I know that there are people who carry a piece of sandpaper in their kits to sharpen knives in the field. How do you sharpen knives with it? do you hold it on a flat surface with your fingers (not too many truly flat surfaces in the bush), etc?

Just interested, as i can't sharpen knives properly freehand.

I hold the sandpaper on the flat on my palm. That gives a convex edge. If I want something more fancy, I'll either use two sided tape and stick the paper to a piece of plastic or whatever. I've used my machete as a sharpening support countless times too. Works well. Best thing for a clean convex edge is the machete plus a fwe square inches of camping matt closed cell foam. That's great.

Just find the trick that does it for you <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

David

put it on a hard flat surface ( like a sanding block ) and use it as a plain wetstone, put it down or hold it in you hands, both work, whatever you like. You can put a piece of cut off mousepad and glue/tape it on the block first and than put the sandpaper over it, for a convex edge, a.k.a. "hoodoo hone"

Also, what type and grit do you recommend?

I use a piece of 400 grid wet paper. When the paper is wet it sticks to the lid of my tin. I hold it at one end to keep it from slipping. It´s important to pull the blade away from the edge. The method requires frequent sharpening. Once the edge is really dull it´s hard get it sharp.

Her is some good info:
http://www.shavings.net/SCARY.HTM#original

Regards - Thomas

I start with 180 or 320 grit (that's what I can get here at the store) and finish with a 600 grit and a hone... or better yet with anything up to 2000+ grit if I want absolutely no micro-bevels (like on moras).

Cheers,

David