need tips for a sharpener (noob needs help)

[GuinnessSynd]

OK, so with Christmas around the corner and my knife collection growing, I need to invest in a sharpener. I have a tiny little field stone I use and a smiths pocket pal, and I have just been using cardboard from work to ghetto strop. i can get a surprisingly sharp edge but I want better. I don't have a ton to spend. i would love to get the wicked edge one day but that will have to wait a long while. Was looking at the Sharpmaker or the Lanksy systems but wanted to get the experts opinions on the matter. I can sharpen free hand just so you know, could use more practice but I have the basics down on that. Any suggestions and help would be
GREATLY appreciated.

 

[singularity35]

If you can sharpen freehand, you might just want to get some good quality benchstones. I know I would if I was any good at freehand.

 

[thegeek574]

spend 25 bucks on a used bench grinder and 50 bucks on paper wheels. it is fast, get knives SHARP, and isn't that hard to learn. also, it is faster at re profiling that anything short of a belt sander.

 

[ChapmanPreferred]

I do like the Spyderco Sharpmaker a lot. It is very effective at keeping up your edges. It shines its brightest with the diamond rods and Ultra-fine rods as part of the kit. If speed is your goal, then singularity35 has a reasonable suggestion. Your experience with freehand sharpening will benefit you with either system in my opinion.