to 400 grit, pretty aggressive, easy to clean, light weight and cheap.
 
i have a small nicholson file in my pack it does a great job on my machete.i have used it on my less expensive knives and stropped them with my belt,always a great result.
 
ElSitherino said:
I was forced to learn how to sharpen with wild rock, my grandpa always told me you never know when you may be without.

I carry the idea with me to this day, so just in case I lose track of a conventional sharpener, I know a good backup solution.
Click to expand...
very smart. do you have particular choices?
 
pilote said:
i've sharped blades using rocks many times because it's all i had...works good enough...then i'll put it through standard sharpening procedures when i get back home...
Click to expand...
does it ever mess up the bevel requiring a lot of fixing later?
 
Briarbrow said:
very smart. do you have particular choices?
Click to expand...

Slate. If I'm in the right region, I look for a red slate.

Easiest choice is to go for river rock, I look for the smoothest river rock which can easily be done while fishing. Usually I find them by foot since, I think, there's nothing nicer in this world than going barefoot in a stream while camping.
 
Briarbrow said:
Slim? last time I was in the Hdw store I dang sure meant to look at their ignition files. I think that's what hey're called/ very tiny/

Now i do like small files. But yesterday I was sharpening a new machete for work -needed one- and it was very sucky with a small file. I always imagine some great patience to overcome me in dire need. But for the softish steels a good fileman can do wonders at shaving. So I must ask-what do you file on?
Click to expand...

Perhaps not technically called a slim mill file but definitely not bulky imo. The one I use came with my golok. Here it is...

yhst-29358752693524_2119_1032981



And in the description is refers to it as simply a 5 1/2" mill file. Worked great for me in turning the horrible stock edge of the MArtindale Golok into a much sharper and more functional edge. And it rides right along my golok so doesn't take up any noticable extra space for me. :thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top