When it comes to maintaining your gear in the field, everyone, for the most part, focuses on weapons maintenance. Knives will typically take a back burner to maintenance. Having the ability to keep your blades sharp is a must, Â especially when out in the field and away from home.
I’ve used many different methods, from diamond rods, Arkansas stones, and the cheap pull through sharpeners. I prefer a stone of some sort since it is easier for me to keep the angle consistent when I’m honing the blade. I also wanted something that was small and portable, yet tough enough to withstand abuse in the field.
What I found and have been using is the Dia-Sharp diamond stone by DMT. It is a credit card-sized stone that is incredibly tough. This, too, has found a permanent spot in my belt pouch that I have on me during day hikes or camping adventures.
Description: 3″ Dia-Sharp credit card sized diamond sharpening stone
Size: 3.25″ x 2″ x .05″
Grit Options:
- Coarse diamond (45 micron / 325 mesh) to quickly restore a neglected edge. BLUE case.
- Fine diamond (25 micron / 600 mesh) for a razor sharp edge. RED Case.
- Extra-Fine (9 micron / 1200 mesh) to polish and refine a razor edge after sharpening with a coarser diamond. GREEN Case.
(Photo courtesy of toolsforworkingwood.com)
MSRP: $14.26 from the DMT online store.
Made in the USA
Sharpening with a diamond stone is fast and easy. No messy oils needed – sharpen dry or with water. Durable construction will provide years of consistent performance and reliable service. DMT’s monocrystalline diamond surface sharpens knives faster than conventional stones. I personally went with the Fine coarse grit option as this is the ideal day-to-day honing option. The Dia-Sharp credit card-sized sharpening stone is my preferred stone for use with my chisel ground Emerson knives as well – it puts a wicked edge on them in no time.
