Field Shapener for Scouts?

panch0

panch0

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
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I have been tasked with finding an inexpensive sharpening kit and having a class on teaching 8 new boy scouts how to properly sharpen their knives in the field. I use a paper wheel system on mine and carry a DMT diafold in the field. They have a budget of 15-17 dollars on theirs. Academy has different ones with in the price range. I was wondering if anyone here has used any of these or knows of a good kit in the price range. Thanks!
 
I use a Gerber diamond pocket hone. It is the size and shape of an ink pen though a bit heavier. Does not cost much and lasts quite a while before it wears out. $10-$14.

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I might add that it comes with a lifetime warranty so if you should ever wear it out (it takes a lot of use to do, but it happens), return it to Gerber for a free replacement.
 
I like the G. I. sharpening stone. It's very portable and very cheap, and unlike most other hones that size you can get a good grip on it and use it safely. I actually use diamond hones most of the time, but there's plenty of other gear the boys could invest that money in.
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Scouts often show up with knives to "sharpen" that are very, very dull. A two-sided Carborundum (silicon carbide), crock stick (aluminum oxide ceramic), and cardboard for stropping should cover the range of needs.

If you can convince them to keep their knives fairly sharp at all times, you will have done them a good turn. (Good test of "Explain.")

A good teaching prop is a wooden paint stirring stick. They can sharpen it to get the muscle memory in place. Any flat piece of scap metal of suitable size can also be used. Otherwise, Dollar Store knives can be used.

Moving the knife in circles on the sharpening "stone" with the knife blade at the correct angle is easier for kids to master than the method in the Hardbook on p. 404.

The included angle of 60 degrees suggested on p. 404 is fairly dull.

Washing the knife "with the rest of your dishes" as suggest on p. 403 is a terrible idea.

The Handbook assumes that all parts of the knife are impervious to water. That is true only if there is no carbon steel in the knife.

Best of luck.
 
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The last time I saw these boys knives, they were pretty dull. I will go over how important it is not to let your knives get too dull. I would like for them to get a kit for their trick bag with a course medium and fine stones of some sort. After they get a hang and understand I like the stones you guys posted to maintain the edge.
 
Eze Lap have a thing called an Eze Edge Sharpening Bar. It's about 10*1.5cm with 600 grit diamonds one side and 400 grit diamonds on the other. I can't testify to how well they work 'cos I use other methods. They are very cheap here so I'm guessing about $10USD each.
 
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