First let us begin by explaining the title of this article. By pocket knife sharpener, we actually mean a knife sharpener that can fit into your pocket to use out on the field. And by their very nature these are of course portable knife sharpeners, making them best suited to the most portable knife around – the pocket knife.
So in short we are looking at knife sharpeners you can both fit into your pocket, AND sharpeners for pocket knives – Phew. You’ve got that. Let’s continue.
First, as they have proven so popular in other posts on Sharpen-up, here is our top 5 best pocket knife sharpeners, in an easy to view table. All 5 knives are comprehensively reviewed below.
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener
| Check Price |
  | 3. DMT F70F Diamond Mini-Sharp Sharpener Fine
| Check Price |
  | 4. Wusthof 2899 2-Stage Pocket Knife Sharpener
| Check Price |
  | 5. Lansky Quick Fix Pocket Sharpener
| Check Price |
Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners Reviewed
1. Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic
The lansky Blade Medic is a very popular choice of pocket knife sharpener.This sharpener is sturdy and incredible well built, making it ideal for out in the field. Amazingly, it can sharpen nearly all types of blade.Regular or Serrated Blades, Gut Hooks, Hunting knifes and Fishing knives are all catered for by this little beast. Lansky describe it as having an entire sharpening kit in your pocket, and they are not wrong.
The dimensions are small, just 8.3 x 3.2 x 0.3 inches, and weighing in at under 4 ounces, the BladeMedic easily fits into your jacket pocket or kit bag.
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Tungsten Carbide
If your blade is extremely dull, you can set it against the tungsten carbide. As an extremely aggressive material it is ideal for a quick sharpen-up or to restore very dull edges. We used our test model on old tactical hunting knife that hadn’t been used in a good while. Within just a few strokes we were starting to see results on the somewhat battered blade.
Ceramic Sharpening Rods
The Ceramic Rods are designed to be used as a finishing step after you have used the Carbide. The rods can also be used on their own to fine tune edges that are already relatively sharp.
Serrated Knife Sharpener
The serrated blade element is designed to get inside grooves of all sizes, making this a very versatile serrated sharpener. However, with the rod being quite small, we found that maintaining the angle on larger serrations a little awkward.
Diamond Tapered Rod
Lansky state that the diamond tapered rod is ideal for the fast reconditioning and maintenance of both straight and serrated blades, and ‘Excellent for gut hooks.’
We found the tapered shape to be really versatile, enabling the user to get in and out of serrations. Furthermore, on any straight edge blade, the device can be used similar to a butcher’s steel, restoring the edge in much the same way you would using one of those.The manufacturers recommended that the Diamond Rod be used sparingly, and only when sharpening at speed is necessary. (The tool should not be lubricated using honing oil either).[/su_box]
Bottom Line
Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic is quite simply one of the best pocket knife sharpeners around. Whether you’re a hiker, hunter or fisherman, this tool will take care of your knives while you are out in the field with incredible results.
If there is one sharpener you should have in your kit bag, we recommend this one.
2. Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener
The Pocket Pal is a great little pocket knife sharpener, similar in style to the BladeMedic. Much like Lansky’s flagship tool, the Pocket Pal features tapered round diamond-coated rod for sharpening serrated and standard edges, which the user folds out for convenient operation.
The tool also contains pre-set carbide blades that can be used to quickly restore dull edges on an enormous variety of knives. Specially shaped ceramic stones are provided in order to carefully hone straight and serrated blades.
What is useful with the Smith Pocket Pal is that the carbide blades and ceramic stones can be replaced very easily indeed. At very little cost you can ensure that this particular pocket knife sharpener will be looking after your knives while you’re in the field for years to come
As with all good portable tools this one is very easy to carry. Smith have manufactured a sharpener that measures just 3-1/2 inches long and 1 inch wide, and it weighs just 1 ounce. Significantly smaller than the Lansky BladeMedic. Furthermore an integrated lanyard hole makes for easy carrying.
[su_box title=”The Sharpening Elements in Detail” box_color=”#1e83d9″ title_color=”#ffffff” radius=”1″]
Carbide Blades: Set the Edge
The carbide blades provide strong, aggressive sharpening meaning a sharp edge can be created quickly on dull or damaged knives. The carbide blades should only be used on straight edge razors, and a reversible and conveniently replaceable.
Ceramic Stones: Finish the Edge
The finer ceramic stones are used to create a smooth, polished edge on knives that are already sharp. This element can be used on both straight edged and serrated knives and are also reversible and replaceable.
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Bottom Line
There is a good reason that this tool has been a consistent bestseller on Amazon.com. Versatile, easy to use and very small, the Smith’s Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener, really does have everything you could want in a pocket knife sharpener. If you need a quick an efficient way of maintaining your knives while out in the field, you will not go wrong with this. Highly recommended.
3. DMT F70F Diamond Mini-Sharp Sharpener Fine
This little key ring sharpener really surprised us here at Sharpen-up. When we first reviewed it several months ago, we just didn’t expect to obtain such good results from its operation.
Cited by the manufacturers as a Diamond Whetstone that travels with you, it’s miniature size really makes it such a convenient tool if you just need to hone up your blades while on the move.
And seriously, to describe it as a mini whetstone is absolutely spot on. You do not need oil to use the Mini-Sharp, but used dry or with a little water and you manually sharpen your blades just as you would a whetstone sharpener at home or in the work-shop; except you can be sitting on the bank of a river while fishing.
A simple and convenient design, the DMT F70F hangs from a handy key chain that can be attached to your rucksack, kit bag or set of keys. It also contains a folding handle that protects the stone when not in use. And to say that the tool is lightweight is an understatement (it weighs less than a gram).
The fine diamond abrasive (25 micron / 600 mesh) gives a more than adequate razor sharp edge, (considering you’re paying less than $12 for the tool), and as stated, no messy oils are required.
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- Handy size: 5 1/2″ (140mm) opened.
- Size of stone: 2 11/16″ x 15/16″ x 3/16″ (70mm x 25mm x 4mm).
- Ultra portable, key chain sharpener.
- Fine diamond for a razor sharp edge.
- Sharpens knives faster than conventional stones with DMT’s monocrystalline diamond surface.
- No oil is needed-sharpen dry or with water.
- Durable construction will provide years of consistent performance and reliable service.
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Bottom Line
The DMT F70F Diamond Mini-Sharp knife sharpener, is a great little tool. While not as versatile as the others we have reviewed here, for sheer convenience it is hard to find fault with this sharpener. It is well made and sturdy and will easily provide years of consistent performance for anyone needing quick knife maintenance while out in the field.
4. Wusthof 2899 2-Stage Pocket Knife Sharpener
Although here at Sharpen-Up we have not obtained a review model of this little Wusthof 2 stage pocket sharpener, it has made it onto our top 5 list due to consistent high appraisal from various online market places.
Users have cited great performance from such a small device, and perfect for those needing a quick and easy way of sharpening their knives while on the move.
The first stage of the tool contains highly course abrasives in order to cut a new edge on the dull blade. The second stage, like all good knife sharpeners is to hone the blade using a fine ceramic.
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- Pocket-size knife sharpener with 2 different slots labeled for easy use
- Coarse carbide heads set an edge on a dull knife
- Fine ceramic rods hone an already sharp edge
- Non-slip rubber inserts on top and bottom add stability; key-chain for carrying
- Bright red, textured grip with Wüsthof’s Trident emblem
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Bottom Line
As with most pocket-knife sharpeners, you would not want to the Wusthof 2899 on expensive knives as the sharpening stage is quite aggressive and will take more off the edge than you would necessarily want in order to create a new edge.
However, for fast use on knives that require maintenance while hiking, hunting or fishing, you will not go wrong with this. Users have stated positively, and with the reliability of the German Wusthof brand, you know that for the money, you will not be disappointed.
5. Lansky Quick Fix Pocket Sharpener
At such a low price point, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have one of these tucked away in your kit bag or tackle box.
The Lansky Quick Fix, is just that. A handy little tool compromising of two sharpening elements. On one side of the disc shaped sharpener you have a tungsten carbide. Use this to quickly hone your blade with a new fine edge.
The other side of the tool contains a ceramic sharpener, ideal for smoothing off the newly formed edge, or just to keep your field knives in tip top condition.
The molded rubber grip ensures a solid and no-slip functionality. And with such diminutive proportions, you can literally take this sharpener anywhere with you. It really is pocket sized.
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- Versatile, compact sharpener from cutlery sharpening company Lansky combines two sharpening technologies
- Tungsten carbide to hone blade to fine point, and ceramic to smooth edge for long-lasting keen
- Molded rubber grip ensures solid, slip-free use, and it takes only three or four strokes to get your blade razor-sharp
- Take it with you anywhere, as it stows easily in your pocket, tackle box, daypack, briefcase, or purse
- Includes limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty
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Bottom Line
Serious sharpening is obviously better done using alternative tools, however for the quick fix that this little Lansky aims to provide, you will not find a cheaper more effective sharpener.
