Here's another vote for Lanskey. I've been using one for 40 years and it works quickly and easily. In my opinion, that's the best/easiest way to start.

Recently a guy has been sharpening knives at local gun shows using a home made combination of a small belt sander and a Lanskey like mounting system. It's really slick. The only problem I see is that he can't vary grades on his belt. Seems to work OK anyway.

Ed