Make sure if you are using a diamond sharpener that you break it in before using it. You can do this be rubbing a flat piece of steel over the surface for a while. If you do not do this the scratch will be very irregular and more coarse than specified by the manufacturer. The absolute best sharpener for getting a finished edge on the Montec is the fine bench stone made by Spyderco. They make an extra-fine but it is not necessary to get a hair-shaving edge.