"Barry Bean" > wrote in message
.. .
> Given the relatively simple function of a sharpening steel, is it worth
> spending the $$$ to get a high end model? Are there real differences
> between steel, ceramic, and diamond coated steel?
>
> FWIW, I have a nice sharpener that I use once or twice a year, so the
steel
> really is just for fine tuning the edges.

IMO the simple hard steel type are fine. You are trying to groom (smooth,
condition, whatever) the edge not remove material. The harder types may (or
may not) last longer but since the hard steel sort effectively last many
years what is the point of paying extra?

David