Is it as easy/easier than the Lansky? After messing up the edge on my para 2 for the 2nd time by sharpening free hand, I started using the lansky and have done better in general. Not shaving sharp, but better than free hand.
To me, yes. A) my free hand ability sucks...which I think is more representation of lack of practice to build the form, B) no clamping the knife down like a Lansky, Edgepro, etc, C) all of those knives I mentioned shaved after about 2 minutes...20 strokes using each rod.
One thing I always wondered about the Sharpmaker when looking at it was "what are those golden / brass colored rods for? Well, they are just SAFETY guides. So if you miss the sharpening rod, your hand is protected. SMART!
There are only two settings. 40 degrees and 30 degrees inclusive. I used 40 on all of mine this go round....seemed to match close to the factory edge. There are two rods, one rough (grey) and one fine (white ceramic...i think). You can use each rod in two ways...the "edges", or the "flats". The process is: step 1: use the edge of the grey stone, step 2: flat of the grey stone, step 3: edge of the white stone, step 4 (if wanted): flat of the white stone. 20 strokes each step.
Note: You can use the flat of the white rods to get what they call a razor finish...I did not go this far with mine.