If you don't feel safe using the sharpener in the op then you're either completely cack handed or using it wrong. The blade goes through the middle and points away from the handle, are you holding it and running the blade down the outside pointing towards the handle? I've just looked at mine and there's a picture on it showing how it should be used.
Just bought a Kitchen Devil lifestyle knife sharpener from Tesco for £8.50.
Linky
edit : just checked reviews and it seems highly regarded.
Also picked up a couple of chopping boards as the solid granite block was destroying the knives.

Missus bought it because it matched the kitchen - which if you didn't know, is more important than letting the fact that it is useless for it's intended purpose get in the way.What are you meant to do with a granite board anyway
Like you say it's far too hard for cutting things on.

What are you meant to do with a granite board anyway
Like you say it's far too hard for cutting things on.
Got one at brent cross, £9.98. Will try it out when I get home.
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I've got one of these, does the job rather well. You can really feel it cutting into the metal, as evidenced by the steel filings it leaves behind.