I have a 12K stone and a barber's hone. I use the 12K when the blade cannot be made shave ready with the barber's hone (about every 2-3 months). Unless you damage the blade or mess up the bevel, I don't see the need to send it out to a professional any more often than once every year or two. Maybe never if the blade is cutting the way you want. Proper stropping and a 12K or higher hone will be enough to keep the blade shave ready.