Since my knife collection has stepped up I am looking to upgrade from my basic DMT pocket stones. I would like to get the yards opinions on your preferences?

A lot of us use several different methods, from fine stones to Work Sharps, Spyderco Sharpmaker, etc. It comes down to what an individual prefers and is comfortable with.

Tom's right. This has come up before and it is apparent that there are many different preferences. The sharpmaker is probably the one that takes much of the guesswork out at a good price. If you're proficient with flat stones then I suggest sticking with that. Freehand sharpening is a lost art.

I've started to consider getting a sharpmaker, but haven't been able to figure out how they work.

Do they take the "angle guess work" out of the equation?

They do, as long as you can keep the blade vertical.

As long as you can keep the blade straight up and down and the base is on a level surface. The stones can be fixed at two different angles, but I don't know what the angles are off the of my head.

Ive heard lots of good things about the sharpmaker. Electronic sharpener make me nervous. Thanks for the responses. If there is another thread on this topic could someone direct me to it.

Worksharp here.... I also use it to edge finish my kydex sheaths.... Once you see how easy it is to put a consistent shaving sharp convex edged on something like an ASH1 you realise just how sweet it is..!!!

Iirc the angles are 15 and 20 degrees. I have a sharpmaker, croc sticks and diamond stones. I started using sandpaper and a strop to finish it up. You never know what works best for you, I guess.

I have flat stones, a convex set up (mouse pad / leather / compound), ceramic rods, and some other triangle rod that I can't remember the name of ATM.

I'd like to try something else.

The Sharpmaker requires that you have a 15 degree back bevel upon which you add a 20 degree micro-bevel. The 20 degrees is a bit more acute than most of the V ceramics that I ever heard of.

The setup works great for Spyderco knives out-of-the-box. I have had to apply a new back bevel to ever ZT I used it with... I settled on thinning and convexing thicker blade stock but for smaller, thinner knives it is pretty much bullet proof and I still use it.

I usually finish up witha strop to get the edge I want - depending on the blade steel.

Whatever works best for you!