Barry Bean wrote:
> 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?

There is no such thing as a "sharpening steel" (that's an oxymoron).

The CORRECT nomenclature is *knife steel*.

That said, yes, there are many types of knife steels... ceramic and
diamond are not.

I would suggest purchasing a knife steel in relation to the value of
your knives... if you own say $300 worth of knives then it is not
outrageous to spend say $30 for a steel... for more than the typical
number/variety of knives they would benefit from having more than one
steel and of the various configurations. Go he
http://www.alliedkenco.com

Sheldon