I have read through a few past posts relating to knife sharpeners and have a few questions.
If I were to buy a "manual" (for want of a better word) sharpener such as this....

http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?DMTFWFC

....could I damage the blade though incorrect use?
Would I as a relative novice to knife sharpening be better off with a "idiot proof" sharpener such as this:
http://tinyurl.com/3csq2

In the past I have tried to sharpen large kitchen knives with the steel provided. I soon realised you could totally wreck a knife edge if the technique wasn't correct.
I also read the type of steel the knife is made of, dictates the sharpener you use. Is this correct? Is there a universal sharpener you can use on all blades without fear of damaging the edge.
Thanks