The sharpening method I use that most people think is overkill

[Haven]

I use sharpening stones with progressively finer grits, followed by a leather strop and compound. It takes about fifteen minutes per knife. Most people use a simple pull through sharpener, which works but the difference in the edge is noticeable. Taking the extra time gives you a level of sharpness and control that is hard to get any other way.

 

[Hilldweller]

I still have a few sharpening stones sitting around the shop but rarely if ever use them these days. I’ve lost my patience over the years. Without it I resort to using my belt sander (fine belt). Run the blade across it a couple of times and I’m ready to go. Blade dull more quickly, but the belt sander is always available and quick.

A 70+ my arthritis pretty much prevents me from using the stones; although I applaud those who do.

 

[CoyoteHunter]

I have also a lot of different stones (more than I really need), but I also have blades of different steel that require different stones to be used.

I, too, sharpen much like Haven said above, some of the blades that I have, do have high RC hardness, so they require a different stone then some other blades.

With all the new sharpening systems on the market, sharpening has become much easier now. I have two different sharpeners now, and they really make sharpening a breeze.

 

[Hilldweller]

I have also a lot of different stones (more than I really need), but I also have blades of different steel that require different stones to be used.

I, too, sharpen much like Haven said above, some of the blades that I have, do have high RC hardness, so they require a different stone then some other blades.

With all the new sharpening systems on the market, sharpening has become much easier now. I have two different sharpeners now, and they really make sharpening a breeze.

Pictures are worth 1000 words….(I’ll add the word “please” as I’m interested in what your using that makes it a breeze.)

 

[VancMike]

I might have every sharpener known to man, but have a few favorites, including some spiffy Japanese stones akin to those used in the movie "Kill Bill."

Although I might admit to walking over to the chisel power grinder my father-in-law gifted me....

 

[CoyoteHunter]

Pictures are worth 1000 words….(I’ll add the word “please” as I’m interested in what your using that makes it a breeze.)

Here are 2 pictures that I got from the web, much easier to show this way, instead of having to assemble them.
The TSProf is a good sharpener for long kitchen knifes and the KLM I used for everything else.

The TSProf will go down to a 13-degree angle, which is what I use on a couple chef knifes.

 

[Unshaven2897]

I have career machinist experience in a medical/research R&D lab sharpening some of the craziest things one could imagine and mostly all by hand. On the other extreme in the tool room building and sharpening production cutting tools and mostly all by machine (Cincinnati #2). Still to this day I have a BUNCH or different sharpening 'stones' that are very dear to me. And grinders set up for different stuff.

but I also have blades of different steel that require different stones to be used.

Bingo.

followed by a leather strop and compound

Absolutely. And several strops - each reserved for the embedded compound for the edge.

But over all the different experiences, ya just HAVE to have the angle, so to speak. And there is no one correct angle because it varies by what the job/material is at the moment.

Chain saw cutters with compound angles are really fun discussions.

 

[Hilldweller]

Wow ! Those puppies ain’t cheap !

I could only justify one of those if I had a sharpening business or had hundreds of knives to keep sharp. Personally I only have a dozen or so so kitchen knives and 8-10 misc hunting/utility knives. Think I’ll be staying with my “sticks” to put a quick edge before cutting stuff for dinner and the occasional drop off at a local guy who does sharpening out of his house.

 

[Unshaven2897]

Wow ! Those puppies ain’t cheap !

I could only justify one of those if I had a sharpening business or had hundreds of knives to keep sharp. Personally I only have a dozen or so so kitchen knives and 8-10 misc hunting/utility knives. Think I’ll be staying with my “sticks” to put a quick edge before cutting stuff for dinner and the occasional drop off at a local guy who does sharpening out of his house.

Well, probably if you went and bought new. Frankly I'm not sure how I could replace some/many of them.

I have one dark grey stone that is like a piece of glass but it does cut. It's worthless on a knife but will polish a razor blade. But then ya have to get rid of the burr.