I don't take long trips typically just day trips, but I don't have a sharpener really. It's just a tool that many people have strongly suggested I have. In my original question I was hoping people could answer for me what the difference is between the different types of materials: carbide, diamond, ceramic, etc. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I've looked at the havalon and the Lansky. Both seem like good options.
If you don't take more than day trips the I cannot see the need for a pocket sharpener. I HIGHLY recommend the Lansky sharpening system. It is fool proof and will put a surgical edge on a knife or broadheads. Although there are some good pocket sharpeners out there none are as adequate as could be attained with whetstones. Most of the pocket sharpeners rely on a carbide steel "V" that you drag the edge of the knife through. This removes steel from the blade (too much in my opinion) at an approximate 25° angle. Then you finish the edge with a ceramic or steel rod. Most of these devises are good in a pinch but I don't recommend them for use on a valuable knife. http://youtu.be/KW64B0MZVOE Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk Bows, Broadheads and Backstraps
I saw that Lansky kit the other day at Bass Pro. Looks like I might be going back. Looks like an easy system and gets great reviews. I like the guide rods with preset angles in the clamp.
I highly recommend the pedestal for holding the clamp steady. I think the video shows too many possible cut hazards. They're easy to make or you can get one on the Lansky website. Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk Bows, Broadheads and Backstraps
I was able to try my new Lansky out on a few knives last night and it seems to work real well. So far happy with it!
Nice! After watching bowbenders youtube link I just lost myself for an hour watching different knife sharpener demo videos.
And...what have you learned GRASSHOPPER? Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk Bows, Broadheads and Backstraps
At home I use a Lanksy system mostly, but it is time consuming. I have an Accusharp and it does a good job as well. I don't always feel like spending so much time sharpening a knife and on those times I grab the Accusharp. I also use the Accusharp on fixed blade broadheads and it works great for that. I might buy one of these to keep in my bag for "emergencies". Very similar to the Lansky pocket sharpener posted earlier but only $8. Smiths PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener - Amazon.com
That I ruined a few knives when I was a thirteen lol. but in all serious I learned the importance of angles and what angles are better for what knife purposes. Also, start course to set the edge then fine to polish it out. Also the more efficient sweeping methods when moving the blade or hone.
AH, you have learned well my son. Now go out in the world and.... CUT SOME SHEEET!!! Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk Bows, Broadheads and Backstraps
It's the Cons in the review that I have previously mentioned that would turn me off to this product. Their effectiveness is short lived and will ruin a good knife quickly. Conversely for use on disposable snap blade razor knives they work very well to restore them for extended use. Sent from my iPad Mini using Tapatalk Bows, Broadheads and Backstraps
I've been using one for a long time, and I've never ruined a knife using the sharpener. . I like it because it is quick and I can sharpen a broadhead too! Never had a rough edge on a knife using it, and never seen a lot of metal being taken off. When I use it. . I just run the knife through the sharpener about 3 times and I don't put a lot of pressure on the knife.
Mine leave the house sharp. And I just use a stone. Got one of those diamond sharpening kits with the stupid clamp and the tallie Wacker rods and really don't like it. For touch ups I just use my truck window.
I use a lansky sharpening system, I get pretty good results with it, can get a razor sharp edge, and its easy to touch them up, It works very well for me.
