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Sharpening Steels
Sharpening Rods, also called Sharpening Steels and Honing Rods, are handheld tools used to hone or sharpen cutlery. They come in a variety of materials (mainly Steel, Ceramic and Diamond), a range of shapes (Round, Square, Oval and Flat), and varying degrees of courseness (smooth, polish, course, etc). We carry a very large selection of honing and sharpening steels and offer a breadth of information regarding the appropriate application of each tool. Please let us know if you need help selecting the proper honing steel for your cutlery or intended purpose; we are happy to offer our expertise.
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MAC 8 1/2" Ceramic Sharpening Rod (SR-85)
A ceramic honing rod designed to maintain and lightly refine the edge of your knife between sharpenings. The MAC 8 1/2-inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod is an essential maintenance tool for the anyone who uses high-carbon or Japanese stainless steel knives. While traditional steel honing rods are designed primarily to realign a "rolled" edge on softer Western alloys, this ceramic rod possesses a superior hardness that allows it to gently remove a microscopic amount of metal. This dual action not only realigns the edge but also polishes and hones it, effectively extending the interval between full stone sharpenings. The fine ceramic surface (approximately 1200–2000 grit) is specifically engineered to be harder than the 59–61 Rockwell steel found in the MAC Professional and Japanese Damascus lines. For the skilled cook, this means the ability to restore a "razor" feel with just a few light strokes without the aggressive abrasion of a diamond rod. The handle features a sturdy guard to protect the user's hand and a hanging ring for convenient station storage. This is the recommended maintenance tool for any knife where edge geometry and surgical precision are the highest priority. Over time, metal residue will build up on the rod. Clean it with a mild abrasive cleaner or scouring pad to maintain effectiveness.
Who This Is For Users who want to maintain their knife’s edge between sharpenings Cooks using harder steels, including many Japanese knives Anyone looking for more effective edge maintenance than a standard steel rod Not ideal for: Repairing chipped or damaged edges (requires sharpening stones or professional service) Learn MoreRegular Price: $34.95
Special Price $29.95
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Global 9.4 in. (240mm) Ceramic Sharpener
Preserve the legendary, factory-fresh edge of your knives with the Global 9.4-inch Ceramic Sharpener. Designed for the regular maintenance that is essential for high-performance cutlery, this tool is the professional’s choice for keeping a razor-sharp edge. More than just a honing steel, its ceramic surface is harder than steel and features a fine grit that not only realigns your blade but also gently sharpens it with every pass. This sharpener is specifically engineered to be the perfect companion for Global's proprietary CROMOVA 18 high-carbon steel. While a standard steel rod is too soft to effectively hone Global's hard blades, this alumina ceramic rod has the requisite hardness to refine the acute 15° edge angle without damaging it. The 9.4-inch (240mm) length provides ample surface area for safely sharpening most sizes of kitchen knives, from paring knives to chef's knives. Reflecting Global's iconic design, the sharpener features the signature dimpled, hollow stainless steel handle. This provides a secure, slip-resistant grip for safety and control during use. For any owner of Global cutlery, this ceramic sharpener is an indispensable tool for protecting your investment and ensuring a lifetime of exceptional performance. Learn More$149.95 -
Master Grade 11 in. White Ceramic Rod
The Master Grade ST-3700 receives our top recommendation for a ceramic honing rod.
Please note that a steel honing rod is used to straighten the edge of a knife that has "burred" or rolled over. Ceramic rods are used to remove metal and restore an edge. Knives with a Rockwell hardness of 61 or greater tend to not roll the edges, but will abrade and dull. Ceramic may be the best choice for these knives.
Not all ceramics are equal: At 9 mohs of hardness, the Master Grade ST-3700 is significantly better than others. (Diamonds are 10 mohs). The vast majority of ceramic rods on the market are 8 mohs.
Impact Resistant. Handle is square, so it is less likely to roll off the table. Rubber tip and metal core also help to make this rod more likely to survive a fall. The level of abrasiveness on a ceramic rod is anecdotal as they are textured ceramics that lack a grit that has been sieved to a particular grain size. These are roughly equivalent to a 2000 grit stone. Learn More$49.95 -
Master Grade 11-inch Black Ceramic Honing Rod
The Professional’s Secret to a Lasting Edge Traditional steel rods often fail when faced with modern, high-HRC Japanese blades. The Master Grade 11-inch Black Ceramic Rod solves this by utilizing a material rated at 8 on the Mohs hardness scale—significantly harder than standard kitchen cutlery. This isn't just a realignment tool; it’s a precision instrument that removes microscopic amounts of metal to refresh a dulling edge without the aggression of a whetstone. Whether you are a professional line cook prepping forty pounds of mirepoix or a home enthusiast maintaining a prized collection, this rod offers two distinct finishes in one tool. Use the striated sides for an aggressive hone when the edge feels sluggish, then rotate 90 degrees to the smooth sides for a polished, razor-sharp finish. Unlike traditional ceramic rods that are notoriously brittle, the ST-2800 features a reinforced metal core and an impact-resistant rubber tip. This design provides a critical safety net against the common 'death sentence' of a dropped ceramic tool. Its square bolster is a subtle but vital ergonomic choice, ensuring that when you set the rod down on a stainless steel prep table or a granite countertop, it stays exactly where you put it. This rod doesn't just maintain your knives; it protects your workflow. Learn More$45.95 -
Wusthof 10 in. Coarse Ceramic Sharpening Rod
The WÜSTHOF 10" Ceramic Sharpening Rod J800 is best for dull to moderately sharp knives. The ceramic surface ensures exceptional sharpening of the blade: with just a few steps you can achieve the desired result. As this sharpener removes a tiny amount of metal from the knife, we recommend using a WÜSTHOF Honing Steel for daily or weekly edge maintenance. JIS800 (Japanese Industrial Standards) Grit 800 this Ceramic Sharpening Rod is intended to put a small bevel on either side of the kitchen knife. (NOT Honing) This rod will put a good ruff edge on your knife with just a few passes, an edge that is ideal for cutting through vegetable skin (tomato, bell pepper) and making thin more even slices. This ceramic rod works very well with Japanese knives that are hard with high rockwell hardness scores but also works very well on German knives that have lost their edge. Learn More$64.95 -
Victorinox 12 in. Round Solid Core Diamond Steel
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$59.95 -
F. Dick 10 in. Dickoron Diamond/Ceramic Combo Steel
F. Dick 10 in. Dickoron "Dick Duo" Diamond/Ceramic Combination Steel is a great tool to use for quick sharpening when your knife needs a little more attention than normal. This ceramic sides are oval and there are round diamond rods on the opposite sides. 1000 grit Ceramic for finishing and/or basic touch up sharpening, diamond for cutting a new edge. This is a very unique sharpening product to allow you to put either a rough diamond finish or a smoother ceramic finish on your knife. If you have lost your edge through heavy use this tool will allow you to put a new beveled edge to your knife and you can skip the stones or the draw sharpeners. Ceramic is delicate so be sure to care for this tool and store it where it will not be dropped. Made in Germany. Learn More$133.25 -
Dexter-Russell 10-Inch Smooth Butcher Steel
The Dexter-Russell 10-inch smooth butcher steel, also called a polishing steel, is a daily maintenance tool for butchers, meat cutters and cooks who break down protein with Western knives. Its polished surface realigns a rolled or wavering edge without grinding it away, so a few strokes between cuts keep a boning, breaking or chef’s knife cutting cleanly and delay the next session on a sharpening stone.FeaturesSmooth, polished surface. The steel straightens and burnishes the edge rather than removing metal, which preserves the blade and makes the steel suitable for frequent use throughout a shift.Magnetized rod. The steel holds the fine metal particles released during honing instead of letting them fall onto the cutting board or the product.Nickel-plated, high-carbon file steel. A hard high-carbon core carries a nickel-plated finish that forms the polished working surface.Guarded polypropylene handle with heavy-duty ring. The guard keeps the hand behind the working length of the rod, and the ring allows the steel to hang within reach at the workstation.Made in the USA. Dexter-Russell, which traces its history to 1818, builds its Traditional line of butcher steels in the United States.How It ComparesAmong the 10-inch polishing steels we carry, the Dexter-Russell and the Granton 10 in. Packing House Steel are both magnetized. The Granton is made in Sheffield, England. The F. Dick 10 in. Non-Chromium Polishing Steel is stainless and left unplated, so cutters can scuff its surface with sandpaper to suit their preference. All three suit the softer steels used in working protein knives such as Dexter-Russell and Victorinox. Learn More$37.75 -
Victorinox Classic 8 in. Med-Fine Honing Rod
Precision Blade Maintenance, Every Time You Cook
Elevate your knife care routine with the Victorinox Classic 8-inch Medium-Fine Honing Rod — the professional-grade tool trusted by home cooks and culinary experts alike. Engineered to keep your blades performing at their peak, this honing steel is the effortless solution to maintaining a razor-sharp edge between sharpenings. Effortless Edge Alignment
Over time, even the finest knife blades develop a microscopic bend — known as a burr — that dulls cutting performance. The Victorinox Classic Honing Rod's medium-fine chrome-plated surface gently realigns your blade's edge, restoring its sharpness without removing excess metal. Suitable for blades with a hardness of up to 65 HRC, it's compatible with a wide range of premium kitchen knives. Sleek, Professional Design
True to the iconic Victorinox Classic aesthetic, this honing rod pairs a polished chrome-plated steel shaft with a sleek, durable synthetic handle that offers a confident, non-slip grip. Whether displayed on a knife block or stored in a drawer, its refined look complements any kitchen setup. Learn More$20.00 -
F. Dick Dickoron 12 in. Round Combination Hygienic Steel
F. Dick Dickoron 12-inch Round Combination Hygienic Steel – The Ultimate Edge Maintenance Tool Elevate your knife care with the F. Dick Dickoron 12-inch Round Combination Hygienic Steel, a premium honing rod from the esteemed Dickoron Series. Engineered for professional chefs and serious home cooks, this versatile steel provides comprehensive edge maintenance, ensuring your knives remain consistently sharp and ready for any task. Key Features & Benefits: Combination Cut Surface: This innovative round steel features two sides with a "regular cut" for effective re-aligning and sharpening, and two sides with a "polishing cut" to refine the edge to razor-sharp perfection. This dual-action design eliminates the need for multiple honing steels. Optimal 12-inch Length: The generous 12-inch (30 cm) working length provides ample surface area for long, smooth strokes, making it easy to hone even larger knives safely and efficiently. The overall length is 18.31 inches (46.5 cm). Hygienic Design: The handle is crafted with hygiene in mind, featuring materials and a design that are easy to clean and sanitize, crucial for professional kitchen environments. Durable & Reliable: Made from high-quality materials, the Dickoron steel is built for longevity and consistent performance, ensuring years of dependable use. Effortless Edge Restoration: Regular use of this combination honing steel will keep your knife edges perfectly aligned and refined, significantly extending the life of your blades and improving cutting efficiency. Invest in the F. Dick Dickoron 12-inch Round Combination Hygienic Steel and experience the difference a truly superior honing tool makes in maintaining the precision of your cutlery. Learn More$125.45
