Last Updated on 28/05/2024
What is the Best Pocket Knife Sharpener?
There are plenty of different edge-honing tools out there, but only 12 that could be classed as the best pocket knife sharpener for everyday carry. There are, however, only a handful of edge honers that are small enough to fit in your pocket and still manage to sharpen your knife without compromise. Learn which pocket knife sharpeners work the best on pocket knives in this guide.
Your choice of pocket knife sharpener should be dictated by the types of tools you are going to be sharpening, which for some outdoors people will range from homemade throwing stars to a 12″ Bowie knife.
If like many people, you prefer using a straight-edge blade as opposed to a serrated edge (jagged teeth), then a simple wet stone like the DC4 Diamond is your best choice of pocket knife sharpener.
These small knife-sharpening stones don’t take up much space or weigh very much, and they are versatile enough to use on most edged tools. If you prefer to use a serrated edge blade or carry a multi-tool with multiple edge styles, then getting a small knife sharpener with multiple dynamic file angles is the sensible option.
Top 12 Best Knife Sharpener Keyrings
This list of the Best Pocket Knife Sharpener is not just about how good the tool is at sharpening a blade but also how portable it is. The question we had to ask ourselves is, “which of the Best Pocket Knife Sharpener would we most likely keep in our pocket on a daily basis?”. This guide contains all the information we know and everything we learned in researching the subject of small knife sharpeners.
Lansky Blade Medic PS-MED01 – Best Pocket Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 108 x 13 x 57 mm
- WEIGHT: 4 oz / 113 g
- FEATURES: Four Carbide Slots: 17º, 20º, 25º, and 30º, Ceramic Benchstone, Diamond Tapered Rod
Weighing in at 4 oz, the Lansky Blade Medic is not the lightest pocket knife sharpener on this list, but it is our second choice.
The Diamond Tapered Rod is perfect for reconditioning and maintaining a sharp edge on the go, and the ceramic serrated knife sharpener allows you to get inside the smallest serration. Five or six strokes through the Tungsten Carbide V section rods will restore any nicks in your blade, while another three or four strokes through the Ceramic V section rods will finish your edge to a fine point.
While the metal casing on the BladeMedic feels better than a plastic casing to hold and has better longevity, this does not compensate for the extra weight it adds on. The extra length that is added by the serrated ceramic edge is not all dead weight, though. It offers a clear advantage to the tapered rod’s usability by allowing for longer strokes along a fixed blade. The Lansky Quadsharp is also worth a look. You can read the full review here…
Fallkniven DC3 Diamond/Ceramic Sharpening Stone
- SIZE: 75 x 25 x 7 mm
- WEIGHT: 1.58 oz / 45 g
- FEATURES: 800 Grit Diamond Stone, 2500 Ceramic Stone, Keyring Hole, Leather Carry Case
The Fallkniven DC3 Diamond/Ceramic Sharpening Stone is a popular dual surface combination sharpening stone that is a firm favorite for, well anyone with a passion for knives. The double-sided difference provides a 25-micron diamond surface (equivalent to 800 grit) for honing a dull blade and a fine ceramic whetstone for achieving an edge sharp enough to slice paper.
The pocket sharpening tool requires no maintenance, can be used wet or dry, with oil or without, has no moving parts to worry about, and will last a very long time if taken care of. The small hole is not really meant for keyrings but for a lanyard so that you don’t drop it when in use. It comes with a leather storage pouch that helps prevent damage and, with a little practice, can be used on most straight-edge blades with amazing results.
Small and lightweight at only 45 grams and 7.5 cm long, this high-quality pocket sharpening stone is our top pick for people who prefer this method of sharpening. The only reason the Fallkniven DC3 doesn’t rank number one is that it is not as practical to keep on your keyring as the very best pocket knife sharpeners.
Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 89 x 25 x 10 mm
- WEIGHT: 1 oz / 28 g
- FEATURES: 2 Carbide Slots, Ceramic Benchstone, Diamond Tapered Rod
Weighing just 1 oz, the Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal is lighter than the Lansky Blade Medic thanks to the lightweight plastic casing (instead of metal) and the shorter length. Carbide V plates provide quick edge-setting capability for dull or damaged knives and are reversible and replaceable.
Ceramic V plates provide a smooth, polished edge for an already sharp knife and are also reversible and replaceable. Preset sharpening angles guarantee consistent results by drawing your blade through each of the V-slots at a 90º angle, starting with the Carbide plates. You can then finish your edge with the tapered rod for long-lasting sharpness.
While the Smith’s Pocket Pal does not have a serrated ceramic sharpening edge, the tapered diamond rod goes down to a super fine point which will sharpen most serrated edges and gut hooks.
The size is ideal for clipping on your keys or keeping in your pocket, but most backpackers, campers, and hikers will generally keep one of these fastened to the inside of their backpack. The thumb groove and lanyard hole are a nice touch, but it is the compact design and lightweight materials that make the PP1 our favorite pocket knife sharpener.
FALLKNIVEN FAKFS3 Flipstone Sharpener
- SIZE: 97 x 85 x 17 mm (closed)
- WEIGHT: 2.4 oz / 68 g
- FEATURES: Diamond stone coated with Titanium Alumina Nitride, Ceramic Stone made of Synthetic Sapphires
The Fallkniven DF24 Keyring Knife Sharpener is not Fallkniven’s lightest or cheapest sharpening tool, but it is perfect for everyday carry. It is lightweight at only 68 grams and very comfortable to use thanks to the long handle grip shaped like a knife handle. The overall length is 170 mm when open, and the diamond whetstone is 80 mm which gives you plenty of surface area to work with.
The Fallkniven FAKFS3 Flipstone Sharpener is surprisingly effective on all shapes and sizes of knife, and if it starts to feel a little soft, just give it a wash in warm water, and it’s good as new again. We really like this nifty little pocket tool as a gift idea because they are so useful and easy to replace that you won’t be afraid to take it everywhere you go.
Fallkniven Knives DC4 Diamond/Ceramic Whetstone
- SIZE: 100 x 32 x 7 mm
- WEIGHT: 2.4 oz / 68 g
- FEATURES: 800 Grit Diamond Stone, 2500 Ceramic Stone, Keyring Hole, Leather Carry Case
The Fallkniven DC4 Diamond Ceramic Whetstone is almost identical to its younger brother, the DC3, apart from its size.
At 32 mm x 100 mm, as opposed to the DC3, 25 mm x 75 mm and 20 grams heavier, the DC4 is far more practical for bigger knives and more regular use. Those extra centimeters really do make a big difference considering there is no handle or grip. There is, however, a small corner hole for a lanyard to wear around your wrist when in use.
If you are using edged tools a lot in your daily routine and need to keep a knife sharpener in your pocket while you are working, then this would be our choice.
If you want a knife sharpener to keep in your pocket, just in case you need one, then the smaller DC3 sharpener would be better. Overall it is a simple and low-maintenance pocket sharpening tool that can be used wet or dry and does not require oil. This is always going to appeal to the knife enthusiast or bushcrafter who is thinking long-term.
DMT F70F Diamond Mini Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 68 x 24 x 5 mm
- WEIGHT: 1.28 oz / 36 g
- FEATURES: Monocrystalline diamond surface, Keychain
Weighing just 0.8 oz or 23 grams, the DMT F70F pocket knife sharpener is a lightweight fold away fine diamond sharpening stone that measures just 3.5 inches long. With DMT’s monocrystalline diamond surface, no oil is needed. You can get a razor-sharp edge by using it dry or with water.
The fine diamond surface allows the crystals a larger surface area to be up to 6 times as effective as regular sharpening stones. Made in the USA, solid construction will provide a consistent performance for many years, even when used on garden tools like spades and axes.
Smith’s Pocket Pal X2 50364 Sharpener & Survival Tool
- SIZE: 86 x 35 x 13 mm
- WEIGHT: 3.2 oz / 90 g
- FEATURES: 2 Carbide Slots, Ceramic Benchstone, Diamond Tapered Rod, Fire Starter, Compass, Led Light, and Signal Whistle
The Smith’s Pocket Pal X2 is more than just your average Knife Sharpener. The Pocket Pal X2 also includes some essential pieces of kit to become an all-in-one survival tool that is meant to accompany your knife.
Along with the same knife sharpening tools as on the original Pocket Pal (tapered diamond rod for serrations and gut hooks, carbide plates, ceramic plates), you also get some survival gadgets that will no doubt come in handy at some point. A fire-starting flint rod, compass, signal whistle, and micro-LED torch only add on an extra 3/4 of an ounce and could potentially save your life one day.
If you don’t already have these individual items or you like the idea of combining them all into one, then this is the best pocket knife sharpener for you.
Victorinox Pocket Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 127 x 51 mm
- WEIGHT: 1.4 oz / 40 g
- FEATURES: Honing Stone, Ceramic Blade Slots, Pocket Clip
As most of you will already know or will realize the second you read this, Victorinox is the world-famous maker of the classic Swiss army knife design which are now produced using German engineering. The Victorinox Pocket Knife Sharpener is a handy pen-shaped design with a simple pocket clip lid and interchangeable rod/edge finisher.
Wenger claims that it sharpens serrated blades. However, we found it incredibly tricky, and if it’s a serrated blade you have, then have a look at some of the higher-ranked pocket knife sharpeners further up this list.
The plastic construction does not feel anywhere near as solid as with other plastic knife sharpeners, but it does provide an elegantly slimline profile that can be tucked into your pocket or tool belt. The ceramic sharpener is oval-shaped and takes some getting used to if you have been using a flat stone or V slot up until now. At 23 cm long and weighing a modest 40 grams, this is a cheap pocket knife sharpener that Swiss army knife fans seem to love.
Wusthof 2899 2 Stage Keyring Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 75 x 40 x 20 mm
- WEIGHT: 0.7 oz / 20 g
- FEATURES: Twin Carbide Blades with Dual Grit, Keyring
The Wusthof 2899 2 Stage Pocket Knife Sharpener is a simple yet effective keyring style sharpener that is built for daily use and is great value for money. The coarse carbide V plate slot sets the edge of a dull blade with a dozen swipes at a 90º angle for optimal edge shaping.
The fine ceramic rods hone a professional finish to an already sharp blade and help maintain the edge from immediate dulling. The non-slip rubber inserts on top and bottom add grip and stability on hard surfaces, while the textured handgrip provides plenty of traction to sharpen your knife safely.
Yoyal Folding 360/600 Grit Diamond Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 125 x 38 mm
- WEIGHT: 2.1 oz / 60 g
- FEATURES: DIamond-Electroplated Stone with Pattern Grit, Butterfly Folding Handle
Weighing in at 2.1 oz and measuring 12.5 cm long, the Yoyal Folding 360/600 Grit Diamond Knife Sharpener is one of the largest and heavier tools on the Top 10 Best Pocket Knife Sharpener List. The Diamond-electroplated surface increases the efficiency of each strike, while the folding handle assembly allows you to hold the sharpener in a very comfortable position.
The double-sided design has a 360-grit coarse grain for sharpening on one side and 600 Grit on the other for fine edge honing. The butterfly knife style design is well suited to the knife sharpener and does a good job of protecting the stone in transit as well as making it easy to carry.
Professional ISTOR Sharpener
- SIZE: 190 x 62 x 15 mm
- WEIGHT: 1.58 oz / 45 g
- FEATURES: Thum guard, Keyring loop
The Professional ISTOR Sharpener is specially created for thick blades on garden tools, knives, machinery, and even scissors. The simple design gives you a large handle for control and a short sharpening blade you can really put your pressure into. For pocket knives that get used a lot, there is no better sharpener for sorting out messy and dull edges.
The high-strength handle is made from non-slip, abrasion, and impact-resistant glass-reinforced nylon material with a finger guard for safety. The ISTOR Sharpeners’ compact size and light weight of just 45 grams make them ideal for fastening to your keychain or backpack. The sharpening blade is nice and thick, so it will last a long time and is ideal for survival situations.
Lansky Sharpeners Roadie ROAD1 Key Chain Knife Sharpener
- SIZE: 76 x 19 x 3 mm
- WEIGHT: 1.1 oz / 30 g
- FEATURES: carbide Blade Sharpener, Flat Head Screwdriver, Phillips Screwdriver, Variable Hex Wrench, Bottle Opener, Pry Tool, Line Cutter, Keyring
The Lansky Sharpeners Roadie ROAD1 Key Chain Knife Sharpener is designed more as a compact knife sharpener as opposed to a pocket knife sharpener, however, it fits in your pocket, so it is on the list. Perfect for kitchen knives but designed for Swiss army knives, the Roadie ROAD1 is very easy to use and has a safety bar to prevent inexperienced users from chopping their fingers off.
The Diamond Carbide sharpener is suitable for smaller garden tools as well as sharpening a dull blade, while the V-shape slot puts a fine edge on all types of cutting tools. The 8-in-1 tool is so small it fits on your keyring and comes in handy all the time for opening things and giving your pocket blade a quick sharpening before use. We highly recommend this little keyring sharpener, and it is so cheap and small you can’t not really.
Different Types of Knife Sharpeners
Here are the four different types of pocket knife sharpeners and why you might want to use them:
Sharpening Stones
Sharpening Stones are the most common type of pocket knife sharpener and provide the best results on pocket knives. They are small rectangles of rough stone embedded with grit to shave tiny amounts of metal off your blade edge. When rubbed at the correct angle, you end up with a razor-sharp blade with a very clean edge. Much like sandpaper, you can get varying degrees of grit which will take more metal off your blade.
Sharpening Steels
Sharpening Steels are what you might see a chef or a butcher using right before they cut into a haunch of meat. They are typically in the shape of a rod with a rough edge that either has an abrasive pattern on it or is embedded with diamond grit. They are perfect for use frequently as they don’t take too much edge off and can be used to repair a damaged blade.
Edge Honers
Edge Honers are what you might use after using a sharpening stone or steel to finish the job. They help to take off any rough nicks and shape the edge into a polished cutting tool. They help to retain the edge through frequent use and are believed to make a big difference to your knife edge.
V-Shaped Sharpeners
V-Shaped Sharpeners are two small pieces of sharpening stone set at a precise angle to make sharing your blade foolproof. You simply draw the knife edge through the v-shaped slot a couple of times, and it will shape and sharpen your blade to that specific angle. They are very small in comparison to a sharpening stone and are the perfect knife sharpener to keep in your pocket.
What is the Best Pocket Knife Sharpener for Straight-Edge Blades?
The benefits of using a sharpening stone are that they are reliable, have no moving parts, and allow you to easily repair a damaged edge as well as maintain a sharp one. You can get various shapes and sizes, ranging from ultra-slim to the popular, Lansky Puck which is shaped like a small hockey puck.
Natural whetstones have generally given way to high-quality artificial stones due to their consistent particle size and precision. Still the most popular field sharpening tool around the world, there is something special about sharpening a knife the way your ancestors would have done hundreds of years ago.
The Best Pocket Knife Sharpener for Serrated Edge Blades and Multitools
The main benefits of carrying a combination knife sharpening tool with multiple angle slots and rods are that they are lightweight, require little technique to master, and can be used on serrated edge blades.
The best pocket knife sharpener for serrated edges and other hand tools should have a specialist edge as well as a tapered round rod to get a really sharp edge on the serrated points and dips. Generally very lightweight, portable, and easy to use, the multi-tool pocket knife sharpener is becoming ever more popular with hikers and backpackers.
What to Look for In a Pocket Knife Sharpener?
So the three main features you need from a small blade sharpener are:
- that it does actually sharpen your blade and is not just a gimmicky tiny knife sharpener
- it is small enough to fit in your pocket comfortably and, ideally, on a keyring
- it is lightweight enough not to pull your trousers down or deter you from carrying it
You should also look for things like durability, as it will most likely be rubbing against your keys and all sorts of other things in your pockets. If your everyday carry knife is a leatherman, for example, then you should get a knife sharpener that works on multitools with multiple sharpening options. Price should not be an issue when looking for the top 10 pocket knife sharpeners as they roughly all fall in the same price bracket, which should be affordable to anyone with a knife worth sharpening.
Knife Sharpeners for Pocket Knives?
If you are not looking for a knife sharpener that will fit in your pocket and are instead looking for a knife sharpener for pocket knives, then not to worry. This guide is perfect for you too. Because pocket knife blades are so small, relative to other knives in general, you only need a small knife sharpener, so the picks we made above are ideal.
If you choose a knife sharpener with pre-set angles, choose the finest slot to get the sharpest edge and only run it through 2 or 3 times before use. One last thing we will say on this is that pocket knives tend to have very thin blades, so be careful not to be too heavy-handed when sharpening.
Who Makes the Smallest Knife Sharpener?
The smallest knife sharpener that we know of is the Haofy Super Hard Diamond Whetstone, which is designed to fit on your keyring. At just 18 grams, dimensions of 6 x 1.8 x 1 cm and a lanyard hole to hang on your keys make it ideal for unforeseen sharpening situations. I would not recommend this for everyday use, but as a backup and emergency pocket knife sharpener, it is the smallest you can find.
Thanks for reading this guide to the best pocket knife sharpeners for everyday carry.
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