What types (specifically) of sharpening stones should I purchase?

T

TedderX

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Feb 8, 2017
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I personally will only ever buy Case Tru-Sharp Surgical Stainless Steel pocketknives. I would like a bench stone (or set) that I can leave at home and sharpen regularly as they become dull. I would also like a small stone I can keep in my backpack while camping/hiking just in case I ever need to touch up.

With that in mind (type of steel, type of use, etc). What sharpening stones would you guys suggest? One fella told me that Arkansas stones would be fine for this type of metal but I now know there are many different types of Arkansas stones.

Is there something on this Case website (stone wise) that you guys would suggest or do I need to look at other things? http://www.wrcase.com/knives/view_all/accessories/
 
This pocket stone is about perfect IMO, the fine side is a ceramic abrasive and besides cutting quickly will yield a very sharp and clean edge. http://www.baryonyxknife.com/baafopost.html

For bench sharpening I prefer my Shapton waterstones. They don't need to be soaked and only need a splash of water to start sharpening. They are also ceramic abrasive so they cut quickly and are capable of a very fine finish. The 1k and 5k Shapton Pro would probably be my starting recommendation.
 
The stone that Jason mentioned looks perfect for a backpack. I have a Falkniven DC4 that also works really well and it about the same size. However, that Baryonyx Arctic Fox stone is a heck of a deal at $5.

For home, there is always the Norton IB6 or IB8. Cheap and simply yet does a great job.

That being said, Jason above knows his S*** so I also can't disagree with his recommendation.
 
Norton is a no-go. Not made in America.

Does that Baryonyx Artic Fox come with some type of case? Doesn't matter what kind. Just would like to keep it clean (and the inside of my backpack, lol).
 
I guess that greatly narrows the field then - the Shaptons and Fallkniven are out too.
 
On Sharpening Supplies they do have Norton stones made in America. The IB8 India would be a good one for you. DM
 
Ok - so you want US made and something that fits in your backpack. Buy a Spyderco 303MF "Double Stuff" two-sided ceramic hone. $30, comes with a leather case. Doesn't require oil or water.

Another option - Work Sharp WSGFS221 Guided Field Sharpener. Also about $30, made in US. I don't have one of these, so I am just going by others' recommendations. Seems to have everything you might need in one package - diamond hones, ceramic rods, and a leather strop.
 
There is also the DMT Mini Sharp and DiaFold diamond stones? Made in the USA.
 
TedderX said:
I personally will only ever buy Case Tru-Sharp Surgical Stainless Steel pocketknives. I would like a bench stone (or set) that I can leave at home and sharpen regularly as they become dull. I would also like a small stone I can keep in my backpack while camping/hiking just in case I ever need to touch up.

With that in mind (type of steel, type of use, etc). What sharpening stones would you guys suggest? One fella told me that Arkansas stones would be fine for this type of metal but I now know there are many different types of Arkansas stones.

Is there something on this Case website (stone wise) that you guys would suggest or do I need to look at other things? http://www.wrcase.com/knives/view_all/accessories/
Click to expand...

Case stainless is easy; most anything can be used to sharpen it, so it's very user-friendly in that regard. You have tons of options, and many have already been suggested in the replies. If looking only at the linked Case site shown, the 'Washita Arkansas Oilstone' or the 'Aluminum Oxide Oilstone' listed there will work fine for either/both of light edge maintenance and even some bevel thinning or regrinding. The aluminum oxide stone will likely be more aggressive for the heavier stuff, but still should leave a good, or even excellent, working edge. The Washita stone will favor the finishing/refinining end of maintenance in particular. I have a similar stone that I've liked using on my Case blades; it's especially good on Case's CV. The 'Hard Arkansas Pocket Stone' would likely be for finer work, like burnishing/polishing of the edge. But, overall, I'd likely favor the other two as being a little more versatile. Use any of the three with some mineral oil, for best results. You can also use water for 'in the field' use; just keep the surface wetted, so the stones won't clog up.

Any of the other stone options shown on that page can work too, including the diamond hone listed there. But, I think the aluminum oxide and/or the medium (Washita) stone will leave the best working edge on such a steel. I'd AVOID any carbide pull-through type sharpeners (I see two of those listed on the Case page), just because they are more prone to damaging an edge than doing good, in most users' hands.


David
 
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Just wanted to say thanks fellas.

I ended up going with the Case Tri-Hone (for home use), Case Sportsmen's Kit (for my chuck box), and Case Hard Arkansas Pocket stone (for backpacking).

On the backpacking stone, I almost went with the Aluminum Oxide stone as suggested here, but there is a significant weight/size difference that matters in backpacking. I figure I'll only use it for touching up, so the hard Arkansas would fill the bill.
 
Good for ya there. I'll give you my $.02 real quick.... the answer is "ANY OF THEM"! I've used & become exceedingly proficient with bench stones, Edge Pro, Work Sharp and recently designed & made my own, similar to the "EdgePro". Personally my choice is to use Shapton stones. But I also have Arkansas stones as well. Soft, Hard, Translucent & Surgical Black, for my sharpener. Knowing how to use said product, is much more important than the "type" of product(in this case stones), being used. It's YOU, not the name of, or how much money was spent on the stone. Regards!
 
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