Sharpening steels with standard cut are exciting tools. This means that sharpening actually removes material along the cutting edge, so they can serve as a first aid for knives that are not very sharp. The standard cut results in a rough cutting edge profile due to the pronounced cuts on the sharpening steel blade. The cutting edge becomes blunt over time when using the knife. Seen in cross-section, it is then no longer pointed but slightly rounded. This worn cutting edge should be re-sharpened immediately on a sharpening steel. If the sharpening steel is not used very regularly, a sharpening steel with a standard cut or diamond coating is best. For a finer cutting edge, a sharpening steel with fine cut can be used afterwards.