I can understand your reluctance. I use a Wicked Edge system for my knives, and probably have about $1500+ into all of my various diamond stones, lapping patens, & stropping leathers/compounds.
I can put a razor edge with a mirror polish on anything, with minor imperfections only discernable through a good loupe, but that takes a LOT of time compared to simply putting a quality working edge on something.
The biggest problem I encounter is when I'm given cheap knives to sharpen. The factory bevels and general angle consistency is so far off on most of those, that they almost always require more time and effort to get right than a high quality blade.
I stopped doing cheap blades altogether.
I'd put a long lasting, perfect working edge on quality steel for $20, but that "safe queen" razor sharp convex mirror edge... I wouldn't even entertain for less than $75.