What Private Klink said! youse guys are making me blush. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Rvogster,

One of the best ways to learn how to hand-sharpen is found on this site. The method works with oilstones, waterstones, diamond hones, sandpaper glued to a hard surface, and, if you only move the knife with its edge trailing behind it, on leather. Worried about losing a convex edge and getting a V-grind? Don't worry for two reasons:

• Your body will get in the way of forming a flat edge. Your arms move in arcs and your hands have 'give' in the muscles and tendons.
  
• Whatever you're cutting doesn't care if the edge is convex or flat - only that it's sharp

You can also try the ye olde Belt-Sander method. It takes a $40 1x30 belt sander, an 80 or 100 grit belt, and some finer belts like those sold by a&h abrasives and Lee Valley.

There are a million other methods, too. What matters most is if you can stick with the method.