This is going to be a really n00bish question, but I don't feel like screwing up a blade that's pretty old.

My mother purchased one from an elderly lady who said her grandfather used the blade, so I'm assuming it's quite old. It is in good condition, but I'm worried it might not be sharp enough for it's intended purpose.

I do have a friend with a sharpening kit(diamond something or rather) he uses to sharpen his knives, but I'm not sure if this is appropriate to use and if so...is there a certain technique that I should use while sharpening?

And the most silly question of all...what's the difference between honing and sharpening?

Sorry if I'm being really n00bish, but I really don't want to mess up this blade yet I'm anxious to start using it.