[jyl]

Medium and fine stones, and a smooth (no grooves) steel, works for me.

The stones allow you to regrind the edge, either to get an angle different from what the knife came with, or to make an edge when the old one has been completely dulled or even chipped. The smooth steel, a few strokes every time you put the knife away, helps maintain the edge and delay resharpening.

I got an ultra fine waterstone and felt all Japanese and cool, but seldom use it. I guess I'm just not patient enough.

I'd like to get a leather strop.

Knife freaks swear by fine grades of wet/dry sandpaper, glued to a sheet of glass.