Wait, 4 hours for Gloomhaven? That game has like 90 scenarios and takes most groups months to get through even a few of them. I can't believe your buddy taught the whole thing in one sitting and you actually walked away wanting more. My old group spent 2 hours just setting up the tiles and arguing about turn order, so hearing a 4 hour session made it click is wild to me.

Heard egg cartons on the walls actually help a little.

Ditch the pull-through and get a 1000 grit whetstone, it's all you need for most touch ups. Started using one last year and noticed my chef's knife stays sharper way longer between sessions. Just keep a consistent 15 degree angle and you'll see less chipping on the edge. Those pull-throughs rip off way too much metal and leave a rough edge that dulls faster.