Beginner Sharpener -what setup would you choose?

[cudgee]

This is where I'm at...I'm just looking for old school sharpness.
The guided sharpeners appealed to me because like @c7m2p3 mentioned -- you can generally get good sharpness from a guided system on day 1.
But the freehand talent is cool, for sure and what I also want to obtain.

Thank you cudgee and B bgentry - I'll check out the article, and the products mentioned. I'll get a course stone. What grit are you considering course? I see where the DMT XXC is Extra-Extra-Course.

Depends on the individual, everyone is different. The course stone is your most important, that is the grit that you get your bevel right and your edge. So it all comes down to personal taste, i would class an Aluminium Oxide 240 grit plenty course enough, or a 320 grit is fine, and if you like old school a soft Washita stone is really good. There are a lot of experienced people here who use Diamond stones and plates, they are much more qualified than me to be making recommendations about those mediums, then it comes down to cost. Take your time, look around and buy what you think will suit your needs, but nearly all sharpening stones/plates are available in bench stone and guided sharpener now, this can be a big help. Have a good weekend.

 

[Kerneldrop]

And then I come across the Rikon 161VS 1x30 variable speed belt sander and the Kalamazoo Industries 1x42 sander that B bgentry uses.
The Rikon gets down to 1,909 SFPM and the Kalamazoo is 1800 SFPM. WSKO is variable 1200,2000,2800 SFPM.

I'm going to order a quality extra course stone today, then I'm off to my freehand journey.

I'm liking a powered option...I know it comes with controversy and is user dependent, but I'm confident I can become proficient with it.
Are belt sanders preferred over bench grinders with paper wheels?
Also, to keep it in perspective...I'm not talking heirlooms, collectible knives, or customs. It'll be ok when/if a blade is damaged through the learning process

According to the KME User FB group -- the average sharpening session is 15-45 mins depending on desired outcome.
I can appreciate the mirrored finishes...but I'm more of a utilitarian type. Luxury makes me uncomfortable, haha
Some people commented they spend 3+ hrs. wow.