JJ I agree about the yellow carbide "scraper". But in an extreme emergency it would be better than nothing, maybe not much better, but still better.

just as long as you don't mind reprofiling your edge when you make it home.

I am old school, but the Norton fine India stone works for me.

I've found that if I really need to, a flat rock works fairly well. Wouldn't reccomend it unless you're in a pinch though, and it may take a bit of searching to find a decent one.

jarhead - where did you get those sharpeners?

I am assuming the differing colors are varying grades. Does dmt also sell that ceramic stone?

DIAMOND MINI-SHARP® SHARPENERS The Diamond Whetstone™ that travels with you. Diamond Mini-Sharp® Sharpener with flip open lid/handle. Swivel ring for key chain. 5 1/2" (140 mm) when open.

Gearwhore, I can't remember where I got the stones. I remember paying about $6-7 a piece for them. No, DMT does not sell that ceramic. I got it at the military sales store on base here in Germany, but you can probably find one at any sporting goods store.

Yes the different colors are different grits. They don't say what micron level they are, but the blue is coarse, the red is fine and the green is x-fine.

I just did a google shopping search for the mini-sharps. You can find them there for about $7.

dont want to get to off topic, but when using an Arkansas stone are you supposed to keep it wet?

Yes. Use an oil.

Some will say you can use them dry too, but I find it easier to keep the pores from clogging when used with oil.

Toney, you don't need to keep it wet, but it will clog up the pores in the stone some and make it less effective.

You SHOULD use something to FLOAT the metal filings removed and periodically wipe them off and replentish the oil or what ever you use for lube.

ok, makes sense. thanks for the info guys.

I like lube.