Packable Sharpener Options

MW740

MW740

Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
732
I am in the market for a compact packable sharpening system. I am very happy with my Spydie Sharpmaker to use at home, but I need something compact and light weight to take camping and hiking.
 
Think of it as a Sharpmaker for your pocket. Two small pairs of ceramic rods in a compact plastic holder.

I got my Gatco in a Sentry Solutions Kit that came with the Gatco, a tube of Tuff Glide lubricant/protectant and a couple other little things for under $30.00. The Gatco and the Tuff Glide alone were worth the price, but I think the Gatco alone can be had for under $15.00.

The other option would be one of the DMT Duo-Fold diamond sharpeners. It would probably set you back a few dollars more, but would be more useful for a real sharpening job, where the Gatco Micro X is more suited to touch up work, although it could probably do a major re-sharpening if plenty of patience was applied liberally.

jmx
 
I use one of the little diamond folding hones, and a course arkansas stone. the red(fine DMT) with a course arksansas can take care of most anything. IF you can keep a steady angle.
 
The DMT stuff is great. I also have a tapered diamond coated titanium rod from Mission Knives that works quite well. I like the Mission piece because the rod unscrews from the handle. Then you turn it around it and it stows inside.
 
The best sharpening kit is to learn how to get a decent edge freehand. I carry a red DMT folding stone, a gatco, and a super fine stone, and those are adequate for about 99% of my sharpening needs in the field. It took me a long time to learn how to do it freehand though, and I'm still learning, so keep practicing!
 
You've got to look at what kind of knife you're using. A small knife will be well served with a small ceramic stone while that sort of thing would not do a terribly good job on a 14inch chopper. If I had to choose just one sharpening tool to take afield, it would be a red DMT Fine diamond hone. It will do most sheath knives and if you use high-tech steels like BG-42 and the CPM's, anything short of the diamond and ceramic hones won't do. I'm old-fashioned perhaps, but I like O-1, 1095 - the old honing stones work very well for me. Thats just me... Jason.
 
The GATCO Micro X is a good choice or DMT diafold. I also carry an EZ Lap rod with the groove for fishhooks
 
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