Shun Premier Honing Steel

The rod features a dual-surface design to handle different maintenance needs. Use the smooth side for routine weekly honing to keep your edge straight, and the micro-ribbed side for deeper, monthly realignment when the blade feels slightly duller.

No, this is a honing steel, not a sharpener. It is designed to realign the microscopic edge of your blade that bends during normal use, which helps your knife cut more effectively and extends the time between professional sharpenings.

The guide is built directly into the handle, allowing you to rest the spine of your knife against it while you hone. This automatically sets your blade at the correct 16-degree angle, removing the guesswork and ensuring consistent results every time.

Yes, you can use this on any stainless steel knife. However, keep in mind that the built-in angle guide is specifically calibrated to 16 degrees, which is the standard angle for most Japanese-style knives; it may not be the optimal angle for Western-style knives, which are typically ground to 20 degrees.

The rod is not dishwasher safe. To clean it, simply wipe the steel rod with a damp cloth after each use to remove metal filings, then dry it thoroughly. The Pakkawood handle is moisture-resistant, but you should avoid soaking it in water.