I have a vast collection of sharpening rocks, including a swell medium arkansas in a cedar box from the Arkansas territorial museum. But modern steels are harder than these old stones, and sharpening became tedious and frustrating.

Moved on to abrasive silicon and aluminum paper glued to glass or marble.

Then I reviewed the practices of meatpackers, and acquired a 1 inch belt sander and a variety of belts. Started with HF, eventually saved up and got a Grizzly.

Never looked back.

Ruined a couple of knives learning to use the appliances. Which meant I got to buy or make some new knives.

Hell, I was going to buy and make more knives anyway.

YMMV.