If you could only have 1 stone, what sharpening stone would you choose?

If you're only going to take one, I would take something coarser (maybe around 200-300 grit). When camping, all you need is to get the edge back to some basic utility sharpness. You're probably not going to want to take the time to do any great amount of edge refinement in such a situation. On a similar note, if you do damage the edge to the point you really need to re-sharpen, it'll take forever on the higher grit stones.
 
I've used a cheap fine/coarse Smith's diamond stone I bought at REI for years. It collapses down so it takes up very little space. I also fold up 1 piece each of 800 and 2000 grit sandpaper and rubber band them together. The whole thing takes up a 1"x4"x3/4" space, weighs only a few ounces, and can take a beat up edge and make it hair popping sharp. Total cost probably $25.
 
Norton fine/coarse 8" India benchstone like the one on the left 8$ at Smoky Mtn Knife Works in2004.
 
Spyderco sharpmaker. Technically it has a bench stone mode, and the whole package is just as big as some bench stones.
 
Car-camping or back-packing?

For back-packing I use a Spyderco double-stuff & some 1000 grit 3M wet & dry for heavier repairs.
 
When I'm away from my home kit I take a Spyderco DoubleStuff stone. Gives me a M and a F side on the same stone, light and easy to carry.
 
mrdabble said:
Spyderco sharpmaker. Technically it has a bench stone mode, and the whole package is just as big as some bench stones.
Click to expand...

Bam! light, easy to use, better consistency and you can do all your kitchen knives with it too ;-)
Best investment and bang for the buck IMO
 
mrdabble said:
Spyderco sharpmaker. Technically it has a bench stone mode, and the whole package is just as big as some bench stones.
Click to expand...

I have a Sharpmaker that I use and like in the upright position, but when I flipped it over to try the bench stone mode, it seemed awkward. The stones weren't perfectly flat.
 
dalefuller said:
When I'm away from my home kit I take a Spyderco DoubleStuff stone. Gives me a M and a F side on the same stone, light and easy to carry.
Click to expand...

I second this remark. If it had to just be a one sided stone, Opinel makes a good sharpening stone. Its a fine stone but you can really put an edge on with it. I usually carry both the DoubleStuff and the Opinel stone in the DoubleStuff pouch seperated by paper. I like going to the medium spyderco, then to the opinel, then to the very fine spyderco. It makes for a really good edge.
 
The stone I would choose for camping and 'if I could have only one stone' would be two different stones. The stone I couldn't live without for home and travel use is the one Willis posted. A Norton IB-8, in coarse/ fine India. The stone I'd take camping would be a DMT 1X6 or 2X6" Duo in coarse grit as its lighter. DM
 
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