Does that set-up get a uniform edge on there?

The best way to do it is not to let them get dull. If the knife is sharp the use a diamond steel and a regular steel will keep them sharp. If very dull have a professional sharpen them then use the steels to keep them sharp. You can sharpen a knife on a whet stone but it takes time, it's much less work to keep them sharp.

Uniform edge from tip to hilt

I personally only use a Ark stone and a strop. Like mentioned above, I don't let my knives get dull. I carry about 6 knives in my backpack so I pretty much have a knife for everything. However, as technology advances, and sharpening devices become more advanced, I think one would be missing out if he didn't take advantage of some of these new products on a dull knife. I don't think it's more of a right or wrong way to sharpen a knife, but as I get older, I'm always looking for things that work well, and are easier. I do like the old ways and haven't had any complaints yet.

Two knives, one for dressing and one for skinning. And a steel keeps them sticky sharp.

I agree 100% with do not let them get dull. I probably have at least $500 in knive sharpeners. I have just about every style you can think of. The best by far at bringing back a dull blade is the Diamond Vee by DMT. Hard to find and not cheap but worth it. I have 3 in various stages of wear. The cheap ($8 or so) white and blue ones at Academy are probably the easiest to use.

I for one, never really knew how to personally sharpen knives.
Always used what I could afford - never a top end.

So since my inception into the hunting world (this past year), I've been reading this forum in particular and then doing alitte research online (when time permits) along with some jib jab at our local tackle shop.

To summarize, everyone has their own way to sharpen knives. Is one way better than the other? Maybe. In most things I evaluate, what works best for one may not work best for another. So it's important to find what works best for u that provides a simialr end result.

I read up on different sharpening systems and applied what would be best for me (my lack of honing skillsets).

End result was the purchase of a Spyderco sharpening system. This enabled an inexperienced person such as myself to create an edge on a blade that was extremely sharp.

So far, im pretty pleased and it's basically fool proof.

Before one goes off to rant about my review, please keep in mind- it's all new to me so simplicity at this stage is what's best for me.

Once again, I enjoy reading all the posts - it's definately helped me thus far.

kp

I have been using a Washita stone for 40 years. My uncle showed my how to use one when I was about 12 years old. He told me to try cutting a thin slice off the stone holding at the same angle every time going from bottom to tip. Then do the other side the same way going from side to side and after a bit I can have them so sharp you can shave with them. Then in the field quartering a deer I will use a steel to maintain the edge.

The Diamond V from DMT is GREAT!!!! but pricy

you only need to use it once a year then steel the knife between uses.

the best steel i ever got was at the TTH show in Ft. Worth, paid $20.00 and its a Diamond stick oval.....man does it work.

In college station gander mt. there is an old man that shows up on saturdays and has a grinder and sharpens knifes for $2-$3 each....AND MAN IS HE GOOD!!!!!!!

p.s. that guy sharpening knives is the only reason to go into Gander mt.

Wow, you boys need to let me know someone needed sharpeners...

Rada brand, $5....


Moderno I too learned a long time ago from grandpa... and then even better working at a gas station for 6 years with a bunch of old men. I have sharpened blades away with stones....

I was a skeptic.
I have had lansky and spyderco...
There's a better way....

Two small high grade steel discs, perfectly shaped and angled...

cheap, portable and very very effective. I have one in each pack, one at each deer camp, one in the kitchen, one in the tackle boxes and one in the camper...