Light weight fixed angle knife sharpener?

Joined
Nov 7, 2018
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In the past I’ve used replaceable blade style knifes. I finally spent a decent amount on a knife and wanted to see what’s the best way to sharpen it while in the field? I have essentially no experience sharpening with a stone so I’m concerned about changing the blade angle

It’s carbon steel that came from the long, two person manual wood mill saw blade. Not sure I want to use those cheap pull through knife sharpeners


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Jun 15, 2017
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San Antonio
I know it's sacrilegious, but I just carry a cheap drag-through and try not to need it. Usually I don't have to but from time to time a couple quick drags to touch it up helps a lot and then I can properly sharpen it when I get home. The one I use is a cheapie for fillet knives and it's maybe all of 1oz, might not even be an oz.
 
OP
T
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Is my concern of changing blade angle via a stone a valid concern?

And for carbon steel, should it last quartering a whole animal (assuming you don’t hit a lot of bone)?


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alexnelon

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Feb 24, 2024
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Texas
Is my concern of changing blade angle via a stone a valid concern?

And for carbon steel, should it last quartering a whole animal (assuming you don’t hit a lot of bone)?


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Depends on the heat treat. I’ve seen so many expensive “custom” knives either dull quickly or chip the edge. Only way to find out is to use it hard.

It’s 100% going to rust though so be ready to solve that problem.
 

wesfromky

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OP
T
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Depends on the heat treat. I’ve seen so many expensive “custom” knives either dull quickly or chip the edge. Only way to find out is to use it hard.

It’s 100% going to rust though so be ready to solve that problem.

I may have one of those “custom” knifes that are less than ideal lol. Did zero research, bought in a in person because it was pretty cool and made at a one man shop in AL. The blade is fairly thin…

Mine is the more standard knife design



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CjMelendrez

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have you used this one yet? I am interested in picking it up but I'd like to hear form folks and their experience with it before i pull the trigger
 

fmyth

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Mar 14, 2019
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Arizona
I've been using one of these DMT Diasharps. Works great and is ultra light at .64ozs.
 

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wesfromky

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have you used this one yet? I am interested in picking it up but I'd like to hear form folks and their experience with it before i pull the trigger
I have had it for a month or so now? No real heavy use, but it did a nice job touching up my broadheads after shooting into foam to tune. The BH wrench is a nice bonus, and it is super light.
 
OP
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I have had it for a month or so now? No real heavy use, but it did a nice job touching up my broadheads after shooting into foam to tune. The BH wrench is a nice bonus, and it is super light.

How does someone not change the angle of a knife blade when free hand sharpening?


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cjdewese

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Sep 8, 2020
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How does someone not change the angle of a knife blade when free hand sharpening?


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What I have realized is that you don't have to be perfect, just be aware of what you are trying to do. As you do it more, it will get better.

I find that having a leather strop, or taking the time to do it on your belt or jeans a few times makes a big difference as well.
 

TheM1DoesMyTalking

Lil-Rokslider
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Sep 29, 2021
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How does someone not change the angle of a knife blade when free hand sharpening?


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Consistency matters more than the exact angle, 15 vs 17 vs 20 degrees. Developing the skill of free hand sharpening with a small stone takes some time, but is well worth it and yields a better result than those pull through options that absolutely change the geometry of the edge.

One of my favorites is a Fallkniven CC4 ceramic stone that has a coarse and a fine side and a leather sleeve that I use as a strop in the field. It weighs about 2 oz and costs around $25.
 
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