Maintaining a sharp cutting edge on your knife is quick and straight forward with a pocket sharpening stone.
Hold the pocket stone in your non-dominant hand by pinching it between your fingers and thumb. Ensure your digits are below the top surface, to avoid cutting yourself.
I prefer to use a pocket water stone. For the simple reason its cleaner and more convenient than an oil stone.
Put a few gobs of spit on the stone to wet it in preparation for sharpening or drizzle clean water on it.
Avoid submerging the stone in dirty water/muddy puddles as the suspended organic matter will be absorbed and clog the pores rendering it nigh on useless.
Lock both elbows and inner forearms against your sides; this will help you remain accurate and safe while sharpening as there is minimal movement during sharpening.
As opposed to having your arms out in the air, where you are more prone to make large uncontrolled movements, thus increase the risk of injury
Place the cheek/face of blade flat against the stone, then angle it, so the cutting bevel is making contact with the stone. Apply a small amount of downward pressure onto the stone with the knife.
Keep the stone motionless and gently move the dominant hand in small circular motions back and forth across the top surface.
Pay attention to the sound your knife and stone create as you sharpen. Try to maintain the same noise on both sides, for the best results.
Turn the knife over and repeat, ensuring your elbows are in and touching your sides. Make several passes until satisfied with the touch-up.
Apply more spit as required.
House the pocket stone in a sheath, this will protect the edges from chipping and prevent the surface from becoming contaminated with lint, dirt, etc.
