J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star 10-Inch Honing Steel

Product Description

Having made the investment in fine cutlery, you must also take the time and effort to maintain those edges. Regular use of a steel will keep the blades effectively honed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37418 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Henckels
• Model: 32565-260
• Dimensions: 1.50" h x 1.75" w x 15.50" l, .78 pounds

Features

• 10-inch steel realigns knives' blade-edges
• Long enough to hone nearly all knives
• Hanging loop on black poly handle
• Wipe with dry cloth, if necessary
• Lifetime warranty against defects

Amazon.com Review
This honing steel serves a vital role in the kitchen by realigning, or "resetting," a knife's edge, which bends this way and that when contacting a cutting surface. (Often called a sharpening steel, or "butcher" steel, a steel doesn't actually sharpen a knife--unless it's a "diamond" steel.) Consisting of a rod of hard steel-alloy and a tough synthetic handle, this steel works well. A loop facilitates hanging it close at hand so you can employ the steel often—ideally each time you use a knife. That prevents a blade from becoming dull and prolongs intervals between professional sharpenings. The rule is that a steel should be at least as long as the knife blade being drawn across it, and this steel's 10-inch rod is sufficient for nearly all household knives. The steel carries a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

Customer Reviews

Great for it's size...and size does matter.
I cook for a livin' and I have many honing steels, some at 14" for my big knives and this one for my 8" and under knives. I got this one in an upscale set of 4 starz and I do love it. As previously reviewed, it's not for sharpening but used to maintain a sharp edge. If you use this PROPERLY every time you use a new knife then the factory edge will last for months if not years under normal usage.
If you are collecting the 4 star line then this is a must, it is one of the most attractive steels made, the Rockwell rating is harder than any factory production blade made, the grooving is crisp and it is a bargain compared to other brands. A must replacement for a lesser steel in most 4 star sets.
It would be worth your time and money to buy the knife care video and learn how to use this well...an investment for your future enjoyment of Henckels 4 star knives.

We hand out 5 mojo*z for this steel Magnolia!!!

Keeps knives 'sharp'
As other reviewers have mentioned, this does not actually sharpen your knives in the sense that it won't put an angle on your blade that isn't already there. However, what this is great for is keeping your set of kitchen knives in good (and safe) condition.

Note to novices: make sure to ask a pro or an experienced cook how to use a steel. If you hold the knife at the wrong angle, you may actually be reversing the effect the steel is supposed to have - realigning the blade to its sharpest position.

Note 2: a lot of blades these days are made with the higher-end cobalt alloy steel that is significantly harder than regular stainless. All this really means is that if you have a good knife, you technically won't have to use this every time you slice and dice, but it's still a good idea to keep the knife in the best condition possible.

HENCKELS - THE REAL CUTTING EDGE!
Most of us know the importance of sharp knives for proper food preparation and gracious serving. Of course, I had to learn the hard way - by mashing a tomato instead of chopping it, by "sawing" a roast rather than slicing it, and by cutting and pulling off a plump roast turkey leg rather than carving it. Those are just a few of the reasons I'm such a fan of my Henckels Sharpening Steel. After trying both a stone and steel, the steel is my favorite for ease of use and appearance. This steel is not only utilitarian but handsome with a ribbed handle that's easy to hold and silvertone handle guard and hanging ring. First off, a good way to test whether or not your knives are sharp is to hold a piece of paper by the top corner and then attempt to "slice" it. If knives won't do this - head for the steel! You'll be amazed - sometimes it takes only a few strokes on the steel to make your knife sharp, sharper, then sharpest. Remember to place the metal end of the steel on a sturdy surface, such as a butcher block table or cutting board then position the base of the blade on the steel and begin. This Henckels sharpening steel is certainly a cut above any other. - Gail Cooke