Comment by bob_loblaw

Sorry, I stepped out to see the new Matrix film. I like the method of Murray Carter. He put out a DVD on blade sharpening, but has since released the entire thing on YouTube[1]. I have modified it a bit over time. I free-hand sharpen, but am not that great. You really only need a three-stone setup (coarse, medium, and fine) and a leather strop with diamond spray/paste. While diamonds or CBN are only really required for certain steels, I find diamonds to work wonders on a strop. You can get some quality stropping compound for cheap. I wouldn't worry about buying all of that at once though.

There are so many different methods and tools you can use. I say find a well regarded technique and stick with it. Sharpening takes time. Sharpening can be distilled down to forming an apex and removing the burr. It doesn't matter if you use soaking stones, a fixed-angle sharpener, splash and go stones, sharpen with both hands, etc. You need to build muscle memory so there is as little change in angle as you sharpen. That will develop the apex. Then you need to remove the burr. You'll use different strokes, different pressure, and different tools. Focus more on the technique and worry less about the tools. Maybe Murray Carter doesn't appeal to you. Take a look at Big Brown Bear and Michael Christy (also on YouTube). Find a method that makes sense to you and practice a lot. Start with a simple technique with fewer grit jumps. You can add complexity over time.

The best thing I got was a jeweler's loupe. You need to understand what you are doing (or not doing) at the apex to improve. Take your time and evaluate your work often. Even an inexpensive USB microscope is helpful.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk3IcKUtp8U