What sharpeners do you use?

[cramsey3006]

I SUCK at knife sharpening so I use one of these. It gets my knives functionally sharp but not hair shaving sharp.

They're crude but they work ok. I have several different ones that I carry in different packs, etc. When I'm out in the field, I start out with a razor sharp blade. If I'm out that long or use it that much that I need to touch it up, a carbide is enough to keep it working sharp until I get back to the house.

Lots of people don't like them because they say it wears a blade too much. IMO, I don't see much difference in wear compared to using a rough stone or rough diamond on steel. I look at working knives as tools, they're going to wear some, so what? You get another one when and if it wears out.

I'd NEVER use one on some of the high end, high $$ custom blades that people have. Of course, most of those knives would be in their original state as from the maker if they were mine.

The military commissioned GATCO to make a carbide sharpener similar to that, about the size of a dog tag, to sell in the PX's. They call it the Dog Tag sharpener. It's just carbide, no ceramics or diamond rods.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I like that there are so many different answers to my question- it shows the diversity of thought and how each person has adapted to their expected need. Thanks for the replies all!

 

[JohnWayne360]

My fallkniven DC-4 goes with me everywhere my PSK goes. Keeps my RC-5 shaving sharp, and as you can see, it's about the size of the knife's handle and fits neatly in the side pocket.

 

[Joben]

I've got a small'ish medium grit ceramic rod in my pack. Never had call to use it in the field yet though.

 

[sambo.]

I take a fallkniven DC-3 stone with me. a bit smaller than the DC-4 in Southern Cross' post, but otherwise identical.

the ceramic finishing stone puts a wicked, wicked edge on blades.

 

[SouthernCross]

G'day Sambo

I take a fallkniven DC-3 stone with me. a bit smaller than the DC-4 in Southern Cross' post, but otherwise identical.

the ceramic finishing stone puts a wicked, wicked edge on blades.

My DC3 has a permanent spot in my fishing bag :thumbup:

In my experience it will also put a truly wicked point on a fishing hook

Kind regards
Mick

 

[zyhano]

Either a dmt C/F or a spyderco doublestuff.
I'm buying the fallkniven dc4 as a replacement since it's smaller and fits better in my maxpedition pouch that is attached to my knife sheath (from Martin Swinkels) than either of those.
The dc3 is too small imo.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

I carry a DC4 if I have little space or a double bevel or scandi.

I carry a convex sharpening kit (like the one in the sandwich baggy above) for my convexes.

TF

 

[Infi-del]

I've started using the DMT Diafold (Serrated) sharpeners. They're like little steels and can quickly sharpen any knife. I got coarse, fine, and extra fine. I made a portable strop too to go along with them loaded with dimamond spray. All together they don't weigh a lot and I can keep all my tools razor sharp with them. At home I use a Kalamazoo 1sm belt grinder.

 

[PayetteRucker]

Nicholson File-reprofiling
Lansky Puck-Machete and axe sharpening
Smith's Arkansas hard/soft stone set-trail and home sharpening
Wet and dry sandpaper-edge polishing/finishing

 

[2Edgy4u]

I've been using my Norton India combination stone for over 30 years. It has sharpened knives that other people could Not get an edge on their blades if they bribed them. Even being 30+ years old, it still looks new.! I had seen a guy in Idaho, set up a table at a gun show (1st day before the public entered) all he had was about 60-70 (+ or - 5.) Norton India combination stones. He had a sign saying he would put an edge on anyones knife for free. The customers were so impressed that he sold Out before noon the same day! I guess that they speak for themselfs. I tryed 30+ different systems, rods, diamond, and every other knicknack, but I'm stickin with my Norton.
Note:I have every size stone Norton makes now. Works for me. Enjoy edgy:thumbup: