How to Sharpen Knives in the Wild
Way back when, during a Sunday School class in my youth, a kid asked why David needed to take five smooth stones from a river bank as he headed out with his slingshot to confront Goliath. If the lad was so confident God would give him victory over the Israelites’ enemy, why didn’t he just grab one stone?
There’s no way to know, of course. But if you recall the story, after David felled the giant with the first stone, he took the Philistine’s sword and cut off his head. Perhaps that sword needed a little sharpening first, and if so, those four smooth stones could have done the job very nicely.
And it would be the same for us if we found ourselves in the wild, needing to sharpen a knife or spear, or yes, even a sword. Smooth stones can do that job pretty well, especially ones that have been softened by sitting in a creek or river for a period of time.
A survival knife is one of the most important items you could possibly have in your possession when in the wild because of its many uses. It can help you make a shelter, defend yourself, prepare a meal and much more. But if it’s not sharp, you’re going to struggle with it.
So, first dampen your stone if it’s not already wet and lay it on a flat surface. Holding the handle with one hand, use the fingertips of your other hand to press the blade down on the stone softly, then slide the blade around in a counterclockwise circular motion.
Check the edge of the blade frequently, as you don’t want it to get sharp enough to chip. When you’re satisfied with the improvement, turn the blade over and begin sliding the blade around in a clockwise circular motion. Again, stop if the edge is becoming too fine.
Finally, clean the blade and then thoroughly dry it so that no rust appears. If you know you’re not going to be using the blade for a while, rub some oil on it.
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I have to disagree with the method of sharpening, since I sharpened knives for a living for a spell. The knife should not lay flat on the sharpening surface. Only the cutting edge should ever come in contact with the sharpening stone, which is usually somewhere in the 15-to-30 degree angle range. One should also draw the knife across the sharpening surface. Making circles only folds the cutting edge out and then under, usually resulting in a broken and less than smooth cutting edge.
When sharping a knife learn how by watching YouTube. YouTube will give you several ideas how to and with what that will work.
Also, look into making a knife with a sharp edge, sharp enough to cut anything, out of wood. I have done so out of wood and bamboo. Should you find yourself out in the woods with out a knife; a wooden one is better than nothing at all. It is time you start to think outside the box; wouldn’t you say? :-)
Great info. — One of the jobs we learned early on the ranch was how to keep tools clean and SHARP. Papa taught us to do that when we were too young to do some of the “heavy ” work, like digging ditches and mowing hay, etc. Always keep your tools in good shape. GOOD ADVICE!!
Dear Frank,
Good basic info!!!!
Yes, just any old rock might work for sure, when you have no other options for servicing your cutting tools.
However, the smart 21st Century survivalist always carries appropriate sharpening tools in their BOB.
There are numerous excellent, light weight modern “pocket sharpeners” on the market these days. They can be found at any cutlery or sporting goods store, online and at all major outdoor outfitters.
Survival Rule: “When you carry modern cutters (knives, axes, saws, etc.) also carry the appropriate modern sharpening tools for each as well.”
We confess from real life experience, and we agree with you that going primitive when you must, to sharpen cutting tools, always works!!!
We are preemptive and proactive. We carry a small 6″, double sided (course and fine grit) stone, with an accompanying modern pocket steel for maintaining our assorted knives, multi-tools and small hatchets. In harsh weather we add a triangular, fine, mill file to maintain our larger winter camp saw and timber ax.
Hope everyone had a joyous Easter Sunday; “He has risen … He has risen indeed!”
God Save America,
Orrin