I'm going to spend $200 on a sharpener... tell me what to buy

[bgentry]

If you take the time to learn sharpening theory and then practice it a bit, you can effectively sharpen a knife with any sharpening system. If you don't invest the time and effort to develop a proper skill set, no manual system will work for you unless you're lucky.

Some systems are easier than others, but your message is very clear to me: The basics of sharpening never change. It's just how you get there. All tools require knowledge to use them.

I have my Wicked Edge set up for 15 degrees. With Benchmade giving the blade such a excellent profile already, I can put an extremely sharp, nearly perfect edge on it in maybe an hour. Yes, a paper sharpener can do it faster, but the Wicked Edge is like Zen poetry.

To me, acquiring a new skill such as blade sharpening is more satisfying than acquiring a new knife, especially a knife I can't maintain. Rather than go looking for the most idiot-proof sharpener, stop looking at yourself as an idiot and acquire skill you need. Then get the sharpening system that will give you the most satisfaction.

I love these two quotes. It says so much about why I'm a sharpening whacko.

Brian.