Sharpening Steels

Victorinox 12 in. Helical Cut Steel is to be used for removing burrs and setting an edge. This is a coarse steel and is most often used on hunting knives, cleavers or in conjunction with a finer or ceramic rod. As an example, we use one as part of our knife sharpening process. On a damaged knife, we would grind the blade to remove chips, or reshape a broken tip. This rod will remove the heavy burr prior to next phase sharpening. It would not be used as part of normal edge maintenance where you would want a finer steel. Learn More

The F. Dick Dark Nitro is a new innovation in German manufacturing using new state of the art techniques to develop harder steel knives with tighter grain structures and higher HRC. In doing so Friedrich Dick needed to Develop steels that can straighten and align the edge on harder steeel knives. This unique Dark Nitro Steel has a special surface for very high abrasion and is therefore particularly suitable for hard knives. The oval shape of the blade provides large contact for the knife and therefore more effective sharpening results. The pear-shaped handle design sits comfortably and safely in the hand. This is truly a one of a kind German masterpiece brought to you by the company that has been pioneering honing steels since the early 1800's. 

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The Victorinox/ Forschner 12 in. Oval Diamond Sharpening Steel is a 600 grit premium sharpening steel with a hollow rod that is coated with diamond for maximum sharpness. The oval shape of a sharpening steels allows you to get more contact with the steel and the blade's edge. The black nylon non-slip handle is comfortable to hold in either your left or right hand. Made in USA. Learn More

Victorinox 12 in. Round Solid Core Diamond Steel is a great way to sharpen your knives quickly on the go. At 600 grit, this is a fairly aggressive steel to be used for removing metal and establishing an edge on a dull knife. The Diamond particles are well-adhered to the solid stainless rod, making this a product that should last for many years. We suggest a fine ceramic rod as a secondary sharpening tool to smooth and refine an edge sharpened with Diamond steels. Learn More

The Messermeister 12 in. Ceramic Honing Rod is a nice, consistently smooth ceramic rod 1200 grit, that features a slight abrasive that actually sharpens your knifes while it aligns the edge. The soft-grip ergonomic handle makes it easy to get a secure grip. Learn More

The Idahone 12-inch Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod is for cooks who maintain a full knife block, from paring knives to long slicers, and want one rod that serves all of them. A honing steel only pushes a rolled edge back into line. This high-alumina ceramic rod removes a small amount of steel, so it sharpens and polishes the edge at the same time. Its finish is comparable to a fine Japanese whetstone, which makes it a maintenance tool between full sharpenings rather than a substitute for them.
What It Does for Your Knives Long working surface: Accommodates 10-inch chef’s knives and slicers as readily as short knives, so one rod covers the whole block. Fine ceramic abrasive: Refreshes a working edge in a few light strokes and leaves a smooth, polished finish. Suited to Japanese and Western knives: Because the rod abrades the edge rather than bending it, it maintains softer German steels and the harder steels of many Japanese knives, which tend to wear or chip rather than roll. Natural maple handle with hanging ring: Provides a secure grip for steady strokes and keeps the rod within reach at the prep station.
Other Sizes and Grits The same rod is available in a shorter length as the Idahone 10-inch Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod, Hard Rock Maple Handle, and with a black handle as the Idahone 12-inch Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod, Black Wood Handle. When a knife no longer responds to the fine rod, the Idahone 12-inch Coarse Ceramic Sharpening Rod removes steel faster to restore the edge, and the fine rod then refines it. Learn More

The Idahone 12-inch Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod is for cooks who rely on long knives and want to keep them sharp between full sharpenings. A honing steel only pushes a rolled edge back into line. This high-alumina ceramic rod removes a small amount of steel with each stroke, so it sharpens and polishes the edge at the same time. Its finish is comparable to a fine Japanese whetstone, which makes it a maintenance tool between full sharpenings rather than a substitute for them.
What It Does for Your Knives Long working surface: Gives 10-inch chef’s knives, slicers and sujihiki room for a full stroke from heel to tip, so the entire edge receives even contact. Fine ceramic abrasive: Refreshes a working edge in a few light strokes and leaves a smooth, polished finish. Suited to harder steels: Because the rod abrades the edge rather than bending it, it suits the harder steels of many Japanese knives, which tend to wear or chip rather than roll. Fewer whetstone sessions: Regular use keeps an edge in service longer, so full sharpenings are needed less often.
Other Sizes and Grits For shorter knives or a smaller kitchen, the Idahone 10-inch Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod, Black Wood Handle offers the same ceramic in a more compact length. The same fine rod is also available with a natural maple handle as the Idahone 12-inch Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod, Hard Rock Maple Handle. When a knife no longer responds to the fine rod, the Idahone 12-inch Coarse Ceramic Sharpening Rod removes steel faster to restore the edge. Learn More