Aaron, I don’t think the sharpener is the item at fault here; I think it’s your chosen technique. I see at the 5:10 mark you are using what I call the “boy scout technique” where you sharpen the entire length of cutting edge in a single pass then flip the blade and repeat on the opposite side. One of the main disadvantages with choosing to use that particular sharpening technique is that it requires your stone be of nearly equal length to the length of the blade being sharpened. In other words, this technique doesn’t work very well if you have a 4” long sharpening surface and a 13” blade as demonstrated at the 7:25 mark. Instead, my recommendation to get the most out of your sharpener is to change your technique and use small circular motions instead of the “Boy Scout method”. When sharpening something like the ESEE Junglas, lay the blade on the sharpening surface at your desired angle and then move the blade in small circular motions slowly moving down the length of the blade until you get your burr, then repeat on the other side. The grits on this sharpener are not the issue here. If you’re not getting a shaving sharp edge off this pocket sharpener it’s because you’re not creating a true apex when your sharpen, which again has nothing to do with the sharpening medium being used, and everything to do with technique. Lastly, I would not recommend sharpening an axe like you demonstrate at the 7:00 mark. This is just awkward and silly. Instead, you should take the stone to the tool, only this time move the stone in small circular motions as if you were using a puck. Get a burr, switch sides, repeat. Again, I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with this sharpener Aaron, I think it has more to do with your sharpening technique. The Boy Scout method doesn’t work well on small stones, and besides, it’s probably the single SLOWEST sharpening technique there is! So if you like to spend ALL DAY sharpening your knives, then by all means, it’s your life! Lol. I just want to see you get better results, faster. ;-) Good luck brother!
I have the pocket sharpener and I used it on a 9” blade and used it on my 20-year-old cold steel Oda 3V steel knife. It was thoroughly used and used for prying and roughing camping food prep and wood processing. It became extremely dull. Used all manner of stones, belt Sanders, etc. But this work sharp pocket sharpener resharpened it with my expert skill in sharpening all manner of knives. This pocket sharpener worked excellently and sharpened my old 3V and other carbon steel knives. Including my Damascus tracker knife and I'd recommend this sharpener for an emergency kit or bug-out bag. You just need to know what you're doing to use it right. As for stropping as you claim is the advantage of the larger one, just buy yourself a good leather belt. U can use a leather belt to strop a knife and my grandpa taught me that, I know that it works. The field sharpener is great don't get me wrong. But in a bug-out situation or a hiking situation where you need to resharpen your knife, carbon or stainless steel alloys. This imo functions to sharpen a good knife and just buying a leather belt will strop a knife better than the work sharp. That's how frontiersmen and my native American ancestors used leather to strop a knife.
Just got the pocket knife sharpener yesterday. Works pretty well...sharpened one really dull pocket knife and another which wasn't nearly as dull. For its size and price, I am happy with the edge I got from the Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener.
I actually bought the WorkSharp Field Sharpener on your recommendation about a year ago now, and I love the thing! I use it all the time and it goes in my EDC/Hiking bag pretty much everywhere with me. I feel like if you already have the field sharpener there's not much reason to get the pocket knife sharpener. Personally if I felt that I needed another one to keep in my vehicle or something I'd just get another field sharpener.
I have the original work sharp, you can't beat all the tools on it. I'd rather keep the bigger one if I went out planning on using my tools. Chips happen and I'd want to repair whatever tool I'm using as fast as I can. Thanks for the video.
One option specifically regarding "Axes" you might have overlooked on the "Field" sharpener is that the diamond plates with the Field sharpener are just held on by magnets. As such you can remove them from the system and work them in a circular pattern back and forth over the axe edge for quicker results, rather than the push and draw method with the plate mounted that's better suited for knives.
I'm with a lot of other viewers, once I saw the review on the field sharpener I bought one and have used it a lot. When I have a dull Mora or a pocket knife most of the time I just give it a few strops and it's right back to razor sharp. Very easy to use even if you have never sharpened knife before.
Anyone who uses tools in the outdoors that gets to try a field sharpener will own multiple. I bought one and as soon as I tried it I was back at the store buying Two more. Field sharpener also has the broad head wrenches under the stones for bow hunters which I have always thought was a great touch. Good review.
I used the pocket sharpener on my cold steel ODA 3V steel knife. If you go slower and keep the edge steady angle I got my ODA razor sharp. I've never used the field sharpener but I know how to use a Schrade diamond pocket steel I use both on my Tomahawks, cold steel knives, and my Kershaw camp 10 using the Schrade diamond steel and I've kept my blades extremely sharp for years. I've used my tools for camping and heavy cutting use. I keep my blades extremely sharp. It is especially true as in the field you'll not hit your knives on cement maybe a rock. But a good San Mai blade or 3V or s35vn steel folders i have ive kept them razor with the pocket sharpener. If you’re a hiker or prepper oz count and id recommend the pocket sharpener. Its-plenty great for me. Just take your time and if you’re diligent with your edging process I’ve never needed a strop and I’ve sharpened my knives so well they cut sheer through heavy duty chain mail and cut through bull bone like nothing.
Thanks for showing and discussing the difference in size between the two models - that is what I was most interested in. I'm setting up a small molle pouch to attach to a large chopper/survival knife sheath, and I am in need of a small, but effective sharpening system for the pouch. The pocket sharpener may just be it. I already own the field sharpener, and yes, it is awesome, but too big for my intended application. By the way, I recommend holding a large knife still and moving the sharpener across the blade. This little pocket sharpener can handle any size knife this way.
I've tried both and just reordered some plates for my field sharpener... I say that the field sharpener the big brother is the better choice and anybody wants and complain about it I tell him to stop being gram weenie😂.. but seriously the field sharpener hands down is what I take with me everywhere I go when I'm out bushcrafting camping going to the beach car camping excetera excetera excetera
If I'm going to have a bag, the Field Sharpener will go in it. If I want something to go in a pocket while I'm out on the property, (and not trying to saw concrete with my Opinel) well, the pocket sharpener is great. The Micro I carry every day. Taking care of your every day smaller folders and/or sometimes a friends knife it's great.
I think you meant the heavier 220 grit on the bigger one and then the finer 600 to refine that edge? You said it in reverse there, but we get what you mean. I may pick up one of these, bought the tri stone sharpener based on your review. Keep up the great videos Aaron and thank you for making these.
I have tried about every sharpener out there. I’ve always had trouble keeping the correct angle. Been able to get a useable blade till I got the 5 step Work Sharp. 5 minutes and I’m popping hair everywhere. Best sharpener on the market.. I don’t need a 8 thousand grit Japanese stone that takes two hours to get a super sharp edge and than the edge is destroyed after using it a couple of times. People buy this and you won’t regret it.
I’ve seen several reviews of this excellent tool, and no one ever mentioned that the actual sharpening angle will not be 20 degrees - it’ll be 20+half of the angle between the sides of your blade, unless you have a blade with parallel sides (made out of a hacksaw blade etc.). For most of my knives, the actual angle is 23 degrees or more which is usable but a bit too much.
I have the Worksharp sand belt sharpener and that tool is worth it's weight in gold. The Worksharp company makes awesome products that anybody can afford.
Great review, as always., I totally agree that if every ounce matters, the Pocket Sharpener is the way to go. You'll have to look after your knives a bit more often, but that's not a bad thing.
I Grant you that this is an excellent, compact field sharpener. It is a Lo price and not a berg ticket item. My favorite thing is the angle guides keeping my edge honest
Wasted opportunity. It should have had a ceramic rod and a leather strop. We are not abusing our pocket knives to need an aggressive diamond sharpener. I carry two ceramics and a strop. Perfection.
Blimey!!! That 'All Trails' app works for the UK! Many thanks for the heads-up - found some lovely hikes around my area - sadly I'm not sure if we should be going out and about at the moment due to the Corona Virus. Just trying to find out if hiking (even lone) is not recommended just now. :( I will be picking up one of the sharpeners though (British law restricts 'carry' knives to 3 inches long so it should be fine). Thanks!
Amen and been looking for a reliable sharpening tool for awhile. Do you have a good introduction to quality sharpening technique, more then just kitchen sharpeners? Downloaded AllTrails app too... Thank you! 😎👍
Check out Amazon Trails in Brazil! I've been through the Jungle with them twice now and they are awesome and it's beautiful country!! Anyway, I hope you would give that a thought!
Is the field sharpener enough for sharpening knives, or you have any sharpening stones and the field sharpener is just when you travel ? Great review BTW.
#2 Mailbag Hi Aaron, I wanted to ask you - who teached you the way you talk? I think your talk is so good that you could sell a water to flood victims :) Even if you say the same think again and again and you often do, the way you do it is not annoying. Not many people have something like that and I think it's great because your channel is even more interesting and people can learn, remember things quicker and better. By the way - great to have someone like you on the web :) God Bless
Hi ..I bought the manix2 on your recommendation... Thnx 4 that. I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income and expenses are tight. I'm not really proficient on knife sharpening and don't want to ruin my new Manix2. (just got it today) Is there a pull through sharpener that works and won't break the bank? Jim
Personally I don’t like pull through sharpeners, they are easy to use but you can’t get your knife very sharp. If you do get a pull through sharpener and are on a budget, you can try the sharpal 101n 6 in 1 sharpener or the Smith’s pocket pal 1 or 2
Carbide pull through sharpeners can cause small chips in the blade, so I would not use it on anything harder than 1095, but ceramic pull through sharpeners should work with most blades. Like I said before, your blade will not be able to get razor sharp with a pull through sharpener
You've got your grit numbers backwards. 100 grit is rougher/courser than 500 grit, 700, is finer, 1000 grit is even finer and so on. Smaller number=rougher, Bigger number=finer
Two questions: 1. In your uses of Field Sharpener, do you see any sign of diamond plates gets worn out? And 2. Does it worth to buy the Work Sharp GSS? BTW thank you for you introduced OKC Wraith. I just got mine and it brought me a lot of joy.
#mailbag Love your videos 2 thumbs up learn alot from you brother. My question what would you recommend gear wise to start bushcraft and overnight camping with a $500 budget thank you. God Bless.
Definitely going to check out the All Trails app. I live in corn country and there isn't much scenery in the belly of IL. Been looking for some scenic trails locally. #mailbag Other than John 3:16, what's your favorite Bible verse and why?
I wonder if worksharp makes a finer grit diamond stone for that little sharpener? Of course, any of my diamond stones can be cut down to fit. For now, I'll just carry a small ceramic stone by itself. Touch up if needed in the field, repairs at home.
How did you miss South America??? If you are looking for South American ADVENTURE you got go to Venezuela. LOL I've seen the videos its crazy down there.
If I were you, I wouldn't bother going to Latin American nations, the Middle East, & much less Africa. I'd go to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or some Scandinavian country. Just saying.
I am sorry, I was going on 4hours of sleep when I filmed the part about the grits. Obviously the higher the number the finer the grit.
gideonstactical I was wondering lol
gideonstactical thanks for clarifying i was about to ask if diamond grits work differently :)
Understand the need for sleep and kids. I am going to pass on this one
First thing i noticed, glad you realised that
Aaron, I don’t think the sharpener is the item at fault here; I think it’s your chosen technique. I see at the 5:10 mark you are using what I call the “boy scout technique” where you sharpen the entire length of cutting edge in a single pass then flip the blade and repeat on the opposite side. One of the main disadvantages with choosing to use that particular sharpening technique is that it requires your stone be of nearly equal length to the length of the blade being sharpened. In other words, this technique doesn’t work very well if you have a 4” long sharpening surface and a 13” blade as demonstrated at the 7:25 mark. Instead, my recommendation to get the most out of your sharpener is to change your technique and use small circular motions instead of the “Boy Scout method”. When sharpening something like the ESEE Junglas, lay the blade on the sharpening surface at your desired angle and then move the blade in small circular motions slowly moving down the length of the blade until you get your burr, then repeat on the other side. The grits on this sharpener are not the issue here. If you’re not getting a shaving sharp edge off this pocket sharpener it’s because you’re not creating a true apex when your sharpen, which again has nothing to do with the sharpening medium being used, and everything to do with technique. Lastly, I would not recommend sharpening an axe like you demonstrate at the 7:00 mark. This is just awkward and silly. Instead, you should take the stone to the tool, only this time move the stone in small circular motions as if you were using a puck. Get a burr, switch sides, repeat. Again, I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with this sharpener Aaron, I think it has more to do with your sharpening technique. The Boy Scout method doesn’t work well on small stones, and besides, it’s probably the single SLOWEST sharpening technique there is! So if you like to spend ALL DAY sharpening your knives, then by all means, it’s your life! Lol. I just want to see you get better results, faster. ;-) Good luck brother!
Thanks for the comment. I totally agree.
Dan, time for you to make and video! Thanks for the advise!
I just got the pocket knife sharpener and I like it so far
I have the pocket sharpener and I used it on a 9” blade and used it on my 20-year-old cold steel Oda 3V steel knife. It was thoroughly used and used for prying and roughing camping food prep and wood processing. It became extremely dull. Used all manner of stones, belt Sanders, etc. But this work sharp pocket sharpener resharpened it with my expert skill in sharpening all manner of knives. This pocket sharpener worked excellently and sharpened my old 3V and other carbon steel knives. Including my Damascus tracker knife and I'd recommend this sharpener for an emergency kit or bug-out bag. You just need to know what you're doing to use it right. As for stropping as you claim is the advantage of the larger one, just buy yourself a good leather belt. U can use a leather belt to strop a knife and my grandpa taught me that, I know that it works. The field sharpener is great don't get me wrong. But in a bug-out situation or a hiking situation where you need to resharpen your knife, carbon or stainless steel alloys. This imo functions to sharpen a good knife and just buying a leather belt will strop a knife better than the work sharp. That's how frontiersmen and my native American ancestors used leather to strop a knife.
Just a reminder:
Brazil is not entirely covered in jungle, we have savannah, prairie, semi arid and subalpine environments as well!
Just got the pocket knife sharpener yesterday. Works pretty well...sharpened one really dull pocket knife and another which wasn't nearly as dull. For its size and price, I am happy with the edge I got from the Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener.
I actually bought the WorkSharp Field Sharpener on your recommendation about a year ago now, and I love the thing! I use it all the time and it goes in my EDC/Hiking bag pretty much everywhere with me. I feel like if you already have the field sharpener there's not much reason to get the pocket knife sharpener. Personally if I felt that I needed another one to keep in my vehicle or something I'd just get another field sharpener.
I have the original work sharp, you can't beat all the tools on it. I'd rather keep the bigger one if I went out planning on using my tools. Chips happen and I'd want to repair whatever tool I'm using as fast as I can. Thanks for the video.
One option specifically regarding "Axes" you might have overlooked on the "Field" sharpener is that the diamond plates with the Field sharpener are just held on by magnets. As such you can remove them from the system and work them in a circular pattern back and forth over the axe edge for quicker results, rather than the push and draw method with the plate mounted that's better suited for knives.
I'm with a lot of other viewers, once I saw the review on the field sharpener I bought one and have used it a lot. When I have a dull Mora or a pocket knife most of the time I just give it a few strops and it's right back to razor sharp. Very easy to use even if you have never sharpened knife before.
Anyone who uses tools in the outdoors that gets to try a field sharpener will own multiple. I bought one and as soon as I tried it I was back at the store buying Two more. Field sharpener also has the broad head wrenches under the stones for bow hunters which I have always thought was a great touch. Good review.
I used the pocket sharpener on my cold steel ODA 3V steel knife. If you go slower and keep the edge steady angle I got my ODA razor sharp. I've never used the field sharpener but I know how to use a Schrade diamond pocket steel I use both on my Tomahawks, cold steel knives, and my Kershaw camp 10 using the Schrade diamond steel and I've kept my blades extremely sharp for years. I've used my tools for camping and heavy cutting use. I keep my blades extremely sharp. It is especially true as in the field you'll not hit your knives on cement maybe a rock. But a good San Mai blade or 3V or s35vn steel folders i have ive kept them razor with the pocket sharpener. If you’re a hiker or prepper oz count and id recommend the pocket sharpener. Its-plenty great for me. Just take your time and if you’re diligent with your edging process I’ve never needed a strop and I’ve sharpened my knives so well they cut sheer through heavy duty chain mail and cut through bull bone like nothing.
Thanks for showing and discussing the difference in size between the two models - that is what I was most interested in. I'm setting up a small molle pouch to attach to a large chopper/survival knife sheath, and I am in need of a small, but effective sharpening system for the pouch. The pocket sharpener may just be it. I already own the field sharpener, and yes, it is awesome, but too big for my intended application. By the way, I recommend holding a large knife still and moving the sharpener across the blade. This little pocket sharpener can handle any size knife this way.
I've tried both and just reordered some plates for my field sharpener... I say that the field sharpener the big brother is the better choice and anybody wants and complain about it I tell him to stop being gram weenie😂.. but seriously the field sharpener hands down is what I take with me everywhere I go when I'm out bushcrafting camping going to the beach car camping excetera excetera excetera
Great side by side comparison! Thanks for sharing.
Bought the Field Sharpener based on your review.. great item, use it all the time! Pocket sharpener not for me...
If I'm going to have a bag, the Field Sharpener will go in it.
If I want something to go in a pocket while I'm out on the property, (and not trying to saw concrete with my Opinel) well, the pocket sharpener is great.
The Micro I carry every day. Taking care of your every day smaller folders and/or sometimes a friends knife it's great.
I think you meant the heavier 220 grit on the bigger one and then the finer 600 to refine that edge? You said it in reverse there, but we get what you mean. I may pick up one of these, bought the tri stone sharpener based on your review. Keep up the great videos Aaron and thank you for making these.
Seconded. I'm pretty sure 600 grit is finer than 220 grit. Grit, mesh, micron convert chart see : www.gessweincanada.com/category-s/11328.htm
ThisIsAPrettyLongUserNameWhyTheFuckWouldHeDoThatSoThatEveryoneWouldThumbsUpIt yes I was going on 4hour of sleep for a few days with the baby.
I have tried about every sharpener out there. I’ve always had trouble keeping the correct angle. Been able to get a useable blade till I got the 5 step Work Sharp. 5 minutes and I’m popping hair everywhere. Best sharpener on the market.. I don’t need a 8 thousand grit Japanese stone that takes two hours to get a super sharp edge and than the edge is destroyed after using it a couple of times. People buy this and you won’t regret it.
The best part about your great reviews is the gear you review looks like it’s been used, NICE.
I’ve seen several reviews of this excellent tool, and no one ever mentioned that the actual sharpening angle will not be 20 degrees - it’ll be 20+half of the angle between the sides of your blade, unless you have a blade with parallel sides (made out of a hacksaw blade etc.). For most of my knives, the actual angle is 23 degrees or more which is usable but a bit too much.
Bought the field sharpener based on your review when it came out and have been very happy with it!
I have the Worksharp sand belt sharpener and that tool is worth it's weight in gold. The Worksharp company makes awesome products that anybody can afford.
I love this tool. Gets my Spyderco Tenacious razor sharp!
Great review, as always., I totally agree that if every ounce matters, the Pocket Sharpener is the way to go. You'll have to look after your knives a bit more often, but that's not a bad thing.
I Grant you that this is an excellent, compact field sharpener. It is a Lo price and not a berg ticket item. My favorite thing is the angle guides keeping my edge honest
One of these in my pocket organizer, the older one in my backpack.
Both.....I want both. I have the Combo sharpener and LOVE IT! These two are crucial at different times. Great review my dude!!!
A piece of 600 and 800 grit wet dry paper are lightweight and can be carried with the pocket sharpener
Great review, very informative side by side comparison! Also, thanks for answering my question!!
Wasted opportunity. It should have had a ceramic rod and a leather strop. We are not abusing our pocket knives to need an aggressive diamond sharpener. I carry two ceramics and a strop. Perfection.
Great video. I just got my field sharpener that I bought based off your past recommendations.
Blimey!!! That 'All Trails' app works for the UK! Many thanks for the heads-up - found some lovely hikes around my area - sadly I'm not sure if we should be going out and about at the moment due to the Corona Virus. Just trying to find out if hiking (even lone) is not recommended just now. :( I will be picking up one of the sharpeners though (British law restricts 'carry' knives to 3 inches long so it should be fine). Thanks!
Amen and been looking for a reliable sharpening tool for awhile. Do you have a good introduction to quality sharpening technique, more then just kitchen sharpeners? Downloaded AllTrails app too... Thank you! 😎👍
Thanks for the video I was looking at these 2 on Amazon but this video answered my questions the bigger one for me thanks alot
320 should remove damage faster than 600 as it's a more aggressive grit
Check out Amazon Trails in Brazil! I've been through the Jungle with them twice now and they are awesome and it's beautiful country!! Anyway, I hope you would give that a thought!
So I just got the feild sharpener I love it I wish I didn't wait so long to get one
I got the field sharpener after your review and honestly, I'll stick with it. It works too well for me to justify getting something else
Is the field sharpener enough for sharpening knives, or you have any sharpening stones and the field sharpener is just when you travel ?
Great review BTW.
The field Sharpener is too good to leave home.
#2 Mailbag
Hi Aaron, I wanted to ask you - who teached you the way you talk? I think your talk is so good that you could sell a water to flood victims :) Even if you say the same think again and again and you often do, the way you do it is not annoying. Not many people have something like that and I think it's great because your channel is even more interesting and people can learn, remember things quicker and better. By the way - great to have someone like you on the web :)
God Bless
So why is it discontinued if it's so great?
Any experiences with the Benchmade bushcrafter? I know it’s pricey, but I am very tempted.
#mailbag, would you be interested in making your own knife, either full forging or by stock removal? What would you like to make?
That larger one is a nice device.
Why do you sharpen backwards with the grits? I don’t think that’s good advice for people watching your channel that don’t know either.
Hi ..I bought the manix2 on your recommendation... Thnx 4 that. I'm a senior citizen on a fixed income and expenses are tight. I'm not really proficient on knife sharpening and don't want to ruin my new Manix2. (just got it today) Is there a pull through sharpener that works and won't break the bank? Jim
Personally I don’t like pull through sharpeners, they are easy to use but you can’t get your knife very sharp. If you do get a pull through sharpener and are on a budget, you can try the sharpal 101n 6 in 1 sharpener or the Smith’s pocket pal 1 or 2
Carbide pull through sharpeners can cause small chips in the blade, so I would not use it on anything harder than 1095, but ceramic pull through sharpeners should work with most blades. Like I said before, your blade will not be able to get razor sharp with a pull through sharpener
I would recommend always sharpening away from yourself. Sharpening towards yourself is a bad idea.
You've got your grit numbers backwards. 100 grit is rougher/courser than 500 grit, 700, is finer, 1000 grit is even finer and so on. Smaller number=rougher, Bigger number=finer
What shoes are you wearing in this video....they look like merrels if so which ones
#mailbag what are your thoughts about using a bow drill to start a fire. do you do use that technique or no and tell us why.
Two questions: 1. In your uses of Field Sharpener, do you see any sign of diamond plates gets worn out? And 2. Does it worth to buy the Work Sharp GSS?
BTW thank you for you introduced OKC Wraith. I just got mine and it brought me a lot of joy.
#mailbag Love your videos 2 thumbs up learn alot from you brother. My question what would you recommend gear wise to start bushcraft and overnight camping with a $500 budget thank you. God Bless.
#mailbag what’s your edc storage/ knife tray where you dumb your pockets at home?
#mailbag, pour over or press, coffee? Light, medium or dark roast?
Definitely going to check out the All Trails app. I live in corn country and there isn't much scenery in the belly of IL. Been looking for some scenic trails locally.
#mailbag Other than John 3:16, what's your favorite Bible verse and why?
Cool,man
So glad you brought up this information. Was really wondering about this subject! Thanks again!
#mailbag I want to buy lansky knife sharpener. If you use them, which is your favorite.
would be more comfortable to move the sharpener instead of the blade(larger knives), with it being so small
Excellent Review
When you fly do you claim knives like you firearms? I've seen people lose some nice knives to TSA?
Knives have to go in checked bags at the front counter when you arrive at the airlines.
#mailbag will you be reviewing any Bark River Knives in the future?
I wonder if worksharp makes a finer grit diamond stone for that little sharpener? Of course, any of my diamond stones can be cut down to fit. For now, I'll just carry a small ceramic stone by itself. Touch up if needed in the field, repairs at home.
How did you miss South America??? If you are looking for South American ADVENTURE you got go to Venezuela. LOL I've seen the videos its crazy down there.
What would you recommend for a field sharpener for a Mora Garberg?
I mean seriously dude. You just put a machete on a POCKET KNIFE SHARPENER SMH
#mailbag what kind of watches do you wear for outdoors ?
The kind that tell time
Unusable for me. To any novice I recommend a system where the blade stays in one position.
If I were you, I wouldn't bother going to Latin American nations, the Middle East, & much less Africa. I'd go to Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or some Scandinavian country. Just saying.