Buy a Norton India Stone, and probably the Spyderco stones, then learn to use them. There is no substitute. I've probably got close to $2k tied up in sharpening stones, but I also make custom knives and razors. For the average user, the above stones will do you fine. I'm sorry, but anybody who thinks Lansky is ok doesn't know what sharp is. Lansky will get you close, but won't get you that final level of sharp.