KEEP YOUR KITCHEN KNIFE ARSENAL RAZOR SHARP WITH THESE INCREDIBLE SHARPENING STEELS

If you're a fan of cooking, you've probably seen professional chefs at restaurants or on TV sharpening their arsenal of cutlery with a long, stick like mini-jousting rod. BEHOLD, the sharpening steel! Though seen often and simple in structure, many are still perplexed with it's actual use. How the heck do you sharpen a knife with a stick? Well, we did the research for you and gave you the ULTIMATE guide to the best sharpening steels on the market and a little extra info, too!

WHAT IS A KNIFE SHARPENING STEEL?

So, what exactly is a sharpening steel? This awesome sword-like tool keeps the sharp edge of your knife super razor sharp by shaving off tiny bits of blade off. Most knives are made of extremely durable steel alloy, so they are made to withstand sharpening many times.

However, a sharpening steel is not to be confused with a honing steel. With a honing steel, the blade is reshaped into a sharp configuration by slightly bending the metal into shape. No metal is actually shaved off of the knife during honing.

TYPES OF SHARPENING STEELS

Although many sharpening steels may look similar physically, many of them have different features. One of the most defining features is the material that the rods are made of. Some of the most popular materials sharpening steels are made of are steel, diamond, and ceramic.

STEEL SHARPENING STEEL

No, we did not stutter.

This is the most common type of sharpening steel since the material is extremely durable and easy to clean. Usually, steel is chosen since they are easy for daily maintenance. Generally, these are on the more affordable side since they are cheaper to make than other materials. You can find these typically in a knife set.

However, one downfall is that Japanese blades or any soft blades CAN NOT be sharpened with them. Since the steel is too abrasive, the blades will deteriorate, chip, and become ruined.

DIAMOND SHARPENING STEEL

Diamonds are forever, as they say. In this case, these sharpening steels are coated with super abrasive diamond particles that will really get your knife edges pin-point sharp. However, be wary. Since the coating is very rough, the friction causes the diamond particles to slough off easily, making the rod not as effective. 

Be sure to choose a high quality product that we suggested below so you don't have this issue.

CERAMIC SHARPENING STEEL

Ceramic steels are like the three bears and goldilocks, just right. Not only do they sharpen better than steel sharpening steels, but they're also a more affordable material than diamond steels. They can also sharpen anything from your best bread knife to a fish filet knife.

Again, be careful! Ceramic sharpening steels don't have the greatest longevity since prolonged use can cause them to crack.

HOW TO SHARPEN A KNIFE WITH A SHARPENING STEEL

Source: The Spruce

Need a little help executing sharpening your knife properly? Here are the steps:

  • 1
    If you are right-handed, hold the sharpening steel pointing straight down perpendicular into your cutting board in your left hand (reverse if you're left-handed).
  • 2
    With the opposite hand, cut into the steel at a 25 degree angle from the steel with a sweeping motion. It will look sort of like you are trying to slice a sliver of the steel off. 
  • 3
    Pull the knife backward toward you. This means you will start at the thickest part of the knife all the way to the tip when you slice through. Make sure to not put too much pressure, just graze the steel firmly.
  • 4
    Switch sides and do the same steps with the other side of the blade. Do this about 4-6 times each time you are ready to cut!

If this is a little confusing, check out how Chef Gordon Ramsay sharpens knives like a boss!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST KNIFE SHARPENING STEEL

When choosing the right sharpening steel, you have to keep a few things in mind.

Material

  • Steel, Ceramic, or Diamond

Length

  • At least 2 inches longer than your longest knife

Grip

  • No slip grip!

Weight

  • Some can get a little heavy so be sure to pick one your strength can handle!

BEST DIAMOND SHARPENING ROD

If you're looking for a sharpener that will give you the razor cutting edge you need to refine your chef skills, this is the sharpener for you. Coming in a 15.88 inches in length, this sharpener is made to sharpen even your longest knives. Packed with tiny diamond particles, the sharpener hones and refines your blades to perfection.

The super comfortable non-slip grip makes sharpening light and easy on your hands. Plus, the handle includes a hang-up ring, which makes storing this tool a breeze. Also, the plastic sharpening tip protects your counter from getting ruined while you sharpen your favorite knives.

Overall, this sharpener is an excellent started diamond sharpener for those who want to try one out for the first time.

Want a diamond sharpener that fits the quality and affordability you need to keep your kitchen knives like new? Well, we got the perfect product for you. DMT is arguably one of the best in diamond sharpening technology. The diamonds are actually more concentrated than most other brands, making the sharpener last longer and more effectively.

This specific model comes in a 12 inch length, but they offer 10, 12, and 14 inch lengths as well. Also, there's a handy hanging loop, giving you extra storage space in your accessories cabinet. Plus, you can use this sharpener not only for kitchen knives, but other sporting and outdoor knives as well.

If you're a little more experienced, we highly recommend this diamond sharpener for you.

BEST CERAMIC SHARPENING STEEL

Have you ever dreamt of having perfectly sharpened knives but struggled with achieving this goal? Well, worry no more because the Euroline Bob Kramer Ceramic Sharpening Steel is the answer to all of your problems.

This gorgeous sharpening steel is made from sturdy ceramic that simultaneously hones your knives while you sharpen them. This ranks at 70 Rockwell hardness, so you know it's not going to break on you any time soon. Coming in at 10 inches, this beast rod will sharpen most regular sized kitchen knives.

By far, this is one of the highest quality sharpening steels on the market. Once you try it, you'll never want to go back to your old sharpener.

Need sharper knives and want to look pretty cool doing it? The Messermeister Ceramic Rod Knife sharper is the perfect addition to your kitchen arsenal that will keep your knives sharp and your ego super happy.

With 12 inches of fury, this bad boy is made from a combination of industrial strength ceramic that hones and aligns your blades. The Ceramic is very hard and has a slightly abrasive characteristic, which allows your blades to get razor sharp as it aligns. Also, it's made from 1200 Grit ceramic. The ergonomic grip makes sharpening your blades comfortable and easy.

Overall, we know this is going to be an excellent sharpening steel for your kitchen knife collection.

BEST PROFESSIONAL SHARPENING STEEL

It's time to take your knife-sharpening skills to the next level in your commercial kitchen. The Professional Knife Sharpening Steal by Noble Home and Chef is a top quality item that once you use it, you'll never go back.

One of the most special features about this sharpening steel is that it is magnetized. When sharpening your knives, tiny particles of metal from your knife can be shaved off and sometimes can get in your food. The magnetic steel allows those particles to stick and stay put. Plus, the steels will never rust with the chromium plating process.

In the end, we know this is a sharpening steel of top quality. Plus, it just looks darn cool, doesn't it?

Chefs, rejoice! This incredible sharpening steel is ideal for butchers and chefs across the globe! The German made commercial grade construction is perfect for you to get the cleanest and sharpest kitchen knives for your culinary needs.

Coming in at 10 inches, it the perfect length for all your professional cutler. Plus it has an oval fine cut rod, which is ideal for fast sharpening with a steady and seasoned hand. Also, the handle has an ergonomic design thats perfect for your grip.

Overall, this high-quality sharpening steel is built to last the test of time. If you are a professional looking for a top-quality sharpening steel, you will be pleased with this one.

BEST BUTCHER'S STEEL

For those of you who know how to work with meat (that's right), we've got the knife sharpening steel for you. This beast of a steel by Dexter-Russel is 14 inches of fury, allowing you to sharpen some of your largest and biggest butchering knives.

When it comes to sharpening butcher knives, they aren't as delicate as some other Japanese knives. However, you do need a little more gusto to withstand the material. Thats why the medium coarseness and wood material make this a beastly sharpening steel that gets the job done, and looks good at the same time. Plus, it is magnetized keeping all the extra shards out of your meat.

Overall, this is a high quality sharpening steel for butchers.

If you're a butcher and want something a little more delicate to fine-tune the sharpening of your knives, we've got the tool for you. This efficient and effective butcher high-carbon stainless steel by Wusthof is everything you could need and more.

We love this sharpening steel because it has a nifty little ring attachment at the bottom for hanging and easy storage. Plus, the steel is absolutely stain free, unlike some other competitors that still manage to rust over time. It's easy to use and easy to clean; just hand wash it and it's ready . to go!

In the end, this is an excellent high quality honing steel. It's simple and straight forward, everything you need in your knife sharpening experience.

BEST FLAT SHARPENING STEEL

If you're in need for a longer steel that has a flat surface, we've got the sharpening steel for you. This schnazzy steel is 14 inches of fury and gets the job done sharpening some of your longest knives. The handle is solid dark wood and has an ergonomic shape that's easy to hold on to.

The steel comes with guards that are embellished with nifty little accents, almost resembling a sword (let your inner knight out!). It's got a decent heft to it, which makes it easier to get the leverage you need while sharpening. Plus, the grooved rods give just the right amount of texture to sharpening your knives safely.

We know you will love this flat sharpening steel. Try it out for yourself!

By far, this is one of the best quality sharpening steels we reviewed! If you . made it all the way to the end, you've done yourself a service. This . F. Dick 11 inch multi cut steel flat fine cut steel is truly a remarkable innovation that will change the way you sharpening your kitchen knives.

How it work sis they actually include seven different sharpening steeels in one to create a flat surface. This creates the perfect effect for sharpening your knives down to the most accurate angles. Plus, it comes with a special handle that ensures a safe grip. Also, it has a loop for storage at the end of the handle.

All in all, this is a honing steel for the knife gods. It isn't cheap, but it's absolutely worth the quality.

How the heck do you sharpen a knife with a stick? Well, we did the research for you and gave you the ULTIMATE guide to the best sharpening steels on the market and a little extra info, too! #sharpening #knives #kitchenware #kitchenknives #knife #knifelife #kitchens #cooking #cookingtools
How the heck do you sharpen a knife with a stick? Well, we did the research for you and gave you the ULTIMATE guide to the best sharpening steels on the market and a little extra info, too! #sharpening #knives #kitchenware #kitchenknives #knife #knifelife #kitchens #cooking #cookingtools

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