[Lugnut]

Been using them for about 15-20 years now. About 10 years ago I bought a second set with two extra stones (X-coarse and X-fine) and sent my standard set (3 stones) to camp.

I've always used the regular stones with very good results. Had to replace the coarse stone in the original set from cutting new angles on too many blades for the first time.

I trap (lots of skinning) and butcher my own deer so the Lansky sees lots of use, daily use during trapping season.

 

[Lugnut]

Like some would have you believe about fly fishing, sharpening a knife is not complicated stuff....the Lansky setup gives you the right angle-something practice with a bench stone will quickly teach you....

Using a regular stone or steel is certainly a faster and more convenient way to sharpen and guys who know how to use them can put a very sharp edge on in a short time.

The Lansky and systems like it allow you to choose an angle for different types of blades and duplicate that angle stroke after stroke and sharpening after sharpening. That type of precision is what creates extremely sharp edges that I don't believe can be duplicated freehand. At least not by me...