I have been making knives for years on a 2"X72" belt sander. I have always free handed the bevels and have developed good technique. I'd say I am better than average at keeping everything even and symmetrical when grinding but it takes time and patience. I bought this tool to speed up my bevel grinding. It is the cat's meow. I'm able to grind out blanks in 1/4 the time I could before and they are perfectly straight every time. I wish I had bought one years ago.