Good knife sharpener for beginners?

T

TheBushWookie

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Oct 28, 2014
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I've been getting into bushcraft for a few months now and It's about time to order my first set of quality bushcraft tools but I still have 1 issue holding me back, and that's a good sharpening stone. I haven't actually learned how to use a sharpening stone yet (because I've only recently discovered my love for knives and bushcraft) so for my first one I had a Smith's TRI-Hone sharpening system picked out mainly because it looked simple and it said it also came with an instructional booklet for beginners but the problem behind it is that I believe my large machete that I'm ordering won't fit the stone, and I also don't believe the stone was meant to be used off of it's V shaped stand. My question here is what's a good sharpening stone/system that I can use that will also be large enough to fit my large machete?
 
The only thing I found that can be carried with you in the field is the Lansky Axe & Machete Sharpener
 
How much edge-refinement are you looking to get? What kind of damage are you expecting to repair?

He offers the DMT Diafolds and also the Jewel-Stik right there on his site, also the ceramic honing rod. I use simple grooved-steel for my machete most of the time, I also have a Flip-Stik Ultra (pocket-able version of the jewel-stik with 3 grits). Those are good for maintaining your edge or adjusting grit-finish.

For heavy repair, you can use a slack-belt power-sander (i use the 30" harbor freight if necessary) or you can use wet-dry sandpaper in appropriate grits on a strop.
 
The DMT Diafold coarse/fine is compact for what it is and works great. I broke off a 5" piece of oval ceramic rod that I keep with it for touch ups.
 
I use a medium/fine diamond hone for my machete, kukri and larger knives. It is "Smiths" sharpener...link...http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...d=4393647&cp=4406646.4413993.4414427.52416796

The Tri stone system is a great starter. The key to a sharp knife is practice. As others have said in other threads start with a "less" valuable/expensive knife to develop your ability to hold the angle steady to ensure an even edge.

There are so many options available it is nearly impossible to suggest any one. Most of us have more than one method for sharpening, purchased, etc. over a period of time and trials, but generally we all lean towards one method that we prefer and generally suggest that method. But starting with your Tri stones and learning/developing your ability is more important for in the field sharpening when you don't have a system with you.

I have and use the Smiths Tri stone and like it. I primarily use it for sharpening our kitchen knives. For my "knives", fixed and folding, I use the Lansky system and a combination of diamond, stone and ceramic hones. That is my preferred system/method of sharpening. I also use a home made strop with black and green compounds to "finish" off and/or touch up my knives.

Keep us informed...
 
It is very easy to sharpen larger tools on relatively small stones, the question might be portability. All you have to do is work in overlapping sections. Pretty sure FortyTwo Blades has a real nice video listed where he demo's a boat stone for a whole bunch of uses, including his signature chopper. Depending on the weight of the stone, many can be brought to the tool for working larger stuff when a table/bench is unavailable.

Here's a video showing one method. I couldn't find the one Fortytwo Blades listed, but with more time on a search...would be well worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uidso_8KJ38
 
Here's the one made by Fortytwo Blades using a scythe stone:

[video=youtube;G6rEgBAVjeU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=G6rEgBAVjeU[/video]
 
Another good sharpener for the Baryonyx Machete is an oval diamond steel. :)
 
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