The Field Edge

Staying Sharp Without Sharpening Stones or Rocks

- EJ Snyder

This story is derived from a recent memory when my partner and I were deep in the Amazon jungle in Peru. I was amazed to notice that there were simply no rocks around the jungle floor or in the river. I was astonished that everywhere I looked, I could not find a single one, at least where I was.

When you are out on an expedition, a mission, or a mere trek, the edged tool you rely on is only as useful and as good as its sharpness. So, what do you do if you need to sharpen your machete or knife and find your beloved whetstone or knife sharpener is missing from your pack for whatever reason—like taking a nasty fall down the side of a steep embankment? Well, all you need to do is use a field expedient method for sharpening, so you quickly grab a rock and a little water and get to work. But, what if you look around and there are none?

Now what does one do? Well, you simply have to improvise, much like ancient people, you have to find a way. Because, trying to hack your way through triple canopy jungle with a dull blade is exhausting—not to mention, a dull knife just doesn’t lend itself well to any task.