The F. Dick 12 in. Oval Regular Cut Steel with Black Plastic Handle is a standard regular cut honing rod meaning the lines are cut to the regular depth for a slightly rougher edge than the fine or polish cut. The edge you can get with this rod is suitable for cutting proteins but works best with cutting fruits and vegetables, we find a couple of passes on either side with this steel will have you slicing the thinnest most even cuts of tomatoes. This knife features a metal finger guard that also provides better balance and a metal ring for storage. The oval shape allows the user to find their perfect edge between 15 and 20 degrees making for a more foolproof honing experience. Made in Germany.