I’ve used that setup since September if last year. I’ve learned many things in this time frame. The first is this. You do not need the upgrade kit to get an extremely sharp, toothy edge. I always thought it was worthless without the upgrade kit, but then I realized I just wasn’t creating and removing a burr. However, the kit does help a lot. My sharpening setup now includes the guided sharpener with the upgrade kit and a dmt eef 3x8 diamond plate. I also have the wicked edge strops that I have put on balsa wood. I can get some extremely sharp and polished edges with this setup. It is extremely affordable also. However, if I could change one thing, I would’ve got the spyderco uf stone instead of the dmt. Also, I never knew what was wrong with the sharpener and I was scared to sharpen expensive knives because they always would get scratched near the choil. Then I figured out that you would only need to tape the angle guides after each grit and then it is flawless. Be careful if you use water on the metal plates because it can get on the other metal parts in the base and rust. So dry it out completely and you will be fine. I hope this helps and have fun with your new system!