Pocket sharpener, looking for suggestions

F

Fass

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Mar 8, 2020
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In my quest to always be prepared, I am currently looking for a small solution to keep my folding knives (SAK's and stainless Opinels), sharp while on the road. Sharp to me means and edge that can cut a piece of standard copy paper easily. What I am not looking for is an expensive setup, but just a simple basic solution. For consistency I'd prefer synthetic products instead of natural stones etc. Dry use would also be preferred. Any suggestions are welcome, thanks!
 
Get a Gossman Survival Tool. They are D2 hand made sharpening tools that are practically indestructible. It’ll work just fine for pocket knives you mentioned.
 
I use a double sided DiaFold by DMT. I sharpen my razor blades all day at work. I’m a carpenter by trade and this keeps my blades sharp all day for days. Even a damaged blades can by ground and finished quickly. Sure I could change the blades, but were is the fun in that.
 
I just ordered a Spyderco Double Stuff. I'll let you know when it gets here.

I also think DMT Diamond Card Sized Sharpeners look pretty cool. Don't own them yet, however.
 
I'll 2nd (or 3rd) the suggestion for the DMT products mentioned. Either the Diafold or the credit card hones would be a great choice. I have several of both and always carry the credit card hones (C/F/EF) in my wallet.
Figured out long ago, either of those would be the one solution I'd take, if I wasn't allowed more than one.

I also have a couple of the Spyderco Doublestuff hones in the older Medium/Fine ceramic version. For lighter touch-up sharpening, they'll do OK. But they'll be very slow if any major edge repair is needed. That's where something like the Diafold or CC hones from DMT could make the difference. And the diamond hones will also work better & faster with high-carbide steels, in particular.
 
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Mister Coffee said:
I just ordered a Spyderco Double Stuff. I'll let you know when it gets here.

I also think DMT Diamond Card Sized Sharpeners look pretty cool. Don't own them yet, however.
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Also, a good choice. I only have the old version with the brown and white ceramic...but it has gotten lots of use. The newer version should add capability.

The DMT credit cards are pretty good, but I leave them in my truck console as a backup.
 
I highly recommend the Fallkniven DC4. The diamonds are aggressive, but leave a good edge, and the ceramic side cleans it up nicely. I maintain S30V and S90V (as well as easier steels) with it for a while between ‘real sharpenings’, and these are needed mostly because I have tendency to increase the edge angle/convex the edge with pocket stones.
 
jnaught said:
I highly recommend the Fallkniven DC4. The diamonds are aggressive, but leave a good edge, and the ceramic side cleans it up nicely. I maintain S30V and S90V (as well as easier steels) with it for a while between ‘real sharpenings’, and these are needed mostly because I have tendency to increase the edge angle/convex the edge with pocket stones.
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I second the DC4. I rarely use the diamond side, but it’s valuable when you have to repair an edge.
 
Another vote for the DMT Double-Sided Diafold (I like the Coarse/Extra Coarse). I mostly use the C (blue,325 grit) for toothy edges. The EC (black, 220 grit) is nice to have for repairing edge damage, as Obsessed with Edges mentioned, although for that job I'd prefer a lower grit. The Diafold can be used either with water or dry and the abrasives are protected when folded.
 
Late but for anyone else I want to throw a suggestion out for jasper or jade whetstones: link to non-supporting vendor removed by staff

Ordered this one recently, arrived quick and works quite well. Admittedly I'm fairly inexperienced but it works quite well. Bonus if it really does last forever.
 
jnaught said:
I highly recommend the Fallkniven DC4. The diamonds are aggressive, but leave a good edge, and the ceramic side cleans it up nicely. I maintain S30V and S90V (as well as easier steels) with it for a while between ‘real sharpenings’, and these are needed mostly because I have tendency to increase the edge angle/convex the edge with pocket stones.
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I forgot to mention that it comes in a little leather slip, which I frequently use for a strop. A little too soft, but works well enough when it’s what you’ve got.

I have and use the DMT Diafold (C/F), but I prefer the DC4. I feel like its diamond side cuts faster, and is more consistent (less stray grits that snag a nearly finished edge, but maybe my DMT is atypical) than either side of my Diafold. Diafold has the advantage of being longer and has a nice handle to keep your fingers further from harm, though.
 
The DC4 has already been mentioned; it is a classic outdoor sharpener. You could try a less expensive China clone, like this one:
DMD diamond / ceramic 4''
or this
DMD diamond / ceramic 3''
Or a Coghlans sharpening stone Coarse / fine combination stone
Or - if you are ok with a pull trough sharpener, a Victorinox Dual Sharpener: Victorinox .

I have a DMD and it is ok. The ceramic is nice but did not arrive in perfect condition. Will make a good edge.

The Coghlans stone is not super fine but will give you a good working edge. Although it will be a little bit toothy. But works great with SAKs, Opinel or smaller kitchen knives with standard steel. Should be an Aluminum Oxide stone, i.e. a coarse / fine India.

The little sharpener made by Victorinox is small, lightweight and works great with SAKs and Opinel. Both types of knives will get scary sharp. The ceramic V-sharpener has a super fine grit. You can keep your edge very sharp with this little tool. Disadvantage is the constant angle, but as a 20° angle for both SAK and Opinel is ok this should not be a problem.
The sharpening stone is a medium to medium-fine stone. Works good with edges that are not very dull. It is a sharpener to keep your blades sharp but is not the best choice for very dull or damaged edges. I have one of those in my bag and I dont' wont to miss it. Just in case I need a coarser grit I added a small sharpening stone like this one Coarse pocket stone. That is an inexpensive and lighweight way to sharpen or hone a blade in the field.
 
Another vote for the DMT Dia-Fold. Get the Coarse/Fine (Blue/Red) version and that's really all you need.
 
If all you are sharpening is SAK's and Opinels, I would also consider a Victorinox Dual Knife Sharpener. It's basically the size of a pen and does a great job for lower alloy steels.
 
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