10 years ago and went on a Yandles "learn the basics" 2 day course. They used a 6" Record grinder with a Sorby jig for sharpening. Purely hobby which has expanded into more general woody stuff.
I bought the Yandles method. It works for them, it worked for me on the course. It satisfactorily sharpens things, and provides a completely consistent repeatable grind. I know that catches and mistakes are mine, not the inaccuracy or inadequacy of sharpening methodology.
The alternative - practice, practice, practice (makes us all perfect). Except hobbyists working mostly alone would never know if it was sharpening inadequacies or turning technique that was flawed.
I don't need freehand - it is more likely to be a time and material waste than a benefit. Even if jigs take a little longer than a "master with an oilstone", it is quite unimportant to me as a hobbyist.
Wet stones and oil stones have their place (mainly left in the cupboard). However I do use diamond (with a jig) for sharpening straight cutting edges - chisels, plane blades and even skews.
We all make choices about how we do things. Ridicule of those who apparently think the dawn of the 20th century has yet to arrive is unfair. Equally foolish is "Mr Victorian craftsman" in denial of the benefits of some contemporary technology.
