I need a budget (not expensive) knife sharpener that is small and portable (for EDC).

I am torn between several models that I have seen on EDC/BOB videos. So, I thought to forget those videos and ask on ETS.

Thanks

I prefer a "dogbone" style sharpener. There are several brands available, and one currently offered by Gatco has nice features - diamond grit and faceted ends so that the sharpener can e placed at a definite angle in order to function as a sort of of miniature Sharpmaker.

For those needing a good, simple sharpening that's easy to use and won't break the bank I recommend the Edgemaker Pro system. It works on most knives and will get an edge that will shave. It's not ideal for repairs (won't do much for broken tips or bad chips) but it's fine for general sharpening.

The Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is also pretty good, again not for damaged blades but fine for sharpening.

I have been using one of these for years for simple sharpening of kitchen, pocket, and hunting knives. The Firestone two stage sharpener works great and I've been unable to break it. About $18 on Amazon. I use a Smiths system when I need whetstones for repairs.

I use this on the road http://www.rei.com/product/780741/smiths-pocket-pal-knife-sharpener
And this at home http://www.rei.com/product/738633/smiths-3-in-1-sharpening-system .
They both use the same angel so it works great. I glued a piece of an old leather belt to the cover for the diamond hone on the bench top model for a fine edge.

$7.15 Brand- "smiths" looks alot like the DMT model with the little circles

http://www.inventorycheap.com/smith-cons...utm_content=pla


$5.89 brand "smiths" ~ 3 inches
Small metal block with tiny little diamonds pieces. Has grove down middle for fishhooks. Basic, simple.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_118475-10803-DS3_4294857581__?productId=1205861&Ns=p_product_price|0

What's your budget? Diamond cards like ez-lap are good for about $20. They're compact and you use them like a regular stone. Usually for a set of three different grits. Fallkniven makes a diamond on one side ceramic on the other medium/fine sharpener for $20-30 depending on where you find them. They're heavier, but high quality and I like the one I have.

Nowadays, I pack a DMT Fine Mini-Sharpener. It seems to ldo the trick for touching up a blade and costs about $12.

This is one of the sharpening options Doug mentions on his Keeping Sharps Sharp page.

Thanks everyone

First of all , all my knives are cheap ones. Mostly chinese made and some Moras and the like. Second, I am not experienced ( not even interested to learn LOL ) knife sharpening. So, I lean towards easy sharpeners that I can use with eyes closed (figuratively speaking LOL).

My budget is around $ 10 for each sharpener, but may go up a little if interested. I am thinking to buy 2 or 3 different ones to see for myself which suits me best and may want to buy more sharpeners later

On the Smith pocket pal that Callahan mentioned , there is a carbide side and ceramic side. My question is : will those labels fade after some usage ???

The smith pocket pal is definitely going to be on my list. The "dogbone" sharpener too. Thanks guys , and I will appreciate more suggestions

Oh, I remember seeing some X shaped sharpeners on You-tubes. Yellow/orange colored and one V on each side. What do you think of those re : quality , and convenience of usage ??

On the Smith’s pocket pal the labeling will wear off, especially if carried in your pocket. I have marked mine with 1 for carbide 11 for ceramic. It’s scraped into the plastic because even when new I can’t read it without glasses. I have found for 3.5 inch or less of blade length I pull the blade through the sharpener. Longer blades I pull the sharpener over the blade with the knife held steady by what ever is handy.

Best of luck to you.

Eze-Lap model S works well for me, $6.95
IIRC it is 600 grit diamond and also has a hook groove.

I got a Lansky Quick Edge for Mother's Day. I've used it to touch up my two fixed blades, which we beat the snot out of last year, and it worked OK. It's bigger than my little Gerber sharpener but it's still small, light weight and inexpensive.

Edit: "small" not "smallpox".'':-)

I prefer sandpaper and a leather belt. Light, easy, effective.

i keep a Speedy Sharp handy for quick work on cheap knives.

fast, easy, sharp, but not a fine pretty edge.

http://www.amazon.com/Speedy-Sharp-Orange/dp/B002OG3SKC

I would go for a Fallkniven DC3
It will even sharpen hardened steel like ZDP 189 and Tool Steel like D2

I'm using this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/251813416755 in my knife's handle (see the 3D printing thread) with the pen shell removed
Ultra compact! This one http://www.ebay.com/itm/262137581988 is my pocket EDC. They are good enough for maintaining the edge as well as for fixing it if broken. It's essentially a diamond file which has much more uses than just a knife sharpener (especially the conic one). Some knife sharpening skills are strongly advised, it's not a self-guiding type.

If you browse eBay you can find them even cheaper.

I also use a simple stone that I used to use to fix burrs on my hockey skates. Most sporting good stores around here carry them for only a few bucks. Of course, it's been a long time since I laced up those skates, so the cost has probably tripled. LOL!