Smith’s 9-Inch Sharpening Steel – High-Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener – Hanging Hook – Protective Hand Guard – Quick Straight Blade Sharpening

This is my first sharpening steel, and I used it for a couple knives that I was given for Christmas (11 months ago) that had become quite gnarly.Directions for use are right on the label, and by following them I was able to refine the blade of both knives within a couple minutes.I did subtract one star from the product for build quality, though. The handle is very cheap feeling, and has jagged edges on it as if it came out of a mold and was never polished/buffed. Nothing major, but I did feel it was worth noting.Bottom line: I am very happy with the purchase, and I can see myself using it for many years to come.

Exactly as advertised. Now, please understand what you are buying. A "sharpening steel" is not a replacement for sharpening (i.e., removing material from the edge). This should be a final step in your sharpening process and a knife maintenance habit either before you use it or before putting it away. Also, learn how to use a steel: *DON'T* try to emulate TV chefs -- they are almost certainly in much more of a hurry than you and have learned through much practice how to approximate good form. Amateur kitchen terrors like you and I have to start with the basics. *DO* go watch a video of someone using a steel lightly, conservatively, and with the point planted on a cutting board.

This doesn't actually take metal off your knife or scratch the metal, so I use it on my pretty and expensive knifes. It will straighten out the edge, much like a leather strop would only more aggressively.My problem with diamond steels is that while they work well, they will actually remove metal and scratch up the edge of the knife. I would rather maintain the straight edge with this type of steel and actually use a sharpening stone when I want to sharpen the knife, because I can go up to a higher grit stone and polish the knife. Also, it is easier to do a better job on a stone as you are working on a stationary surface and not waving both hands around.

This is the second one of these I have bought. As with the first one, it gives a great finishing step to knife sharpening. With good preliminary edge preparation, a few swipes along the sharpening steel set a clean edge that will shave hair off of the back of your hand. I was amazed to find that it restores my Swiss Army Knife to its original edge, or something very close to it. I had not found anything previously that was able to do this. I now keep this one with my edged tools, while the first has a place of honor in the kitchen knife drawer.

The item description indicates an overall length of 18.8 inches, which is incorrect and is my only reason for the four-star rating. This steel has an overall length of 13.8 inches with the steel rod being nine inches and the handle making up the rest of the length. That being said, it is very well made, comfortable in the hand, and easy to hold and use with confidence. Works as well as expected.

Perhaps I don't know enough , but I cannot tell the difference between this steel and those that are 3 or 4 times as expensive. I use this to sharpen all of my knives at home and I am quite pleased with the results. The handle is comfortable to hold and the length of the actual steel is perfect. It's a quality addition to my growing knife set.

I had always used a sharpening stone on all of our carving, steak and paring knives. I had never owned a sharpening steel before but decided to try one along with my new Ginsu Chikara knives. Using the sharpening steel is a quick and easy way to maintain a good edge. This greatly reduces the need for stone sharpening.I am no expert. There were so many sharpening steels to choose from. I chose the Edgeware Standard based on ratings from others and have been very satisfied.

this sharpening steel really works.i got this product after watching the youtube video about sharpening knives.you are supposed to sharpen your knife everyday.there is no point of struggling with dull knife since it only takes 2 mins to sharpen them.this product is cheap and works.only downside of this product is the fact that the handle is plastic.so if you like fancy handle then you can spend more money for other products.