Field Sharpener ?

I have a thick piece of leather with stropping compound on it. I lay some wet dry paper on top if it's really dull.
 
DMT Diafold. You can get one in various grit combos. I prefer regular (red) and fine (green).
 
Alberta Ed said:
DMT Diafold. You can get one in various grit combos. I prefer regular (red) and fine (green).
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I've been looking at these for a good while now, wasn't sure if I should try one. I think I need to settle my curiosity on this. :D
 
There's a forum member selling a device called the ERU, probably find it with a search here, be interested to hear users feedback on it.
 
Fish30114 said:
There's a forum member selling a device called the ERU, probably find it with a search here, be interested to hear users feedback on it.
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I am interested in the feedback as well. We've shipped 10 out of this last run of 50 so I figure we will here the pros and cons soon.

What ever edge angle you want to work with, from 14 inclusive to 40 inclusive, just set the precise alignment scale. It can be set in increments of 1 degree and in divisions of 1 degree as well. It produces shaving sharp edges that are polished and the tool fits in the palm of your hand. The ERU is a precision tool made in America and is built to last a life time. If you are looking for something other than stamped plastic in an adjustable field sharpener give us a try. They aren't cheap to buy, but you get what you pay for.

The feedback we have gotten from professional sharpeners as well as chefs is that the ERU is far more versatile than any other field sharpener they had ever used.
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I think Fred's ERU is going to be a winner. People just have to get used to that idea, forgetting about the detrimental pull through sharpeners of the past. I any case, I have changed my approach to "outdoor" sharpening a bit. I used to look for the smallest stone/rod/strop etc. but really a nice big 3x6 or 3x8 inch stone is just more convenient and easier. Sure, most stones are heavy, waterstones and oil stones for sure. Therfore I am a big supporter of the DMT 8inch DuoSharp stones (the dotted ones). You only need one. They are light, sturdy, very versatile, have two grits in one and are very, very durable. Dry or with water. They are thin, you can put them into the smallest daypack and you dont necessarily need a base. You can use your leather belt that you are wearing anyway as a strop and even preload it with compound if required. That's it. Alternatively and as good is HeavyHanded's washboard. I don't like the idea of a retractible sharpening rod, or "I just use my coffee mug or the window of my car". No offense, just my 2c.
 
The answer depends on a few factors, like what sort of tools are going to be maintained and what steel are we talking about. I used to carry a chunk of black and white compound and just apply it to any smooth bark or straight stretch of wood. Later I did the same with my walking stick when backpacking with a machete, just strop away every couple of uses. On softer carbon or stainless steels this strategy works pretty well, not so much on harder steels.

I don't normally bring any extra sharpening gear, but something like a combination silicon carbide puck is very handy. Slips into a pocket and can do pretty much any sharpening chore on any sized tool from pocket knife to axe, also work OK with water or dry for short bursts. Couple it with a block of compound used as described above, and you're very well prepared.

One of the things I take into account is that in most cases when on foot, there won't be anywhere stable to set a stone for sharpening - whatever it is, handheld is a big help, and being familiar with that style of sharpening equally so. I have a few 1"x10" Washboards that work great in this capacity on smaller blades as well as larger ones when held like a file, but haven't taken them packing yet. I don't generally need to touch up my knives during a 2-4 day hike, so all I'd use it for is to sharpen other folks super cheap, super dull knives, I'd rather collect firewood and drink a beer...
 
Most of my field sharpening gets done with an aluminum oxide scythe stone these days. The shape allows it to mimic a section of a grindstone, forming a very slight hollow when properly used. Not the finest stone but makes for fast touchups and with a gentle stroke you can get a shaving sharp edge off of 'em.
 
DMT Mini in E Fine and fine
They are small folding with key ring carry
Very light and easy to hold to move the stone to the blade not the blade to the stone

they work well for field maintence
 
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