I like sharp tools and use different methods for knives, chisels, plane irons, etc. Sometimes with knives I use a simple set of crock sticks, sometimes a stone. Depends on my mood and the condition of the knife. Plane irons and chisels I use sandpaper up to 1600 grit glued to a piece of granite.

As mentioned before it's a valuable skill, and it's easier to keep a sharp knife sharp than to work one dull and have to sharpen it back to where it needs to be.

I've used a Lansky and they seem to work fine.

The best thing with whatever method you choose would be to pick up something like some Old Hickory knives at a yard sale--they have good steel and would be great to practice on. Better to spend that learning curve on something inexpensive.

Here's an old axe I rehabbed. Like I said, I like sharp tools: