Top 8 Best Portable Knife Sharpeners (2024 Review)

Since you are not going to carry a bench grinder on your outdoor adventure, the best, most reliable portable knife sharpener is all you’ll need because it is just as crucial as your knife.

In this ProSurvivalStrategies.com Guide, you will learn:

• Why do you need a portable knife sharpener?
• What to look for in a quality portable knife sharpener?
• What are the top 8 best portable knife sharpeners?
• And much more!

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

Check out our top 8 best portable knife sharpeners in the quick comparison chart below!

Top 8 Best Portable Knife Sharpeners!

In a hurry? Check out our top 8 picks below. Keep reading to learn more about each sharpener.

1.  Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
2. Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic
3. Fallkniven Diamond-Ceramic Whetstone Sharpener
4. Lansky Puck Dual Grit
5. Sharpal 6-IN-1 Pocket Sharpener & Survival Tool
6. Smith’s 4” Diamond Combination Bench Stone
7. Victorinox Ceramic Sharpener
8. Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal

Why Do You Need A Portable Knife Sharpener?

Clearly, the obvious reason is portability which will allow you to sharpen your knives anywhere, anytime.  They are lightweight, minimalistic and especially easy to use.

Being so compact, you can carry them in your shirt pocket, gear bag or on some models, a convenient lanyard hole or loop can be threaded allowing you to attach the sharpener to just about anything. 

There are even carrying cases for your sharpeners that not only help with transport, but also protect them from becoming damaged.
 
Safety is another important factor. While some may believe otherwise, “a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife.” The principle behind this statement is a dull knife will require more pressure and the lack of technique will ultimately result in an accident. This is why it is important to keep your knives sharpened at all times.

Having a portable knife sharpener will ensure your knives are always sharp, especially when you need them the most.

What To Look For In A Portable Knife Sharpener.

When you’re searching for a portable knife sharpener, there are a few things you should be mindful of before buying one.

Optimal Performance    First and foremost, a quality sharpener should be able to produce a consistently smooth-textured edge without marring your blade with nicks and scratches.

Quality    We all know the phrase “you get what you pay for”. This holds true for knife sharpeners as well.

A cheaper-priced sharpener will most likely be made with cheaper materials which may not provide you with the result you're aiming for. It could also damage your blade which is something no knife user wants to experience.

However, better quality sharpeners tend to be a bit pricier since they are made with sturdier and more durable materials. Although you may spend a little more, your sharpener will serve you much longer and ideally. So opt for a higher-quality sharpener, it will definitely be worth the investment.

Size and Weight    We already determined that portability is key. A good portable knife sharpener should be compact and lightweight without sacrificing its effectiveness or ease of use.

A sharpener with a built-in lanyard hole can be an especially convenient feature since it will allow users to attach it to just about anything by threading the hole.  If you require something larger, check out our article on the top best sharpening stones.

Materials    An effective sharpener should have a combination of abrasive materials. An abrasive surface is measured in grit - the lower it is, the coarser it is. Conversely, the higher it is, the finer it is.

Coarser grit abrasives will remove metal much faster and leave a rougher edge, whereby finer grit abrasives will polish to a mirror-like finish and create a razor-sharp edge.

There are three common types of abrasives used for sharpening - diamond, tungsten carbide and ceramic.

Diamond    A diamond abrasive is considered to be the hardest, most durable material and the fastest. It is best suited for repairing/reprofiling a damaged edge quickly as well as to sharpen and finish an edge.

Most knife users prefer diamond sharpeners due to their durability and longevity. They do not lose their shape even through much use and require very little maintenance.

Tungsten Carbide    Tungsten Carbide rivals diamond for the hardest material. It is dense - about three times more rigid than steel and is the preferred abrasive for sharpening very dull edges.

Ceramic    Ceramic abrasives are made from top-grade alumina (aluminum oxide), silicon carbide or corundum.  Since these materials are very dense, they provide exceptional grinding and finishing performance for various workpiece surfaces. Increased longevity is among the advantages of its extremely resistant material. In other words, it remains sharp for a long period of time.

Adjustable Angles    In an effort to make knife sharpening easier and more effective, a sharpener should include adjustable angles. This feature will let users sharpen their blade at its original manufactured angle, without having to modify its edge geometry and the knife’s intended purpose.

Safety Features    Sharpening knives can be somewhat dangerous, especially for newbies. A quality knife sharpener should provide a safety feature that will protect your fingers from injury.

Since there are so many portable knife sharpeners available and all seem to claim the same thing, “provide the ultimate sharpening solution”, choosing the best one for your knife can be somewhat of a challenging task.

So to help reduce some of the stress, we have carved out our top 8 best portable knife sharpeners to help you choose the one that best suits your needs, preferences and budget.

So let’s sharpen it down!

In-Depth Reviews of Our Top 8 Best Portable Knife Sharpeners.

USA made, the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener boasts a surface for virtually every blade. For straight edges, it has a 220-grit coarse plate for reshaping and repairing your blade and a 600-grit fine diamond plate for sharpening.

There is also a 3-position ceramic rod that rotates between a coarse and fine surface to sharpen and refine curved blades as well as a grooved surface to sharpen fish hooks. An additional smaller ceramic rod can be used for serrated edges.

You also have a conditioned leather strop to remove any excess burr on the edge.

A knife sharpener wouldn’t be complete without built-in angle guides. Equipped with a 20- and 25-degree angle guide, it helps assist the user in keeping a consistent angle while sharpening.

Whether you just want to align your cutting-edge using one surface or use all the elements as a step-by-step gradual sharpening system, this little tool gives you that convenient option.

What if you have larger blades that need sharpening like axes, machetes and even those harder edges like the ones found on broadheads? Well, the Work Sharp can do this too just by removing the diamond plates. As an added bonus, underneath the diamond plate, you’ll find a built-in broadhead wrench.

Although it’s a bit heavier than some other portable sharpeners at 4.6 ounces and at a higher price point, Work Sharp did it right by combining multiple elements in one tool to serve the many needs of every outdoorsman and outdoorswoman.

So if you are looking for a well-rounded multi-tool sharpener that can tackle almost any task, this may be the one for you.

What about a carrying case to protect your Work Sharp Field Sharpener?

Just as you would protect your knife from damage while storing it in a sheath, you also want to protect your sharpener from any dents or scratches. You even run the risk of losing it.

While you can easily flip the abrasive diamond plate to avoid any damage during transport, storing your Work Sharp Field Sharpener in a carrying case not only eliminates that task and protects it, but also keeps your sharpener from getting other things in your pack or bag damaged or dirty.

Made of EVA material that is shockproof and water-resistant, it will safely secure your sharpener inside a smoothed padded lining. The Aenllosi Hard Carrying Case is the perfect companion for your Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener.

Coming in a close second is the Lansky Blade Medic. Made of quality metal material, this compact sharpener is both sturdy and versatile.

Equipped with 4 different sharpening elements, it can sharpen just about every type of knife, from straight and serrated edges to gut hooks and filet knives.

Designed in a V-shape and fixed at a 22.5 degree angle (45 degrees inclusive), the tungsten carbide sharpener allows you to restore your very blunt edge while the 1000-grit ceramic rod provides a polished finish in less than 5 strokes.

Keep in mind that carbide is extremely rigid so if you only need a bit of maintenance, it’s best to use the ceramic rod only.

There is also a fold-out 600-grit diamond tapered rod. The diamond rod is great for quick maintenance and reconditioning of your blade. It helps restore it to a peak condition while enabling you to maintain its sharpness.

Although the rod can be used with any knife, it is especially useful for gut hooks and serrated knives.

The Blade Medic also includes a ceramic sharpening stone for serrated knives that is designed to get inside the smallest serrations. If your serrations are larger, while at the correct angle, swipe the knife away from you, making sure to follow through on the whole edge. 

A lanyard hole has also been added to the Blade Medic. By threading the lanyard hole, you can conveniently attach it to anything making it readily available for your on-the-go touch-ups.

Although this sharpener is not quite as lightweight as some other sharpeners weighing approximately 3.3 ounces, it's still a preferred choice for many outdoorsmen and women.

The Fällkniven DC4 is one of the most popular options when it comes to sharpening on the go. Although not quite as small as a pocket stone, it’s still considerably compact and lightweight measuring 4“ in length and weighing only 2.3 ounces.

It offers two sharpening grits, an 800-grit fine diamond stone and a 14,000-grit ultra fine ceramic stone which is made of synthetic sapphires.

An advantage of these materials is that they will continue to keep their flat shape even through much use.

Made of the hardest qualities, they will be able to sharpen any steel type, including hard powder steels.  Hence, the stones will feel a bit coarse in the beginning but will definitely become smoother after a few uses.

If your blade is dull or damaged, it is recommended to use the diamond stone first. Once you have restored your edge profile, deburr the edge gently on the ceramic stone to a polished razor-sharp finish.

You can also use just the ceramic stone for routine touch-ups.

It is suggested that these stones be used dry, without any lubrication. However, every now and then you should clean your stones with a little warm soapy water to properly maintain it.

As an added bonus, the included leather slip pouch not only protects your stone but makes it very convenient to carry for use out in the field.

Did I mention it also functions as a leather strop? Just add a bit of stropping compound to the back of the pouch to strop your knife's edge for a final finishing and touch up.

Although it may not look like much, the Fallkniven DC4 is probably one of the most efficient and effective pocket sharpening stones on the market. No water needed.  No oil needed.

Just sharpen the primitive way right into a razor-sharp, mirror-like polish. 

Named for its hockey puck shape, the Lansky Puck is so compact you can take it with you wherever you go.

It’s a double-sided stone offering a 120-grit coarse side for quick cutting and shaping and a 280-grit medium coarse side for final sharpening and polishing your edge.

Although designed to sharpen large edged tools such as hatchets, axe heads and machetes, many users found it to work quite well on their knives.

This sharpening stone doesn’t require any lubrication which is why it’s great in the field. However, you can use honing oil or water (spit if you're desperate) which not only helps in the cutting movement but also helps keep the metal filings from becoming embedded in the surface.

Keep in mind though that once oil is used, you need to continue using oil since, as everyone knows, oil and water don't mix.

Despite being a bit heavier than some other sharpeners weighing in at 7.4 ounces, many users prefer the “Puck” since it can sharpen large edged tools much easier.

And with both grits being fairly coarse, it can grind out imperfections and sharpen dull blades in little to no time.

The “Puck” is a workhorse and definitely one to consider!

Weighing in at only 1.5 ounces, the Sharpal 6-in-1 Sharpener is not only one of the lightest sharpeners, but one that is very versatile being able to perform 6 functions.

This compact sharpener has two V-shaped sharpening slots consisting of tungsten carbide blades and ceramic blades.

Preset at a 20 degree angle, the tungsten carbide blades can repair a dull or damaged edge quickly while the extra fine 1000-grit ceramic blades, set at a 25 degree angle, can hone, polish and deburr an already sharp edge.

There is also a fold-out 400-grit tapered diamond coated rod that includes grooves to sharpen serrated knives as well as gut hooks and fish hooks, making this the perfect tool to take on fishing trips.

Sharpal made this multi-functional tool complete by adding an all-weather fire starter as well as an emergency whistle.  With the fire starter feature, there is no more worrying about wet matches and gasless lighters again. This will definitely be useful in an emergency.

The added whistle is designed to provide 110 decibels of piercing sound which can be heard from a far distance.

So whether you’re with friends or like to go it alone, you will definitely feel much safer when on your outdoor adventures.

With the convenient built-in lanyard hole, you will be able to attach the sharpener to anything making it readily available when you need it.

Due to its 4” compact size and versatility, the Smith’s Diamond Combo Bench Stone is considered to be the “go-to” sharpener for many knife users.

It features a combination of two diamond surfaces - a 325-grit coarse surface and a 750-grit fine surface.

Its several layers of micron-sized monocrystalline diamonds and distinct sharpening surface help speed up sharpening by collecting and retaining the metal shavings built up during the sharpening process.

The medium coarse surface can be used to reshape or reset a very dull edge. The fine surface will finish your edge to razor-sharp.

Keep in mind that diamond stones are very aggressive and will remove quite a bit of material if you are not careful.

Each stone also has a "micro-tool sharpening pad" for smaller tools as well as a sharpening groove for fish hooks or pointed tools.

Designed with the user in mind, it provides a soft grip rubber handle and a thumb guard to sharpen more safely and easily.

But they didn’t stop there. You can store the diamond plates right inside its handle when not in use, making it that much easier when taking it with you in the field or wherever you may need it.

It’s also equipped with a built-in lanyard loop for even easier portability. Now that’s a win-win in my book.

So if you are looking for a compact and lightweight sharpener that will produce razor-sharp edges, consider this little diamond gem.

Elegant and refined is the only way to describe The Victorinox Fixed Blade Sharpener.

Made in Germany by one of the world’s most well-renowned pocket knife manufacturers, this is certainly one of the sturdiest and compact knife sharpener on the market.

Neatly housed within its simplistic pen-like design boasts a coarse ceramic oval rod with a groove to sharpen fish hooks and a 20-degree angle V-shaped ceramic notch.

With its slender shape and attached pocket clip, it can easily fit securely into your gear bag, shirt pocket or wherever it's convenient for you while out in the field. Weighing in at 1.4 ounces, it would hardly add any extra weight.

Designed for straight-edges, use the coarse medium grit stone for sharpening your blade and follow through with the ceramic notch to hone and deburr your edge.

A convenient drainage hole at the bottom end allows for quick drying after cleaning.

Although this eye-catching sharpener may not deliver a razor-sharp edge, it can still provide a quick usable sharp edge while in the field. At this price point and its lifetime warranty, it's definitely one to consider.

The Smith’s Pocket Pal is one of the most favored pocket knife sharpener used by outdoorsmen and women due to its compact, lightweight and simple design.

The Pocket Pal includes two V-shaped sharpening slots; a 600-grit coarse tungsten carbide blade and a 800-grit fine ceramic stone that are pre-set at 22.5 degree angles (for an inclusive 45 degrees) for ease of use.

A 400-grit fold-out tapered round diamond-coated rod is also included which is great for serrated edges and gut hooks.

The carbide blade will help restore a dull or slightly damaged edge on straight blades only, while the ceramic stone will provide a smooth polishing on your straight-edged and serrated blades.

One of the nice features of the Pocket Pal is that both the carbide blades and ceramic stones are reversible and replaceable allowing for an especially longer sharpening life.

However, when it comes time to replace the blades, you may want to consider opting for a new one since they are fairly inexpensive.

This little tool measures only 3.5 inches by 1 inch and is practically weightless at just under an ounce. With the built-in lanyard hole, you can easily carry it with you while on the go. 

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations.

Multi-functional Sharpeners vs. Pocket Stones.

As its name suggests, a multi-functional knife sharpener is a compact hand-held tool that provides multiple elements, each providing its own individual function, all in one unit.

It may contain abrasive sharpening plates, diamond and ceramic rods and special grooves to sharpen fish hooks. Some may even include fire starters, compasses and emergency whistles.

Multi-functional knife sharpeners are great since they allow you to sharpen, hone and polish your blade and other edged tools just by using one device.

Pocket stones on the other hand are basically a miniature version of the whetstone (sharpening stone). Since they are smaller in size, they are more portable making it easier to take out in the field than your typical bench stone.

However, it can be a bit difficult maintaining a consistent angle when using larger blades. Sometimes it’s just easier to hold the larger blade or axe in a fixed position while moving the stone across the edge.

Although pocket stones may be small, they can still form a good edge. Every knife user should have at least one pocket sharpening stone as part of their gear. 

Sharp Points To Remember!

• Remember to avoid cheaper-priced sharpeners.
• Choose a sharpener that provides at least two sharpening stages: a coarse grit to reprofile an extremely dull or damaged edge and a fine grit for touch-ups and polishing.
• Sharpeners with built-in adjustable angle guides can help sharpen easier and more effective. 
• A sharpener that offers a safety feature prevents any injuries.
• Consider a carrying case to protect your sharpener from any damage.

Final Sharp-Up!

Wherever your outdoor adventure may take you, remember a knife is an invaluable tool and so is a quality knife sharpener.

Owning a portable knife sharpener gives you the convenience of sharpening your knife in a moment's flash.  

Whether it's a multi-functional sharpener or a pocket stone, it goes without saying that having a portable knife sharpener is clearly advantageous.  

Whether you're a novice or seasoned pro, we hope you found our article useful and our reviews on our top 8 helped narrow down the possibilities that best meets your needs and budget.  We look forward to any questions, comments or suggestions you may have!

Remember, “Always stay sharp!”

ProSurvivalStrategies.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions on qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.