Hi James, As others have mentioned, I'd definitely steer away from any
type of electric Sharpener, and against another's recommendation, that
also includes the Chef's Choice Models.

There'd be only one type of electric type Id use, and that would be with
a water cooled wheel, and these can cost $100's.

You certainly don't need such sophistication to achieve a good edge,
without doing undue damage to the blade, or ruining a blade's temper.

Steels (I have a couple) may work well for certain steels, which aren't
too hard, but I've had problems trying to use these on certain blades.

Do you have a cutlery store in your area? This would be the place which
would most likely carry the widest selection of knife sharpening
devices, and I'm sure these folks could set you up with a good sharpener
at a reasonable cost.

Another alternative would be a good gun shop. They usually carry knives,
and also Sharpeners.

Remember too, that knife sharpening can be a very dangerous, and risky
hobby to partake in.
Try to find something which won't involve having your hands anywhere
close to the blade.

A stone has been the choice of many, and while a stone is a very good
method, takes some practice, and I've seen people who thought they knew
how to use a stone make a knife actually worse, and less sharp than it
was before they started!

If your knives aren't worthy of a really high quality Sharpener, (Like
a Spyderco Sharpmaker, or a Lansky Sharpening System) and are of just
average quality, then I would perhaps seek the economy route, and see
what your local Wal-Mart has to offer. Most likely these items would be
found in their Sports-(fishing-hunting) Dept.

A type, that uses ceramic sticks at a pre-set angle, and that you just
draw the knife through, may be a good economical choice, is pretty much
foolproof, is small enough to stick in the drawer, yet will permit you
to attain a good sharp edge. Hope this helps you. Mark