A honing steel when used properly can help to maintain the cutting edge of your knives, keeping them more efficient and safer to use. The 12" steel is longer providing a more effective surface area.
It super important to use a honing steel to keep your knives performing their best in between annual sharpening. If you are uncertain how to use one you can simply watch a how to video and within minutes you'll be realigning your knives and you'll be impressed with the difference it makes. This sharpening steel has a bit of extra length at 12 inches and an oval shape as opposed to round which provides more surface area for the edge to have contact with.
Love the extra length on this steel. I feel like the knives are is better shape when I use the 12" steel vs. 10". I think it has to do with the consistent travel of the blade down the edge. Perfect for working out any rough edges or burrs on your blades.
A good honing steel really helps your knife edge last longer between sharpenings. Straightens the edge and takes away any burrs that have occured during use.
Its is good to hone your knife once in a while, for some once a week is part of their daily routine depending on the usage. Great 12" honing steel to fix, align and straighten knife edge for optimal sharpness.