Keeping your tools/knives sharp in field?

I really like the spyderco profile set I think it is 701 combined with a leather strop on a paint stick loaded with grit. This rides around in the top pocket of my backpack and can sharpen anything from fish hooks to axes. Around the house I use waterstones, mousepads, and a sharpmaker depending on the edge I want.
 
I like the Byrd Duckfoot for trips. Many surfaces for all of your sharpening needs, pre set angles and freehand, and diamonds take care of anything. I'm not an ultralighter, so the weight does not bother me, and I'm not too concerned that it is a bit coarse if touching up in the field.
 
Cascade I use nearly the same system as you. Only difference is I use a series of diamond loaded strops to maintain my edges.

I like the DC4 so much when they came out that I purchased two of em. They are the best field stones going IMHO.
 
tek77 said:
Most of my users have a convexe or convexed edge.
This has been posted before, and I thought it's a good idea.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkuF1dljmjE&feature=player_embedded

It' def. on my "to do" list.
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That is a great idea :thumbup: I personally would just prefer leather on both sides. Load one side up with green and the other side with black/gray. I find that the mouse pads tend to roll my edges a bit too much when I start to add pressure.

I just carry a tiny Car-Bee sharpener when I go out in the field. I use it as a steel to realign the edges and also as a quick touch up sharpener that puts on a decent working edge. Call me lazy :D
 
Ban said:
That is a great idea :thumbup: I personally would just prefer leather on both sides. Load one side up with green and the other side with black/gray. I find that the mouse pads tend to roll my edges a bit too much when I start to add pressure.[...]
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I do that :thumbup: I sometimes carry a little block like in the video, with leather on both sides - one side green, one side black. If the edge needs more work, I also have cut to size pieces of wet and dry in a good grit range. All of it goes in a baggie. Weighs little and doesn't take up much space. I prefer to take it if I'm using a convex knife.

In my minimal hiking backpack kit (camelbak mule), I carry a DMT diafold in coarse/fine (blue and red). I used to carry the red/green, but have been thinking the blue/red might be more useful. Even more minimal, I carry one of these double sided diamond plates in the psk pouch that's on my belt when out and about: http://www.ragweedforge.com/SharpeningCatalog.html. Although it's not ideal, it's flat, light, and would work in a pinch.

ETA: I just saw that Ragnar now has those double sided plates in coarse/medium...I might replace the medium/fine in my psk now....
 
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I know this might sound a bit bad, but if push comes to show and I am really far from camp out hunting I use the metal file on my swiss tool just to do a microbevel. Crued but gets the job done.
 
All really good info here. THANKS......

I made up a little device today using a paint stiramabobber. I cut it about 4" long (+ about 2 1/2" for a handle.... thanks again Mtwarden). I glued a 5" piece of old leather belt on one side, and left the other side alone. The leather will get loaded up with Yellow Flex cut compound (a little more aggressive than Viritas green, black, or rouge compound) and I'm going to use the other side with some sandpaper. I'll found some paper clamps that work great for holding whatever grit of sandpaper I plan to use in place. Shaved a few ounces off, have a VERY price effective sharpening tool, and I'll save the DC4 in my fly fishing vest for now.

Thanks again for all the ideas W&SS folks! :)
 
My favorites are the EZE-LAP Sportsman diamond rod and the DMT folding sharpeners. I strop on my pants. The other favorite is a USA made Schrade Honesteel. Great for frequent touch ups.
Scott
 
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