Survival sharpening tools?

J

JD Spydo

Joined
Nov 20, 2004
Messages
4,827
I am trying to gear up for what I believe is about to be some extremely hard times coming to this country. I sincerely hope I'm wrong about my prognostications and that you all can laugh at me a couple of years from now. However I am getting geared up for survival of the most demanding type. I've been preparing for all types of situations that could befall me. I have prioritized the 3 most important elements of survival aside from firearms/weapons and they are water filtering/purification, the ability to start fires under very adverse conditions and keeping my cutlery sharp and ready.

But as all of us here on this Forum know that cutlery of any type whether it be a knife, machete, straight razor, hatchet, ax which are only useful if they are SHARP. Dull edged tools are pretty much useless. So I have deducted that having survival sharpening gear is extremely essential. At this time I have the following that I have used in camping; Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker, Spyderco Doublestuff/ 2 grit whetstone, some 3M coarse diamond files of 4 different shapes for serious reprofiling. I also have a couple of big coarse circular stones for ax & hatchet sharpening. I try to keep the sharpening tools in my bug out bag small and light as possible.

But I would really like some input from the rest of you guys/gals. I am particularly interested in what some of you military guys used during combat or field situations for sharpening tools. My goal is to be able to stay sharp under very adverse conditions and not to be bogged down with un-necessary stuff.
 
My ideal is a 6" Norton medium/fine. Gets about anything shaving, coarse enough for serious repairs. However, I've done some major work with a little Norton pocket stone, medium, about 1" by 3". If I only had that, I'd do just fine.
 
Native Justice said:
For a BOB, dump the stones and get a EZE Lapp sportsmen's diamond steel. Shouldn't need much else.

NJ
Click to expand...

That's truly a suggestion worth considering NJ :thumbup:. I hadn't even thought of the diamond impregnated sharpening steels. They are lightweight and would go in a backpack nicely. I also am considering "Sword & Sheild's" idea of a multiple grit stone like he mentioned. Now the Spyderco Doublestuff stone that I mentioned is MEDIUM on one side and FINE on the other. The only problem with Spyderco's stones is that with the exception of the diamond stone they have for their 204 Sharpmaker is just too fine for most field sharpenings. IT is a good finish stone and for that reason I probably will include it in my B.O.B.

Now I know that most of you have negative opinions about those Carbide-scraper type sharpeners. And I tend to agree for the most part but I am wondering if they wouldn't at least be sufficient for machetes and axes/hatchets? But I see that you all do know what I'm trying to accomplish here. Good feedback thus far :thumbup:
 
Carry a mill bastard file for the axes, machetes, and rebeveling.
 
http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5191

I'm thinking of getting one of those for my wallet, in addition to the 1200 grit sandpaper I keep in there. Usually I only need to touch up my knives and axes since I very rarely chip or roll the edge bad enough to need to really regrind the knife, but I think the coarse diamond stone would still be nice to have should I ever need it. The sandpaper plus blue jeans for a strop works well for touch-ups though.
 
One thing you can do even if you have no sharpening tools. Find a largish stick (not too long, about 2-3 inches long ish). Find some hard rocks Big and Small. Take one of the smaller hard rocks and begin crushing it up on the larger rock (using another larger rock) add watter. Keep crushing till you get a rough gritty paste. Take the wet stone paste and put it on the smooth (bark removed) stick. Strop the knife on an appropriate angle for a down and dirty edge.
 
Bigfattyt said:
One thing you can do even if you have no sharpening tools. Find a largish stick (not too long, about 2-3 inches long ish). Find some hard rocks Big and Small. Take one of the smaller hard rocks and begin crushing it up on the larger rock (using another larger rock) add watter. Keep crushing till you get a rough gritty paste. Take the wet stone paste and put it on the smooth (bark removed) stick. Strop the knife on an appropriate angle for a down and dirty edge.
Click to expand...

seen that on "man vs wild" I guess it would work but i didn't understand why he didn't just use a nice polished rock
 
1. Ten-twelve inch mill bastard file
2. Set of needle files
3. Sharpmaker and extra set of rods.
4. Two sided (coarse/fine) Norton India stone.


That should cover most things you need to sharpen.
 
Well whatever you decide to go with for sharpening, you need to make sure that you dont forget your tinfoil helmet.
 
JD Spydo said:
I am trying to gear up for what I believe is about to be some extremely hard times coming to this country. I sincerely hope I'm wrong about my prognostications and that you all can laugh at me a couple of years from now....
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IMO you're a wise man, JD. I've carried a BOB (and not the kind some of the ladies seem so fond of, BTW ;)) for years. Yeah, I've gotten some snide remarks about this, even from a few on BFC in fact, but only fools go unprepared.

Anyway, for survival I always think "light" and "minimal" because you need to leave as much carrying capacity as you can for food and water (I carry purification tablets too) and maybe other essentials depending on your circumstances. Personally I think a coarse diamond hone or file and a ceramic rod is perfectly adequate for field sharpening, especially if you're going to have more than one knife with you.

Bit reluctant to say this, but if much of the civilian population were to be thrown into a survival situation persisting more than just a very few days, it's extremely likely that conditions would become very predatory. So you could easily find yourself needing firearm(s) and ammo to protect both yourself and your gear ... and in that case, you're in a good position to acquire additional knives, food and gear for yourself as needed.

Like you, I sincerely hope something like this never comes to pass.
 
Hey guys I really appreciate the great input thus far. I'm not really sure about a "tin foil" helmut :confused: but most everything else you guys threw out to look at sure makes a lot of sense and I will consider all of it. I totally agree with the one brother about packing and traveling light.

And for folks that look at this thread and laugh>> well all I can tell you is this. It is never un-wise to be prepared. Just ask the victims of Katrina down in New Orleans if you want to see how insane things can get in a very short time.

I have heard through the grapevine that Spyderco is at this time working on a "traveling, sharpening kit. The 204 Sharpmaker is very mobile as it is but it is really a finishing tool more than anything. A darn good one though I'll say ;). And I agree with Bill Deshiv's idea about a quality mill bastard or comparable file. I also just got given to me a video on sharpening with sandpaper. It is mind blowing how much preliminary work you can do with various sandpapers. The only drawback with Sandpaper is that there are not many types of sandpaper out there that is weatherproof.

I really enjoy comparing notes with you guys/gals. But don't stop if you know of anything else to suggest :):thumbup:
 
JD Spydo said:
.... don't stop if you know of anything else to suggest :):thumbup:
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Not knife-related, but here are some useful, easy-to-have-along things I've found that people often overlook in equipping their BOB:

Super Glue - also handy for cuts, in addition to bandages
Sanitary wipes/towelettes, individually wrapped
Benadryl - liquid or capsules w/powder (bite and swallow if experiencing anaphylactic reaction)
Soma - muscle relaxant, if you can get it (note: carry all Rx meds in orig. packaging)
TP in Zip-lock bag
3-4+ clean bandannas - use as sweatbands, napkins, tourniquets, etc.
Flash drive with essential personal data and records, preferably encrypted

Actually a good BOB is handy to have around during a lot of situations that happen every day.
 
I keep a lot of dehydrated water around for emergencies.
Automotive wet/dry sandpaper is weatherproof.
Super glue works well on cuts, but needs to be kept relatively cool, or it will harden.
 
I live outside of Atlanta - 15 miles. Here is how I think about what is being said.
For quite some time your home is the best place.
Safety is always first. You have water - 30 gallons - water heater; food, clothing, shelter, protection and supplies. You need to be able to stay inside for quite sometime until things settle down some.
Then it is all about scavaging.
Those who think they can live in the woods right away need to think about that. There will be many who think the same. They have rifles and will be shooting at anything that moves to find food for their family.
Most people die of exposure in the wilderness before they die of dehydration or lack of food.

If you are of this mindset of staying quiet in your home think a bit differently. You will need:
Clean water - think large water blatters in your garage
Food - stock up
Warm clothing
Medical Supplies
Exercise equipment
Entertainment - books; games; -nothing that needs electricity
Your knowlege is your greatest asset.
Those that survive for the first two months have the greatest chance of long term survival.
 
dextersp1 said:
I live outside of Atlanta - 15 miles. Here is how I think about what is being said.
For quite some time your home is the best place.
Safety is always first. You have water - 30 gallons - water heater; food, clothing, shelter, protection and supplies. You need to be able to stay inside for quite sometime until things settle down some.
Then it is all about scavaging.
Those who think they can live in the woods right away need to think about that. There will be many who think the same. They have rifles and will be shooting at anything that moves to find food for their family.
Most people die of exposure in the wilderness before they die of dehydration or lack of food.

If you are of this mindset of staying quiet in your home think a bit differently. You will need:
Clean water - think large water blatters in your garage
Food - stock up
Warm clothing
Medical Supplies
Exercise equipment
Entertainment - books; games; -nothing that needs electricity
Your knowlege is your greatest asset.
Those that survive for the first two months have the greatest chance of long term survival.
Click to expand...

Hey Dextersp1 >> please either e-mail me or PM me. I have a question I want to ask you about the town you live in. JD My e-mail is >> joedot@swbell.net <<
 
Bigfattyt said:
One thing you can do even if you have no sharpening tools. Find a largish stick (not too long, about 2-3 inches long ish). Find some hard rocks Big and Small. Take one of the smaller hard rocks and begin crushing it up on the larger rock (using another larger rock) add watter. Keep crushing till you get a rough gritty paste. Take the wet stone paste and put it on the smooth (bark removed) stick. Strop the knife on an appropriate angle for a down and dirty edge.
Click to expand...

When it all hits the fan, I hope I can tag along with you. Yodaman.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
I keep a lot of dehydrated water around for emergencies.
Automotive wet/dry sandpaper is weatherproof.
Super glue works well on cuts, but needs to be kept relatively cool, or it will harden.
Click to expand...

I don't think the dehydrated water suggestion was a joke, so I'm bumping it for a clarification.
 
how serious is that comment about dehydrated water?

for sharpening, i use my cheapo 6" two sided benchstone from the hardware store for all of my sharpening. i have a little 1" x 3" for my bag. for convex edges and for getting a really polished edge on my axes i have sandpaper up to 1200 grit with cardboard. i also have strops and plenty of stropping compound to make new strops or renew the old ones.

all of my tools run on power-man power that is. i don't use power tools, to keep up my practice and to stay fit. saws, my drill, and my axes take plenty of muscle to use, and i use them often. for all of my building and repairs.

we store water in gallon milk jugs in case the power goes out because we have a well and if there is no power, there is no well pump.

i am busy cutting and stacking wood (we recently moved and i have to make a new pile) for this winter to burn in the fireplace. i need to fix the flue soon. the door is broken.

sandpaper is great for just about any kind of sharpening as long as you have a flat surface. for bevel-sharpening (non convex) i lay the sandpaper down on a nice smooth piece of pine. it could also easily be rolled up and stored in a water proof tube, which would also prevent crushing.

if society fell apart, i would stay put and keep chopping wood. or maybe i would have to watch guard over the house if the area became "hostile"

i can see society collapsing at any point really, and it wouldn't take much. the stock market has been getting awefully high lately, and once it gets up high, the only place it has left to go is down. that could be a problem. it wouldn't take much.

well, it can't hurt to be prepared at any rate.
 
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