Originally Posted by
Euclid440
Film works, for maintaining an edge. But you will need a mid-grit stone to remove the 1k stria if you finish on 1um film and are doing full progression honing.
A King 6k is an aggressive mid grit stone that is an easy jump to 1um, and they are cheap, like $40.
The Chosera 10k is $275, the Shapton 10k is $145 Naniwia 12k super stone is $90 (thin one) $114 full size. The Chosera is too pricy for the money, Shapton’s can be chippy a fully Shapton progression is recommended. Super stones load up but make bullet proof edges.
A Naniwia 8k Snow White is $109, does not load up like a super stone is full size, aggressive and can produce a 12k near mirror bevel and edge.
Any good diamond plate will work, though many places are out of stock right now. 220 wet &dry on a flat surface, (steel cookie sheet) will work until diamond plates are back in stock. Chef Knives to Go, sells a great 400/1k plate for about $30, great for lapping.
As Jerry said forget about knife sharpening. Lots of knife guys come and go frustrated because they try to hone a razor like they sharpen knives. Two completely different things with different goals.
Tons of great honing threads and advice are available.