Reliable knife sharpener

[Captain Spod]

I don't know if AB users are allowed to use trade names, but could someone advise me of a knife sharpener that actually works and continues doing so for more than a few uses? Got some Viners knives in a block and they are beginning to get dangerous through being blunt. The steel that came with them doesn't seem to be any use (could be my ineptitude) but I want them back to how they were. Thanx.

[NazNomad]

I 'was' going to say use a steel, but I see you tried that.:-)

http://www.ceramicknifesharpener.co.uk/

[gingejbee]

The best knife sharpeners are, I agree, made from a ceramic material; as well as the "wheel-type", they are available similar to the conventional "steel" but are white. Very efficient but rather costly.

[ethandron]

a whetstone will give you the sharpest knife:
http://www.google.co....um=4&ved=0CDMQ8wIwAw#

[woofgang]

this set are easy to use and work well
http://www.qvcuk.com/...cm_scid.KeywordSearch

[oranger]

i believe a Stanley Stone is the answer.

[mjwman]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk...s&hash=item5adddade56

This is the one. We have had ours donkeys years probably 30 odd. Only £3.75 and it works superbly. Use it at least evry Sunday, in fact everyt time I am cooking.

[kia cat]

we've used this type for about 10 years. You can swap the two stones around - they're double sided, if they wear away. About 6 strokes once it's sharp seems to be enough. Probably take a dozen runs through first time.

http://www.choiceful....-Knife-Sharpener.html

I'm guessing you have all straight knives, those with a scalloped blade [like a bread knife] may need another sort. A lot is down to the knife blade itself and what you cut on. I've found a wooden chopping board or a plastic one the best. The glass boards take the edge off too quick [sorry if I've stated the bl**ding obvious]

[Captain Spod]

Wow, thanks everyone... very useful stuff here which I will definitely use. Kia cat's 'obvious' comment is worth thinking about as we have glass chopping boards and they could be the cause of the bluntage.
Now, if only I'd had such a response to my garlic query in Gardening...!