Make no mistake there is nothing subtle about this tool. It literally shaves a metal layer with each pass. This tool is good for really dull generic knifes or heavy duty butcher knives, don’t use it on damascus knives or any high-end brands. Still I like easiness of bringing really dull knife into shape with Deglon Oval Diamond Steel Knife Sharpener, a few strokes and the knife is ready for fine grinding, or steeling or stropping. it does a wonderful job on my bone choppers.