Wusthof Ikon Honing Steel

This is a honing steel, not a sharpener. It is designed to realign the microscopic edge of your blade that bends during use, which restores cutting performance. It will not remove metal to create a new edge, so you will still need professional sharpening periodically.

The magnetic stainless steel rod is designed to capture loose metal filings during the honing process. This prevents tiny metal particles from falling onto your cutting board or into your food.

This honing steel is ideal for standard Western-style knives. It is generally not recommended for Japanese-style knives, which often have harder steel and different edge angles that require specific ceramic or diamond honing rods.

For best results, use the honing steel before or after every major cooking session. Regular, light maintenance keeps your blade aligned and significantly extends the time between professional sharpenings.

The Grenadill wood handle is dense and durable, but it should be hand-washed and dried immediately. Avoid soaking it in water or putting it in the dishwasher, as moisture can cause the wood to expand or crack over time.

The rod is 10 inches long, which is the standard length for most home kitchen tasks. It is perfectly sized for honing chef's knives up to 10 inches, as well as smaller paring and utility knives.