All About Pocket Knives

Hi,
I'm a new member to the forum and relatively new to the world of pocket knives. Other than kitchen knives, all of the knives I currently own are pen, swiss army, or what one would consider "small" knives you would small knives, i.e., 2-3" long blades. I think it especially important to have a sharp blade, as you cannot muscle a small blade when cutting. What sharpeners have you used that you would recommend? I've looked at the Edgepro, but it appears to be over-kill and not well suited to small blades. Thanks for your comments.
Tom

Hi Tom,
welcome to the forum.
I would recommend sharpening stones. I know people like other sharpening tools, but once you learn your skills with a stone you wont look back. Good luck with your search.

Welcome Tom, I agree with FRJ the stone is best.

Thanks for your comments. Are there books, forum articles, videos demonstrating correct the technique? Also, what supplies, e.g., type of stones, etc. would I need?

Tom, check out the "freehand sharpening" thread, back in August of 2010. We went back and forth on the subject then.

Find "Home" , top left of page.

Find "Articles and Research",......click on "Knife Forums"

Find Search Query box. Type in "freehand sharpening". Look for that title by vikingdog.

Here's a link to that thread mentioned above..........

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... sharpening

If you aren't comfortable with sharpening your knives freehand, Lansky makes an excellent sharpening system at a reasonable price that might work for you.

Welcome to AAPK.

Phil

Thanks, Phil.

search youtube as well for everything from straight razors to axes!

from strops to diamond spray to old belts guys have been using for 50yeears.

no one knifer sharpens the same it seems.

i personally like the good ole schrade steel...came in sheath and everything...good
touch up piece.

personal skill & experience take you a long way. i certainly am a fan of the various grades of diamond stones such as dmt. i have seen videos where individuals freehanded blades to mirror bevels. i do have edge pro & lansky belt driven devices but use the stones most of the time unless i need to relieve a shoulder {bevel] the great thing about diamonds is you can easily sharpen even the hardest atomic alloys, this is something you may encounter in certain knives.--HiPower

A.G. Russell offers a neat little field sharpener with V rods including diamond. The rods get set at a 15 degree angle (30 compound). IMHO this is ideal especially for smaller blades. It comes in a small plastic case; very easy to transport to the field. Mine is always open on desk or counter for quick touch ups.

For smaller blades, I agree with the majority - get a good set of stones & maybe ceramic rods. I think Lansky has something called Crock Stix. This is good for quick touchups. And of course, make yourself a strop for that mirrored edge.