How to Use the Morakniv Diamond Sharpener for Field Sharpening
By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to quickly restore a razor edge on your fixed blade or folding knife using the Morakniv Diamond Sharpener L-Fine Hone & Stone. Step-by-step field sharpening guide with common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
The Morakniv Diamond Sharpener L-Fine Hone & Stone restores a working edge on dull knives in under a minute. Its flat steel plate with a fine 600 grit diamond surface lets you follow the blade's existing angle without guesswork.
Why a diamond sharpener works for field use
Diamond abrasives cut faster than ceramic or natural stone, so you spend less time sharpening and more time carving or preparing camp. The Morakniv L-Fine uses a fine 600 grit—aggressive enough to reset a rolled edge but fine enough to leave a shaving-sharp finish. Because the steel plate is flat and rigid, you can maintain a consistent angle even on a stump or your knee.
The trade-off: diamond will remove metal quickly, so you need light pressure and a steady hand. Pressing too hard can gouge the edge or wear the diamond coating prematurely. Let the abrasive do the work.
Field sharpening steps with the Morakniv Diamond Sharpener
- Secure the knife and find the existing edge angle: Hold the knife firmly with the edge facing away from you. Rest the diamond plate flat against the blade bevel so it matches the factory angle—typically 15–20 degrees. Rock the plate side to side until you feel full contact across the edge. Common mistake: guessing a steeper angle. If the plate lifts off the edge, you're too steep and will round the apex.
- Apply light pressure and push the diamond plate along the edge: With the plate flat on the bevel, push it from the base of the blade toward the tip in a smooth, straight stroke. Use only the weight of the plate plus a few ounces of pressure—about the same force you'd use to butter soft bread. Repeat 5–10 strokes per side, alternating sides each time. Checkpoint: after 5 strokes per side, feel for a burr on the opposite edge. A tiny wire edge means you've removed enough metal.
- Remove the burr and strop to finish: Once you feel a burr, switch to a light trailing stroke (pull the plate toward the edge rather than pushing). Do 2–3 strokes per side with almost no pressure. Then wipe the blade clean and test the edge on a piece of paper or a thumbnail—it should bite without slipping. Common mistake: skipping the burr removal. A leftover burr makes the edge feel sharp initially but folds over on the first cut.
Product used in this guide
- DIAMOND SHARPENER L-FINE, HONE & STONE: Fine (600) Hone & Stone diamond sharpener; total length 5.9" (150 mm); rod length 2.0" (50 mm); weight 0.54 oz. (15 g). At just over half an ounce, it stows in a pocket or pack corner and the short rod gives you precise control on small blades without overreaching.
DIAMOND SHARPENER L-FINE, HONE & STONE
