Please don't take this the wrong way: before you start sharpening, before you pick up the first knife to sharpen, read, read, read (I'm old. I guess maybe I should type "Watch UTube, UTube, UTube" instead...). You should review explanations of the basics of knife geometry (what is FFG? What is hollow ground? Is there a difference in sharpening them?), edge geometry (What is a convex edge? Why in world would I use one, and how do I sharpen it? Why shouldn't I use an of 10 degrees per side? What is reprofiling? What is a microbevel?), sharpening issues (what is a choil? what is a distal taper? do I have to use oil on my stones? do I have to use stones? what grits are essential to have in my sharpening kit? what grits are nice to have in my kit?).
After you have read up on this stuff, and can explain it - both with words and also with drawing some pictures - then get a practice knife and your sharpening system. I would, personally, keep an eye out on the Buy/Sell forum for cheap folders that I can use for practice. Initially, steel type doesn't matter as much as having a knife to practice on; for example, at one point, I picked up 3 budget folders for a total of $70 shipped. I picked up another folder for $10 shipped. These are cheap enough that if you slip and drag the face of the blade along the face of the stone leaving big marks, it just doesn't matter. Your budget (and more importantly, your ego) will survive intact.
One last thought: whatever system you decide to purchase and use, take time to understand why it might be inherently unsafe and dangerous. Every system has scenarios that you will put yourself in that leave your digits in quite a vulnerable position. Learn how to avoid a trip to the ER.
Good luck, and have fun!
