The honing steel is the tool for daily touch-up of a knife's edge: it doesn't sharpen (it removes no metal), but straightens the microscopic bending of the edge caused by use, keeping it sharp for longer between one proper sharpening and the next.

Round or oval: the round section is the most common and versatile, the oval one offers a slightly different contact surface. Length: from 20 to 30cm, to be chosen based on the length of the blades you normally use. Brands in range: Dick, Simplex.

For the knife range see Cutlery, in particular the Slicing Knives.

Frequently asked questions

How often should the honing steel be used?
Ideally before every session of intensive cutting, to keep the edge performing well between one proper sharpening and the next.

Does the honing steel replace sharpening?
No: it only restores the alignment of the existing edge, it doesn't regenerate it. When the edge can no longer be straightened with the honing steel, a proper sharpening is needed.