I have been debating on the EF stones also. Currently, I am doing coarse work on a Lansky or 8 inch Washita stone and then progressing to the Sharpmaker.
I follow up on that with stropping with green compound on cardboard and then on to HA 1 micron diamond spray on a piece of basswood. That combination has afforded me hair whittling, tree topping performance with certain steels....1095 carbon for the most part.
Still, I am watching the prices on the EF hones on that certain site and notice that they go for reasonable prices. I have heard nothing but positive reviews on them and may pull the trigger on a set around Christmas.