Sharpal built its reputation on rugged, multi purpose field sharpeners backed by long warranties. Two models carry most of that reputation. The 101N six in one pocket tool and the 156N diamond bench plate lead a catalog that also includes guided systems, rods, electric sharpeners, and strops.
The 101N handles emergencies. It sharpens straight and serrated edges, throws sparks for a fire, and carries a whistle in one small tool. The 156N is built for the workbench, where its two diamond grits cut fast on hard steel.
This lineup suits outdoor users, garage sharpeners, and anyone who wants dependable gear without paying enthusiast prices. Owners chasing the tightest, most repeatable edge eventually look past this brand toward dedicated diamond plates built for that single job.
What Makes a Sharpal Sharpener Worth Buying
A good field sharpener needs three things. It has to actually cut steel, survive being dropped in a truck bed, and stay simple enough to use without instructions. Sharpal’s warranty terms matter here too, since these tools live rough lives.
Grit range matters as much as speed. A single coarse stage removes damage fast but leaves a rough edge. Sharpal pairs coarse and fine surfaces on both models here, so one tool can rescue a damaged blade and finish it too.
Warranty length is a real signal in this category. Sharpal backs most of its current catalog with a three year warranty, well past the one year that many budget sharpeners offer.
Weight and pocketability matter for the 101N specifically, since it is meant to live in a bag or a belt sheath. Flatness and grit consistency matter more for the 156N, since it does the heavier bench work.
Here is how the two core models stack up before the deeper breakdown below.
| Model | Type | Best for | Price band | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101N Six in One | Handheld, two stage plus rod | Field and pocket knife touch ups | Under $20 | |
| 156N Diamond Plate | Bench stone, dual grit | Full resharpening at home | Under $50 |
Two Models Worth Owning
101N Six in One Sharpener
Best Overall
Tungsten carbide plus ceramic stages, 400 grit diamond rod, ferrocerium fire starter, whistle, under $20
This is the tool most owners reach for first. It resets a rolled edge in under a minute and works fine with gloves on. The rod handles serrated blades, gut hooks, and fish hooks that flat stages cannot reach.
Sharpal’s official listing puts the sharpening angle near twenty degrees per side. Independent lab testing measured the actual angle closer to fourteen or fifteen degrees. The resulting edge scored below average against dedicated kitchen sharpeners, with visible burrs under a microscope.
That gap matters for context. This tool is built to reset a blade in the field, not to produce a polished kitchen edge.
Owners who want a primary kitchen sharpener should skip this one. Use it only as a backup for pocket and hunting knives.
Pros
- Fast field fixes for straight and serrated blades
- Fire starter and whistle add real survival value
- Simple enough to use with no instructions
- Backed by a three year warranty
Cons
- Fixed angle, no adjustment for blade geometry
- Independent testing found the edge below average for kitchen use
- Cannot sharpen single sided or scissor blades
156N Diamond Plate
Best for Home Sharpening
Coarse 325 grit and extra fine 1200 grit, 6 by 2.5 inches, angle guide, storage case, under $50
This is the model to reach for when a blade needs real work, not a touch up. The coarse side removes chips and rolled steel fast. The fine side brings the edge back to a clean finish in a few minutes.
Owners report cutting time dropping from ten or fifteen minutes on a standard stone to two minutes or less. One enthusiast sharpener tested it against harder steels like SG2 and HAP40 and reported a shaving sharp edge in about three minutes. Full sharpness followed after stropping in under five minutes.
The angle guide takes a session or two to get used to. Pressing too hard on very hard steel can pull diamond grit loose. Owners who let the plate do the work see it hold up longest.
Pros
- Two grits cover repair and finishing in one plate
- Fast cutting even on hard stainless steel
- Comes with a stable storage case and base
Cons
- Angle guide needs practice before it feels natural
- Heavy handed use can strip diamond grit early
- Not built for gut hooks or serrated blades
Where This Lineup Fits, and Where It Doesn’t
This brand suits three kinds of buyers well. Outdoor users want something small enough for a pack. Garage and shop owners want one tool that resets everything from hunting knives to garden shears.
Value minded buyers want a warranty that outlasts cheaper imports. That three year backing is hard to find at this price point.
Enthusiast sharpeners who chase a mirror edge tend to move on to DMT’s enthusiast grade diamond plates. Those hold flatness longer under heavy use and step down to finer grits built for that single job.
For everyday carry knives, a small field stone built for pocket knives covers similar ground to the rod on the 101N, just without the survival extras. Either option works fine for a knife that mostly needs touch ups between real sharpenings.
Mistakes That Waste a Good Edge
The biggest mistake is using the 101N as a primary kitchen sharpener. It was built for field fixes, not polished edges, and independent testing backs that up. A kitchen knife deserves our full guide to manual sharpeners instead.
The second mistake is skipping the angle guide on the 156N and freehanding a plate this aggressive. A slipped angle on 325 grit removes far more steel than a slip on a fine stone. Go slow on the first pass until the muscle memory is there.
The third mistake is buying based on price alone. Small sharpeners made for everyday carry knives range widely in quality. The cheapest option rarely lasts through a full warranty period.
Not sure this lineup fits your knives? Everything we cover on sharpening gear can help you compare styles before you buy.
The bottom line: the 101N earns its keep as a pack ready backup that fixes a dull blade in the field, fire starter included. The 156N is the better choice for real resharpening at a bench. Most buyers in this lineup are best served by owning both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grit is the 156N diamond plate?
It runs coarse 325 grit on one side and extra fine 1200 grit on the other. That range can repair a chipped edge and finish it on the same plate.
Does the 101N work on serrated knives?
Yes. The tapered diamond rod is built for serrated edges, gut hooks, and fish hooks that flat sharpening stages cannot reach.
What is the warranty on these sharpeners?
The maker backs most of its current catalog, including both models here, with a three year warranty. That is well past what many budget competitors offer.
Is the 101N good enough for kitchen knives?
Not as a primary sharpener. Independent testing found the resulting edge below average for kitchen use, with visible burrs. Treat it as a backup or field tool instead.
How does the 156N compare to enthusiast diamond plates?
It cuts fast and handles hard stainless steel well. Dedicated enthusiast plates hold flatness longer under heavy daily use. For occasional home sharpening, the 156N is plenty.
Can beginners use this lineup without training?
Mostly yes. The 101N needs no setup at all. The 156N’s angle guide takes a session or two to get comfortable with, but neither tool demands real skill for a usable edge.
Sources
- Sharpal Inc.: Six in One Knife Sharpener and Survival Tool product page, official specs and warranty. https://sharpal.com/products/6-in-1-knife-sharpener-survival-tool
- Sharpal Inc.: company site, product lineup and warranty terms. https://sharpal.com
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