Smith's 2 step sharpener

[gazz98]

I almost hate to ask this ... Since I'm relatively new to knives and especially to sharpening, is this worth carrying in a backpack or home for quick touch ups?

http://yourcornerstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9512

I *guessing* most will recommend one of the portable DMT sharpeners or ceramic/diamond pen type sharpeners but I'm worried about getting the angle right (for the time being). This seems stupid proof and is at the local Lowes for <$3.

I should also mention I'm currently looking over a sharpening system for home. I like the idea of using freehand wet/oil stones or diamond stones vs the sharpmaker or Lansky type system. I know eventually I'll have to learn about blade angles but I have some crap knifes to practice on once I get my system. This seems like a cheap, hold me over until I get a system.

Is it ...

A. Viable $3 portable touch up system?

B. Piece o crap! Buy a bag of M&Ms.

C. Just get a portable DMT type sharpener, you'll learn the blade angle doofus.

D. Dunno. I can't read.

Thanks for your time, Jeff

 

[2sparky]

Ive heard alot of people go abundantly against these type of sharpeners. Personally Id carry a small stone if you reall need to sharpen your knife. I used to have something similar to this and all it did was create a huge bur and would dull very quickly. I vote C.
-Barry-

 

[yablanowitz]

B. A complete piece of crap. Buy one and use it to sharpen knives that you want to ruin the edge on, that way you can practice repairing the damage on something that does a better job, like a concrete curb.