Benchstones are great if you are either good at sharpening or have someone to show you. For a newbie trying to learn from the internet it is way to difficult.

I find that a black marker on the knife blade really helps to show you where you are removing metal. Use lots it wipes off with a rag and some lighter fluid or alcohol.

For a long time I got by with nothing but a small EZ Lap pensharpener. It is small but I sharpened my CS Kukuri machete with it. They cost 10$ to 20$