Chris, you said "you may want to pick up a fine ceramic rod and just 'steel' your knives most of the time". What grit would you recommend as "fine", probably beyond 600 grit? Ideally 700 grit I guess?
I've found a ceramic rod kit at Lee Valley:

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?S...;amp;category=1,43072,43079

But I guess 280 is too coarse to just steel the knife without removing material.

How about the $1-$2 ceramic sticks (4"-8") at Ragweedforge?

http://www.ragweedforge.com/SharpeningCatalog.html

Do you know by any chance if they are fine enough to steel the knives (the grit isn't specified) or should I email them?

Anyhow, let's get to the point. Where do you get your fine ceramic rods and what are their characteristics and do you carry them in a survival kit?

Thank you.