ISO one good sharpening stone

[Methuselah]

I've a ray Mears GB
Looking for one stone I can use at home and in the field.
I don't want it to break, so maybe a container ood sorts.
Water stone/synthetic ok.
Don't want it to heavy.
A combo is fine.
Affordable is key, but quality is #1
I'd also like to use a hand held sharpening method. Axe in one hand, stone in other.
Thank you.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Arctic Fox stone, perhaps? There are several different shapes that would all be appropriate for your context of use, depending on preferences and any other tools you plan on using it on.

 

[Moonw]

I think that's a good recommendation.

*

[OFFTOPIC] Also:

God does miracles....just ask..

- thank you for that. It comes at a very good moment.

 

[bear61982]

Arctic Fox stone, perhaps? There are several different shapes that would all be appropriate for your context of use, depending on preferences and any other tools you plan on using it on.

I'll second that. I have multiple different baryonx stones, and I love them all! The arctic fox is a good one, it'll give you a great working edge.

 

[Square_peg]

The Arctic Fox is a nice little stone.
Pair it with an F Dick all purpose mini file and you'll be able to repair the worst dings in the field quickly.

 

[Methuselah]

I think that's a good recommendation.

*

[OFFTOPIC] Also:

- thank you for that. It comes at a very good moment.

you are very very welcome.

 

[Methuselah]

The Arctic Fox is a nice little stone.
Pair it with an F Dick all purpose mini file and you'll be able to repair the worst dings in the field quickly.

So now that I've looked at this site do you prefer a 2 inch by 6 in stone or the 3-inch round puck?
I think I might like using the puck as long as I keep my fingers out of the way of the axe Edge. Puck might be better?

 

[A17]

I use a broken piece of a scythe stone that's 1 1/4 ins by 3? 3 1/2? ins. That and spit are all you need.

 

[Methuselah]

I use a broken piece of a scythe stone that's 1 1/4 ins by 3? 3 1/2? ins. That and spit are all you need.

I like the sound of that lightweight 2

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The puck is ideal for axes, but the field stone is more of an all-purpose for knives. If going light, the pocket stone does fine so long as your anticipated use will only be occasional.

 

[Square_peg]

I like the sound of that lightweight 2

My lightweight EDC stone is an old Norton roundstone. I've had for over 40 years, carried it in my tool bags for about 20 years. It started life about 3/4" thick. Now after 40 years it's less than 1/4" thick. But it still has both grits and no cracks.

Everytime I use it I first sight down the edge and pick whatever spot is highest. Then I grind there. Keeps it flat. This stone plus an F. Dick mini file still weigh less than my Arctic Fox puck. You can have a stone just like this in 40 years if you start now!
If I was gonna start over it would be with an Arctic Fox.

 

[Moonw]

I was just about to ask how are you keeping it flat. Something told me it wasn't a diamond plate .

 

[jblyttle]

I'd recommend the Arctic Fox over any other puck, great value.

There are lots of good bench stone options including several from Baryonyx. For a great all around stone at a nice price, check out the Norton IB8 8" India combo stone.

 

[Methuselah]

Thanks everybody so far. Arctic fox seems like the way to go. They're not that expensive either especially one of the seconds. Can't seem to find that F Dick mini file though...

 

[Square_peg]

Can't seem to find that F Dick mini file though.

If Baryonyx is out you might find them at Riogrande.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Right here.