Best Hunting Knife Sharpener to Redefine Edges And Stay Sharp
When it comes to hunting, it is important to have a good hunting knife sharpener that you can trust. We've got you covered. Check out our top picks and find one to keep your hunting knives razor-sharp and ready for any situation.
Do you have a hunting knife with dull blades?
A sharp knife is a safe knife. And when it comes to hunting, having a sharp blade can be the difference between success and failure. That's why it's essential to have a good hunting knife sharpener that you can trust. In this blog post, we will review some of the best sharpeners on the market and help you decide which is best for you.
With a good hunting knife sharpener, you can keep your knives razor-sharp and ready for action. And having a razor-sharp edge on your hunting knife means you can clean and skin your game with ease, without any injury.
So don't wait any longer – check out our list of the best sharpeners and find the perfect one for you today!
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Selecting The Best hunting knife sharpener
You saw that game through your scope and hunted it down, and now you need your knives for some slicing and curving action! But a dull hunting knife can make this activity more difficult and dangerous.
It's no secret that a sharp hunting knife is an essential tool, but it's not always easy to keep your blade razor-sharp.
We've worked hard for you and picked the best hunting knife sharpener for 2023. We've done the hard work for you and have evaluated each sharpener based on user feedback. We've picked the best sharpener for hunting user-friendly knives without compromising portability.
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Why You Will Love It
The Work Sharp Guided Sharpener is the perfect self-contained tool to keep all your hunting knives, fish hooks, and even broadheads sharp and ready for action. The compact design of this Work Sharp knife sharpener is perfect for packing along on your next hunt.
You will love the 5 stage sharpening system that allows you to quickly and easily hone your knife to a razor edge. This Work Sharp knife sharpener provides a consistent sharpening solution, maintaining a steady bevel with the help of the guides.
So don't leave home without it - the Work Sharp Guided field sharpener is essential for any serious hunter.
What You Should Know
The Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is a versatile tool that can be used to sharpen a variety of blades. One of the most unique features of this system is the ability to remove the diamond plates. This exposes a broad head wrench that can speed up the field's sharpening process.
The diamond plates can also be attached with the abrasive exposed or flipped over during transport in your gear bag. This makes it easy to keep your blades sharp and ready for use, no matter where you are.
It has a grooved surface for sharpening fish hooks, a ceramic honing rod that rotates to expose coarse and fine honing surfaces, and a second, small ceramic rod for sharpening serrated edges.
It features 5 abrasive steps to give you the best sharpening solution: coarse grit diamond plate for shaping and repairing, fine grit diamond sharpening plates for sharpening, coarse & fine ceramic hones, & a leather strop for a perfect finish.
What Could Have Been Better
There's nothing that you will hate in this made-in-USA Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener built with the outdoorsmen in mind. However, we would have loved to receive a proper carrying case with this to complete the system.
Why You Will Love It
The Sharp Pebble Premium Sharpening Stone is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the best sharpening stone for their knives. The stone is made of two different grit rating materials on either side, the 1000-grit side is ideal for sharpening knives and tools that are dull or damaged, and the 6000-grit side is perfect for giving your blades a refined, polished edge.
We loved the handcrafted bamboo base, which looks beautiful and sturdy. It also has a non-slip rubber base to prevent the stone from sliding around, which is inside a silicone case atop the base.
The Sharp Pebble Premium Sharpening Stone is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality, durable sharpening stone.
What You Should Know
Sharp Pebble's premium whetstone is made from a proprietary composition of aluminum oxide and sharpening compounds. This combination provides superior cutting performance, and the knife sharpening angle guide ensures you can maintain the correct angle while applying consistent pressure.
The result is a safe, easy-to-use sharpening stone that requires no expensive honing oils. Simply soak the stone in water before use for 20 minutes, and you're ready to sharpen all your knives.
What Could Have Been Better
Okay, we are biased toward using these sharpening stones for our knives; it has a certain old-school charm you cannot deny. But mastering this will take time and practice.
Moreover, you won't get the desired results fast. Sharpening with this stone will test your patience, but you will love the outcome.
Why You Will Love It
We avoided electric sharpeners as they are better suited for thinner kitchen knives, and also, you won't be able to carry them with you on your outdoor trips.
However, we were surprised by the efficiency of this Ken Onion Edition knife sharpener from Work Sharp. With its unique flexible belts, this can easily sharpen hunting knives of all sizes quickly and effectively.
The Ken Onion Edition adds extra precision and control to its knife-sharpening system, making it a perfect choice for those who demand the best.
What You Should Know
This Work Sharp Hunting Knife Sharpener is a versatile, easy-to-use sharpener perfect for home and professional use. The sharpener features an adjustable guide that helps to maintain a consistent bevel of 15 to 30 degrees.
The sharpener also has a powerful variable-speed motor that can handle a wide range of tasks, from grinding to honing, allowing you to choose the optimal speed for the task at hand.
In addition, the unique flexible belt also creates a convex edge, unlike all other sharpeners, which is sharper and more durable than a traditional flat edge.
What Could Have Been Better
Yes, we know, this is an electric sharpener, and you cannot carry it into the woods. However, the results you'll get from using this sharpener will surprise you! The blades on your knives will be sharper than they've ever been before.
But you must also take care of the sharpener, and its belt must be replaced occasionally. The Work Sharp Knife Sharpener Ken Onion Edition is a great product that can help keep your blades in tip-top shape.
Why You Will Love It
It was challenging to pick the best manual sharpening system, but ultimately this edged past Edge Pro Apex 4 Knife Sharpening System as the category winner.
It comes in a compact case, and we were intrigued when we first saw the KME Precision Knife Sharpener System. Its cherry wood base caught our eye immediately, and we were curious to see how this guided sharpening system worked.
We were not disappointed! The KME Precision Knife Sharpening System is straightforward and comfortable, and the results are excellent. You don't need to be an expert; you can dive right into the sharpening process with this.
This incredible sharpening system is highly recommended to anyone serious about keeping their knives in top condition.
What You Should Know
The KME Precision Knife Sharpener System is a small, portable, manual rod-guided controlled angle sharpening system with the same capabilities and features as a much more expensive one.
The sharpener allows continuous angle adjustments from 17 to 30 degrees, marked out in single-degree increments for easy angle selection. The newly designed clamp is neoprene lined to protect your blades from scratching and marked with two depth lines to assist with repositioning the knife for touch-ups.
It comes with 4 KME Gold Series diamond hone with grits of 140 (extra coarse), 300 (coarse), 600 (fine), and 1500 (extra fine).
What Could Have Been Better
If you expect a super-fast sharpening tool, this is not for you. It is also not the cheapest one on our list.
But overall, if you are looking for a proper knife sharpening kit that works without damaging the knife and is willing to pay for it, this is your solution!
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Worthy Contenders
Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic
Lansky has more than 35 years of experience in knife sharpening, and the Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic is one of their most popular products.
It features a Tungsten Carbide restoration abrasive and ceramic sharpening rods for the finishing polish. This edge sharpener can sharpen serrated blades of even the most petite sizes, and a Diamond Tapered Rod for honing.
It has a pre-fixed sharpening angle of 22.5 degrees. This is an excellent sharpener for pocket knives, but it is not the best solution for larger knives. Also, the ceramic edge can be brittle.
But, if you are looking for a budget portable solution to carry with you on your hunting trips, BladMedic can be a great choice.
Smith 50185 Jiffy-Pro Sharpener
This manual hunting knife sharpener features a simple and effective structure with a preset angle that efficiently sharpens knives, scissors, and game shears. It features a two-stage sharpening system - crossed carbide blades for sharpening and ceramic rods for honing.
If you are on a budget and need a pocket knife sharpener for giving that final touch to your knife, mostly with straight blades, you can go for this, but if you are looking for some severe knife sharpening sessions, this is not for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learning how to sharpen your hunting knives can be daunting, but you must do it correctly to maintain the blade and ensure clean cuts.
It's easy to understand why knife sharpening is essential for hunters, but it can be not easy to know where to start. There are many different types of sharpeners on the market, and each one seems to promise the world.
We've put together this list of the most frequently asked questions about hunting knife sharpeners so that you can learn more about what's available and make an informed decision about which sharpener is suitable for you.
Do knife sharpeners really work?
Yes, knife sharpeners do work and they should be a necessary object in your outdoor gear list. They remove some metal from the blade to restore it to its original sharpness.
A sharp knife requires less force to cut through things and less twisting motion, which minimizes the chances of the blade slipping off the object you're cutting and injuring yourself.
Is a sharpening stone better than a knife sharpener?
There are a few knife sharpeners, but the two most popular are sharpening stones and electric knife sharpeners. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on your needs as to which option is better.
Sharpening stones are the more traditional option, and they can be very effective if used properly. However, they do require a bit more skill and effort to use than an electric one. Electric knife sharpeners, on the other hand, are much easier to use, but they can be more expensive.
Whetting stones are much better than an electric hunting knife sharpener for sharpening serrated knives or gut hook blades. An electric sharpener can be difficult to use even for smaller edges like those of the replaceable blades of mechanical broadheads.
Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs. That may be your best option if you feel confident using a sharpening stone. But an electric knife sharpener may be better if you want an easy-to-use sharpener to do the job quickly.
What are the different types of sharpeners?
There are many different types of sharpeners available on the market. Some are better suited for specific tasks than others. For instance, a honing rod is best used for touch-ups between sharpening sessions. A whetstone is best for sharpening a dull blade. And a diamond sharpener is best for quickly fixing damaged blades.
There are also electric sharpeners available, which can be very convenient. However, they are often more expensive than a manual knife sharpener and not always as practical, especially for hunting knives with thicker blades than kitchen knives. It depends on the quality of the sharpener.
What is the best way to sharpen a hunting knife?
There are a few different ways to sharpen a hunting knife, but the best way depends on your type of sharpener. For example, if you're using a sharpening stone, then you'll need to use a different technique than if you're using electric knife sharpeners.
If you're using a knife sharpening stone, the best way to sharpen your hunting knife is to wet the stone with water or oil. This will help to keep the stone from clogging up with metal shavings. Next, you'll need to choose a grit size based on how sharp you want your knife to be. A coarser grit will remove more metal but won't produce as sharp of an edge, while a finer grit will remove less metal but produce a sharper edge.
Once you've selected your grit, you'll need to hold the knife at an optimum angle, depending on your blade, to the stone and sharpen the blade using a back-and-forth motion, maintaining the same angle. Be sure to apply even pressure as you sharpen the entire blade so it's evenly sharpened across its entire length.
If you're using an electric hunting knife sharpener, the best way to sharpen your hunting knife is to select the correct grit setting. A coarser setting should be used for dull knives, while a finer setting can be used for knives needing a touch-up. Once you've selected the correct grit, run the blade through the sharpener a few times until it's been sufficiently sharpened.
Why is my knife not getting sharper?
If your knife isn't getting sharper, there are a few possible reasons. First, make sure that you're using the correct grit setting on your electric knife sharpener or that you're using a coarse enough grit sharpening stone. If your knife is still not getting sharper, then it's possible that the blade is damaged and will need to be replaced.
How long does a hunting knife sharpener last?
It will depend on how often you use your hunting knife. If you use your hunting knife regularly, you will likely need to sharpen it more frequently. Nevertheless, a good-quality sharpener can last for many years with proper care.
When selecting a hunting knife sharpener, choosing one that is durable and easy to use is essential. There are several different types of sharpeners on the market, so be sure to research them before purchasing. A good quality sharpener can make all the difference in keeping your hunting knife in top condition.
What is the best way to store a hunting knife?
It is best to store your hunting knife in a sheath when not in use. This will protect the blade and prevent it from becoming dull. Keeping your knife clean and dry is also essential to prevent rusting.
If you will be storing your knife for an extended period, it is best to oil the blade periodically to prevent rusting.
Do you push or pull when sharpening a knife?
There are a few different ways to sharpen a knife. Some people use a pull motion, while others use a push motion. Ultimately, it doesn't matter which method you use if you're consistent.
Just ensure that you keep the angle of the blade consistent as you sharpen it. Otherwise, your knife will not be sharpened evenly.
Can you over-sharpen a knife?
Yes, you can over-sharpen a knife. This is because you eventually remove some of the metal as you sharpen the blade. If too much metal is removed, the knife will become thin and weak and could easily break.
How do I know what angle my knives are?
The angle of a knife is essential for several reasons. It affects how well the knife can cut, how easily it slips through food, and how comfortable it is. Most knives are sharpened to a 20-degree angle, but some are sharpened to a 14-degree- or even a 10-degree angle.
A few measurement devices will tell you about the edge of your knife; among those, a Laser Goniometer is the best device that will accurately give you all the details about your knife's edge.
You can also use the calipers technique and some basic trigonometry to determine the angle. First, determine the edge thickness of the knife blade using any caliper and divide it by 2. Take this number and divide it by the edge height of the knife blade. Then take this number and run the inverse Sine on it to get the included angle.
However, these are not very common tools, so another easy way to determine it is the Sharpie marker technique which will allow you to quickly understand the angle which you have to use while sharpening (not the exact angle, though, but just a rough estimate of the sharpening angle at which you have to hold the knife).
Simply run the marker through the knife's edge and try using the sharpener to determine which area is being targeted and change the angle accordingly. (You can refer to this article for some more details on this topic)
What angle should I use to sharpen my hunting knife?
Like any other knife, the angle you use to sharpen your hunting knife depends on your blade type. For instance, a faceted blade benefits from a steeper angle because it redirects more challenging material away from the edge. A beveled blade does best with a shallower angle to create a finer edge. As for what specific angle to use, that varies depending on preference.
Experiment with different angles until you find one that works well for you and produces the edge you want. The rule of thumb is that a shallower angle will give you a sharper but more fragile edge, while a steeper angle will be more durable but not as sharp. Generally, somewhere between 15 and 30 degrees is a good range to aim for.
However, this answer is difficult to generalize as it depends on the individual. Even using two same blades from the same brand, you can use two different angles to sharpen them. Try using one of our methods to determine which works best for you.
Does honing rod sharpen a knife?
It depends on what you mean by "sharpening a knife." The answer is no if you're referring to making the blade sharp and keen. However, if you're referring to removing nicks and minor blemishes from the blade's edge, the answer is yes.
A honing rod can help to straighten and align the blade's edge, which makes it less prone to nicks and imperfections. Over time, these imperfections can accumulate, making it difficult for the blade to cut correctly. A regular honing rod can help remove these imperfections and keep your knife's edge razor-sharp.
What is the difference between honing and stropping?
There are a few critical differences between honing and stropping:
-Honing is typically done with a more complex abrasive material, while stropping is usually done with a softer material. This means honing will remove more metal from your blade than stropping.
-Honing realigns the edges of your blade while stropping polishes them. This means that honing is more effective at fixing dull or damaged blades, while stropping is better for maintaining an already sharp edge.
-Stropping can be done by hand, while honing usually requires a machine or other device.
-Stropping is typically the final step in sharpening a blade, while honing is usually done before stropping.
So, to sum it up: if your knife is dull or damaged, you should hone it first. If your knife is already sharp but wants to maintain its edge, you should strop it. And if you're not sure which one to do, you should probably strop it.
Is there any difference between a kitchen knife sharpener and a hunting knife sharpener?
Yes. A kitchen knife sharpener is designed to sharpen the blade of a kitchen knife, while a hunting knife sharpener is designed to sharpen the blade of a hunting knife.
A hunting knife blade is thicker and more extensive than a kitchen knife blade, requiring a different type of sharpener. Hunting knife sharpeners have coarse and fine-grit surfaces angled in opposite directions, allowing the hunter to sharpen both the convex and concave surfaces of the blade.
Kitchen knife sharpeners only have one surface (coarse or fine), usually angled in one direction. Kitchen knives are usually sharpened with a smooth stone.
How often should I sharpen my knife?
It depends on how frequently you use your knife and what kind of edge you want. If you use your knife regularly and want to maintain a sharp edge, you should sharpen it every few weeks.
If you only use your knife occasionally and don't mind a slightly duller edge, you can probably get away with sharpening it once every month or two.
Ultimately, deciding how often to sharpen your knife is up to you. Remember that the more frequently you sharpen it, the sharper and keener your edge will be.
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So What Is The Best Sharpener For Hunting Knives
Knife sharpening is a critical process to maintain the blade of your hunting knife. It’s also a skill you can use to keep all your knives in top condition. As we've previously mentioned, remember, "a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one", so it’s essential to take the time to sharpen your blades regularly.
If the knife sharpener fails, it will also harm your pricey knife. As a result, always get the finest knife sharpener to maintain your blade's edge razor-sharp for an extended period.
For your reference, the best hunting knife sharpeners available right now are :
Best Overall - Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System
Best Stone Sharpener - Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone
Best Electric - Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Ken Onion Edition
Best Manual Sharpening System - KME Precision Knife Sharpener System
Best of the Rest - Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic
We hope our list of the best knife sharpeners has given you some good options for keeping your knives razor-sharp.
Just click any of the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons and add them to your cart – we know you won’t be disappointed with these top-quality sharpeners!
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