So are any of the pocket sharpeners actually worth a darn?

[afultz075]

I'm looking to buy a Ritter Mini Grip and Aeromedix offers a package of the Ritter and a Lansky Pocket Sharpener for only a few bucks more.

While I relaize that Tungsten Carbide sharpeners aren't real good, they do have a set of ceramic rods as well that i'm thinking might be good for quick touchups on the go.

Of course this wouldn't be my primary sharpener, but i'm thinking it might be good to throw in the glovebox.
Any thoughts?

 

[93redgsx]

I dont know about pocket size but the $10 lansky 5in crock sticks are small enough for the glove box and work pretty well

 

[Dog of War]

Small stones are most versatile, especially diamond which cuts fast. There's a variety of other small diamond sharpeners, including small rods and keychain sharpeners.

These little Crock Sticks are easy to carry, rods only 4" long:

http://www.lansky.com/products/crock/clip.html

Generally I think you should avoid any kind of "slot" sharpener, especially those that use tungsten carbide and are very hard on your edge.

 

[rebeltf]

I have a smallish Buck pocket sharpener rod , it does work well, leaves a slightly 'ragged' but usable edge , which is fine for me until I get home to my stones.http://www.elinemerchandising.com/SWCHDDS.html
Looks exactly like this , only made by Buck , maybe the same company makes them, who knows...

 

[psycho78]

I guess those are alright for the field or for touchups and things. Thats all I have mine for.

The carbide part on some of those little sharpeners is such crap. It scrapes metal off your knife, and you can see little slivers of steel on the countertop. Not cool. This is the one I have.

 

[GarageBoy]

Pocket DMT- Pocket spydercos all the way

 

[donny b]

I do use these pocket sharpeners,and have good success;however not all are created the same and would recommend a stone to reprofile and maintain some sharpening skills.

 

[M Wadel]

i would suggest buying one triangle sharpmaker rod (med or fine up to you) breaking it in half and using one of the parts rounding of the sharp edges on the one you intend to use. cost: 10 bucks or so :thumbup:

http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=3596
http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=3597

 

[perpster]

I emailed Doug Ritter about the Aeromedix knife & sharpener package and he replied that that sharpener is not one he recommends. He didn't say it's not a good one, just that he doesn't recommend it. He's got a whole page on his website about sharpeners, with some brands discussed:
http://www.equipped.org/devices13.htm

 

[the_mac]

how about a lansky mini-dogbone sharpener? Ceramic rod, small, has end-caps so you won't cut into your fingers if you stroke a little too far.

 

[bigbcustom]

I carry the two sided diamond paddle sharpeners from DMT and Eze lap. I have both, and don't really have a preference. They both work well, and are easy to carry.

 

[Lot's knife]

Thanks for the Ritter link, Perpster.

Good reading.

 

[perpster]

My pleasure.