What's the most unusual alternative sharpening device/method you use?

T. Erdelyi

T. Erdelyi

Joined
Feb 3, 2001
Messages
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I've asked this before a while ago, let's see if the new blood has any new twists on the subject. :)

I've used the edge of car windoes as a hone, ceramic jar bottoms, cardboard backs from notepads, my leather belt, and all to some degree of success.

What's your last ditch sharpening/touching up method?
 
I modified a Lansky into a ghetto edgepro. Cut the tip off to use as the blade stop and mounted it on wood. Only to be able to hole the blade and move it without being clamped. It's similar to the edgepro in the action of sharpening, but not as smooth. Hey, a $50 edgepro-like tool that takes the guesswork and time out of profiling.
 
I use cardboard and mothers mag polish, works very good actually. I've also used rocks on the beach and in the woods, doesn't work that well. Then of course I've sandpaper, nail files, other knives, etc... :D
 
A fork to straighten out an edge, then a filament from a fluorescent light for light sharpening.

I have also tried the back of the belt, and a piece of cardboard.
 
I've used scissors (the blunt side, closed) as a sharpening steel a few times. Works okay.
 
Not overly unusual, But I've used the file on an SAK and A leatherman for an emergency touchup. I've since started carrying two knives in order to not do that any more.
 
My pant leg as a strop. I had my wife sew in a 2.5" wide x 5" long piece of leather on the thigh part of my camo hunting pants. I used it for my Marbles Hunter fixed blade with the Mike Stewart signiture convex edge until I started carrying the Dozier D2 skinner. Every now and then I'd rip the stitching on it a bit but it stayed there well enough and the soft meaty thigh muscle was perfect for my edge, about the same as using a mouse pad I guess. Don't use it much anymore though.
 
I've used the striker on matchbooks before. Also cardboard and sandpaper but those don't seem too unusual with this crowd.
 
I strop my knives on the tanned hides of lost souls.
 
In an emergency I've used rocks and rusty cable. When traveling I often sharpen friends knives using Wet or Dry paper. Stropping on a belt or a boot is standard procedure.
 
I have a thin bread knife, a Henckles, and the steel seems pretty soft. The edge seems to roll over easily with normal use. Sometimes I have stropped it across the edge of my wooden cutting board and it seems to help straighten things back up and improve it's performance, usually slicing bagels.
 
Well,
I kinda hate to admit it, but I've used my Incisors as a last ditch hone... I'd rather cut my food first and then worry about mastication. Smaller is better, right? What the hell are we talking 'bout here? Woops, meat/motion... another forum I don't care to admit to! Just kidding :D . Usually in a pinch I use a fine stone/rock & then my Carhartt bibs to sharpen/strop said knife to an acceptable level. :cool:
 
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