I'm sure you all have your preferred method. But whats a simple way a beginner can get a sharp edge for skinning, without spending a fortune?

The Worksharp is pretty easy and works very well.

Yeah, I was thing about that one! Thanks!

worksharp is a good tool. i use one a lot. there is a learning curve though. practice with a couple junkers first.

X2.One of the best things Ihave ever bought.

If you have a relatively inexpensive knife it is hard to beat an Accusharp handheld sharpener and a couple swipes on a steel. The downside is it removes a lot of material.
On my higher dollar knives I use a Lanksky system. It takes a long time but does a great job. I have the Dunn wheels on a grinder also but have never quite mastered keeping the angle I want.
A good steel is important, when you have the edge you want give it a lick every now and again with the steel and it will help hold the edge.

Zim

Norton fine and coarse combo carborundum 8” bench stone an learn how to hold a consistent angle use water not oil. When you have that down you can progress to more advanced techniques. Like draw filing an ax sharper than most people’s pocket knives. Present company excepted of course. I would stay away from power sharpening tools until you know what you’re doing, as it is easy to get the edge hot. Buck knives used to void their warranty if you used one on their knives. Don’t know if they still do.

Mill (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) file

Will thats what the file is called

Lansky sharpener set.

Delivers consistent good results.

I never could get the hang of those sharpening stones and started using replaceable blades until I bought my knife sharp.

Wicked edge being the best I've used but you'll need to do some commercial sharpening to pay for it.

If the knife is really dull I start with a fine file take it to a fine edge, but it will be quite course edge then use a crock stick to get rid of the wire edge and finish sharpening the edge to what you want.
Dennis

Learn how to use bench stones would be my advice. The you and even carry a small pocket stone for when you are out and about. I have one in the truck and one in a fanny pack that I take with me on longer walks. Its tough to do that with any of the mored setups. Even the Lanky set is to much to take along for the most part. I gave mine away after having tried it for a while. I get better results with water stones and diamond plates.

Lock your wrist and use the bolster against a knuckle or thumb as a constant.
I learned how to put an edge on that would easily shave dry hair off my arm when I was about six, I vaguely remember struggling with some knives to get that sharp. Usually it was because someone else had put different angles on either side of the blade.

dexter diamond steel 12 inch has been doing well I am at the point where I am considering a belt grinder or work sharp type to rebevel some knives. that can be done with stones.

the diamond steels do wear out every few years , but a few licks before the knife really gets dull and your right back to gliding through a cut.

Work sharp. Best thing since sliced bread.

There is no learning curve with this. I am with Zim, if the knife has nicks or is very dull the crossed diamond sticks true the angle and make it sharp and the ceramic sticks on the other side finish it. I use replaceable surgical blades for skinning and when they start to get dull few swipes on the ceramic side and it's good to go. Great when in Canada cleaning fish all day, couple swipes on the ceramic and the filet knife is like a razor again.

I used the RADA knife sharpener last season and loved it so much that I sold my electric sharpener. I have one screwed down to my work bench and one in the truck.

https://radakitchenstore.com/products/quick-edge-knife-sharpener

Thanks everyone for your opinions!