Pocket sharpener question

R

RAGS

Joined
Jul 11, 2000
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537
The new issue of Blade has an article about pocket sharpeners made by Benchmade,Smith Abrasives and some others,which generally consist of a plastic housing which holds two carbide cutters in a V slot.Some also have another slot with ceramic hones to polish the edge.Are these type of sharpeners any good,or will they just ruin my knife?I'm looking for a simple sharpener to bring into the field,on trips etc. and I need something simple that works well.Please keep in mind that I consider myself a sharpening retard(or sharpening challenged).I do have a sharpmaker 204 which works well for me,but just looking for something smaller.Anyone have any experience with these pocket V slot type things?
 
Rags...

I don't have any experience with the sharpeners you mention except the Sharpmaker, which I use constantly. It seems to me, though, that any V-type sharpener that you use would have to have the same angle as the one you use on your Sharpmaker to be effective.

Have you thought about a set of the 701 rods from Spyderco? They are a freehand system, but they do travel well and work well in the field for touchups.
 
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V types that have small ceramic rods may not give you the right angle for a good edge. Even if it does, it is a very temporary edge. The carbide removes metal by scraping it off of the blade. Very bad for a good edge as it will leave it jagged and rough. If you like a saw edge then the carbide scrapers are good. I use a small ceramic or diamond rod for touch ups. It takes a little skill to get the right angle but is easy to learn.
 
Why not just pick up a small arkansas stone? The meduims are great for quick touch-ups and can handle most sharpening chores (with varying degrees of effort). That it was I typically pack when I want to carry a stone with me.
 
ive used thoose carbide "v"tool for years on the job.very handy but its not for getting a keen edge,just a fast touch up.the angle on it is probably 20 degrees.
 
I would never use carbide on a fine knife. The ceramic V rods can never clean up the damage it would do.
 
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