Jun
Most people will be familiar with the sharpening rod or steel as they are often supplied with kitchen knife sets.
A sharpening rod/steel is a bit of a misnomer – it doesn’t actually sharpen a blade at all, rather it smooths out any rough edges after sharpening.
It can also revive a sharpened blade after it has been used for cutting and lost some of its sharpness, but it isn’t something you’d use to get the blade sharp in the first place.
Using a sharpening steel is really simple and be picked up in minutes.
Step 1
With one hand, hold the sharpening steel point-down, with its tip resting firmly on a cutting board.
Step 2
With your other hand, hold the knife perpendicular to the steel with the part nearest the handle touching the steel. You’ll be pulling the knife backward, toward you, so you need to start with most of the blade in front of the steel.
Step 3
Tilt the knife slightly so the angled edge of the blade is flat against the steel. This angle can be different depending on what is being sharpened, but generally the angle for most knives is 20 – 25 degrees.
Step 4
Whilst maintaining the angle, gently draw the knife downwards and towards yourself, so that the full length of the blade is covered. The best way to think of this is to imagine that you are trying to slice off a thin layer of the steel.
Do this at least 10 times.
Step 5
This final step is simple – repeat step 4 on the other side of the blade!
DO NOT TRY AND DO THIS QUICKLY! You’ll often see professional chefs etc using a steel with really fast strokes. They are just showing off.
Don’t risk it – always take your time.
Best Sharpening Rods/Steels
Lansky Diamond/Carbide Tactical Sharpening Rod
The Lansky Tactical Sharpening Rod answers the call for a tough, sharpening rod that combines the speed of Lansky’s proven Tungsten Carbide sharpeners, with the compact converience of our Diamon Retractable Rod.
Keep it with you at all times for fast blade maintenance as the need arises.
Lansky Diamond Pen
The all-new Diamond Pen is perfect for sharpening small pocket knives, serrated blades, and fish hooks. The retractable 600 grit sharpening rod stores easily within the plastic casing. The 3-sided Diamond Pen gives users the ability to sharpen serrations of various sizes.
Features:
- Retractable 600 grit diamond sharpening rod
- Lightweight plastic casing with clip
- Length: 5 inches
Lansky 8″ (20cm) Ceramic Sharp Stick Medium
A classic style butcher’s sharpener updated with a space-age 8″ alumina ceramic sharpening rod in a solid wood handle. The Sharp Stick is easily cleaned with our Eraser Block.
DMT Diafold Serrated Knife Sharpener Fine
One tool for many tasks–an excellent value for home, shop and recreational use.
The Diafold Serrated Knife Sharpener not only maintains serrated edges, but also serves as a mini-steel, gut hook sharpener and conical file.
Lansky Folding Tapered Diamond Sharpening Rod
Sharpens regular and SERRATED blades, fish hooks, gut hooks, and many other tools. The fine (600 grit) tapered rod folds into the ergonomic nylon impregnated plastic handle for protection and ease of carrying.
The American made Lansky Tapered Diamond Rod is ideal for every workshop. Renown for their hardness, diamonds are an excellent abrasive for the fast reconditioning and maintenance of all your various tools and knives.
A sharpening rod/steel is ideal for ongoing knife maintenance and reconditioning.
