Looking for a compact sharpener.

I've had good luck with the GATCO Tri-Seps "dogbone-style" sharpener. It's a ceramic stick made of similar material as the Spyderco SharpMaker coarse stones, with a similar triangular cross-section; however, the corners are rounded with different radii that fit most serrations well, and one side has grooves that are handy for sharpening fishhooks, dart, or similar. There are rubber "knobs" one each end, with flats that supposedly help you maintain a consistent angle, but I've never had much success with that. I use mine for touch-ups in the field, and just eyeball the angle, and it works pretty well.
 
I highly recommend the SpyderCo SharpMaker. It contains both medium and fine hones.

I won't fit in your pocket, but it is compact enough to be easily carried anywhere you go. It comes with a very rugged case that very neatly encloses everything perfectly. When closed, the case measures approximately 8" x 2" x 1" when closed.

You won't find a better sharpener for the money.
 
I'm with the "dogbone" style they are ~ 4 inches and lightweight.
I also carry some ceramic SharpMaker rods that broke on me.
Same concept.

Or EZ LAP makes a diamond rod that is part of a brass case. Sort of like a pen with a removable top.
I've not had a DMT Diafold Xtra Coarse/Fine but I want to get one. They are probably superb. But a bit long for pocket carry.
Tom
 
Consider the DMT diafold diamond sharpeners. They fold to convenient pocket size and they're available in either single- or dual-grit models.

They require some level of freehand sharpening skills.

Hipe this helps!
 
If you can hold an angle I highly recommend this:

http://www.eze-lap.com/product/creditcard.htm

EZE-LAP Diamond Credit Card Stones. I have used both the model 201 Fine Grit (600) and 202 Medium Grit (400) with good results and have even been able to carry it around in my wallet if I wanted to.

Best of luck in your search!:)
 
Ya know, I've been thinking about those DiaFold thingies... Might hafta think a little harder!
 
In the latest Woodcraft flyer... the dual sided DMT Diafolds are 2 for 1.... sale starts the 27th. (Probably get it online as well woodcraft.com)
 
TOB9595 said:
Or EZ LAP makes a diamond rod that is part of a brass case. Sort of like a pen with a removable top.
I've not had a DMT Diafold Xtra Coarse/Fine but I want to get one. They are probably superb. But a bit long for pocket carry.
Tom
Click to expand...

I use/carry one of these on all my extended trips. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EVLB30/104-8316640-0342345?v=glance&n=3375251 I even put one in my truck for minor touch up on my EDC. The diamond can be a little rough. Leaves a pretty toothy edge. Very compact and easy to use IMO:thumbup:
 
gud4u said:
Consider the DMT diafold diamond sharpeners. They fold to convenient pocket size and they're available in either single- or dual-grit models.

They require some level of freehand sharpening skills.
Click to expand...

Another possibility is the Fallkniven DC3. One side is a very fine ceramic stone, the other a diamond hone. Plus you get it in a nice, well made leather sleeve. Alright, it's a bit small for larger knives, but it's OK for smallish folders.

Hans
 
Here's what I do:
Take a sheet of 400 or 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper and cut off a piece the size of a credit card. Put it in your wallet. When you want to sharpen your knife, take it out and lay it ON the wallet. Sharpen like normal.

Pros:
You'll end up with the amazing, magical convex edge everyone's always talking about.
Cheaper, smaller, lighter, and more likely to be on you when you need it than any other kind of sharpener.

Cons:
One less cool gadget you get to buy :(

Mike
 
A diamond sharpener can really fix a seriously dull or damaged edge. A lot of the portable diamond hones are coarser than you need to simply touch up your EDC unless you use it heavily. For light touchup a cut down piece of 600 grit Wet or Dry paper in your checkbook would work well. Just lay the paper on your checkbook cover and strop your edge. You could even go with 1000 grit or 1500 grit if you are fussy. If you only want to touchup your edge in a crisis you could use a coarser grit. For that purpose 320 or 400 grit might fit. You could carry 120, 400 and 1000 grits without much problem and cover a lot of contingencies.

In my suitcase I carry a medium/fine combo diafold. I use this when I stay in lodges with kitchens. I usually sharpen at least one of their horribly dull kitchen knives to use while I am there. That takes some serious sharpening. When I visit my mother-in-law's I buy a combo pack of Wet-or-Dry paper (120-600 grits) and sharpen all of her knives.
 
Thanks for the info. I wont be using this sharpener to do any heavy sharpening, just to touch up/maintain an edge on things like SAKs and folders. So I assume that a fine ceramic would be a good choice?
 
Chuck289 said:
Thanks for the info. I wont be using this sharpener to do any heavy sharpening, just to touch up/maintain an edge on things like SAKs and folders. So I assume that a fine ceramic would be a good choice?
Click to expand...

For that use, your are exactly right.
 
For a small ceramic touch-up stone, get the Spyderco DoubleStuff combination fine/medium stone.
 
I second the double stuff. I mean, come on, the Sharpmaker isn't exactly portable. Or the DMTs, neither requiring lube
You could also get a small Norton orange India stone.
 
Yea I can see that.. but I was asking about the medium side on the doublestuff specifically. Do you always go for the medium, then touch up with fine, or do you mostly just use the fine.. How do you use it?
Because I got the fine only version and was wondering if i would be much better off with the double sided one.
 
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