Dull knives can be greater trouble than you may think. Aside from not performing the necessary job, they can become a safety hazard with each and every cut. To make your tasks both easier and safer, we offer these portable knife sharpeners that are perfect for any kit.
12 Portable Knife Sharpeners to Keep Your Knife Keen
These gritty wonders turn rough, dull blades into razor-keen perfection with just a few strokes. The eclectic assortment of knife sharpeners below offers a wide variety of styles, yet all share a few important characteristics. They are efficient, highly portable, and easy to use for nearly everyone. So, choose yours and get your blades back to slicing-and-dicing perfection.
01 – Lansky QuadSharp Carbide
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Simplicity and versatility take top billing when it comes to this compact portable sharpener. No matter where your travels take you, this sharpener goes with you and keeps all your bladed items honed to an extra sharp consistency.
This pocket wonder features four sharpening angles, durable metal construction, and a built-in ceramic polishing benchstone, creating the trifecta of in-the-field sharpening. The QaudSharp fits perfectly in a gear bag, jacket pocket, or secured by a lanyard with its integrated cordage hole. Experience exceptional on-the-go sharpening with the QuadSharp!
Specifications
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- Four sharpening angles: 17º, 20º, 25º, and 30º
- Heavy-duty metal construction
- 800 Grit ceramic benchstone for fine polishing
- Sharpens with just a few strokes
- Compatible with all Lansky kits and accessories
MSRP: $24.95
02 – HORL 3 Cruise Sharpener
Style meets substance with the HORL 3 Cruise Sharpener. This uniquely designed tool offers two grinding angles, integrated grooves for fast dust removal, and a pre-installed diamond disk that sharpens with just a few strokes. It is simple to use with household, pocket, or outdoor knives. When not in use, it looks aesthetically pleasing sitting on a counter or in sight on a shelf.
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Best of all, this sharpener is doing its part to clean up the oceans. It utilizes discarded plastic and repurposes it into the raw materials used in HORL sharpeners. The Cruise Sharpener, with its distinctive design, performs like a seasoned pro.
Specifications
- Two grinding angles, 15 & 20 degrees
- Stainless steel construction
- Grip Pad allows maximum holding power
- Constructed of ocean-bound plastic
- Useful for home or outdoor blades
MSRP: $99.00
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03 – Smith’s Pocket Pal X2 Sharpener & Outdoor Tool
The Pocket Pall X2 is definitely a Jack-of-all-trades, and in the wild, this is an absolute game-changer. This handy tool offers straight edge, serrated blade, gut hook, and bevel knife sharpening. However, its amenities don’t stop there. It also includes an integrated LED light, a directional compass, and a fire-starter for campsite or survival needs.
All components are arranged and organized impressively within its easy-to-locate yellow plastic shell. When not in use, the X2 can fit easily inside your pocket or emergency gear bag. Lightweight, multifunctional, and keeps your blades ultra-keen, the X2 has all bases well covered.
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Specifications
- Lightweight and durable outer casing
- Tapered diamond rod for serrated knives
- Push button LED light for nighttime use
- Integrated compass for directional travel
- Preset sharpening angles for a consistent edge
MSRP: $19.95
04 – TOPS Knives Lansky Quick-Fix Pocket Sharpener
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Whether you’re in the Great Outdoors or in your own backyard, a dull tool is ineffective and a safety concern. However, carrying this convenient Quick-Fix Pocket sharpener can get your blades back in cutting shape in no time flat. The sharpener is highly compact, allowing you to never leave it behind. Also, it features a foolproof, pre-set 22.5-degree sharpening angle. So, all guesswork is gone, and a finely sharpened blade is the final result.
The sharpener features a brightly colored, hard-to-lose-it exterior that pops out in your toolbox or against nature’s backdrop. Simple, yet highly effective, this tool from Lansky and TOPS Knives is a must-have for anyone who uses a blade.
Specifications
- Restores dull, stubborn blades with just a few strokes
- 1000-grit ceramic rods produce a polished finish
- Pre-set, 22.5-degree sharpening angles
- Ultra-tough, tungsten carbide material
- High visibility yellow shell for easy locating
MSRP: $9.00
05 – Smith’s PP1-Tactical 2-Stage Sharpener
The PP1-Tactical 2-Stage Sharpener is one tough customer. It features a stainless-steel frame, a G-10 handle, and a tactical look and feel that stands up to regular, repeated use. However, looks aren’t its only claim to fame. It features a two-stage sharpening system that keeps straight-edge and serrated blades ultra-sharp.
You can’t go wrong with the PP1’s guaranteed pull-through sharpening slots that sharpen perfectly each and every time. The unit is both lightweight and compact for easy carrying and includes a lanyard hole for additional carry options and easy storage.
Specifications
- Carbide and ceramic offer two-stage sharpening
- Durable G-10 handle
- Tungsten Carbide glass breaker
- Easily clips to a pocket or attaches to a keychain
- Fold-out diamond rod sharpener for serrated blades
MSRP: $29.99
06 – Smith’s Adjustable Angle Pull-Through Knife Sharpener
Good things come in small packages, and the Adjustable Angle Pull-Through Knife Sharpener illustrates just that. This compact sharpener handles a wide range of sharpening tasks with ease and rapid service. Its easy-to-use adjustment dial allows a wide range of angles (14 degrees/side to 24 degrees/side), while its three slots sharpen your straight edge (both coarse and fine) and serrated blades.
This sharpener’s body is constructed of durable plastic, while its rubberized feet and handle keep it stable and in place. Replaceable abrasive components make this knife sharpener even more of a must-have for all knife enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Coarse or fine sharpening for standard blades
- Adjustable knob for a wide range of angles
- Soft grip handle
- Fixed-angle slot for serrated knives
- Non-slip rubber feet for extra stability
MSRP: $29.95
07 – Lansky Puck Dual Grit Sharpener
Not sporting the look of a traditional sharpener, this “puck” features two grits (120 & 280) in one easy-to-hold unit. Its fit-your-palm design allows safe and precise sharpening of all your typically hard-to-sharpen tools. Use it for lawnmower blades, axes, shovels, spades, and whatever odd, dull tools you have in your shed or garage.
It takes only a few minutes to get a honed blade, and you’re good to go. Keep several at your campsite, in your workshop, or wherever your tools call home.
Specifications
- Easy-to-grip, contoured design
- Ideal for large garden tools
- Two grits in one compact unit
- Compact, stores just about anywhere
- Long-life, reusable unit
MSRP: $10.95
08 – Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker
This uniquely shaped sharpener allows nearly anyone to go from novice sharpener to pro in no time flat. The Tri-Angle unit accurately sets the angles to 30 degrees (15 degrees each side) or 40 degrees (20 degrees each side) for ultimate consistency and precision. For serrated blades, the stone flows easily into the recesses of each individual serration.
Two sets of high-alumina ceramic stones perform the job of sharpening, with the results being nothing short of a professional-grade finish. The self-contained base and lid snap together for easy transport and storage.
Specifications
- Sharpens both straight and serrated knives
- Useful for knives, scissors, awls, and numerous other tools
- Sharpens in only a few minutes
- Durable ABS plastic base
- Includes two sets of high alumina ceramic stones
MSRP: $127.00
09 – Lansky Roadie Multitool
The Roadie is a knife sharpener and a whole lot more. Enjoy the convenience of a variable hex wrench, bottle opener, pry tool, two screwdrivers, and a line cutter, all in one compact unit. This traveling companion features a carbide sharpener set to create the fastest and honed edge while you’re on the move.
It’s both lightweight and durable for everyday use in both rural and urban settings. The integrated carabiner allows for key carrying or for attachment to your belt loop or gear bag. Go big by going small with the Roadie by your side.
Specifications
- Carbide knife sharpener
- Solid, one-piece construction
- Compact unit takes up little space
- Seven additional useful tools included
- Integrated carabiner to add keys or hang from belt loop
MSRP: $10.95
10 – Cold Steel Three-in-One Knife Sharpener
Compact is the name of the game with this three-in-one sharpener. This pocket-carry sharpener offers coarse, fine, and serrated edge honing with both ceramic and carbide stones encased within its metal frame. The pre-angled construction makes sharpening natural with no guesswork. It only takes a few strokes to go from dull to extra sharp, decreasing your chances of an accident from a blunt blade.
The unit carries or stores just about anywhere and doesn’t take up excess weight or space in your pack. Traveling light? No problem, just toss it in your pants pocket for on-the-go sharpening.
Specifications
- Lightwieght, easy-to-use design
- Ceramic slot for fine edge sharpening
- Coarse carbide slot
- Tapered diamond-coated rod for serrated blades
- Compact unit with lanyard loop
MSRP: $11.99
11 – Spyderco Gauntlet Knife Sharpener
Although a bit unorthodox in design, the Gauntlet delivers where it counts in terms of simplicity and performance. It offers a high-impact, injected-molded plastic base, an integrated handguard to keep your hand safe and secure, and twin sharpening rods that create a sharp edge in just a few seconds.
No electricity, water, oil, or complicated apparatus is needed here. Just a few strokes against the 40-degree angle rods, and you’re good to go. Two Cubic Boron Nitride rods and two fine ceramic rods are included for distinct sharpening, regardless of your blade’s condition.
Specifications
- Easy-to-use for beginners
- Injection-molded, high-impact plastic base
- 40-degree angled rods
- Includes fast-cutting Cubic Boron Nitride rods
- Integrated handguard for safety
MSRP: $88.00
12 – Kershaw Ultra-Tek Sharpener
When you need a quick touch-up to the sharpness of your blade, reach for the Ultra-Tek Sharpener. Its tube-shaped design is both functional and practical. Just twist the handle to open, screw it to the other end, and begin sharpening. It’s that easy. Then, when the job is complete, simply store the sharpening steel inside the handle.
The sharpener features a 600-grit diamond-coated shaft, ideal for knives that are in good condition but have dulled over time due to repeated use.
Specifications
- Handy for everyday use
- 600 Grit diamond-coated shaft
- Takedown for easy storage and carry
- 6061-T6 anodized aircraft aluminum handle
- No oil or water needed for use
MSRP: $28.15
