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. This is a special order item that may take up to 2 weeks for delivery. This product is available online only. Item:# 48455
