Isn't relying on remote diagnostics just lazy troubleshooting that misses obvious physical problems every time?

Same thing happened to me @milessmith - customer calling me out saved my whole pricing system.

At least you didn't find dead bodies down there (I mean, that I assume). A sewer pipe is definitely a letdown but at least it's not a $350 hole filled with someone else's trash. Plus now you have a great story to tell at parties (or on forums like this). Honestly that's worth at least $300 of the price tag right there.

Is there any chance the high res details helped you land some early interviews or get past a specific gatekeeper? I think sometimes the "phone scrolling" thing gets overblown, and a ton of detail shows you actually know the work. It worked for me a few times before I ever changed anything about my submissions.

Yeah, that's exactly why I've been gun-shy about those cheap sharpeners. That whole "it ruined the edge on two of my favorite knives in one pass" line hits close to home. I picked up a Lansky puck for around $25 a few years ago, and it's been solid for my farrier knives and general outdoor blades. It's not fancy, it's just a double-sided stone, but it's consistent. You really gotta take it slow and keep a steady angle, but at least it's not gonna eat your steel like one of those electric pull-through deals. Your mileage may vary, but for under $100, a simple guided rod system or a good old fashioned stone has worked better for me than any of the cheap gimmicks.