For a decent cutting board, I bought a 2x3 foot sheet of 1/2 inch thick food grade polypropylene plastic. Its tough and has been used over 20 years now. I even roll out pie crust on it. To clean it only needs a soapy sponge. To really dig into it to get out anything thats left on the surface. I use a big 4 inch wide flat edged metal scraper that will dig up any traces of foods that may have gotten onto the semi rough surface. I sharpen all my knives (over 30 different sizes and shapes) at the same time. I usually only use the textured steel sharpening honer that a few of the Chicago knives came with, or my ceramic honer, if I am using a single knife a lot. It helps to get rid of that burr that can happen from a grinding wheel. I know if there is a burr if I move my finger over the side of the knife where the sharp edge is and I feel a rough surface. Always WASH your knives after they are sharpened! You don't want metal filings in your mouth or elsewhere.

The Zip Zap sharpener was invented by Alfred Zanger Co formerly of Enfield Ct and Portugal.He invented the process of high Carbon S/S Knives and manufactured them.He also had the US distribution of the Tullen Kitchen Cutters.The Zip Zap Sharpener was made of ceramic and could be used for high carbon and carbon and stainless steel, at a fraction of the price of a sharpening steel.I repped his line and continue to use his knives and sharpener. today.

I have the Accusharp -- my ever romantic DH bought me one for Xmas. I love it! I have some older knives that I have never been impressed with, even after professional sharpening. The Accusharp has made them wonderfully useful! Now if I could just stop my DH and children STOP putting the knives into the DW. Arggh.

thx ML - I looked on BBB site and they have a Henckels with 5" blade for about 15.00 - that's good. Also, a knife sharpener for about 8.00 similar to what shades posted. It even says it'll sharpener tools. Don't think I'd want it for my knives after using on tools tho. might end up with 2. I signed up with them and they're gonna send me a 20% off coupon. I'll go to the local store after I get it. I do need a whisk. I've eyed those with coated 'whiskers' - lol! not sure if those are the best to use tho. It's been probably 20 yrs since I've had one and I miss having one. I want to get a silicone mat too. (I'm thinking easier cleaning with that) I'll check that website and see what else pops into my head. I'm sure there's more I need but I space it out from month to month. I did buy a misc large spoon and a slotted one (I do have 1 of those) the other day at W. I need some for cooking (what little I do). plastic forks and spoons don't hold up with heat... they were like 2.00 each so no big deal. They'll serve their purpose. I do need to take a look at what's available and see what else I should put on my list. I have 3 mixers - lol! 2 stand type (maybe I gave 1 away) and my hand mixer. My sister gave me the stand mixers. in 2 yrs I've not used them. That's why I had my nice hand one - I did use it a few times for mashed potatoes. I don't want to overload with 'things' and have put things on my list as I've found the need. (like pulled out my old item and fainted in disgust) A few things I just figured 40 yrs of use and they'd had it, so I got something new. This silicone stuff is new (since I'd bought anything) so I got a few things with that (safe with heat). I'm sure things will jump out at me when I go into BBB and that website.