A prepper or pure hobbyist, you will definitely appreciate a good sharp knife you can carry around. As the popularity of EDC (Every Day Carry) knives is continually rising, EDC knife owners soon realize they need to keep them sharp, especially when they’re put into good use. But who would want to carry heavy whetstone with them? Such a problem eventually gave birth to the knife sharpeners that are small enough to carry around. If you’re looking for the best EDC knife sharpener in the market, check out our reviews below!
How to Choose the Best EDC Knife Sharpeners
There are many great EDC sharpeners out there with different designs and uses. It’s important to check on these facts before you purchase one. Before we jumped into the 13 Best EDC Knife Sharpeners, see the below guide to get the right one for your need.
Abrasive Material
The main component of a knife sharpener is the abrasive material used to sharpen a dull blade. In fact, there are several stages you have to go through to properly bring back a knife to its glory. Since you won’t likely carry all sharpening tools, EDC sharpeners work as an emergency help to sharpen a knife on the go. They use an abrasive material to align the edge while chipping unwanted materials off the blade. Then the raw edge will later be honed onto a finer abrasive material to make the blade feels brand new.
The best EDC knife sharpener would have at least 2 kinds of abrasive material: coarser abrasive (metal) and fine grit abrasive (ceramic). Some even go further to feature a material to shine the blade, which is optional. Look for EDC sharpeners that have these abrasive materials and it pretty much covers the basics.
Form Factor
Whetstones are big and heavy. Who wants to carry one in their pockets? Luckily, technology has made traditional sharpening more practical and compact. Your sharpener should be small and thin enough so you won’t mind carrying it in your pocket or on a keychain but sturdy enough to give you a good grip while using it. This way you can prevent unwanted accidents due to uncomfortable mishaps while honing your knife.
Spare Parts
Your sharpeners, like any other tool, will eventually expire and losing grit even to light usage. Though some EDC sharpeners don’t provide spare parts to change the expired component, many higher-end units provide exchangeable components to keep the product functional. This lets you keep the EDC sharpeners you love without the need to buy another one. Keep your sharpeners in its top condition and your knife will always be in pristine sharpness!
Besides all of these factors, we recommend checking what type of sharpeners will work with your blades. It may be different from one blade to another, especially for EDC Pocket Knives or EDC Fixed Blade. Do check the manufacturer’s suggestions on this matter.
CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool
13
The same company that released the CRKT Knife Maintenance Tool produces some of the toughest knives in the US. This knife sharpener is the kind of tool you’re glad to have within your disposal. The abrasive materials they use are the durable tungsten carbide metal and ceramic blade hone that are shaped in an effective angle to ensure the best sharpening result. When not used, you can hang this tool in your bag or attach it to your favorite keychain.
This unit won’t be called a knife maintenance tool if it merely sharpening your knife. There are other great features to mention about this product. The Torx bits, for example, are a lifesaver when you’re out and about but need to repair your knife to continue working. These magnetic bits can accommodate T6 and T8 sizes. Another thoughtful feature is the bottle opener – that also houses the flat-head screwdriver – to open your favorite drinks as you unwind after a day at work.
What We Like
A sharpener with customer-oriented design and features.
Pros:
- Solid build
- Compact but fully functional
- Useful additional features
- Lightweight
- Magnetic, replaceable Torx bits
Cons:
Awkward grip for sharpening.
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Smith’s CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener
12
Smith’s CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener came from a company that makes some of the best EDC sharpeners in the world. Their products are so renowned that you’ll see multiple products reviewed on this list. This particular unit caught our attention as a product that’s not only straightforward but is also efficiently designed. Using a pair of tungsten carbide blades and another pair of ceramic rods, you already have everything essential to keep your EDC knives maintained.
The color yellow makes it easier to spot among the clutter of your equipment. There’s also a lanyard hole in case you prefer to put it with the rest of your everyday carry items. To use it is quite simple, take your dull knife and put the knife sharpener with the tungsten carbide facing up, position blade’s edge between the blades then make a gentle pull of the knife so the blade slides swiftly. Repeats the latter step on the ceramic rods, and your sharpened knife is ready to use.
What We Like
It’s a long way to become the best EDC knife sharpener but it sets the bar for its competitors.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Brightly colored
- Rubber feet to prevent slip
- Fixed sharpening angle that works with most knives
- Easy to use
Cons:
Some types of knives may not fit between the sharpening blades.
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Smith’s 50364 Pocket Pal X2 Sharpener
11
The perfect gift for adventurers and hunters! The Smith’s 50364 Pocket Pal X2 Sharpener is a reliable 7-in-one tool that should be in your pocket or your backpack. Aiming to provide an emergency fix for your knife, it certainly does more than that. There are 3 kinds of abrasive material this tool has. The first one is carbide blades to fix the bent edges, the fine grit ceramic blades to refine them, then the diamond taper to sharpen the serrations or gut hooks.
This knife sharpener packs more surprises in it. It has potentially lifesaver features that you may not realize the need. On one of the sides, you will find a fire starter rod that works by creating friction between the firestone and the carbide blades to create sparks. Attached to the lanyard, is a fully-functional compass to guide your way. The last but not least, this sharpener also has a signaling whistle in the case of an emergency. Pretty nifty!
What We Like
A multi-functional tools for your next adventure!
Pros:
- Great form factor
- Tungsten carbide and ceramic blades
- Including tapered diamond rod
- Extra features: compass, whistle, Firestarter
- Brightly colored
- Built-in LED light
- Sturdy build
Cons:
The serration rod feels a little flimsy.
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Genuine Arkansas Pocket Knife Sharpening Whetstone
10
This mini-max product is for those who prefer to keep it old school but has a proven outcome. Genuine Arkansas Pocket Knife Sharpening Whetstone lets you sharpen your EDC knives reliably wherever, whenever. Made of genuine stone from Arkansas, the stone from this region is well-known for its sharpening ability. Under a microscope, its sharp hexagonal shapes give an exceptional sharpening ability that you won’t find in any other stone.
While whetstones come in bulky, heavy form, this product is designed to hit the sweet spot between performance and portability. It’s small enough to carry in your pocket, but the sharpening surface is large enough to whet your knife safely. Add a little sharpening oil between the stone and a flat surface and it’s enough to keep it fixed while you hone your knife or tool. The soft-medium grit is more than enough to give your pocket knives an emergency fix.
What We Like
A proven, old school approach that comes in pocket size.
Pros:
- Made of genuine Arkansas whetstone
- Hefty in your hand
- Long-life durability
- Better result than man-made stone
- Leather pouch
Cons:
No extra features or carrying aid.
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Smith’s DRET Diamond Retractable Sharpener
9
Now isn’t this the sharpener that has gained numerous reviews from its loyal users? It’s no surprise because Smith’s DRET Diamond Retractable Sharpener covers almost everything you need in a pocket knife sharpener. It’s well-built, portable, conspicuous, and lasts for a long time. As we mentioned before, this quality owes it much to the company that aims to build the best EDC knife sharpener in the world. Adopt one of these bad boys to pair up with your favorite EDC knives.
We can’t stress enough how we like the look of it. It comes in eye-catchy, gold-colored aluminum. At a glance, one wouldn’t suspect it as a sharpener while it’s clipped on your pocket because it looks so much like an ordinary pen. But when you hold it in your hand, you’ll notice from the heftiness that it’s not a pen at all. The shell carries a diamond-coated rod that is defined into 2 areas. One end has a flat and a round surface to sharpen double-bevel knives and one end is a tapered rod for serration and hooks. To use, decide which end you’re going to use, pull the rod out, and reattach the rod to the shell that also acts as the handle.
What We Like
A covert, high-quality sharpening rod you can carry anywhere.
Pros:
- Made of highest quality mono-crystalline diamond coat (medium grit)
- Durable coating (won’t chip easily)
- Works on most type of steel
- Great portability
- Sturdy reversible rod
- Easy storage (retractable)
Cons:
No cover for the unretract end.
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Work Sharp EDC Pivot Plus Knife Sharpener
8
One of the greatest breakthroughs in sharpening technology came from the company that builds Work Sharp EDC Pivot Plus Knife Sharpener. This EDC sharpener is already embedded with the latest technology to sharpen your knife more efficiently and effectively. This small powerhouse has 3 types of abrasive materials you can use as a quick restorer to any knife and tool you own: carbide steel, ceramic hones, and diamond-coated tapered rod. With its superior performance and lightweight attributes, this tool may possibly become the next best EDC knife sharpener in the market.
Take your dullest knife and you can quickly see the abrasive material of the trademarked Pivot-Response superior performance. This technology allows the abrasive plates to follow the curve of the blade, maintain total exposure against the blade. With a flip of a switch, swipe the readied blade on the award-winning convex carbide that’s designed to quickly sharpen the edges in fewer swipes. Finish it off by honing it on the soft-grit ceramic blades.
What We Like
An innovative and lightweight tool you must have in your EDC gear.
Pros:
- Carbide-convex technology
- Small and lightweight
- Lanyard hole
- Diamond-tapered serration rod
- Easy to use
Cons:
It’s a bit awkward to maintain the grip.
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Schrade SCHDDS Diamond Dust Tapered Sharpening Rod
7
This one is the pocket-sized, reliable, and durable knife sharpener we have been longing for. Schrade SCHDDS Diamond Dust Tapered Sharpening Rod was made out of the necessity of a portable and fully functional sharpener you can comfortably hold in your hand. It’s so lightweight to carry around with the help of the plastic-clipped shell. This shell houses a tapered rod with 180 grit diamond dust coating ideal for honing your knife’s blade. The materials used for this tool are of high-quality to make sure it won’t easily be chipped by usage.
To use this product is easy. You can unscrew the top cap and take out the diamond rod inside. Then, you can attach the cap onto the shell to make give it a sturdier, longer grip when you sharpen the blade or serrations. When you’re finished sharpening, store the rod inside the shell and give it a good firm screw to secure it in place. The instruction is very clear and straightforward, but we recommend looking for tips on how to sharpen your knife with this type of sharpener.
What We Like
Looks great to mix into your tactical gear with its neutral look.
Pros:
- 180 grit diamond dust coat
- Lightweight
- Shell also acts as the handle
- Easy storage
- Floats on water
Cons:
The tapered rod is shorter than other similar products.
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Victorinox VN43323 Blade and Knife Sharpener
6
This company is a legend with its history-making knives and quality excellence. Built in 1884, this company has gone through pivoting changes such as a name change and the latest acquiring of its long-stood rival. The secret to their legacy is the constant innovation and betterment of their knives and watches. But knives and watches aren’t the only ones they produce. To secure customer loyalty, they also release tools to help customers keep their knives top notch.
Victorinox VN43323 Blade and Knife Sharpener is a field pocket sharpener to accompany your pocket knives. It does a great job at sharpening a blunt edge with a rod coated with diamond dust (medium grit). The coating is safe to use for a long time since it won’t easily chip away. Another additional feature is the ceramic hone on the opposite end of the rod. It’s especially useful to give the blade some fine edge. When not used, the sharpener can be towed away securely by putting the cap on and use the clip to attach it onto your pocket.
What We Like
It’s a clear-cut and practical sharpener to take with you.
Pros:
- Well-made
- Lightweight
- Brand pocket clip
- Ceramic hone feature
Cons:
Can’t be used to restore serration.
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Work Sharp EDC Micro Sharpener & Knife Tool
5
Hikers and backpackers will love this functional tool to be added to their travel gear. The Work Sharp EDC Micro Sharpener & Knife Tool is a mini tool to bring your beloved pocket knives into its factory-setting sharpness. Its small but robust body was built to give you better handling while using it. There are ridges on the finger notches to keep the grip firm and avoid slips that can potentially harm you.
The tools embedded in this sharpener are the essential ones to maintain the performance of your pocket knives. The diamond coat surface on one side provides medium grit toughness to scrape the uneven edge of your blade, while the ceramic surface refining it into its original sharpness. The middle part of the body houses 3 Torx bits, able to accommodate T6, T8, and T10 screws. This sharpener is great to carry around due to its sturdy but lightweight attributes. It would be the best EDC knife sharpener if only it has some safety features like rubber feet.
What We Like
A compact yet robust sharpener that doesn’t add weight to your daily gear. It’s small enough to fit into a money belt.
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- User-friendly
- Angle guides
- Comfortable to use as a Torx driver
- Lanyard hole
Cons:
The sharpening surface is too narrow.
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Sharpal 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener
4
Who would’ve thought that there are so many tools in such a small size? Sharpal 101N 6-In-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener is on the right track to be the best EDC knife sharpener in the market. Housing 6 tools essential for knife care and survival, you can’t miss this little powerhouse when you’re out hunting, hiking, or backpacking.
It has 2 kinds of abrasive materials for different uses. The tungsten carbide notch is ideal to sharpen a dull knife effectively while the ceramic notch will smooth off the ragged edges to produce a knife that can cut materials like butter. Other worth noting features embedded in this product are the diamond-coated tapered rod to bring blade serrations, gut hooks, and fish hooks back to life.
Talking about life, sometimes nature gives us unpleasant surprises and we need to be prepared for that. Therefore, this sharpener is equipped with an all-weather fire starter and high decibel whistle in case of an emergency. Rest assured with this sharpener, it’s worth your investment!
What We Like
It’s compact yet packs a punch!
Pros:
- Tungsten carbide abrasive material
- Ceramic hone
- Diamond-coated tapered rod with hook notch
- Lanyard hole
- Extra features
- Lightweight and durable
- Cool two-tone design
Cons:
The fire starter is somewhat rickety.
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Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic
3
Entering the top 3 of the best knife sharpeners, Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic is a well-made and durable product from a company that has been around for 35 years. This product is on its way to become the best EDC knife sharpener due to the long-lasting practicality and durability. It’s thin enough to be kept in your pocket or on a keychain. Whenever your pocket knife needs a quick restoration, whip this out and make some swipes to bring it back into its pristine condition.
The medium carbide notch is perfect for most kinds of knives. To recover its shine, smooth the blade out using the fine-grit ceramic cylinders. What about special knives like gut hooks, serrated knives, or fillet knives that need special treatment? Worry not because this rugged sharpener is equipped with a tapered rod and serration ceramic plate to counter dullness.
What We Like
Feel it in your hand and you’ll instantly notice the hefty power this sharpener has.
Pros:
- Thinner than most sharpeners
- Rolling ceramic cylinders
- Serration ceramic plate
- Diamond-coated tapered rod
- Lanyard hole
Cons:
It’s heavier than other products.
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Lansky QuadSharp
2
The big brother from the previous product, Lansky QuadSharp has all its functionality and further enhances it with more sharpening options. Unlike other sharpeners that have one fixed angle carbide plates to sharpen knives, this one has not two, or three, but 4 unique angles in one sharpener. This design is intended to aid as many types of knives as possible. Even the serrated ones! That’s a lot compared to its small size.
Typically, pocket knives are sharpened with a 17-22 degree angle to maintain the balance between cutting ability and durability, but edged tools won’t benefit from it since they need to be more durable. The 4 sets of carbide plates on this sharpener can accommodate a 17, 20, 25, and 30-degree angle to whet pocket knives, kitchen knives, up to edged tools like blender blades or machetes. Another great thing about this pocket sharpener is that the blades are changeable if you feel it underperforms.
What We Like
One sharpener for all the knives! This pocket sharpener is a must-have item in your pocket or a gift for traveler.
Pros:
- 4 carbide plate sets of different angles
- Firm build
- Durable
- Replaceable carbide plates
- Serration ceramic benchstone
- Supports most knives and edged tools
- Lanyard hole
Cons:
Ideal for knife blades but not so on specialized knives (e.g. gut hooks).
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Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
1
Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is the best EDC knife sharpener at the moment. There are generous numbers of reviews about this field sharpener. It’s no wonder because judging from its features and capabilities, it doesn’t disappoint. Carrying this EDC sharpener is basically taking 7 tools with you in space-efficient portability. If you spend a lot of time in the woods or wilderness sportsman, this EDC sharpener is destined for you.
The sharpener is engineered to cover 5-stage sharpening to achieve sport-grade sharpness on your knives. It has 2 interchangeable diamond whet plate that’s neatly secured by magnetic mechanism and 3-position ceramic rods to refine a blade’s edge. To complete the stages, some swiping rounds on the leather strop will bring out that shiny, smooth feeling on your blade. The serration on your will be treated well, too, by the shorter ceramic serration rod.
We can express how well-thought the design is since it’s full of built-in, fully-functional features you’ll never knew needed. Gone fishing? Fix your hooks with the ceramic rods. Gone hunting? Hone your broadhead and fasten it with the built-in wrench. it. Fear of ruining your blades? The built-in guides will help you keep consistent sharpening angles. Conquering the hardest mountains to climb? Keep your climbing ax sharp with it. All of these features are for you, outdoor enthusiasts!
What We Like
The most comprehensive, all-in-one tool for your knives.
Pros:
- 5 abrasive materials
- Leather strip for stropping
- Serration ceramic rod
- Interchangeable diamond plates
- Built-in guides and broad head wrench
- Lanyard hole for easy carry
Cons:
It’s heavy and pricey.
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