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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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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 -
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
