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Posted: 11/26/2019 8:07:06 PM EDT
[#1]
Best I've found so far is a plastic holder with two fine and two medium grit dime sized crock sticks mounted in it.
Like these: https://www.walmart.com/ip/SharpNEasy-2-Step-Knife-Sharpener/142633721 A few quick swipes each side and done. If you are using an S30V blade or other exotic, good luck. High end steels don't dull easily, they don't sharpen easily either. A lesser grade steel for field use actually does a better job long term. Sharpening angle also has a bearing, the narrower the sharper but it lasts a shorter length of time. Hence, a larger tool knife is usually a simpler lower alloy, a fine edge small blade, higher alloy. |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 8:26:35 PM EDT
[#2]
The plastic jobbies from walmart work well but I find I pretty much only use the coarse side. The sharpening steel from Gossman knives is also great, very similar to the discontinued Scherade sharpening steel. Either one of those are all I carry for sharpening if I take anything at all.
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Posted: 11/26/2019 8:27:33 PM EDT
[#3]
 
Something like this. Just draw through, don't use too much force. There are cheaper versions as well. Get a couple, they are easy to lose. |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 8:38:36 PM EDT
[#4]
So far, so good and some informed responses. Allow me to remind all that axes were included in the initial requirement.
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Posted: 11/26/2019 8:53:02 PM EDT
[#5]
I have a small diamond honing "stone" I use in the field to touch up. Currently using a Lansky system back at the house to put a real edge on knives. Plan to get a Wicked Edge system some time in the future.
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Posted: 11/26/2019 9:07:24 PM EDT
[#6]
I use this. The diamond stones are held on by magnets so you can flip them when not in use to protect them. Versatile. Not heavy but enough stone to work with easily |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 9:14:51 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Best I've found so far is a plastic holder with two fine and two medium grit dime sized crock sticks mounted in it. Like these: https://www.walmart.com/ip/SharpNEasy-2-Step-Knife-Sharpener/142633721 A few quick swipes each side and done. If you are using an S30V blade or other exotic, good luck. High end steels don't dull easily, they don't sharpen easily either. A lesser grade steel for field use actually does a better job long term. Sharpening angle also has a bearing, the narrower the sharper but it lasts a shorter length of time. Hence, a larger tool knife is usually a simpler lower alloy, a fine edge small blade, higher alloy. 3v, supergold and s110v are where it's at now. With the work sharp I posted, sharpening is not a problem |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 9:17:13 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have a small diamond honing "stone" I use in the field to touch up. Currently using a Lansky system back at the house to put a real edge on knives. Plan to get a Wicked Edge system some time in the future. https://static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/3KT18_AS02?$mdmain$ |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 9:53:51 PM EDT
[#9]
I keep one of the small hand held models that guards the fingers quick effective and available in bright colors at most hardware stores. Isn’t the best by any means but perfect and light for a pack and requires little to no skill. I like the fact that cold wet and elbow deep in game you can touch up the knife and go back to work.
I also have a Lansky kit with various stones and an angled holder but not exactly quick more for fixing later. |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 10:25:57 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I keep one of the small hand held models that guards the fingers quick effective and available in bright colors at most hardware stores. Isn't the best by any means but perfect and light for a pack and requires little to no skill. I like the fact that cold wet and elbow deep in game you can touch up the knife and go back to work. I also have a Lansky kit with various stones and an angled holder but not exactly quick more for fixing later. |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 10:29:24 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Which one? For Field Use? Most of us have Lansky rigs for home use. That's not the purpose of this thread. Thanks for responding but it would be helpful if you could give a link to your device. I'd be obliged for such a link, and thanks. There are several I’ve used over the years similar. Accu comes to mind. https://www.cutlerywholesaler.com/AccuSharp-Carbide-Hand-Held-Knife-Sharpener ETA: I keep the lansky kit in my pack Incase it’s a drop everything and leave type situation that’s why I mentioned it. |
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Posted: 11/26/2019 10:32:35 PM EDT
[#12]
I preferred the top set with the scissors sharpener for my hunting pack as I keep a set of kitchen shears for processing game.
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Posted: 11/26/2019 11:37:12 PM EDT
[#13]
This Rapala sharpener will sharpen to nearly the feasible limit:
Fiskars makes a similar sharpener with carbide blades and ceramic rods. The Rapala is smaller, and better. |
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Posted: 11/27/2019 2:27:38 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This approach requires some user skill to effectively employ, as I'm sure you will agree. I'm certain that in the right (skilled) hands, this device will do a good job. The point of this thread is to provide viable, inexpensive alternatives that unskilled persons can use. No offense intended, of course. The fancy systems out there enable someone with almost no skill to put a precision edge on a blade in very little time. That said, if I'm backpacking my stuff, I don't want a heavy sharpening kit. A couple of those diamond stones I poster above will do the trick with no problem and very little skill is needed. |
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Posted: 11/27/2019 12:58:22 PM EDT
[#16]
I've tried several of those types in the past. Not that particular one though. I have never liked them because the ones I have used make a jagged edge. Better than no edge but not a good edge. That said, maybe the new ones are better. I haven't used that type in years.
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Posted: 11/27/2019 3:37:50 PM EDT
[#17]
I dont like anything that determines the angle of my edge for me. That's why I stick with the flat sharpeners. Most of.my go-to knives are 3v now days and are easy to touch up with the tools I mentioned.
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Posted: 11/28/2019 3:39:08 AM EDT
[#18]
For field/expedient use, I like these http://www.rediedge.com/store.aspx?p=47245
(They have 30, 40, and 60 degree ones, if you like a particular angle) It's not as good as my Ken Onion Work Sharp, but it also doesn't need a 120v outlet! |
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Posted: 11/28/2019 5:15:43 AM EDT
[#19]
I have a Lansky Quick Fix in my get home bag. I have only used it on knives. It does a pretty good job and anyone who carries a knife should be able to figure out how to use it by looking at it.
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Posted: 11/28/2019 11:33:03 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009YKHZ96I use this. The diamond stones are held on by magnets so you can flip them when not in use to protect them. Versatile. Not heavy but enough stone to work with easily |
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Posted: 11/28/2019 12:01:09 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Seconded. I bought one of these a year or two ago and it's great for smaller knives, acceptable for large knives. I wish they made one about an inch or two longer but this is GTG. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009YKHZ96I use this. The diamond stones are held on by magnets so you can flip them when not in use to protect them. Versatile. Not heavy but enough stone to work with easily |
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Posted: 11/28/2019 11:41:19 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Go look at what those do to your edge under a microscope. You will never use one on a knife ever again. This is Field-use--sharpeners you use because you have to, not because you were planning on it last week. |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 2:20:10 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do they make a dull knife sharper? This is Field-use--sharpeners you use because you have to, not because you were planning on it last week. |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 4:31:17 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have a small diamond honing "stone" I use in the field to touch up. Currently using a Lansky system back at the house to put a real edge on knives. Plan to get a Wicked Edge system some time in the future. https://static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/3KT18_AS02?$mdmain$ I've had the Diafold Fine for 20+ years, and it still works great. I replaced it with a Diafold Duo a couple of years ago, because it's 2-in-1. I got the Coarse + Fine. The Coarse has allowed me to quickly reprofile the edge on friend's dull ass knives, machetes, and even an axe. The fine gets things shaving sharp. 
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Posted: 11/29/2019 5:40:20 AM EDT
[#26]
If I had to use a pull through knife sharpener , I would much prefer this one . Has different angles for different blade degree.
Here. |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 6:59:27 AM EDT
[#27]
For a short-term, field sharpening tool used by the inexperienced, the small pull-through sharpeners are fine. I think many bench sharpeners, who do a great job, don't use knives in the field long enough to understand the need. TOPS knives sent me a few and I have them laying around; they work as intended. I do agree, they're not good for an edge you spent time re-profiling and when you get home, you'll want to definitely clean up the edge, but for those shorter combat deployments or even a hunting trip needed to skin and quarter larger game, those pull through (I prefer ceramic) sharpeners will work just fine.
Personally the two I use the most for axes on down are the DMT's duo-fold diamond sharpeners and the GATCO tri-ceps ceramic sharper. The Tri-ceps is really a good small blade sharpener and will do will on serrated edges as well. The DMT is simply a light but effective tool for larger cutting implements. Another I really like is Fallkniven's DC4 (and the smaller 3) double-sided sharpener. While a flat sharpener does require more skill, it's really not rocket science to figure it out... ROCK6 |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 11:48:17 AM EDT
[#28]
Pull through sharpeners are easy to use but easy to abuse too. I can't tell you how many people I've met who think you need to bear down on them in use. They oftentimes aren't as versatile as you'd expect, limiting in terms of angles etc. That is why they are regularly reviled on knife forums:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/what-is-the-point-of-a-pull-through-sharpener.1423170/ https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?t=71526 etc With the proliferation of Mora and other Scandi blade knives those owners are definitely better served with a decent flat "stone". For people new to sharpening they are a cinch. For other grinds the wedges probably would help people new to sharpening. |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 12:25:26 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Now that I've had a chance to look at that sharpener a little closer, that looks pretty neat. Any idea how much it weighs? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009YKHZ96I use this. The diamond stones are held on by magnets so you can flip them when not in use to protect them. Versatile. Not heavy but enough stone to work with easily |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 2:19:49 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
4.6 oz. according to the manufacturer. |
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Posted: 11/29/2019 8:26:21 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For a short-term, field sharpening tool used by the inexperienced, the small pull-through sharpeners are fine. I think many bench sharpeners, who do a great job, don't use knives in the field long enough to understand the need. TOPS knives sent me a few and I have them laying around; they work as intended. I do agree, they're not good for an edge you spent time re-profiling and when you get home, you'll want to definitely clean up the edge, but for those shorter combat deployments or even a hunting trip needed to skin and quarter larger game, those pull through (I prefer ceramic) sharpeners will work just fine. Personally the two I use the most for axes on down are the DMT's duo-fold diamond sharpeners and the GATCO tri-ceps ceramic sharper. The Tri-ceps is really a good small blade sharpener and will do will on serrated edges as well. The DMT is simply a light but effective tool for larger cutting implements. Another I really like is Fallkniven's DC4 (and the smaller 3) double-sided sharpener. While a flat sharpener does require more skill, it's really not rocket science to figure it out... ROCK6 Now, I understand that practice with one's gear before going into the field is a fundamental tenant, but some folks will not heed such advice, and find themselves needing to sharpen their tools under adverse conditions, with little, or no prior experience. It's gonna happen, whether we like it or not. Let's try to give them some decent, fool-proof suggestions that will at least carry them through. I doubt many experienced blade sharpeners will drag along their entire kit to maintain their blades in the field. But, this thread is not about experts. Let's see what they would suggest for use in the field by non-experts. I'll re-write my original post to clarify things. Please re-read the OP, and then continue. Regret my inexact OP, but little harm done, I reckon. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 4:45:42 AM EDT
[#32]
My answer wouldn't change. It's very easy to sharpen a blade with a simple diamond stone. Anyone can do it. They just have to have a very rudimentary knowledge of blade sharpening. A Boy Scout manual or a YouTube video will teach a person with no knowledge the basics of knife sharpening. A razor sharp edge isn't going to happen without some more knowledge and practice but a sufficiently sharp edge can easily be done by someone with little practice.
If you don't have even a vague idea of how to sharpen a blade or the interest to learn, maybe you should rethink your decision to wander in the wild. If you don't mind jagged edges on your knives, feel free to buy one of the sharpeners posted in this thread. They will probably work well enough for a person who doesn't or refuses to care. I would guess the average person who refuses to learn a little about knife sharpening also doesn't spend enough time in the outdoors to actually dull a knife. So, they can just take it in to the local knife sharpening place and let someone else do it for them. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 5:32:53 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My answer wouldn't change. It's very easy to sharpen a blade with a simple diamond stone. Anyone can do it. They just have to have a very rudimentary knowledge of blade sharpening. A Boy Scout manual or a YouTube video will teach a person with no knowledge the basics of knife sharpening. A razor sharp edge isn't going to happen without some more knowledge and practice but a sufficiently sharp edge can easily be done by someone with little practice. If you don't have even a vague idea of how to sharpen a blade or the interest to learn, maybe you should rethink your decision to wander in the wild. If you don't mind jagged edges on your knives, feel free to buy one of the sharpeners posted in this thread. They will probably work well enough for a person who doesn't or refuses to care. I would guess the average person who refuses to learn a little about knife sharpening also doesn't spend enough time in the outdoors to actually dull a knife. So, they can just take it in to the local knife sharpening place and let someone else do it for them. In my experience, there are a LOT of people who EDC butter knives, which is perplexing, because anywhere I've ever been that served bread rolls and butter, always provided a butter knife. The only ones that have sharp knives and don't know how to sharpen them, are the ones who have a whole bunch of practically new knives that they just rotate to accessorize with, but never use. If I'm carrying a knife, it needs to be able to shave with. I like those DMT Diafold Duos because they only weigh 2.4 oz. With the diamond surface being 4.33" long, I've sharpened 24" machetes with them. The Coarse side takes off metal quickly enough, that I've reprofiled some remarkably dull edges on friend's knives with it. Then touched up the edge to shaving sharp with the Fine side. The diamond sharpeners will sharpen even the supersteels easily, and do it quickly. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 6:41:28 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you don't have even a vague idea of how to sharpen a blade or the interest to learn, maybe you should rethink your decision to wander in the wild. If you don't mind jagged edges on your knives, feel free to buy one of the sharpeners posted in this thread. They will probably work well enough for a person who doesn't or refuses to care. I would guess the average person who refuses to learn a little about knife sharpening also doesn't spend enough time in the outdoors to actually dull a knife. So, they can just take it in to the local knife sharpening place and let someone else do it for them. This was the whole point to the OPs post. There are those that don't really care or simply refuse to learn how to sharpen. If I was to recommend a sharpener in their kit, the pull-through sharpeners are okay for short term touch-ups. The only issue I've found is that you need to profile your blade to maximize the pull-through sharpeners (which isn't going to happen if they don't want to sharpen in the first place). For a novice, they're fine, but it needs to be caveated that it's short term for minor field sharpening/touchups. 
I really found myself packing the simple GATCO sharpener: 
I won't be doing any reprofiling, but if I have a serrated edge (or somebody else does), I can tackle that, but for the most part, it's simply to touch up the edge and it gives me the freedom to adjust the angle to fit the bevel I have. Even with this, it's not substitute for a sharpening and honing kit to really keep an edge razor sharp...which is what I prefer. ROCK6 |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 10:41:18 AM EDT
[#35]
I've used Coffee cups to touch up blades in a pinch. The ring on the bottom of a ceramic mug can make a rudimentary stone.
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Posted: 11/30/2019 1:07:56 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've used Coffee cups to touch up blades in a pinch. The ring on the bottom of a ceramic mug can make a rudimentary stone. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 4:06:26 PM EDT
[#37]
I have this small diamond sharper from Home Depot my brother got me.
It has an orange rubber cover on the handle so I believe it's Stihl. Cheap and works. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fiskars-6-in-Diamond-Coated-Blade-Sharpener-378340-1001/300380286 I stand corrected, it's Fiskar. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 6:42:50 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think you'd be surprised at how many "outdoorsmen" and even Soldiers who carry dull knives; I saw dozens in Afghanistan (I also offered to sharpen them and teach them how to sharpen them). Contrary to popular belief, most people who carry a knife is such environments aren't really knife people. Most like partially serrated edges because they cut longer than a dull straight edge. You're right that there is no excuse, but the reality is, most just don't care (until they need a sharp edge or cut themselves from forcing a dull knife through something). So, I agree that one of those pull through sharpener will work for the average person....But I would bet the average person who doesn't care about a halfway decent edge on their knife will also not use one of those pull through sharpeners either. I never recommend those pull through sharpeners to anyone but have shown a few people how to put a decent edge on their knives with a simple flat sharpener and I have yet to meet someone who couldn't get a fair edge with a few mins of practice. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 10:39:22 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Best I've found so far is a plastic holder with two fine and two medium grit dime sized crock sticks mounted in it. Like these: https://www.walmart.com/ip/SharpNEasy-2-Step-Knife-Sharpener/142633721 A few quick swipes each side and done. That's pretty much all I use. Entirely adequate for my purposes. |
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Posted: 11/30/2019 10:46:22 PM EDT
[#40]
Rada Sharpeners are decent. I use them on Kukri's as it is the only way I have found to sharpen the curvature.
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Posted: 12/1/2019 1:11:27 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009YKHZ96I use this. The diamond stones are held on by magnets so you can flip them when not in use to protect them. Versatile. Not heavy but enough stone to work with easily Quote HistoryQuoted:
www.amazon.com/dp/B009YKHZ96I use this. The diamond stones are held on by magnets so you can flip them when not in use to protect them. Versatile. Not heavy but enough stone to work with easily Quoted:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0085PPSIQSomething like this. Just draw through, don't use too much force. There are cheaper versions as well. Get a couple, they are easy to lose. |
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Posted: 12/1/2019 12:42:00 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So, I agree that one of those pull through sharpener will work for the average person....But I would bet the average person who doesn't care about a halfway decent edge on their knife will also not use one of those pull through sharpeners either. I'm pretty anal on keeping an even bevel profile and as razor sharp as I can get a blade. I would only use the pull through sharpeners for the convenience of poor planning  I just do better with a flat sharpener or something like that Triceps when in the field or on deployments.
ROCK6 |
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Posted: 12/1/2019 2:08:35 PM EDT
[#43]
While admitting the shortcomings of many simple tools, they at least have the advantages of small size and weight, not to mention simplicity of use. In such a case, I believe these tools have a certain, limited, utility on an ad hoc, or an emergency basis. Better the less-than-perfect tool that one has available than a much better tool that is unavailable.
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Posted: 12/1/2019 7:24:49 PM EDT
[#44]
Edge of a car or truck window glass works well.
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Posted: 12/1/2019 10:48:23 PM EDT
[#45]
I have become very leery about magnets anywhere on my person/gear.
A long time ago, a major gear mfr offered pouches secured by high-strength magnets. I questioned such, as possibly being detrimental to the use of hand-held compasses. A Member here responded with a test of same, and found that the pouch magnets, when using a hand-held compass near them, caused significant deviation as to compass readings. Now, whether or not magnetic device way back in one's pack will induce erroneous compass readings may be different than using a compass right near similar magnets. I don't know the answer, and don't want to find out the hard way that such magnets DO influence one's compass. FWIW, such magnetically-secured pouches are no longer offered, AFAIK. |
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Posted: 12/12/2019 3:23:06 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You should check out the DMT Diafold. I've had the Diafold Fine for 20+ years, and it still works great. I replaced it with a Diafold Duo a couple of years ago, because it's 2-in-1. I got the Coarse + Fine. The Coarse has allowed me to quickly reprofile the edge on friend's dull ass knives, machetes, and even an axe. The fine gets things shaving sharp. www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WFTW |
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Posted: 12/12/2019 8:54:17 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This right here. I've been using a Coarse/Medium Diafold sharpener since 2005, and I never go overseas without that very same one. It's sitting in a Blue Force Gear pistol mag pouch on my belt right now, and just seems to last forever. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
You should check out the DMT Diafold. I've had the Diafold Fine for 20+ years, and it still works great. I replaced it with a Diafold Duo a couple of years ago, because it's 2-in-1. I got the Coarse + Fine. The Coarse has allowed me to quickly reprofile the edge on friend's dull ass knives, machetes, and even an axe. The fine gets things shaving sharp. www.amazon.com/dp/B00004WFTW |
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Posted: 12/12/2019 9:53:38 PM EDT
[#48]
Quoted:
The purpose of this topic is to investigate lightweight, effective, sharpening devices which are intended for "Field-Use". Such devices should be simple, lightweight, useable on many different tools (knives/axes), and be useable by most users in the field, with little, or no prior experience in sharpening their cutting tools. No high-level skill should be required for the effective use of such tools; Such tools should be useable by users who are sharpening their cutting tool for the first time. Their having read the instructions for using such tools should NOT be automatically assumed. Such devices must be effective in conjunction with most commonly expected steels. I know there are a LOT of expert tool sharpeners hereabouts. What I'm asking for is NOT their exquisite home/shop sharpening rig, but what they would suggest for carry into the field for a very long duration. More to the point, is what Experts would suggest for such an application. Remember, the user is assumed to NOT be an expert blade sharpener. I look forward to your suggestions. Bonus points for discussing tools you have personally used. It's got a flint rod in it as well inside the handle, as well as a bottle opener. Small enough to put on your keychain. |
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Posted: 12/16/2019 4:22:01 AM EDT
[#49]
I carry a Lansky Puck for sharpening my hatchet should I need to in the field, I usually touch it up at home with a diamond sharpener before I go out but carry a puck JIC. I figured that would suffice if my knife also needed a touch up as well. Never had to find out though 
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Posted: 12/16/2019 12:28:51 PM EDT
[#50]
I just bought this Lansky QuadSharp sharpener for $15 from The Knife Center:
 I also bought this nifty Old Hickory Hunting knife as well: 
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