really a std benchstone like a norton india works far better for me than a SM, sharpening it like on the EKI website(
www.emersonknives.com ), then stropping it, the SM will work though, i prefer it with the stones flat like a benchstone, some folks can use the SM set up the std way (in a "V") but instead of holding the knife straight up/down they cant it to the right angle, which i dont like very much, too hard to stay uniform for me, but its is possible. then of course raise a burr, then strop the reverse side w/a steel, or a strop, or a piece of card board, whatever, thats it.
the important thing to remember is ya want to raise a burr, ya do this by going away from you on 1 side only, the opposite of cutting into the stone, raising the burr on the reverse side (and get a good burr) then strop it, imho the better the burr the sharper it will get, its diff than other grinds, but really easier once ya understand WTF. also for max sharpness ya want ot go FLAT on the reverse side, flat on the stone/steel, to remove the burr, which will scuff the blade, to not scuff it either put some masking tape on the back of the blade, or slightly tilt the knife to the side just enough to clear the blade, which will not work quite as well as being flat, but no scuffs. the tape also works good if ya have tape when ya need to sharpen. of course the scuffs dont bother some folks its just cosmetic of course. oh, and a very fine stone like a spyderco ultra fine white stone is good for removing the burr also, really ya could just lightly stroke on a std benchstone, just depends on what works for you, ernie emerson uses cardboard lol. imho my fav is a steel.
it sounds more complicated than it is lol.
but look at the emerson website first, they have a good description of what to do with pics/etc, its easier to explain and understand too.
good luck.......
