Are you planning to go on a hike, and you’re thinking of how to make the blade of your pocket knife sharp? Do not worry. You are in the right place. Knowing how to sharpen a pocket knife with a stone is a skill everyone on a hike should have.
Ways to Sharpen your Pocket Knife
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There are various ways to go about sharpening a pocket knife. All these processes generally involve two things- a lubricant and a sharpening stone (there are different kinds of sharpening stone).
The following steps are the ways to sharpen your pocket knife:
Take care of the coarse side first
1. Starting with the rough grit side of your sharpening stone is the best thing to do if your blade is dull.
You can differentiate the rough side apart by looking at it. If you cannot judge it by sight, all you have to do is just run your fingernail around the surface. Whichever side is rough, that is the side you should start.
2. Lubricate your Stone, although not all stones require lubricant, so make sure you read the instructions.
3. Position your knife blade at an angle of 15 degrees against the rough surface. Maintaining a consistent angle is vital in this process. However, it is essential to note that the sharpening angles of knives vary, although most knives have their angles between 10-15 degrees. You can also get a sharpening guide to help you.
Start stroking the blade against the stone.
4. Either you stroke the blade away or towards the stone, it doesn’t matter. Both are effective. You do not need much pressure while doing this. Just ensure it is consistent across the strokes. After the completion of a stroke, start all over and repeat it about ten times.
5. Turn the blade to the other side and repeat the process.
6. Taking alternating strokes is the next thing. Sharpen a side change to the other side do the same.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the fine grit side.
That’s it. Your knife is now sharp.
What if I don’t have a tool
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So you are wondering what if you don’t have a tool or you misplaced it while camping. Below are 3 fast ways to make your knife sharp.
1. Broken glass
Using a broken glass can help sharpen the blade of a knife quickly and fast. The unpolished edges of a broken glass make it suitable for sharpening.
- Place your knife at an angle of 10 degrees to the bottle edge.
- Start stroking into the edge, ensure the angle is constant, and move your stroke to cover the whole length of your blade.
- Ensure the movement is smooth during this process.
Repeat until your blade is sharp, and don’t forget to work each side of the blade equally.
2. Use of Belt
- Put your belt on a smooth and hard surface.
- While you have the knife blade facing you, position the knife against the belt at an angle of 10 degrees.
- Drag the knife away from you.
- Ensure the angle is the same while doing this and drag it in one smooth movement
- Ensure you cover the whole length of the blade in the process of moving the stroke.
- With the blade facing off your direction, pull the knife towards you, and turn continuously. Hone the opposite side of the edge with this equivalent method.
Ensure this is done continuously for more than 15 minutes.
3. Use a Rock
The process is pretty easy to do.
- Find a rock (preferably a flat one), clean it with water, and place your knife at 10 degrees.
- While you have the blade facing away from you, stroke the knife in one movement. Endure the blade’s full length is sharpened.
- Turn the knife over, drag it towards you and stoke it again. You are sharpening the other side this time.
Do it continuously until your blade is sharp.
Maintaining your Pocket Knife
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Proper maintenance of your pocket knife, like every other thing, ensures it lasts long. These three steps are the ways you keep your knife in good shape.
Take out dirt
The first thing is to remove every visible debris from every part of the knife. Ensure you focus more on the locking surfaces and the pivot. Screwdrivers and toothpicks will do a perfect job here.
Furthermore, you can wash your knife with warm and soapy water. Wash thoroughly with a bristle brush or any suitable material. Brush down every part, and don’t be scared of water getting into the internals. Just ensure you rinse well.
If your knife still has some leftover dirt after this, then you can submerge it in warm water but make sure you dry it correctly before storing.
Additionally, make use of compressed air or rag to dry the knife completely before lubricating and storing.
Lubricate your Knife
Moving parts make up your pocket knife and, as such, must be well lubricated. Once your blade is clean and dry, lubricate It. Any type of lubricant is usable.
However, if there is a possibility of using your knife for food preparation, it’s best to use a food-safe lubricant.
Furthermore, when applying your lubricant, you do not have to use a large quantity, just release it drop by drop till you finish lubricating. Too much oil will attract dirt. Therefore, ensure you regularly clean the knife.
Ensure it is Tight
It is not unusual that as you use your knife, some screws might start to go out of position. It will be a good thing if you routinely check to ensure everything is secure.
How To Sharpen A Pocket Knife With A Stone: Video
Final Verdict
Hiking Is one of those ways to catch fun and withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced world we find ourselves in.
We do not say much about its benefits. The mental, the physical benefits the list is endless. Is there any better way you prepare for hiking if you do not have your pocket knife?
Having a pocket knife with you isn’t enough, but knowing how to make use of and maintain it will help you maximize your usage. With the article you’ve read, you can now go on that hiking with confidence.