draw-through knife sharpeners.

[pteron]

That looks like the Stirling sharpener that Doug Ritter used to recommend.

I have one, it is useful in an emergency but as it is tungsten carbide, it rips bits of steel off the blade. I'd never let it anywhere near my decent knives.

(I paid a *lot* less than 10 quid for it too!)

 

[Ogri the trog]

Bladetech's don't cut it for me.
I bought one years ago after seeing a demo at a country fair - the guys were taking peoples pocket knives and after a few strokes, shaving rabbit fur.
Sounds great doesn't it, until you see just how much steel is being removed from the edge of your knife
Time invested into learning the right technique of using stones, hones and strops will save you loads in the long run.

ATB

Ogri the trog

 

[rik_uk3]

I don't mind wasting a bit of blade off a Mora for what they cost. I took the plunge and ordered one after writing my reply yesterday, I'll give an honest and unbiased review after I receive it.

 

[Asa Samuel]

I don't like the look of the tungsten carbide sharpeners either, the one I am looking at is the gerber diamond pocket sharpener http://www.merlinarcherycentre.co.uk/acatalog/Gerber_Diamond_Pocket_Sharpener.html at that price I am really tempted but I am still searching for a review from someone bushcrafty!

 

[rik_uk3]

I don't like the look of the tungsten carbide sharpeners either, the one I am looking at is the gerber diamond pocket sharpener http://www.merlinarcherycentre.co.uk/acatalog/Gerber_Diamond_Pocket_Sharpener.html at that price I am really tempted but I am still searching for a review from someone bushcrafty!

Its much the same thing Asa to be honest, I have both of the Gerber types, I've got a used ceramic going spare if you want it, PM me your address.

I received the Bladetech and have tried it out.

It works very, very well, razor sharp edges on three Mora's I tried but as Ogri said, they do shave blade. The secret is to use next to no pressure on the pull through, you still get your sharp edge but loose less blade. Worked very well on a couple of garden folders and a Leatherman blade too.

Would I recommend it? Yes, without doubt BUT, only for use on cheap blades like the Frosts or Opinel; I did not use it on my F1. Better results than either the Gerber ceramic or diamond sharpeners, but go lightly with it.

Well worth the money, nice little pouch with it too and is perfect as a lightweight bit of kit to carry on your camping trips.

 

[Asa Samuel]

That would be great Richard, thanks.

Looks like a good review for the Bladetech but I'm still put off a bit, it seems like it would be too easy to put too much pressure on in one spot and mess up your blade.

Asa.

 

[helixpteron]

I've had one of the Fiskars/Gerber Sharpeners for about two years and like them simply because they work, are very light and compact and don't cost a fortune.

 

[rawshak]

Asa, you'd be much better served learning how to sharpen properly. All these gadgets are a quick fix, but not only do they not do the knife any good, they limit the type of knife that can be sharpened in them as they have a fixed angle. They're great in the kitchen draw when you want to sharpen a knife to do your veg, but isn't the point of bushcraft to learn these skills for yourself from the ground up?

 

[Asa Samuel]

I already know how to sharpen, rawshak. I'm just looking for something to use in the bush until I can sit down and spend some real time on the blade.

 

[rawshak]

I already know how to sharpen, rawshak. I'm just looking for something to use in the bush until I can sit down and spend some real time on the blade.

Fair enough mate, just wouldn't want to see you trash your blade with a pull through.

(we'll actually have to meet up at some point too, shame you're not going to make the next Woodland Valley weekend)

 

[Asa Samuel]

Fair enough mate, just wouldn't want to see you trash your blade with a pull through.

(we'll actually have to meet up at some point too, shame you're not going to make the next Woodland Valley weekend)

I only use clippers at the moment anyway so it's no biggy if anything happens to it.

(Yeah I would'ved liked to go I still can't find anywhere local that will let me sleep over.)

 

[gregorach]

For field sharpening, I carry a little 3" Arkansas stone. It takes a bit of practice to learn to use freehand right enough, but it works for me.