I have the Smith's 50594 Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening System. When I first sharpen any knife I use the course diamond stone until I get a wire bead rolled over on one side and then work the other side until the bead moves over. Then I go to the medium diamond stone and work the bead back over both sides (it will be smaller this time). Then I work it back on both sides with the fine hard stone, then strop it on some leather. It is usually hair shaving sharp by this stage. Cheap or soft steel knives will never get a great edge and they won't keep an edge for long. A decent piece of steel may take more work up front but will hold the edge and will be easier to get back to sharp.

Last edited by Tarheel101; 06/25/20.
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