Smiths Sharpener?

[rockz4532]

I have a Smiths two sided diamond sharpener that looks like this.

Is it good? When sharpening my crap 5 dollar knives it can't get an edge that slices down a piece of paper, it snags in the middle of the paper and rips. When I sharpen my better knives, I don't know if they are getting any sharper. I use the proper steps, getting a burr on one side, then the other, then evening it out. Can anyone give me some tips on using this sharpener, or recommend a ~$20 sharpener that is good?

Thanks in advance

 

[Jason B.]

Your probably not getting a good edge on your $5 knives because they are $5 knives. Also a $20 budget is not much when it comes to sharpening tools. If you want to stick with diamond's then look at the DMT dia-folds, this one is a 9 and 3 micron diamond hone that is good for the final steps in sharpening to achive a hair splitting edge. http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=DMTFWEEE

 

[Hawkings]

That's a decent enough sharpener, I pretty sure its your free handing skill that is lacking.
Once you raise a burr on both sides, do 2 light passes on both sides at a little higher angle.
After that strop it on leather. A clean leather belt will work, with compound on it, it will work a lot faster and a little better.

 

[mbhanzo]

You're holding yourself back with only one stone. Yes you can get a knife sharp with that stone but you'll only get it as sharp as that one stone can make it if used perfectly.