Sharpening stones are necessary kit correct? Indeed they are, so much so because their a vital component to maintaining the most important manufactured tool carried into the wilds; a metal knife. A sharp rust free knife is a proper knife, a proper knife is a functioning knife, a functioning knife in the hands of a skilled person can make miracles commonplace. From carving fire kits, traps, feather sticks, containers, spoons, bows, arrows, spears, butchering, shelter components, to cooking rigs, a knife equals life. Thus a smart plan is to have a backup for your sharpening stone that can be found in the wilds, keeping that ever important tool in top shape no matter the situation.
Stones found amongst streams, rivers and lakes fit the requirement as a Primitive Mimic for a sharpening stone. Truly all that must be found is a smooth stone with a flat spot. Sharpening in the same way as a handheld stone makes quick work of sharpening a knife's edge, I use small circles along my knife's edge, alternating sides until my edge is ferocious. That's it, done deal.
...If ever your found in the wilds without your sharpening stone, never forget whence sharpening stones originated.
Ive carved many spoons over the years, and the season, the locale, the type of wood used, even the weather at the time, all play a part in forming the memory carried within it. Some spoons are basic with clean lines, others sleek with refined angles, all depending on my whim at the time and listening to what the wood was telling me to carve. Point being, there's a magic to walking into a forest and keenly choosing your work piece to whittle down into an elegant, yet functioning work of bush art literally employed everyday at meal time to cook your soups and stews, to flip your frying fish filets, to stir your coffee and teas, to mix your bannocks, and of course; savor each spoonful of a meal.
Creating something so valuable for everyday living with your hands, knife and wits, imparts a feeling of connection for the forest within yourself that's reaffirmed every meal its spoon shares with you.
