Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on October 25, 2013 at 9:11

It isn't on my keychain but I carry a DMT fine grit credit card size sharpener in my wallet.  Like ceramic you can use it dry.  I don't know it's there and it stays protected against chips or damage.  These come in different grits and I wish I had the extra-fine instead of the fine grit.  I haven't gotten the EF grit because after carrying it around for over 3 years I've never used it away from home.  I used it at home enough to decide if I liked  it or not.  I do like it and the diamonds are broken in perfectly so they produce a consistant result.  If I used this sharpener more I'd probably carry the F and EF both.  Anyway, I think these credit card sharpeners are an option to consider.

Jack

Permalink Reply by steve haraldson on October 25, 2013 at 15:05

http://www.amazon.com/Smiths-CCKS-2-Step-Knife-Sharpener/dp/B00032S...

http://www.amazon.com/Smiths-PP1-Pocket-Multifunction-Sharpener/dp/...

Here are links to 2 different ones from smith's. The multifunction is a little easyer to carry, though they are both larger than most things found a key ring.

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on October 25, 2013 at 17:59

Interesting choices. I like the look of those Smith's sharpeners. I'll have to check out their size.

Anyone try these by Lansky?........

Permalink Reply by steve haraldson on October 26, 2013 at 21:25

Yes, I have the blue one (mine is black). Vey hard so took the roll out, but again to big for a key ring. Lighter but about the same size as the dual smith's

FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on October 27, 2013 at 1:26

Okay, thanks!

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on October 27, 2013 at 7:18

Those sharpeners with ceramic rods with established angles probably work very well as ceramic is a sharpening material I love.  Ceramic performs well and you don't need water unless you want to use it.  But the fact that the angle is established is a drawback to any sharpener IMO.  Also, the only sharpener I'd use like this is if the rods were square.  The knife edge sliding along two round rods will not have the rods touching the edge on opposite sides of the blade in different places.  This could result in a burr forming when using too much pressure.  So as in most sharpening very light pressure should be used on the final strokes.  If the rods were square and sitting right against each other the contact point on the blade edge would be in the same place. 

I would like to again suggest the DMT credit card sharpeners.  The process is the same as bench stones in a small size which is what you need.  Much more versatile than the tools that have the angle preset.  If you have an angle on your knife higher than the angle in your sharpener, the sharpener is useless.  OTOH, if your edge angle is lower than the angle on the sharpener you may reduce the cutting ability by using the sharpener with a higher angle.  That is not likely since we are talking about pocket knives though.  The angles are fine for EDC pocket knives so this angle issue may not be important to you.  In this case the recommended sharpeners should do a good job if you find one small enough.  I'm on my tablet now and can't paste a link here but if you are interested  you can find the DMT sharpeners on DMTsharp.com and about as good a price as you will find is on cutleryshoppe.com I think.   Might be able to get a good deal on ebay from time to time.

Jack

Permalink Reply by Mike West on October 28, 2013 at 23:42

Smith also makes a multi-function sharpener with the survivalist in mind. I bought one as soon as I saw it, thinking it was pretty cool. It has the 2 sharpeners, 1 carbide, 1 ceramic and a round one for serrated edges and in addition, it has a fire starter, a flashlight, a compass, and a shrill whistle. My 92 year old Dad saw it and wanted one so I ordered one off e-bay for a dollar less than WalMart including shipping. 14.25. It is called "Pocket Pal". It might be just a little big for a keychain, but you wouldn't lose your keys!
 
steve haraldson said:

http://www.amazon.com/Smiths-CCKS-2-Step-Knife-Sharpener/dp/B00032S...

http://www.amazon.com/Smiths-PP1-Pocket-Multifunction-Sharpener/dp/...

Here are links to 2 different ones from smith's. The multifunction is a little easyer to carry, though they are both larger than most things found a key ring.