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

sunandsteel said:
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.
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I haven't had a chance to try it upside down like a bench stone, but I don't see why you would need that feature since it works so well the way it was designed. It's great that it's the size of one stone though since it offers 2 different ones.
 
A combination stone is surely the best bet. Or two thin dmt diamond stones which would take up about the same space.

Or a couple of stones designed for the edge pro, those would be very small and still get the job done fine.
 
All I generally use now is my Washboard, only weighs a couple of ounces and does a thorough job, so that would certainly get the nod from me :D, especially for backpacking or traveling.

Next one would be a Norton Crystalon stone in 6 or 8". It can be worked dry, though some mineral oil brings out the best. I love the India stone too, but the Crystalon and other SiC stones have the advantage in being able to reclaim the grit and use for a stropping compound. This is no small thing, IMHO the mud from these stones works better than many commercial compounds or the mud from most waterstones.
 
Ten4leader said:
Need one for camping trip..
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DMT Coarse and/or Fine, in any one of several portable options. The Dia-Fold makes both grits available in a single double-sided tool. If only one grit, then I'd likely choose the 'Fine', which can handle re-bevelling chores and major repairs on all but the biggest/thickest blades, and also will leave a great working edge, literally on any steel you wish to use. Both the Dia-Fold and the credit card hones are as light & pocketable as one could hope for, and will still get the job done quite quickly, as compared to other small/portable tools.

On a camping trip in the wilderness, pocketability is a huge plus if/when you find yourself literally 'stuck' someplace on foot, and urgently in need of a blade. If both knife and hone are in your pocket, instead of back at the tent/cabin/car, then no worries (about your knife anyway). ;)


David
 
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