This is a Ceramic Hone that comes with a wooden handle, has a 1/2 inch diameter and is 10 inches long.
Ceramic Hones/Steels are better than metal or even diamond steels. Both metal and diamond hones are known to be very aggressive and leave micro grooves and burs on the blades edges. Ceramic is smooth by nature and doesn't leave such. Instead it polishes the edge removing the burs.
The purpose of hones is quite simply to allow you to quickly maintain an edge without having to pull out and setup the entire sharpening kit. You shouldn't rely on this completely for sharpening, but having it about for a quick repair & touch up is handy.
Use this one for maintaining a polished edge on your knife. Ideal for the kitchen where you can quickly grab it and polish the edge prior to carving up dinner.
Not all ceramic steels are the same. Cheaper ones may be less dense or clog quickly, requiring more frequent cleaning. These steels are tried and tested and built in the USA.
