cessna Report post Posted January 1, 2015 Anyone use a small knife sharpener in your daypack? There are several on the market, don't know which one to try. I carry a small steel, but sometimes a sharpener would help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DesertBull Report post Posted January 1, 2015 I used to but switched to a Havalon knife that was given to me as a gift. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cohofishing Report post Posted January 1, 2015 I use one that is made by Smith. Bought it a Lowe's in the hand tool section. It is a diamond sharpener with a coarse and fine side. I recommended it to a friend who was able to by one there early November. Works well and not to heavy. Brent 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WallHanger Report post Posted January 1, 2015 Ive always carried this lansky. Its light weight and puts an edge on quick. This year I left it behind and used a havalon. Changed blades twice on an elk. Havalon with a couple blades is lighter in the pack but dosent seem as reliable as a small fixed blade and the sharpener. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rclouse79 Report post Posted January 1, 2015 I will help you out. Buy a havalon with 10 replacement blades for a backpacking trip (weighs less than any decent fixed blade knife.) Buy a worksharp sharpener for any knives that have sentimental value that you would like to be sharp at home. I bought the worksharp and brought it up to my parents for Christmas. After I sharpened all of their knives my mom cut her finger on one after picking it up from the sink to a wash it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
az41mag Report post Posted January 1, 2015 I carry a small sharpening stick in my pack. I use a havalon in combination with a traditional drop point knife which I prefer for skinning. As others have stated the havalons are great knives and not trying to say there's anything wrong with them, but I just prefer a drop point knife for skinning. Anyways this one collapses to about the size of a pen and works great for touching up an edge if needed. I can't remember the maker of this one, but remember picking it up at big 5 a few years ago for like 15 bucks. It's worked well and it doesn't take up much room in the pack. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swivelhead Report post Posted January 1, 2015 I use a ceramic stick 3/8" X 8". Great for touching up an edge. Havalon type blades tend to dull quickly IMO. I can get them "as new" with a few strokes on the ceramic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azshtr Report post Posted January 1, 2015 I will help you out. Buy a havalon with 10 replacement blades for a backpacking trip (weighs less than any decent fixed blade knife.) Buy a worksharp sharpener for any knives that have sentimental value that you would like to be sharp at home. I bought the worksharp and brought it up to my parents for Christmas. After I sharpened all of their knives my mom cut her finger on one after picking it up from the sink to a wash it. X2 on switching to Havalon and extra blades Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted January 2, 2015 I keep a DMT in my pack. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cessna Report post Posted January 2, 2015 PRDATR, after reading your response I looked at DMT's web page. Good looking product. Which one do you keep in your pack? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues 'n' Sheep Report post Posted January 2, 2015 Havallon... it solves ALL issues of weight and bulk... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted January 2, 2015 Cessna, the one I have is s single sided red one. It weighs about as much as a Highlighter and is about the same size. I usually carry a skinning knife and a drop point KABAR. I had a Havalon but didn't care for it and donated it to another hunting website to give to a youth hunter or just raffle it off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cessna Report post Posted January 2, 2015 PRDATR, I always carry a skinning knife with me. I had a business associate give me a Havalon for my BD. I'd rather use the skinning knife. I've used the Havalon for caping a few times, but usually just use my skinner. I'll look deeper into the DMT products. Thanks for the information. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cohofishing Report post Posted January 2, 2015 I had a havalon blade break off while boning out a whitetail. If you haven't used one, they are deadly sharp. I was pretty nervous until I found the broken blade. I also use mine only for caping. I found I liked a knife to bone out a animal. I didn't like having to worry about breaking a blade or even changing the blade. Rather carry the weigh of a knife and a sharpener. Brent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted January 3, 2015 While I love havalons and carry one with me on all hunts, I still don't think they are a replacement to good fixed blade and folding knives. The bigger the game the more knives I carry. Buck 119 is one of my favorites and I have quartered, boned and processed into steaks many elk with the same knife, but it does need a touch up from time to time. The best one I've found is the one AZ41Mag has in his post. I have a couple that are blue, but the same sharpener. Reversible diamond hone, takes up virtually no space and doesn't shave your blade like those carbide ones - with a little practice you can keep your knife razor sharp through an entire elk - or even a couple back-to-back. It even has a fish hook groove for honing your hooks. http://www.amazon.com/Knife-Sharpener-BlizeTec-3--Secateurs/dp/B00KRN00UK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1420245109&sr=8-5&keywords=blue+diamond+hone Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
