Originally Posted by PatriceJ

No blade sharpener on the market for home use will return a blade to "like new." They do, however, extend the useful life of blades and can help us save money once we find one we like and can use properly.

I have used:

1. the orbital sharpener - the design seems to make a lot of sense; it comes with two different "stones", one of which is supposed to help a little with damaged/nicked blades. there's a learning curve with this type of sharpener that i couldn't seem to get through, so it ended up in my collection of tools i never use. i'm sure it must work if used properly or it wouldn't still be on the market. i just couldn't get the hang of it.

2. TrueCut Linear blade sharpener - of the manual sharpeners i've tried, this one requires the least physical effort and was the least tiring on my hands and wrists. the stone can be replaced if it ever wears out (although i think that would take longer than i have left on the mortal plane. LOL) it came with very good instructions. when i first got it, i played with it for a bit and then set it aside. as with most tools, it also takes some practice. and - also as usual - i was not patient enough to practice. i found it, recently, while re-organizing my stuff. on a whim, i decided to give it another whirl. whaddya know ... i had more success this time around. i think i need a bit more practice to keep the blade moving smoothly against the stone. you do have to use it properly and carefully, though. i wrecked one blade because i was careless and too heavy-handed. the price has gone up quite a bit since i bought mine. if you can find it on sale somewhere, it would be worth consideration.

3. the plastic, manual sharpeners with the sand paper discs - they seem expensive for what they are, but i have gotten the most consistent and closest-to-new results with these. and no learning curve. the sandpaper discs do wear out, and need to be replaced from time to time. using them is a workout, though. definitely not a good idea for anybody with arthritic hand or wrist joints, for example.

4. the TrueCut electric sharpener. a bit pricey, but produces results very similar to #3, above. it comes with good instructions and has virtually no learning curve. i recommend ear plugs while running it, and definitely recommend you not drop it. mine still works, but i have to hold the lid down because the little latch broke when it hit my concrete floor.

None of them are inexpensive but if you can find one that works well for you, they will pay for themselves over time.