Sharpener (DC3 vs DC4)

T

Tristan570

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Jun 2, 2009
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Looking to pick up one of these real soon but was just wondering if the extra inch of the DC4 (and extra 10 bucks in price) would be really helpful. It would be used for sharpening a Rat Izula and RC-4.

Right now I have a big chunk of an old sharpening wheel which I've been using to sharpen my mora, I can put a usable edge on it but I'm kind of afraid to just go grinding away on it with my more expensive knives.

So in your opinion, as somebody who wants to actually learn to sharpen my knives, would the extra inch of the DC4 help me out at all (I'm also under the assumption that the only difference in these two is length from what I've seen, correct me if I'm wrong.) Thanks.
 
I don't own the DC series , but I find a longer stone allows me a better stroke , from heel to tip, as I like to do it. I would get the DC-4 for sure. Another inch can't hurt,and hardly takes up more space. I hear they're really good stones to bring along in the bush.
 
Yeah, I've seen them mentioned on here and I'm pretty sure I saw Ray Mears use one at some point so they seem pretty nice. I figured it might be easier with the extra length but that was just a guess.
 
I have a DC4 and I have to say its really a great pocket sharpener, I say go with the 4 a inch doesn't feel more in the pocket but feels better in the hand while sharpening, I easily sharpened an axe with the DC4 and I use it the most on the Izula and the Hest, I say its great.
 
The four is easier to use, and depending on where you are doing your pricing, it can cost 2X over the three. The three is far easier to find in stock.
 
G'day Tristan

Tristan570 said:
.....(I'm also under the assumption that the only difference in these two is length from what I've seen, correct me if I'm wrong.) Thanks.
Click to expand...

The dimensions of both are as follows:
DC3 2.5cm x 7.5cm (1 inch x 3 inches)
DC4 3.2cm x 10cm (approx 1.3 inch x 4 inches)

So not only is the DC4 longer, but it's also a bit wider (both come with a quality leather slip case),

After using both for several years now I can state from experience that both are great sharpeners :thumbup::thumbup:

Personally I prefer the extra length & width of the DC4 for sharpening 10 cm (4 inch blades), so if a little extra weight and size isn't an issue, I'd go with the DC4 :D

I must point out however that if your going to be sharpening fishing hooks, then the smaller DC3 is a better choice (my DC 3 resides in my fishing bag for exactly this purpose :D )

The fact that the DC4 appears to be harder to find in stock would also suggest that others prefer it to the DC3

Hope this helps.



Kind regards
Mick
 
I like the DC4 for the extra size.
Brian_T had a good suggestion on his blog.
The ceramic sides have some slight ridges when new that are supposed to wear off with some use. He suggested rubbing the ceramic sides together (keep wet while doing this) to wear the surfaces flat. This assuming you have two stones.
 
I'll give that a shot with the stone I have now but I have a feeling the ceramic will be the harder of the two.
 
the best way to lap a ceramic stone is wet/dry sandpaper, 800 grit, or so, and a flat floor tile. cheap at home depot
 
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