Using A Diamond File to Sharpen Knives?

For example... say I have my Leatherman Charge and a folding knife with me. If the knife becomes dull, why not just use the diamond-coated file to sharpen the knife? Would there be any problems with doing this? I can't see why it wouldn't work, but I find it odd that I've never heard of anyone actually doing this. And for that matter what about using non-diamond files for this purpose (obviously the finer the better). Your thoughts?

Good question - See http://www.equipped.org/devices14.htm and the embedded link in the article, http://www.equipped.org/alterpst.htm

Tom

Typical files are not only too coarse, they are probably not hard enough to cut good steel. It's all about consistent blade angle and grit rating. I'm old-school and have yet to examine ceramic rods and diamond sharpeners. I've heard they're great. I too would like to hear from others on this subject.

Check out this site, it's probably the best I have found on sharpening knives, complete with notations on various sharpeners and techniques. How to Sharpen Knives

After reading this I may choose to rethink the sharpeners I have in my BOBs. It seems there's no sense in carrying stones of any type anymore except maybe for sharpening an axe or hatchet.

If it where fine enough it would probably work!
My DMT stones are 325 mesh for the course one, 600 mesh for the fine one, and 1200 mesh for the Extra Fine. I use the 600 mesh the most and find anything courser than the 325 mesh is useless except for axes, machetes etc.

Thank you. Actually I did read that after I posted. I guess the question is how well will the diamond file work as a sharpener?

I use the Spyderco Tri Angle Sharpmaker (ceramic rods) and I think it does an outstanding job. Very easy to get hair popping edges, without having to think about keeping a consistent angle...which is very good for sharpening challenged people like me!

You must not let children play with the rods though, because they can break...never underestimate the destructive power of small children! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

REMEMBER

Kids are the most destructive force known to mankind.

I should know, I raised three and am helping with two more.

Bill