The Dickoron series steels offer a more substantial handle than their less expensive lines. It is high quality, hardened acrylic with a steel finger guard. The 12 in. oval polishing steel is made for quick sharpening in a repetitive use situation in whcih you don't want to cause excessive wear to your knife. Meat processors, butchers and sushi chefs prefer a polishing steel to a more coarse option. This steel is even used in the music idustry by Oboe players who are looking for the highest grade tools to care for their instruments. Made in Germany.