Special Sharpening

[NJWHN95]

So I was thinking about how a sharpening stone is basically just a rock. Now it's a special rock (hard, special shape, etc.) but a rock none the less. So if you had to go a long time without a sharpener what do you think would work as a substitute. I know it would be bad for the knife and it would never be as sharp as it once was (it would surley ruin a factory grind or whatever). However, if your knife was dull and you knew you couldn't use a sharpening tool for a while it may be better to take the plunge, so what would you use? (obviously this is hypothetical, I just liking thinking outside of the box)

 

[NJWHN95]

Here is what I can think of off the top of my head: a rock, concrete (if it was smooth enough), a flat piece of metal.

 

[Bill1170]

Here is a link to a youtube video showing a knife sharpened very well on a concrete block and stropped on cardboard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXLaE1JvQ94

With a bit of skill it is not too difficult to make a knife sharper than the factory edge, even on weird abrasive media.

 

[brandonc]

Any round piece of steel (screwdriver) can be used to steel a knifes edge.

 

[The Government]

The edge of a car window can often have a gritty texture that is great for touch ups.

The bottom rim of ceramic cups and dishes is often left unglazed. This is also great for sharpening.

Many hard/ smooth objects can be used to hone or "steel" an edge.

 

[hiwa]

Steel it on the back of another knife
wet stick rubbed with mud and sand
wet rope or cloth with mud as strop
glass dust on a flat surface
rotating tire as a buffer
ceramic cup or toilet tank cover

 

[Noctis3880]

The flattest surface of concrete I could find. Stropping would be done on cardboard, leather, jeans, or paper. If push comes to shove I might use the hard anodized coating on my Surefire flashlight.

 

[singularity35]

Lotsa farmers here in the Philippines use fine dust on a flat piece of wood to touch up their sickles.

 

[Nebulae]

How bout a smooth water worn rock.