I've got a Lansky kit (I'd recommend it too if you want flat V grinds) but that mouse mat and wet&dry paper 'trick' really works for me now. Also unlike free hand sharpening on an oilstone, you can't (EASILY) stuff up an hours work if you make a pass at too steep an angle when you 'paper' your knives! But I'd have to agree if you have 'the touch' big flat bench stones can work wonders..