I know that those cheap sharpeners where you pass theedge through carbide blades work, but they just shave the metal andtend to produce a weak feathery edge.It'll pass the rubber band test and shave hair, but they dull easily when it hits a deer. I use my Lansky sharpening kit, it hones the edge and the guide rods keep the sharpening angle perfect so it produces a sharp but strong edge.