I could show a time history of all the sharpening stones and gizmos I've used and acquired over the years, it ain't pretty! 🙄
As a kid I always used Dad's hardware store grey composite stone that everyone has 5 or 6 of lying around, then a "finish" with his white Arkansas (this was all for pocket knives).
My first "real" improvement was a two sided Arkansas (black/white) which I hate, doesn't ever seem to remove any metal.
Went with the various grades of SiC paper up to 2500 on a cheap HF surface stone which I still use and I have a fresh set of diamond plates and most recently a #8000 Shapton ceramic.
I still hate sharpening! 🧐