Hey, I'm no expert, but I don't play one on TV!
Everyone is in love with the SharpMaker -- and for good reason, it works. But, for me, free hand and a quiet place always a) puts a perfect edge on my blade and b) relaxes me. I don't let my blades get dull -- that's the key, I think. I was content in the past with Medium (black) and Fine (Arkansas) stones for all my needs. Then I found steeling, and then stropping. WOW! Sounds basic, but steeling in the AUS6 to AUS10 grades works great, smooth edge, good tooth. But for that push cut, shaving edge that some blades beg for (those high polish beauties that you use, but dont USE) the strop is king. Wharncliffes and a strop = polish, hair popping sharp. Since I am not rolling in cash, I don't have high end steels; a few ATS55, the rest AUS6, 8 and 10. I've even become quite agile with steeling ans stropping serrated edges (I only have 1 toothy knife, but I use it on wood and carpet and other 'dulling' agents). I can rotate the steel and pull the blade across to shape the edge; then I use a rounded strop (dowel, epoxy and leather) to 'shine the teeth.' I like a clean looking edge, not for performance, but looks. Sure, we're all vain to some point. With a few minutes a day on my 'office' users, I can steel and strop an edge that holds up and can be touched up easily. Dull knives? Medium, Fine, Steel and if I want a push-sharp edge, strop (red jeweller's rouge).
Free hand, free hand, free hand...
