Suggestions on field expedient sharpening device

dante

dante

Joined
Jul 7, 2004
Messages
1,327
Hi,

What have worked for you in the field?

I'm looking for a product that can be used to sharpen the tools in the field, axes, machetes, knives.

I have several ceramic and diamond rods but they are more like for shop use (8" or more). I have crossed carbide Vs but I think they ruin the knives and difficult to use if the blade chips or bend.

I've always been interested in going to a primitive/emergency survival skills school and would like to know what type of sharpening device would you use for short-time trips. I'm a city slicker so my assumptions can be incorrect.

I would try not to select recurves or serration in my equipment as I think they may become a liability to keep them sharp with basic tools.

My equipment is basically a Busse Basic 9 or 7, a Fallkniven F1 and a yet undetermined folder (Manix, Strider AR or Sebenza) and/or SAK. Keep in mind a machete or axe can be present.
 
When I'm out wandering about, I'll pick up fairly even, flat stones I find and use them. They work good at removing chips and deformations. With my saks I'll often strop them on a piece of wood and it helps to re-align the edge from what I can tell, gives it a truer edge.
 
Like some of the posts I found that a suitable smooth flat stone will do just fine for tuning up a knife blade, then strope the blade with some suitable flat lumber.
 
A fine/x-fine DMT diafold works very well, an x-x-coarse/x-fine would be ideal but I don't think they make that. These work well with no lubricant and can be dropped and impacts far more than most stones and suffer little to no damage. You can also use sandpaper which has little to no space.

-Cliff
 
Forgot about Sandpaper. I keep a strip of griptape in my wallet for that reason, but Ive just been stropping on wood since it's usually what I'm working on with my knife.
 
Vivi said:
Forgot about Sandpaper. I keep a strip of griptape in my wallet for that reason, but Ive just been stropping on wood since it's usually what I'm working on with my knife.
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Sanding Paper, great! This is going to be implemented ASAP for EDC! :thumbup:
 
I have used all the above plus a Ferro rod and the back of another knife if the edge is not to far gone
.You use them like a sharpening steel to realign the edge.
You take the item you wish to sharpen and lay it on a stabile platform [leg] with the edge facing away from you! Then angle the edge up a bit, take the Ferro rod/back of knife and gently stroke from spine to edge along the length of the edge.
This method can also be used with smooth stone.In some areas rocks are hard to find {Florida,Jungle ect.} then use fine sand and a flat section of wood with little shallow holes drilled by the point of your knife. rub the sand in and stroke your blade backwards not cuttin in to the wood.
 
I always have a Lansky Dog bone handy for quick touch ups. I have one attached to my neck/backup rigs:
SimpleKits.jpg

If I know I will be going somewhere for a short period of time (two nights), I usually can get by with the Dog Bone. If I am going somewhere for a longer period of time, and I'll be using my tools often, I will usually pack an older Spyderco Sharpmaker and a Nicholson Handy File (two-sided file).

Where I'm going, for how long, and what tools I'm taking determines what equipment I take for sharpening. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your applications. :)
 
3" diameter x 1" thick Lansky two sided dual grit sharpening puck, I use mine dry. Norton also makes a similar product, which I also have. Either one will work fine.
 
aaronjayl said:
I carry an Eze-Lap Model "M". The sharpening rod stores inside the handle. Very compact and does a great job. Only $16.95 at Bass Pro Shops. http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...rClassCode=13&hvarSubCode=6&hvarTarget=browse
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I have to agree on this one. I have steel and ceramic rods, strops, misc. stones and diamond plates, sandpaper, misc. leather plates and compounds. I use it all depending on mood, but I carry an EZE-Lap Model M in ALL Bug Out Gear. If I carried anything else, in consideration of weight and availability, sandpaper would be it. Tuning up with a stone is fine as well, in a pinch.
 
I can't add much to the great suggestions above, other than to say that I have found that a good knife doesn't need much day-to-day sharpening when out hiking or hunting.

The file is a good idea. I sometimes take a small, fine triangular file with me. This could be used for sharpening (if the knife steel is soft enough) or for cutting through wire etc. (I also sometimes carry a small pair of multigrip pliers for odd jobs).

If I carry a sharpening stone, I prefer a small one that isn't too fine. I reckon a coarser stone will revive a blunt edge quicker, even if you cant acheive shaving sharpness with it...but shaving sharp isn't necessary for most outdoors jobs. But if you want to, you should be able to achieve a razor edge by making the last few strokes on the stone quite gentle, and then stropping the knife as suggested (using wood, leather or cardboard etc).
 
I carry an original Leatherman. It has a quality file that Ive used to sharpen knives, shovels, mower blades... you name it. I sure wish Leatherman still made this original tool. It was the single best design, for its size, they ever made. Luckily I have 2 of them, in case I ever lose one.
 
ohoisin said:
just pick up some limestone or calciumcarbonate in the field.
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Hee hee! Or find a sandy beach and stab your knife into it repeatedly. I think I saw that in a movie once.
 
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