I've tried sharpening knives a few times in my life and I've never been able to tell the difference. I agree with the principle, but in practice I simply haven't witnessed it matter.
I've had the same experience with the pull through sharpeners, but I bought a cheap 2-sided Japanese waterstone and learned to use it (not very well) and the difference it makes is very noticeable despite my lack of skill. It does however take me maybe 15 minutes to sharpen a knife.
most people don't even know how to properly hone a knife since there are specific movements.
i would recommend anyone sending their knives to a professional for sharpening -- you will feel much more confident cutting, and everything will be safer.
It's not really that hard to learn how to hone a knife. There's different techniques that work and I'd think anyone who loves to cook regularly hones their knives anyway.
Now, sharpening is a bit of a different story but also totally achievable with a little investment (money for some stone(s) and time for practice). But you're right, if you cannot be bothered to do that yourself, it's definitely better to have your knives sharpened professionally than to use dull knives in the kitchen.
Yes, and like all other skills that take practice, most people are miserable at it. If you honestly think the opposite, I think maybe we live on different planets.
