Does a sharpening steel ever need to be replaced? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate:
Do honing steels wear out?

I've been using my sharpening steel for several years. The tiny little ridges that run along its length seem to be somewhat worn, although they're still visible. I'm wondering if I'd get a better job from a new one, but they are rather expensive so I thought I'd ask first. Is there a way to tell when a steel needs replaced, other than just by the performance of the knives that are honed with it? I don't have a way to compare with a different sharpening steel, or a new one. Or are they the type of thing that you can buy one time and use forever?

Best Answer

Standard grooved metal steels don't ever really become unusable. The ridges will get dinged up over time with abuse, especially with cheap steels that are not of good quality; however, I've seen some seriously (ab)used steels and they are still quite usable despite looking like Rocky at the end of a fight. In the worst case, the steel will become smooth... which doesn't hinder its ability do its job and align the blade edge.

Smooth (ungroved) metal steels cannot ever wear out, since they're just a smooth piece of metal.

Ceramic sharpening "steels" will never wear out, but the surface can get clogged with removed metal particles. This can be cleaned out with a scouring pad to render them as good as new. If banged against things, the brittle ceramic can chip permanently, but that is not part of normal use.

Diamond sharpening "steels" are the only ones which ABSOLUTELY WILL wear out over time; the abrasive is made of tiny diamonds embedded in the surface, which will be dislodged by normal use. Eventually enough diamonds will be scraped off that the tool ceases to sharpen.

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Quick Answer about "Does a sharpening steel ever need to be replaced? [duplicate]"

Smooth (ungroved) metal steels cannot ever wear out, since they're just a smooth piece of metal. Ceramic sharpening "steels" will never wear out, but the surface can get clogged with removed metal particles. This can be cleaned out with a scouring pad to render them as good as new.

How often should you replace a sharpening steel?

Diamond honing steel should last you anywhere from 5-15 years. The longevity depends on how frequently you use it. If it's under frequent use, you will have to replace it in 5-10 years. With infrequent use, it can last you a decade or more.

Can a sharpening steel get dull?

Eventually, though, that super-fine edge of metal will break off and wear away, like a pencil point dulling down. As this happens, the honing steel will become less and less helpful.

How do you refresh a sharpening steel?

Now it is a fact that all sharpening stones (whetstones) wear down regardless of whether they are water or oil stones (Arkansas stone, aluminum oxide stone and carborundum stone)and regardless of who makes them or where they are made.

Sharpening Steels are Useless

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