Pocket knives are an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a reliable cutting tool on the go. However, even the best pocket knife will eventually become dull, and that’s where pocket knife sharpeners come in. Best pocket knife sharpeners can help you maintain the sharpness of your blade, ensuring that it’s always ready for use.
At the end of the day, the best pocket knife sharpener is one that is easy to use, portable, and effective at sharpening your blade. In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various pocket knife sharpeners to identify the ones that meet these criteria. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just need a reliable cutting tool on the go, we’ve got you covered.
Top 3 Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners
1. Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
2. SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool
3. Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener
Keeping your pocket knife sharp is essential for maintaining its longevity and ensuring it’s always ready for use. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best pocket knife sharpeners on the market. Our team has tested and researched various sharpeners to bring you the top options that will keep your pocket knife sharp and ready for any task. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just need a sharp blade for everyday use, our list has got you covered.
Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
We highly recommend the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener for anyone looking for a compact and complete sharpening solution for their pocket knives and camp tools.
Pros
- The diamond plates, ceramic rods, leather strop, and sharpening guides make it easy to sharpen knives and camp tools consistently and quickly.
- The purpose-built 20° angle guide for sharpening with the diamond plates and 25° angle guide for honing a strong micro-bevel ensure consistent blade edge angles.
- It’s compact, durable, and self-contained, making it perfect for maintaining your edge while out hunting, fishing, camping, or anywhere you need a sharp edge.
Cons
- The sharpening guides may take some getting used to for those who are not familiar with them.
- Some users may prefer a larger sharpening surface for bigger knives.
- It may take some practice to get the hang of using the ceramic honing rod for sharpening serrations.
The Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is a complete and compact field sharpening solution designed for sportsmen who need a fast, easy, and consistent sharpening solution for their pocket knives and camp tools. The diamond plates can be easily removed to expose a broad head wrench to speed sharpening in the field, and they can be attached with the abrasive exposed or flipped over during transport in your gear bag. The ceramic honing rod rotates to expose coarse and fine honing surfaces, as well as a grooved surface for sharpening fish hooks. A second, small ceramic rod is used for sharpening serrations.
The purpose-built 20° angle guide for sharpening with the diamond plates and 25° angle guide for honing a strong micro-bevel ensure consistent blade edge angles. The five abrasive steps provide a complete sharpening solution: coarse and fine diamond sharpening plates, coarse and fine ceramic hones, and a leather strop. It’s compact, durable, and self-contained, making it perfect for maintaining your edge while out hunting, fishing, camping, or anywhere you need a sharp edge.
Overall, the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact and complete sharpening solution for their pocket knives and camp tools. With its diamond plates, ceramic rods, leather strop, and sharpening guides, it makes it easy to sharpen knives and camp tools consistently and quickly.
SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool
If you’re looking for a versatile and portable pocket knife sharpener, the SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool is a compact and lightweight tool that can be easily carried in your pocket or backpack.
- With six different functions, this pocket knife sharpener can quickly restore and hone straight and serrated blades, sharpen fishhooks, and even start a fire in an emergency.
- The CARBIDE and CERAMIC abrasives used in this pocket knife sharpener are highly durable and deliver superior sharpening performance.
Cons
- Some users have reported that it takes longer than expected to sharpen their knives with this tool.
- While the fire starter and whistle are nice features, they may not be as useful as the knife sharpening functions for most users.
- The SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool may feel a little cheap or flimsy to some users.
We’ve used the SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool ourselves and found it to be a reliable and effective tool for sharpening pocket knives and other blades. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry with you wherever you go, and the six different functions make it a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists.
If you’re looking for a pocket knife sharpener that can handle a variety of different blades and also includes some useful survival features, the SHARPAL 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool is definitely worth checking out.
Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener
If you’re looking for a compact and portable pocket knife sharpener, the Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener is a great option. It’s designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their knives sharp while on the go.
Pros
- The fold-out diamond-coated rod is great for sharpening serrated edges and small gut hooks.
- The preset sharpening angles provide guaranteed results on every use.
- The carbide and ceramic stones are reversible and replaceable for extended sharpening.
Cons
- The coarse carbide slot should only be used on straight edges.
- The sharpener is small and may not be comfortable for people with larger hands.
- The carbide notch can eat a lot of metal and burr up your blade.
We’ve used this sharpener on a variety of knives and found that it does a great job of restoring a sharp edge. The diamond-coated rod is especially useful for sharpening serrated edges and small gut hooks. The carbide and ceramic stones are reversible and replaceable, so you can extend the life of the sharpener.
One thing to keep in mind is that the coarse carbide slot should only be used on straight edges. If you have a serrated edge, you’ll need to use the ceramic stones. Additionally, the sharpener is small and may not be comfortable for people with larger hands.
Overall, we think the Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a compact and portable sharpener. It’s versatile, easy to use, and effective at restoring a sharp edge to your knives.
Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite – Adjustable Knife Sharpening System
If you’re looking for a versatile and efficient knife sharpener, the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite is a great option.
Pros
- The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite is adjustable and repeatable, allowing you to easily sharpen your knives at the desired angle.
- With seven abrasive grits, including diamond, ceramic, and leather strop, you can sharpen and polish your knives to perfection.
- The small ceramic rod is perfect for sharpening serrated knives, making this tool a great all-in-one option.
Cons
- The sharpening angle adjustment can sometimes walk, making it challenging to maintain a consistent angle.
- The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite is best suited for shorter knives, as longer blades may flex and wobble with little pressure at the ends.
- The brackets are made of plastic and feel a bit cheap, which may impact the durability of the tool over time.
Overall, we recommend the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use knife sharpener. With its adjustable angle and multiple grit options, you can create custom edges and sharpen serrated knives with ease. However, the plastic brackets and potential angle adjustment issues may be a concern for some users.
Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener
We highly recommend the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener for anyone looking for a precise and easy-to-use pocket knife sharpener.
Pros
- The adjustable sharpening angle makes it easy to sharpen your knife to the desired angle.
- The tri-abrasive rod allows for quick switching between coarse and fine diamond and fine ceramic stones.
- The V block clamp securely holds the knife in place for consistent sharpening.
Cons
- The sharpener is relatively heavy, making it less portable than other pocket knife sharpeners.
- The coarse grit may be too aggressive for some knives.
- The price point is higher than some other pocket knife sharpeners on the market.
The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener is a great option for those who want to take their pocket knife sharpening to the next level. The adjustable sharpening angle allows for precise sharpening, and the tri-abrasive rod makes it easy to switch between grits for a polished finish. The V block clamp ensures your knife stays in place, so you get consistent results every time.
The only downside to this sharpener is its weight, which may make it less portable than other pocket knife sharpeners. Additionally, the coarse grit may be too aggressive for some knives, so it’s important to use caution when using it. Finally, the higher price point may be a deterrent for some shoppers, but we believe the quality and precision of this sharpener make it worth the investment.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a precise and easy-to-use pocket knife sharpener, the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener is an excellent choice.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best pocket knife sharpeners, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Sharpening Angle
The sharpening angle is the angle at which the blade is held against the sharpener. Generally, a lower angle will produce a sharper edge, but it will also be less durable. A higher angle will be more durable, but the edge won’t be as sharp. Look for a sharpener that allows you to adjust the sharpening angle to fit your needs.
Abrasives
The type of abrasive used in the sharpener will affect the quality of the edge. Diamond and ceramic abrasives are known for producing sharp edges, while tungsten carbide is better for quickly sharpening dull blades. Consider what type of knives you’ll be sharpening and choose a sharpener with the appropriate abrasive.
Size and Portability
Pocket knife sharpeners come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some are small and portable, designed to be carried with you on the go. Others are larger and meant to be used at home. Consider how you’ll be using the sharpener and choose a size and style that fits your needs.
Durability
A good pocket knife sharpener should be durable enough to withstand regular use. Look for a sharpener made from high-quality materials that won’t wear down quickly. Additionally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer to ensure that you’re protected in case of any defects or issues.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best pocket knife sharpener for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a high-quality pocket knife sharpener?
When choosing a pocket knife sharpener, look for one that is portable, durable, and easy to use. It should be able to sharpen different types of blades, including serrated ones. A high-quality sharpener should also have adjustable angles to accommodate different types of knives and provide a precise sharpening experience.
How do electric knife sharpeners compare to manual ones for pocket knives?
Electric sharpeners offer a quick and easy way to sharpen pocket knives, but they may not be suitable for all types of blades. Manual sharpeners, on the other hand, provide a more controlled and precise sharpening experience, but may require more time and effort. Ultimately, the choice between electric and manual sharpeners depends on personal preference and the type of pocket knife being sharpened.
What sharpening angle is recommended for maintaining pocket knives?
The recommended sharpening angle for pocket knives ranges from 15 to 20 degrees. A lower angle provides a sharper edge, while a higher angle provides more durability. It’s important to note that the angle may vary depending on the type of pocket knife and its intended use.
Can you recommend a durable knife sharpening stone for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, we recommend a sharpening stone made of durable materials such as diamond or ceramic. These materials are resistant to wear and tear and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Look for a stone that is portable and easy to carry, yet large enough to accommodate different types of blades.
What are the advantages of using a Lansky knife sharpener for pocket knives?
Lansky knife sharpeners are known for their versatility and precision. They come with a range of sharpening angles and can accommodate different types of blades, including serrated ones. They are also easy to use and provide consistent results, making them a popular choice among pocket knife enthusiasts.
How can beginners effectively sharpen pocket knives without prior experience?
For beginners, we recommend starting with a simple manual sharpener that is easy to use and provides consistent results. Look for a sharpener that has adjustable angles and can accommodate different types of blades. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take the time to practice sharpening on a few different knives before attempting to sharpen a favorite pocket knife.
