I can agree with mechanical for the pro, or one that's sharpening large quantities. I prefer to hone by hand because I know my edges are true. What I mean by that is, if u put the edge on a flat surface and rolled it from heel to toe, you'd always be making contact with the cutting surface, showing no light indicating frowns or high spots in the blade.
I see these irregularities with almost every mechanical, and commercially sharpened blade. But never from a hone, always straight and true.