What sharpening tool for backpacking trips?

S

scumming

Joined
Feb 3, 2011
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I have been eye-balling the DMT diafold. I have yet to decide the coarse/fine version or the fine/very fine version........


Let me know what you think and if you have any other ideas about other sharpeners.

Thanx.
 
How long is your trip? I've never needed to sharpen during a trip. If I did, I'd want the smallest lightest sharpener available, just something for a quick touch-up. Maybe a small natural stone, or a miniature kit with ceramic rods?
 
Go with coarse/fine. The coarse comes in handy for repairing edge damage or for knives that have somehow become severely dulled. If I had to choose a "survival sharpener" I'd actually go with coarse/extra coarse because of the edge repair aspect. You can get a plenty sharp edge off of the coarse stone.
 
Get one of the "Smith's Diamond Sharpening Stones Combination: Coarse and Fine Grit" 20.00 bucks at walmart.
 
I was thinking that at first, coarse/fine. I think if I really need to get a razor-sharp edge on something I will just end up creating my own wood&sandpaper sharpener or invest in a stone. Sound like a good plan?
 
scumming said:
I was thinking that at first, coarse/fine. I think if I really need to get a razor-sharp edge on something I will just end up creating my own wood&sandpaper sharpener or invest in a stone. Sound like a good plan?
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Yes. :):thumbup: You don't need to whittle hairs while backpacking. The fine will give you an edge that's well sharper than you need already.
 
I like the combo of Course/fine and about 2.5inx5in stone. Though I don't see myself lugging that around hiking unless im gone more then a few weeks.
 
I use a small Spyderco Doublestuff stone and the slick edge of my leather belt. That's all I've ever needed for the 4-5 days that I've been out.
 
nate1714 said:
Though I don't see myself lugging that around hiking....
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Yeah I see what you're saying.... I just wanted to know if the diafold would be beneficial to carry backpacking and double as a sharpener at home for other things.

What is the "2.5inx5in" stone you're talking about?
 
I'm not sure what you mean by the 'best' difference.. but I'd say the biggest difference is that the Diafold has it's plastic handles so you hold it in one hand and your knife in the other. The DC4 is more like a mini benchstone/whetstone so you lay it flat and you can manipulate your blade a little more with 2 hands free.
Learn to sharpen properley and the DC4 will not fail your knife. Quality materials and made in Sweden (where they actually NEED their knives).

-G
 
As in 'best' I meant what is the difference between the two that makes the other better. I see your point with having more control. Now what about a small hatchet also. Would a camping hatchet be too much to try and manipulate 'around' the dc4. I am assuming it would be (this is probably a stupid question because the DC4 is made for knives:rolleyes:).
 
I would probably use a Lansky Puck for hawks, axes and hatchets... the DC4 could do the job but it would take practice to work out the best technique.

-G
 
Thanx for all the suggestions, I will probably end up with a DC4, even though I loved the idea of the Diafold.
 
+1 for the coarse / fine Diafold, it is a great little tool.
If you need to get sharper you might consider stropping on a leather belt
after using the DMT.
 
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