pavane wrote:
>
> I have used one exclusively for the last 10 years or so, and they
> certainly do a better job, faster sharpening to a finer edge with
> longer lasting results. Mine is pretty much like this one:
> http://www.amazon.com/brand-Ceramic-.../dp/B000N5BVN2
> One caution is that the ceramic will actually sharpen (shave off minute amounts
> of the steel from the blade) whereas a steel will not, its job is to align
> the edge of the blade. Given all of that my knives will still outlast me and
> show no sign of deterioration. You use it the same way as the steel,
> and I obviously would strongly recommend it.

That's the difference between a hone and a steel.
A hone sharpens the blade and is used against the knife edge.
A steel straightens the edge (but does not sharpen) and is
used in the direction of the knife edge. A strop for a
straightedge razor does the same thing.