Steeling - Does NOT sharpen a knife

I am still blown away every now and then by folks who I encounter and when we get to talk about sharpening they say things like "yes I sharpen my own knives too". I get a little excited thinking I have met someone who shares a common interest. Then when I ask what they use, the response is " a steel".
The conversation ends soon after that.

To confirm, a steel when used properly and assuming the steel is of good quality and not the one that comes with the knife block. (they are usually quite bad). When utilised properly a steel can keep a knife sharp for a period of time by pushing the fatigued metal back into place. It is not the best way to keep a knife sharp by any means but it will work for a while.

I just peeved off when people are closed to an education on what a steel is, these are people in the industry too. I am not suggesting everyone needs a whack of water stones, gees one water stone at the 1k level will be enough to keep that knife sharp for an eternity.

Remember the best way to maintain an edge is with a whetstone.

Thank  you for reading this.