Just reccommending this product, as it is idiotproof. I don't really like the feel of using it, but it puts razor edges on my knives in no time.

I just put a nice shaving edge on my RD4 in like two minutes. It did the RAT3 D2 in about 1 minute and made it as sharp as any knife I've ever owned.

Again, I really like the feel of sitting down with a stone, and screwing up my edge because I suck at sharpening. Obviously, the results aren't as good. Sooooo... If you're sharpening impaired as I am, check out the Spyderco Sharpmaker!

Boldy go forth! If you have the nerve, get one of these for about $45 from Harbor Freight. It is a 1" X 30" belt sander. Remove the adjustable tool rest, belt guide and safety guard. You must do this to have room to put big blades in the slack part of the belt midway between the wheels. You may be changing belts often, so it is easier to leave the cover off, too. Do wear eye protecton, a piece of hot steel in your eye will ruin your day. Practice on a cheap kukri or machete(an excuse to buy more knives) until you can do a nice convex edge. This is all done free hand, without rests or guides. For serious stock removal use 80 grit. I like 180 grit for sharpening a dull knife. I used 400 to touch up DF. Try to adjust belt tension as loose as possible and still stay on the rollers. This is not for the faint of heart. You can screw up an edge if you're not good at free hand sharpening. This thing will remove metal in a hurry. I use a steel, diamond rod, or ceramic rod for most touch ups.

I take it that you did not like my more aggressive sharpening system.

I did just that for years. Now I have a tool room full of razor sharp machetes, ready for Summer. Took a while for me to use it on expensive blades. I'll have to check out the spyderco.

Yep, when I grind I keep a finger on the steel close to the 'cutting surface', I'll yelp well before my steel cooks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />