This is not a flimsy kitchen store tool. It is very solid, commercial grade kitchen tool. Besides fitting my hand very well, I appreciate the unbreakable ceramic material the steel is made of. I have ordered several styles of DMT steels and have been very happy with the quality product that they provide.

This is a great tool. I've had smaller steels and metal steels, but this one really cuts a great edge in no time.

The purpose off a "steel" is to straighten out the tiny roll the blade edge develops as you use a sharp knife. This roll is what makes a knife start to feel dull. I've found that using this rod every time before I use the knife makes a terrific difference in how sharp the knife feels and how long the edge lasts.

This is the perfect tool to keep that super edge on your fine knives. A couple of very light (just enough presure to keep contact) strokes per side, at a shade more than the angle use to sharpen the blade, and that edge is straight and ready to glide through your food.