Are expensive whet stones worth it?

[billybopp]

I use a combination of disposable and fixed blades.  Whichever better suits the task and way that I'm working at the time.  I do find that disposables can usually be made better from the box with a few passes on a fine stone and some stropping, tho.  Many of them have visible scratches from factory sharpening, and work much better with just a little work.  

I don't use expensive stones, just a couple of two-sided water stones mostly - I want to say about $50 or so for both of them.  

I also have a worksharp guided sharpening system that I used initially as I was learning to sharpen it was a big help in learning how to control the angle.  I still use it from time to time when a blade is damaged, as the coarse diamond plate makes quick work of it!

- Bill