Today's folding knife can handle just about any job, from gutting a pheasant to skinning a deer. Although knives sold over the counter come with what feels like a sharp edge, Najarian said sportsmen should not consider that edge to be correct for every need. For example, a knife used for skinning needs to have a much finer edge on it than what comes from the factory. If you're not sure your knife's edge is sharp, Najarian said one trick he uses is to drag the blade edge across a cheap ball-point pen. Besides keeping a sharp edge on your folding or sheath knives, Najarian said sportsmen should inspect their wood axes and portable hand saws for sharpness before heading afield.
Nothing can be more frustrating than trying to chop or split wood with a dull blade.
Moreover, anyone who depends on their knives and axes in the field would be wise to have their blades professionally sharpened, or they should at least invest in one of the quality knife sharpener systems on the market, such as the Lansky. The biggest advantage of commercial knife sharpeners is that they come with clamps that hold the blade at the correct angle and include a variety of sharpening stones for various edges. Najarian recommends honing the edge of sportsmen's knives about once a month or more often, depending upon use. Najarian also suggests sportsmen tell a professional knife sharpener what they plan to use the knife for. Participants can choose from three of 16 workshops on everything from fly fishing to hitching up a boat trailer during the Sept. 17-19 event at the Environmental Learning Center in Millersylvania State Park, south of Olympia.