A couple of strokes on each side and DONE! I rapidly did 6 knives in about 2 minutes as soon as I opened the box with the item and they all came out a lot sharper. You can sharpen a knife very good in a minute or less. My family has used this type of knife sharpener for as long as I remember. I tried Chef-Mate electric sharpener, I tried other ones, this diamond steel beats them all by far and the best thing you don't need to look for an outlet to plug it in and create room on your counter in the middle of chopping something, and you can take it with you on your boat fishing or camping. I LOVE this one. Even if you are a person who prefer automatic do-it-for-you stuff, this one is a must at least as an extra tool in the kitchen (or garage). Highly recommend. I also must mention that Great Offer Stock shipped it so fast that 2 days later I wondered what that box was on my door step, it has been less than 48 hours since I ordered it!