I am always looking for the best way to keep an edge on my various blades, from those in the kitchen to those I have for camping, etc.
I have tried 14" stones, electric wheels, ceramic bars, etc. The most effective (read easiest to use for the fastest results) have been one by Fiskars and a new one, for me, by Smith's.

The Fiskars unit is ideal for camping, etc, as it is small, held between the thumb and forefinger and the knife is pulled through the sharpening area. This unit is about 3/8" thick and perhaps 2" square. There is a course side and a fine side; the sharpening done by small ceramic rods. Unfortunatley, two of the bars are now broken and I can not find a replacement at the Fiskars web site.
Small size, great results, I highly recommend it.

I just purchased the Smith's, a handheld bar based on diamond dust(?), $20 at REI.
I am impressed with how quickly you can put an edge on a knife with this, it is fast and easy to use.

Putting a fine edge on a good knife should take time and be done prior to the need.
Both of these sharpners are fine for use at home or in the field.

Hey Skater,

Target and Wal-mart both have fiskars or similar models here. While these are great for topping off a good edge, something a little more aggressive is needed to develop that edge. The best thing I've found so far, is a good set of diamond lap sharpeners, which in the extra-fine grit are super at touch-ups also, but the Fiskars peice is nice to have "in yer pockit".
Troy

Thanks for the input Troy.
I will check out the local Target to see if they have one.
I agree about the more agressive start, but for cleaning up the edge and touching up, it is great.

Thanks again.

I bought something similar to what you describe with only one pair of ceramic rods at the local K-mart in the fishing section for about $2.00. I would only use it for touching up as I have a two-sided stone in a black plastic container from REI that I received as a gift quite a few years ago. I am a big fan of quality carbon steel blades despite the fact of tarnish and rust. I have an old Craftsman hunting knife that I bought some 38 years ago with a compressed leather handle and I can always put a mean edge on it. A couple years ago I bought a Kalisnakov bayonet made in Hungary that has a carbon steel blade, electrically insulated sheath and knife handle. The knife can be pivoted with the metal sheath for wire cutting. I do not own any military style rifles but I bought the bayonet primarily because it had the carbon steel blade and metal sheath. The wire cutter feature is just an added bonus.

Bountyhunter

Thanks for the input. I was unable to find the Fiskars at Target, so I am still looking.

I did find a replacement for the Fiskars sharpener.
The exact same piece is now sold by Gerber and called a pocket sharpener.
Small, compact and good results. The web site says about $4.95.

Skater
If you didn't know,Gerbers is owned by Fiskars
BOATMAN