If you're considering a sharpening system, take a look at the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It is simple to use, does a great job, and packs up small to take to camp with you. You hold your knif vertically and draw the blade down the stones, from hilt t to tip,first on one side, then using the other sid to do the other side.You start with theedges of the dark stones, then the flats, then the corners and flats of the white stones. Absolute beginners will have scary sharp knives the very first time out.
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