Best Honing Steels
One of the most popular gifts for new homeowners and for first-purchases of new apartments and condos is the kitchen knife set. It comes complete with a chef's knife, serrated bread knife, steak knives, and maybe a pair of good scissors. But what about that steel rod that comes with the block? That's the honing steel, a crucial component in any quality knife set that is usually the one kitchen tool a lot of home chefs have no idea how to use. But a quality kitchen knife is only as good as the sharpness of its steel. The purpose of the honing steel, while not to actually sharpen the blade, is to retain each knife's edge without stripping away much metal (which standalone sharpeners are designed to do). In case your knife set didn't come with one, or you're looking for a quality replacement, here are a few great honing steel options to consider. Read on to discover our top picks!
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Best All-Purpose
Utopia Kitchen 12 Inch Honing Steel
Ergonomic and Functional. Made of nickel/chrome-plated carbon steel, this 12-inch honing steel sharpens both straight edge and serrated blades on a number of knives including kitchen, sporting, and pocket varieties.
What We Liked
A slip-resistant, rubber-coated bottom ensures stability, and the ergonomic handle can be used both right and left-handed. A fine, nickel/chrome-plated carbon steel design works on virtually every knife type without sacrificing the strength of the steel or doing damage during the sharpening process. A ring at the base of the handle makes it easy to pull out of most knife blocks or hang out of the way on a hooked magnet or shelf. Buy Yours Here.
Best for Professionals
Noble Home & Chef Professional Knife Steel
Designed for Daily Use. With 10-inch and 12-inch options and four sleek handle designs, this magnetized honing steel is designed for use by professional chefs and home chefs alike who only use the finest tools in food prep.
What We Liked
While most honing steels have nothing to prevent small, steel shavings of the blade from siphoning off, this magnetized steel from Noble Home keeps any small particles from spilling onto floors, counters, or food products. From the hilt, all the way up to the tip of the honing edge, is solid carbon steel instead of cheap plastic. Plus, a chromium plating prevents any future rusting from occurring, even after hundreds of uses and cleanings. With an ergonomic weight and feel and secure oval grip, safe usage is built into this honing steel. Purchase Online.
Best Sharpener
Kota Japan 12 Inch Professional Knife Sharpener Rod
State-of-the-Art Japanese Design. A unique blend of sharpening stone and honing steel, the diamond electroplating on this Japanese-engineered rod gives it superior sharpening capabilities without sacrificing the integrity of kitchen, hunting, or everyday carry blades.
What We Liked
Talk about features and benefits from top to bottom! An ergonomic handle features an integrated hang-up ring for easy storage. And the rubber tip allows you to hone your blade while propped up to the counter’s surface – without slipping. Japanese engineering integrates industrial diamonds with a unique bonding process to create one of the hardest and longest-lasting honing steel surfaces on the market. This allows for a range of materials to come into contact with the rod for optimal effect, from carbide to titanium and even ceramic blades. It’s more of a sharpener than a honing steel, but the material of the rod won’t strip away precious metal from even the most professional, daily-used kitchen blades. Get Yours Today.