Fallkniven cc4 pocket sharpener

I have a Fallkniven DC4 (diamond + ceramic). Bought it maybe 10 or more years ago. At that time, it seemed like Fallkniven had a reputation for leaving a very rough, irregular finish on their ceramic hones. Mine was very 'bumpy' and I didn't care for it - and others posted similar experiences here on the forum at the time. I've since resurfaced it to something much, much smoother and, maybe truthfully, too smooth for my uses. The diamond side of that hone is quite good though, comparable to DMT's Fine (600), and I've used it much more frequently than the ceramic side.

I don't know if Fallkniven resolved the issues with surface finishing on their ceramics. Maybe they're better than they used to be. But if I were shopping for a ceramic these days, I'd probably stick with either Spyderco or Lansky (which is also not very expensive - I mentioned mine in your other thread). Norton might have some good options too - but they're also fairly pricey I believe.
 
Last edited:
The DC4 is rough when brand new, but with not too much use it smooths out. For me anyway.
I use one quite a bit and am very fond of them. Handy that the sheath it comes with can be used as a strop. That way I don't have to take off my belt.
 
This is newer version that has ceramic coarse and fine on both sides....was wondering how the newer version is...
 
iacchus said:
The DC4 is rough when brand new, but with not too much use it smooths out. For me anyway.
I use one quite a bit and am very fond of them. Handy that the sheath it comes with can be used as a strop. That way I don't have to take off my belt.
Click to expand...
Agreed, they need breaking in but I've used the hell out of my DC4.

I really like the ceramic side, almost gets a kind of slurry and is an excellent progression toward spydercos fine stone.

I would have no problems picking up a cc4, although Ive never tried fallknivens white ceramic.
 
lonestar1979 said:
Its on sale at local store now...and is cheaper than mini sharpening steel that i am thinking of getting
Click to expand...
I'd say, if you can get it at a local store and on sale, give it a try. Not much risk in that, I'd think. Ask about their return policy, just in case you decide you don't like it. I always wish I could find more things like this locally in stores, to get a hands-on look before buying.
 
Hell, they're cheap enough. I just ordered one to try, see if it compliments the DC4 well.
They are a fantastic size to have away from the main stones, in a travel bag or desk at work sort of thing.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I don't know if Fallkniven resolved the issues with surface finishing on their ceramics.
Click to expand...
They have not improved it. I have 2 of the smaller sized version of the dc4, the dc3. I got them in '21 and '22. Both are rough as 🤬. Supposedly they will wear smoother with use, but I can't force myself to use them being the way that they are right now. Maybe I should just rub them together...
 
Guy McVer said:
They have not improved it. I have 2 of the smaller sized version of the dc4, the dc3. I got them in '21 and '22. Both are rough as 🤬. Supposedly they will wear smoother with use, but I can't force myself to use them being the way that they are right now. Maybe I should just rub them together...
Click to expand...

Can confirm, my DC4 came rough on both sides with super abrasive diamonds that took a minute to break in, ceramic side has also smoothed out nicely.. although the ceramic side is delicate at the edges - they can chip off if you're not careful. It's a different ceramic than I've ever seen on any other stone I've owned but it is very good as a medium-fine progression.
 
SwissHeritageCo said:
ceramic side has also smoothed out nicely.. although the ceramic side is delicate at the edges - they can chip off if you're not careful. It's a different ceramic than I've ever seen on any other stone I've owned but it is very good as a medium-fine progression.
Click to expand...
Good to know.

Thank you.
 
Guy McVer said:
They have not improved it. I have 2 of the smaller sized version of the dc4, the dc3. I got them in '21 and '22. Both are rough as 🤬. Supposedly they will wear smoother with use, but I can't force myself to use them being the way that they are right now. Maybe I should just rub them together...
Click to expand...
That's exactly the impression mine left with me, years ago. Still scratching my head about why they finish them like that. 🤔
 
SwissHeritageCo said:
Can confirm, my DC4 came rough on both sides with super abrasive diamonds that took a minute to break in, ceramic side has also smoothed out nicely.. although the ceramic side is delicate at the edges - they can chip off if you're not careful. It's a different ceramic than I've ever seen on any other stone I've owned but it is very good as a medium-fine progression.
Click to expand...
I've also noticed the vulnerability to chipping at the edges. Mine is, in fact, missing a chip at the edge.

I also had to reattach the diamond plate to the hone at one point, after it came off. For awhile, I was using some Windex and a microfiber towel to clean up the swarf, which works very well with my DMT plates. But apparently, the Windex loosened or dissolved whatever glue Fallkniven used to attach the plate to the ceramic, and the plate just came off in my hand one day after I'd cleaned it. So, I cleaned up what was left of the glue from both surfaces and let it all dry, then reattached the plate with epoxy. That was an easy fix and I'm pretty sure it'll never come off again.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I also had to reattach the diamond plate to the hone at one point, after it came off. For awhile, I was using some Windex and a microfiber towel to clean up the swarf, which works very well with my DMT plates. But apparently, the Windex loosened or dissolved whatever glue Fallkniven used to attach the plate to the ceramic, and the plate just came off in my hand one day after I'd cleaned it. So, I cleaned up what was left of the glue from both surfaces and let it all dry, then reattached the plate with epoxy. That was an easy fix and I'm pretty sure it'll never come off again.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be so quick to place too much blame on the Windex. There seems to be a lot of stories about the two sides coming unglued without any help.

I'm not sure that I would have reattached the plate. It sounds great for situations when you still want the diamond surface but you also have a different stone that you'd like to bring along. I think it also opens up a lanyard hole in the plate. :D
 
Guy McVer said:
I wouldn't be so quick to place too much blame on the Windex. There seems to be a lot of stories about the two sides coming unglued without any help.

I'm not sure that I would have reattached the plate. It sounds great for situations when you still want the diamond surface but you also have a different stone that you'd like to bring along. I think it also opens up a lanyard hole in the plate. :D
Click to expand...
Yeah, I blamed the Windex. But after seeing how easily the plate came off, the real issue was the glue itself. I don't see the epoxy repair ever having a problem like that anymore.

The main advantage I see in leaving the plate attached to the stone, is the extra thickness affords an easier & somewhat safer hold when I'm sharpening in-hand. I typically use these small hones held in one hand as pictured below - supported by the thumb at one end, the middle finger at the other end and my index finger bent underneath the stone for extra support in the center - while sharpening the blade held in the other hand and keeping the edge of the blade toward me. I do the same with the DMT credit card hones I have - but have to be careful with my thumbs extending above the plane of the hone, as thin as those are. And there are other workarounds for that, anyway.
jxDBhQo.jpg
 
I habe both a DC4 and a CC4. As Obsessed with Edges wrote, years ago I resurfaced the DC4 ceramic to a much finer grade. Would not do this again. But a that time I did not get the results I wanted. Nowadays with more experience I think it were improper sharpening skills compared with too less cleaning. The ceramic loads quickly.
Nonetheless the ceramic is fast enough for touchups and leaves a good, arm-shaving edge.
The ceramic has been used a lot in the last years and is still working.

The CC4 is a nice stone in my opinion. The grey ceramic is factory rough but will smooth out. But not as fine as after resurfacing with a fine diamond stone.
The fine withe side leaves a more refined edge. I haven't checked the scratch pattern but would say it is comparable to a Spyderco Fine.

The white side is much thinner than the grey side which will wear. The white side is very hard and dense and will not take water (other than the grey side).

Quality is ok. But I had one to send back. Bumpy and glued together off-center. I paid somewhat 20€. That's ok. I don't regret the purchase so far.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top