How are honing rod type knife sharpeners made of steel able to sharpen steel knives?

Question

How is it possible that steel can sharpen steel?

For example this honing rod type sharpener [https://www.walmart.com/ip/J-A-Henckels-International-Fine-Edge-Pro-9-Sharpening-Steel/49056156](https://www.walmart.com/ip/J-A-Henckels-International-Fine-Edge-Pro-9-Sharpening-Steel/49056156) is made of steel whereas the this one is made of ceramic [https://www.walmart.com/ip/J-A-Henckels-International-Handheld-Knife-Sharpener/861314185](https://www.walmart.com/ip/J-A-Henckels-International-Handheld-Knife-Sharpener/861314185)

In: 7

Answer 1

Thanks for all the answers. Learnt something new today. I love this sub.