Smith's edge 4" Arkansas stone

Only if you already know how to sharpen freehand. If you don't, you may end up dulling your knife.
 
foxx said:
Only if you already know how to sharpen freehand. If you don't, you may end up dulling your knife.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. If you're not sure about your freehand skills ahead of time, the Arkansas stone will be all-the-more challenging. If you really do want to take it, I'd also take the Sharpmaker (assuming that's already been your 'Go-to' sharpener). Make sure you have something that you KNOW you can use effectively, before you get out there. Finding out you can't quite make it work, while you're already out in the woods, isn't going to do you any good. Arkansas stones tend to be on the softer side, and can be tougher to use, if you're trying to sharpen a more modern (harder) blade.

If it were me, an ideal field sharpener would likely be something in diamond (DMT Dia-Fold, EZE-Lap, Smith's, etc.). Whatever you take, especially if you place an emphasis on compactness/light weight, a diamond sharpener will handle any blade you put to it, and it'll do it quickly. And you don't have to worry about oiling the stone, minimal chance for clogging it, and it cleans up VERY easily with just dish soap & water. Even a damp paper towel will do a good job, as long as you wipe it down after every use.
 
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Obsessed with Edges said:
I agree with this. If you're not sure about your freehand skills ahead of time, the Arkansas stone will be all-the-more challenging. If you really do want to take it, I'd also take the Sharpmaker (assuming that's already been your 'Go-to' sharpener). Make sure you have something that you KNOW you can use effectively, before you get out there. Finding out you can't quite make it work, while you're already out in the woods, isn't going to do you any good. Arkansas stones tend to be on the softer side, and can be tougher to use, if you're trying to sharpen a more modern (harder) blade.

If it were me, an ideal field sharpener would likely be something in diamond (DMT Dia-Fold, EZE-Lap, Smith's, etc.). Whatever you take, especially if you place an emphasis on compactness/light weight, a diamond sharpener will handle any blade you put to it, and it'll do it quickly. And you don't have to worry about oiling the stone, minimal chance for clogging it, and it cleans up VERY easily with just dish soap & water. Even a damp paper towel will do a good job, as long as you wipe it down after every use.
Click to expand...

That's a good idea, I'll bring both this trip, and if the Arkansas stone works for me and I'm able to use it correctly, I won't have to bring the sharpmaker the next time.

Thanks, Obsessed with Edges
 
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