the best knife sharpener is the guy holding the knife. learn to do it properly and you will have no problems. as for me, i use an oil stone with a rough and fine side to it. when you sharpen a knife, it is just like trying to make thin slices off the stone, no circles, and use the oil, once you get a good edge, it is just a matter of using the fine side of the stone to keep it in shape, unless you use the knife for other things is was not designed for.