The Road to Freehand Sharpening.

[Boattale]

I was recently gifted a 3" x 8" Trend diamond stone and a holder for it. 300 grit on one side, 1000 grit on the other. It's helped me to rediscover the zen of hand sharpening knives. It stays on the patio table for use when those easy times are here. It's a very nice stone (piece of steel?) and the holder makes a ton of difference in ease of use. It's also satisfying to know I can still get a knife screaming sharp with my hands, eyes and this gem of a set up.

Goes pretty quick too, especially when using the 300 side. Fully recommended.

 

[Spats McGee]

...the holder makes a ton of difference in ease of use. It's also satisfying to know I can still get a knife screaming sharp with my hands, eyes and this gem of a set up.

I have a similar holder and agree. I use it with every stone I own that will fit it, and it makes a big difference.

 

[oldschool45]

I'll add a few here. BarKeeper's Friend is great for cleaning up Diamond Stones. Sandpaper method for convexed edges and for field sharpening is worth knowing but almost essential for khukri's. I keep a diamond hone-steel for kitchen knife touchups along with a crock stick. Weened on arkansas stones but I much prefer diamond stones. And painters tape or masking tape on blades will help to prevent those "whoopsie "scratches.