Before heading out for this seasons deer and elk hunt, I will sharpen my hunting knife.

My question is, what type of sharpener do I take with me in the field? I've learned that after skinning, quartering and cleaning my animal, being able to touch up the blade is really a nice option.

But what should I use?

Blake

Would a Sharpmaker be too bulky in your circumstances? If it is, I just noticed that Lansky has some similar pocket size units that are much more compact. That would be my preference.....

I used to carry the DMT folding type sharpener. The results are adequate. They require a little skill and practice though. They are good for touching up but rebuilding from a dull edge is not a pleasure (remember: this is meant to be a family friendly wording).
You may want to use it while the knife is still fairly sharp.

I use a Gerber Pocket Sharpener. It's not the best but it works for me:

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-04307-Pocket-Sharpener/dp/B0001WOTEU

The price is right. Small and compact.

The little Gerber works good and it is easy to carry. The nice thing is that it has a foolproof bevel built in.

This is a unlikely source but Fiskars makes a pull through axe sharpener. It's not like regular ones with two ceramic or carbide rod, but two rotating wheels that work better and not easily clogged. It has a handle but you can chop that off to use head only.

Look for a Lansky Dogbone Sharpener.It is a triangular ceramic rod with rubber end caps and is about 3.5 inches long.Price is in the eight dollar range and they last forever.

BOATMAN
John

A Fallkniven DC4

http://www.amazon.com/Fallkniven-Knives-...=fallkniven+dc4

YMMV, but I have to strongly un-recommend this item. I bought one, and it was appallingly awful. I couldn't believe Fiskars would put their good name on something like this. There are much better options for the same dollar IMO.