I can't either mudder. It's certainly the one glaring weakness in my outdoors skills. I can put an acceptable edge on a machete, axe, hatchet, mower blades, etc.
But a regular knife, I can't. And it's not for lack of trying. I've been taught, I've watched videos, I even had a friend who makes and sells knifes give me some instructions. I've spent hours and hours with various types of stones.
I've resorted to a handheld jig that does it automatically. It does an acceptable, useable edge. But nowhere near what my grandpa, dad and uncle's have been able to do.
Definitely a failure in my abilities.
-Jake