Böker Pocket sharpener

Disparaged by professionals, loved by practitioners. The classic two-stage X-shaped pocket sharpener is probably the best-selling and most widely used sharpening tool in the world. Embedded in the plastic body is a V-shaped sharpener made of two carbide segments, and opposite it is a fine V-shaped sharpener made of ceramic rods. Its undeserved bad reputation in the professional world is due to the carbide V, which does not actually sharpen the blade in the traditional sense but pulls steel shavings longitudinally from the edge. If too much pressure is applied and the process is done too quickly, it can create chatter marks on the edge, resulting in an irregular and rough grind. The more repetitions and the lighter the pressure, the finer the result will be. In the second step, the grind can be further improved with the ceramic rods.

The sharpener is particularly suitable for carbon steels or softer blades. With some inexpensive softer steels, it can even achieve a better edge than a whetstone or rod, which can quickly create a burr or roll the edge with this material quality. Therefore, the device is justified wherever a practical, albeit not perfect, working sharpness needs to be restored quickly and easily. The low price, compact size, and simple application are key reasons for the success of this concept. Rubberized grip areas and rubberized feet on both sides ensure safe handling.