So I had a gift certificate, and used it to get a DoubleStuff 2 to try. What can I say? I like portable sharpening stones, I like sharpening on the go and not always on a bench.
There was a logic to trying this one, I'll be able to use it even it turns out not to be the fav. First, it's physically the smallest LxWxH dimensions of any portable sharpener I have, it's slim and compact and that appeals for backpacking and trail carry. Second, despite the ceramic which is my main issue with it, it works if you use an approach that has been discussed in a few recent threads, basically sharpen at a grit in the 300-400 range to get a toothy utility edge, strop/refine, and done. With this stone, the CBN side is quite coarse (the edge finish you get looks roughly similar to what I get on my DMT coarse, when sharpening M390). It feels extremely coarse to the touch, and when sharpening it's really coarse, I'd guess somewhere 220 to 320 mesh range, despite published comments that the Spydie CBN sharpmaker rods are 400 mesh. I suppose this could be 400, but sure feels more coarse to me. I put an edge on my Kershaw link and it passed usual sharpness tests. Then on the fine white ceramic side, I tried an approach I've used ceramics for recently, just to refine. 5 super light strokes each side at the sharpening angle. This improved sharpness a little more, smoother push-cuts in paper. Finally, taking Jason B's suggestion, I stropped at sharpening angle, wood block with 1 micron CBN compound, again 5 passes per side at sharpening angle, moderate pressure. This added one last noticeable improvement in sharpness, now it would cut paper towel. I almost could not believe the level of sharpness I could get with this little stone, just using these steps.
Bottom line: This could be a really great little field sharpener. I'm glad I got one despite my reservations about the ceramic. I still have reservations about using ceramics in anything but a light refine/finish role after apexing, especially on super steels, but this stone can work if you use it that way. The things I like about this stone: (1) the slim compact size and light weight, (2) the sharpening experience and feedback--though not as good as the AF IMHO--is better than the small interrupted DMT folding hones, (3) the versatility--I like that I can use it for sharpening other things like recurves and serrations that we have a few around the house, and that it can sharpen every steel I have, (4) the actual sharpening results you can get--fantastic. Although all these hones get fantastic sharpening results, they are all equal in that respect.
I can't really pick a favorite out of the AF, the DMT, and the DS2--they all do certain things better than the others, and I'll use them all. But the DS2 is definitely an outstanding little stone, adding the CBN side was a winner by Spyderco and I'm glad they put this stone out there. Serious Spydie fans should upgrade and get one of these if you need a portable for your super steel folders. I hope Spyderco expands this line and adds more grits, maybe a version that has a CBN coarse and a CBN fine side, for instance. The only question mark I have with this one over time is how the CBN surface will hold up.
DS2 CBN side, with the included pouch. Super compact setup.
LxW comparison of my 3 portables:
Height comparison, with the 2 DMT sharpeners stacked the way I'd carry them. The DS2 is by far the most slim. Great for carry, a little tricky to hold for sharpening, tho.
Here's how I held the DS2 while sharpening with it. Works OK, but I find the AF, and the DMT hones, both are MUCH easier to hold onto:
CBN surface:
The ceramic surface with groove:
