For the first time, and most likey the last time, I've started two threads in one day.

A member of my extended family wants a knife sharpener.

He was looking at something like this: http://www.nashvilleknifeshop.com/wuknsh.html I've got no experience with anything like this. Figured someone here must have some experience, so please let me have some comments.

I had suggested something like: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=408458 For someone who has not sharpened many knives, I like the guides, and I also like diamond plate stones. I've got a couple sets like these, although I have few more traditional stones too.

I have a Lansky Knife Sharpener, I’ve had it for well over 20-years. It has preformed flawlessly. It has preset angles of 17, 20, 25 & 30 degrees. Its easy to use, even I can sharpen a knife with it. Give it a look.

Go for curtain #3!!!!

Take a good hard look at the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It is by far the best and easiest-to-use sharpening system out there.

Foolproof and fun. It even cures acne!

Go with the lansky.....It is not my favorite choice but the other type you have doesn't really 'sharpen' the edge....it rips strips of metal off the blade......Now if you have no other choice....then that is (to me) somewhat ok.....so long as you know what it is doing......yes it will put a better edge onto what you have....but I leave it for 'sharpening' the edge of my tri fold shovel or for the machete (only in the field) (otherwise I sharpen the machete too....and yes it will shave hairs)...I used the lansky years ago....it is a good system.

Yes, Spyderco Sharpmaker is good. I own a Lansky, and it's good too, but it's not nearly as quick and easy to use. Plus, it gives me no better edge than the Spyderco.