I use only charged strops. I start out with black compound if the edge has really dulled. Then I go to the green compound. Finally, if I am really feeling anal, I use a strop charged with Flitz. For me, it is a lot easier to touch up an edge than it is to resharpen.

I recently picked up the Scrap Yard SS4 and it was not very sharp. With this knife, I used 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper on a leather backing. followed with 600 grit. The edge is now sharp. From now on, I will likely need only the charged strops to maintain the edge.

I've not used my Sharpmaker since I learned the techniques above. However, when I did use the Sharpmaker, the results were excellent.