Shun 9-in. Shun Classic Sharpening Steel  Product Reviews

"I purchased this sharpening steel for my husband, who is extremely fussy about the kitchen knives. He feels that it is the very best he has ever owned."

"I would not buy this knife sharpener again. It is too pricey for what it is. I WOULD buy a diamond knife sharpener."

"Shun makes the best knives that I own. So, why not maintain their edges with a Shun steel? Don't bother. The steel is nicely made but only does a mediocre job. I'll stick with F. Dick sharpening steels from now on."

"Great honing steel that is a bit longer than others I looked at (seems to help a bit for the bigger knives) and an attractive taper (not sure that matters, but it looks nice). I've only had it a brief time, though I've used it frequently. Despite an occasional clumsy collision, this steel slides smoothly and shows no nicks. It straightens the edge on my (mostly) mid-grade knives with ease. Another reviewer claimed the handle was plastic. Perhaps he was mistaken, or perhaps he had a different version. But mine, purchased later, has a visible grain if you look close, under a dark ebony finish. It does almost "feel" plastic due to the hard resin finish, but it is the same material as on the Shun knives a friend has (though the steel lacks the metal endcap that her knives have). Aesthetics are open to debate, but I think it looks much nicer than most, and performs better than any other I've used for daily straightening. For less frequent light sharpening, I recommend a diamond steel. Global makes the best diamond steel I've seen, but I've stuck with the DMT for a quarter the price."