Practice sharpening cheap knives using Japanese waterstones then practice, practice again … read all the instruction from the net. Try out the techniques that suit you. Simple.
Another user of those cheap Amazon doo dahs here. Not touched the steel since I got it. Fast. Works. More time for life – and still that knife gliding through stuff thing.
A highly recommended sharpening devise, although not cheap, is the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker. Very simple to use, and very effective, and the ceramic sticks make good files as well.
You’ll know when you’re getting good at sharpening a knife or other edged tool when you can shave your arm with a Gransfors camping axe.
oilstone and tea towel for me, plus a good steel, keeps my Dick in tiptop condition.
sharpening machines/gadgets are for sausage fingered sheep.
oil or washing up liquid on stone, using a ‘cross the blade’ motion, never along. keep both sides at the same not-too-shallow angle and take your time.
I bought one of these off my Snap On dealer to use at work but was so impressed it’s now at home. Works a treat. I gave up on a steel after buying this really impressive for such a simple idea. Gatco knife sharpner
