I have a few sharpening methods (and another one I hope to get for Christmas), but my go-to for a quick and easy experience is the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener. I can’t say enough good things about it. Since I’ve purchased it, I’ve hardly had to bust out my Lansky Diamond Guided Sharpening System (which is a good budget option, too).

Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009YKHZ96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_7o54FbZQ4C0ZB

Work Sharp Field sharpener will easily fit in any bag and probably some larger pockets.

The Work Sharp pocket sharpener will, like the name says, fit in a pocket.

Then whatever decent folding knife you want.

I've bought tons of knives from Amazon without a problem. Most of these reported problems are cases of pretentious knife idiots who want to prove how discerning their tastes in knives are so they declare any factory edge dull and below their standards. I've had plenty of Kershaw knives and every one of them had a sharp edge out of the box/packaging.

Every knife owner should know how to clean, oil, adjust and sharpen to maintain their knives. Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is about the best do-all tool you can get on Amazon for $30 to learn to sharpen with. Not only will it save you money, but there is a sense of pride to be had in taking care of your own tools.

I've only sent one knife in to the mothership to be sharpened and it turned out great. The only reason I sent it in was I had a hard time getting the tip sharp. That being said, invest in a good sharpening system and a strop. It's a skill worth having and will save you a lot of time.

For touch ups I've had great results with the Spyderco Sharpmaker. Also the Work Sharp Field Sharpener and even the Lansky Turn box or Lansky Masters Edge.

The Work Sharp Precision is good too but better for reprofiling IMHO.

And I have a strop from Stropman.