Over the years I've learned a few things about knives. Good ones are great, but if you have to make a choice put your money on a good sharpener. When properly sharpened even all but the junk knives will work well. My EdgePro system is drastic overkill, but I've never regretted it. The key is getting the angle right and keeping it that way. Most sharpeners just can't do it. Few can do it well enough freehand.