Shun Cutlery Premier Honing Steel

The smooth side is designed for daily maintenance to gently realign the edge of your blade. The micro-ribbed side is slightly more aggressive and is intended for weekly touch-ups to help restore the edge if it feels slightly dull.

No, this tool is strictly for honing, not sharpening. Honing realigns the microscopic edge of the blade that bends during use, while sharpening removes metal to create a new edge. You will still need to use a whetstone or professional sharpening service periodically.

The guide is built directly into the handle to help you maintain the correct 16-degree angle throughout the entire stroke. By resting the spine of your knife against the guide, you eliminate the guesswork and ensure consistent contact with the steel.

Yes, it works with any knife, but it is specifically calibrated for a 16-degree edge angle. If your knives have a different edge angle, the guide may not be effective, though you can still use the steel manually without the guide.

The PakkaWood handle is moisture-resistant, but you should still hand wash the steel and wipe the handle dry immediately after use. Avoid soaking it in water or putting it in the dishwasher, as this can degrade the wood over time.