I'd been watching for a reasonably priced product just like this one for some time. So, I jumped on it when I saw it. Although the reviews I saw were all favorable, I wasn't certain honing with this "steel" would be better than, or even as good as, other methods. Having used it now on several knives, I can honestly say using it has become my honing method of choice.In my opinion, calling the product a "steel" is a misnomer. I don't believe it's designed to straighten a knife's edge, but to solely to hone it. Consequently, the process I now use is as follows: First, I use a regular steel to straighten my knives' edges. Next, I gently hone them with this product, first thinning the knives? edges at a more acute angle if needed and then, angling the blade more obtusely, running them over the surface for a few strokes to put the final angled edge on the blade. Next, I use ceramic rods to smooth the edge at that final angle. Then, lastly, if the final angle is an acute angle, I run the blade over a leather strop a few times.Honing has always been the most arduous step in my process. This product simplifies honing and makes the whole process more pleasurable. Consequently, my knives, which are normally kept moderately sharp, will now, on average, be kept even sharper.As for my numeric ratings: Although I haven't had the product for long, it appears to be well made. So, I gave it the benefit of the doubt with 5s for Durability and Workmanship. It is lighter than I expected and would actually prefer; but, it does its job well. Although I wouldn't call it attractive, it doesn?t need to win any beauty contests. It is what it is. So I gave it a 5 for appearance. I keep it in a drawer. If I wanted to keep it in my Wusthof knife block?s steel position, I couldn?t. Because of its elliptical cross-sectional shape, it won?t fit. Keeping my actual Wusthof steel there makes more sense anyway because it?s used much more frequently.As you can tell from my review, I'm pleased with the product. If you're on the fence, deciding whether or not to buy, my recommendation is to go for it.