I have chipped an edge before and imagine they would shatter if drop from a counter onto tile or something.

Also, you need a good lapping stone to keep you surfaces planed.

I got carried away. Most of the stuff I mentioned are not needed for regular knives. I have used a razor technique on a few regular knives and a it got them really sharp, their geometry prevents them from getting the wicked kind of sharp that makes hairs run from it.