btjrFor example the sharpener I have is http://www.amazon.com/Smiths-PP1-Pocket-Multifunction-Sharpener/dp/B000O8OTNC which not only is cheaper and free shipping (if you have prime) but it has a ceramic part. Most of the time I just run it through the ceramic one a few times to keep a sharp edge. Think I only used the carbide section once on a real cheap pocket knife I have never sharpened before.