I don't own expensive knives, nor do I need them to be like a shaving razor. I like them sharp enough to shave arm hair WITH SOME PRESSURE, not like a shaving safety razor would, with just a touch and almost no downward pressure.
I've tried sets of honing stones, both coarse and fine, with oil (messy), and they do OK for me. Nothing to write home about, and it takes some time.
My preference is my V-block with steel rods. I would like to get another with ceramic rods. Right now I do my metal-removing rough sharpening with steel, then move to a fine honing stone for a few dozen polishing strokes.
But one day I'll get another one with ceramic rods in an offset V pattern.
I've tried sets of honing stones, both coarse and fine, with oil (messy), and they do OK for me. Nothing to write home about, and it takes some time.
My preference is my V-block with steel rods. I would like to get another with ceramic rods. Right now I do my metal-removing rough sharpening with steel, then move to a fine honing stone for a few dozen polishing strokes.
But one day I'll get another one with ceramic rods in an offset V pattern.