OK One thing needs to be mentioned about JKI Diamond stones. They're really not beginner stones and anyone using them on very thin edges should be cautious. These stones cut so fast, they'll chew up a light knife, say Dalman quick. You'll be dropping millimeters faster than "The Biggest Loser"
For someone just getting into sharpening I think the most sensible set is 1200 Bester and 5K Suehiro Rika. Their soakers as discussed, not as easy to deploy as S&G, but the benefits to a new sharpener are:
1.) They can sharpen any steel. Leave a wonderful kitchen edge.
2.) The feedback and feeling are just what a beginner needs
3.) Their fairly slow cutting stones, so you won't go overboard removing metal
4.) The progression of 1200 and 5000 are well matched
5.) Their cheap and available
PS: If anyone wants this pair I'll sell it for $50 plus shipping. Their in excellent shape too.
