Need some stone help

[Over Kill]

I have a little experience with sharpening stones. I prefer the free hand method of sharpening over kits like the sharpmaker. I have just recently begun collecting fine knives. For instance I have a sebenza and a busse. I do not think I am in the position to sharpen these knives free hand. I don't want to risk it. I do however eventually want to get good enough to sharpen them with stones. I have a few cheaper knives that I have dedicated to practice knives. I want a DMT sharpener, I like the whetstones but do not know what grit to buy. Does anyone have any suggestions for me maybe a better stone to buy to start practicing with?

 

[Over Kill]

I have narrowed it down to: DMT diafold (Course & Fine) or the DMT 3 mini whetstone kit comes with (course, fine and extra fine)

 

[zhangmaster12]

Go ahead to lowes or homedepot, and buy a cheap norton oil stone. Get some 3-in-one oil. Watch Murray Carter's youtube vids and imitate. Theres no special trick or formula, it just takes practice.
If you are willing to spend a couple more bucks, get yourself a 1k and 6k grit waterstones. You can always add more stones later after you get better at sharpening.

DMT's: Note, this is from what I've read throughout the forums:
Get Diasharps, they give you better performance. Get XXC, C, EF, EEF.
As for the motion of sharpening, I dont know, but I dont think its the same as a waterstone. Check out nozh2002's videos on youtube.

It will be an absolute pain to sharpen large knives on the folding dmt's.