I have a set of ceramic sticks that work pretty well. I think they were made by smith. I have heard some good stuff about the spyderco sharpmaker but have never tried one. I am realy sold on using the sand paper. I do much better with that than just a stone. I dont have alot invested in stones so the sand paper is a bit more economical right now. When a sheet starts to clog up, I wipe it down with a wet rag to keep it going for a little longer. The 2000 grit has realy put a nice edge on the ol'mutt for now. It's almost an obsesive hobby to see just how sharp I can get it. I have to live up to the name, right?

JT