Noticed a huge shift in how my crew treats knife steels since I switched ours out

Back in 2019 I had these cheap steel rods from a restaurant supply place, and nobody bothered to use them. Swapped to a set of diamond-coated steels about 6 months ago, and now I see guys actually running their blades between prep tasks. What changed besides the tool itself? Is it just that they feel more effective or did I finally get through to them with a proper demo?

2 comments

2 Comments

juliawalker21d ago

I remember reading somewhere that the feedback thing is actually backed up by some studies about tool use. Like when you can FEEL and hear the tool working, your brain releases more dopamine and you're more likely to use it again. Makes total sense with those diamond rods giving that gritty sensation versus smooth steel.

patel.daniel22d agoMost Upvoted

Is it possible that people just naturally respond better to tools that feel like they actually do something? I notice the same thing with my kitchen knives at home - I'll reach for the sharper one without thinking, even if the other is technically fine. Maybe it's just human nature to want that satisfying feedback when you're working.