Originally posted by Rick Kramer:
The simpler the system, the better. Electric, fool proof ... better yet!
In the meantime, am I ruining my edges on the Henckels with inaccurate steeling? am I ruining my edges on the Henckels with inaccurate steeling?
If your steel is grooved or diamond coated then yes, you may be damaging them some (but don't worry, they should shape up & last fine unless you've really taken a lot of metal off).
If this is the case, first get yourself a ceramic "steel". This is much less heavy handed and better for maintaining the edge (which isn't really put on by a steel at all).
Sharpening:
For simplicity and speed, the chefs choice model 110 (or higher) is a pretty well recommended electric sharpener. They have several newer models that I assume (dangerous) should work like the old model 110. These will run $80-$130 or so. Just make sure it has three slots, and the knife can run all the way to the hilt. Don't be tempted by the cheaper models (300,310) etc. They work but won't sharpen the handle end of the knife cause you can't stick it in far enough to begin with(especially on a forged Henckels or similar). Be aware that these will scratch up the knife a bit near the edge so your Henckels won't look as pretty after a while.
If you want to spend a little time doing it yourself, taking care not to scratch them as much and getting a somewhat better edge than is possible with the chefs choice, I recommend the Spyderco Sharpmaker 204. I bought mine from New Graham (online site) and love it it. I think Amazon has them now. Your restricted to a 15 and 20 degree angle (30 and 40 overall) but this is no biggie if your just interested in making your kitchen knives sharp. I use mine on my pocket knifes as well. Having two angle settings also allows you to double bevel, making the edge a bit stronger and last a bit longer (again nice for kitchen knives). I was in your situation, this was the route I went, I am satisfied. My Henckels are sharper than when new.
If you want to sharpen yourself, take a bit more time still, but be able to get any edge you want while still not having to learn freehand, you should get an EdgePro Apex. These are about $125 for basic setup. I bought the spyderco because it is faster setup, and it cost less than half this price.
In retrospect, I wouldn't mind the setup time on an EdgePro since I only sharpen every 6-8 months anyway. Still the cost is a factor. And that said, I also long for an elctric at times cause I have three small children and don't have a lot of time. I sometimes find myself whipping out the spyderco for a kitchen knife, wishing I could sharpen all my knives while it's out, but only having time for 2 or 3 (about 20-30 minutes). An electric would allow me to sharpen all my knives in this time. An EdgePro would take longer- I would have to do it after kids were in bed. But the results (I'm guessing) would probably make it worthwhile. Personally if I had one of these I'd probably just make a "sharpening day" out of it every 8 months or so and offer to sharpen family/friends knives as well.