For the reviewer who doesn't feel safe hand sharpening - EZE-LAP 2x6in Double Sided Sharpening Stone

Eazy lap makes a stand for these stones that the stone snaps into and is secure and makes the work surface much taller. these stones have been around for a very long time and the version you have is the perforated surface. I speed's up sharpening quite a bit and traps the swarf while sharpening. And these are not, unless just recently, made in china. This is a U.S. company started in the 70's best I remember.

They predated DMT.
KnifeMaker