Wicked sharp knives
I just got this thing yesterday but I think I can honestly say after only one day of using it that it is an excellent product. I've sharpened a Spyderco Calypso Jr, a Leatherman Micra and a Swiss Army knife to wicked sharpness with it. I got the ultra fine stones to go with the four that are included with it. My knives weren't really dull but I did find that going through all the steps (brown stone through to the ultra fine) works best. I would also say that if you are putting so much pressure on the blade as to really need the metal rods for protection then you are pressing way too hard. This thing does the trick without much pressure at all.All in all definitely something you need if you have knives and you want them to be sharp. I can't imagine anything that would do a better job than this.