I've never really paid much attention to sharpening my knives with any quality. Indeed, I was happy to use $3 pocket sharpeners whenever I felt like something was getting dull. However, I'm ready to turn over a new leaf, and sharpen whatevers under it! I'm being spurred on by the ESEE 6 and, the soon to arrive Izula II. I just don't know anything about sharpening stones, honing rods, pocket sharpness and etc. So I'm hopeful that I could receive some excellent recommendations! I absolutely need one to keep in an LBE, and I also need to learn to use a larger one. What should I get? Thanks, y'all!
Look into DMT stones. Ive been very happy with mine. Also, check out Flexx strops for the final touch or touch ups.
Is there an optimal grit I should look into? Fine, ultra fine, course? Are the rods and folders as efficent as the 10 inch bench stone? I'm kinda leaning toward the folder or rod, just because I could keep it in a pack or an lbe, but, "better overall," carries significant weight with me.
I use the bench stones at home and the folders out in the woods. The bench stones are easier for me to use but ive had many hours at them compared to the woods use stones. I tend to only use the green one which is a level of coarseness of fine i believe. Sometimes if ive been really hard on a knife ill use the red or blue.
The worksharp looks neat! 600 grain is as fine as it comes, though. Is that gonna come close to other sharpeners with grains in the thousands? I like the 8" duosharp plus, too. I couldn't find what the grain is. I'm literally a babe in the woods, when it comes to sharpening and honing knowledge. Please don't get frustrated with my questions, I'll know a lot more in a month or so. Thanks for the recommendations! Keep them coming!
They also make this for the kitchen. It’s much lighter but it’s great to hone and touch up. Would be good for field use...
The field sharpener also has build in storage (I store stropping compound in it and some tinder) but it also has broad head wrenches.
DMT pocket homes are great. To save weight , I often carry three sheets of 3M wet/dry auto body sandpaper in 600, 1200 & 1500 grits. Cut in half and tucked away in a flat pocket on my webbing. Cuts fast and gives a wicked scary sharp edge. Cheap too