After a half dozen "miracle" knife sharpeners, systems, blah blah blah, I bought a Medium, Fine & Extra Fine set of Arkansas stones. They measure 2" wide x 8' long and I kept practicing my technique until I got it just right. Now I can sharpen any knife in a few minutes good enough to shave with. Any GOOD knife that is, not the cheap stainless steel ones that you just cant get sharp.

Not only did I get good at kitchen, pocket, sheath and utility knives, but I am also pretty fair at Chisels, axes, and scalpels. Yes scalpels - the old fashioned ones from the 30's & 40' with fixed blades. My Dad had them when he was in College and I use them around the Shop now.