I have used many other brands over the past 30 years and Eze Lap is the best and most durable. Co-workers bought other brands and then came and took my Eze Lap because they just didn't exist. Don't cut it. The most important thing to remember is that the sharpener should be cleaned vigorously with WD40 or equivalent from time to time as dirt and/or grime will clog the diamond stones and they will then act like the sharpener would be worn out. BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE! I bet a lot of people got off the Eze Lap back then thinking it was worn out just because it was just plain dirty. My old lady is 30 years old and has sharpened knives thousands of times. In fact, I just bought a new one on a whim.