Sharpening steels are essential tools for keeping knives sharp. They are made of a hard material, such as ceramic or steel, and are used to align the edge of the knife. Honing steels are not the same as sharpening steels. Sharpening steels remove metal from the knife, while honing steels simply realign the edge.
Sharpening steels are important because they help to keep knives sharp, which is essential for safety and efficiency. A sharp knife is less likely to slip and cause injury, and it will also cut more easily and cleanly. Sharpening steels have been used for centuries, and they are still the best way to keep knives sharp.