>>1784752I think it's worth adding here that 90% of having sharp knives is keeping their edges honed. If you routinely (like, every time they are used, and in fact ideally before/after each use) hone your edges against a steel, you will maintain sharpness for a very long time. Actual sharpening isn't regularly called for.
That being said, there is certainly a learning curve in using stones and obviously a monetary cost as well. I think it is overkill for the vast majority of people unless they put a LOT of use into their edges.
