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Last updated: 25 Mar 2020

The Best Honing Steels (Review) in 2020

Utopia Kitchen 12 Inch Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Steel Sharpening Rod

Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel

Key features

Ergonomically-designed handle

Carbon steel rod

Plated with nickel-chrome

Non-slip rubber handle

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DMT CS2 12-Inch Ceramic Steel

Diamond Machine Technology Honing Steel

Key features

High-quality ceramic construction

Bespoke handle design

Slip-resistant handle

Stainless-steel hook

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J.A Henckels International Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Stainless Steel3

ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Honing Steel

Key features

Made of stainless steel

Ergonomically-designed handle

Handle made of high-quality polypropylene

Measures nine inches

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By Kitchenistic
Published 16:00 pm
Contents
  • The Best Honing Steel
  • 1 Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel
  • 2 TUO Honing Steel
  • 3 Kota Japan Professional Knife Sharpener
  • 4 Noble Home & Chef Honing Rod
  • 5 Diamond Machine Technology Honing Steel
  • 6 Shenzhen Knives Honing Steel
  • 7 Chefast Honing Steel
  • 8 Dalstrong Honing Steel
  • 9 ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Honing Steel
  • 10 Victorinox Honing Steel

Nobody wants a dull knife in the kitchen. But after a while of continuous usage without sharpening, a dull and blunt knife is what you will get. Honing steels to the rescue! With the right honing steel at home, you can be certain that you will not have a bad day in the kitchen as a result of a dull knife. But honing steels do more than just sharpen knives. They are primarily used to align the edge of the blade to keep it straight and prevent it from bending. In this article, we have reviewed the best honing steels you should be investing in. Also, keep an eye out for our top choices.

The Best Honing Steel

1
Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel

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Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel
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It is best to kick start with Utopia Kitchen Twelve-Inch Honing Steel as it is our pick for the best choice for this review. You cannot mention the best honing steel without mentioning Utopia Kitchen Twelve-Inch Honing Steel. First of all, although only twelve inches has been mentioned here, this honing rod is available in two different sizes – ten inches and twelve inches. It is made of high-quality steel and can be used to sharpen any kind of knife from a kitchen knife, to sporting and pocket knives.

The sharpening steel rod is made of carbon steel that has been plated with nickel-chrome. This ensures that the cutting edge of your knife is prevented from damage as you sharpen it. It is easy and safe to use and comes with a handle that has been ergonomically- designed to give you a comfortable and sturdy grip.

Key Features:

Quick, safe, and easy to use

Available in two sizes – twelve and ten inches

Designed for any kind of knife

Comes with a hook for efficient storage

Specification:
  • BrandUtopia Kitchen
  • ModelUK0354
  • Weight 15.2 ounces

2
TUO Honing Steel

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TUO Honing Steel
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Next on our list is Tuo Honing Steel With Pakkawood Handle. As its name suggests, this knife sharpening steel comes with a handle made of Pakkawood, unlike the non-slip rubber handle of our best choice pick. This gives it an extra look and feel of elegance, luxury, and beauty. Tuo Honing steel rod is made of high-quality steel and can be used to sharpen any kind knife at home.

The sharpening rod comes with a measurement of nine inches and falls several inches short of our pick for the best choice. But the Tuo honing steel delivers maximum performance with minimum effort. It is lightweight and easy to use and backed with a hundred percent money-back guarantee from Tuo to show the confidence the company has in this honing steel.

Key Features:

High-quality steel honing rod

Measures nine inches

Handle made of Pakkawood

Designed for any kind of knife

Specification:
  • BrandTUO
  • ModelTC0708
  • Weight 1.3 pounds

3
Kota Japan Professional Knife Sharpener

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Kota Japan Professional Knife Sharpener
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A quick look at the Kota Japan Professional Knife sharpener Rod and you will think that we are dealing with a Japanese Samurai’s sword. Albeit, this sharpening is strong enough to sharpen even a Japanese Samurai sword. The steel rod comes with state-of-the-art diamond electroplating which can handle any type of knife (from home-used knives to professional knives) with impressive precision.

This diamond sharpening steel rod comes in an oval shape to deliver a higher level of efficiency. The diamond sharpening rod is accompanied by a handle made of non-slip plastic and an ergonomic design to offer you a sturdy as well as a comfortable grip. Plus, it comes with an elegant design that adds an extra touch of class to any kitchen. The handle has a hook for efficient storage.

Key Features:

Diamond hone electroplated

Ergonomically designed handle

Handle made of non-slip plastic

Unconditional lifetime warranty

Specification:
  • BrandKota Japan
  • Weight 8.8 ounces

4
Noble Home & Chef Honing Rod

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Noble Home & Chef Honing Rod
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Moving on, we have Noble Home And Chef Professional Knife Honing Rod. Noble Home And Chef Professional Knife Honing Rod is not new to the game and is an equal competitor for the best honing steels. First of all, just like our top pick, it is available in two different sizes to choose from – ten inches and twelve inches. Still talking about choice, this honing steel comes in three different designs – the three-pin, the three-stripe, the luxury, and the silver end designs.

Each design has been elegantly crafted to give it an extra touch of class and luxury. The steel rod has been magnetized fro safety. This ensures that microparticles of from your knife’s cutting edge are not sent airborne when you’re trying to sharpen it. It also ensures that the rod does not rust or break.

Key Features:

Magnetized steel rod

Available in two sizes

Available in three designs

Dishwasher-safe

Specification:
  • BrandNoble Home & Chef
  • Model HS-3STR102-10
  • Weight 12.6 ounces

5
Diamond Machine Technology Honing Steel

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Diamond Machine Technology Honing Steel
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Diamond Machine Technology CS2 Ceramic Honing Steel is next on our list. It is time to introduce you to the premium pick of our list. Unlike the other honing steels that we have reviewed so far, DMT CS2 Ceramic Honing Steel is made of high-quality ceramic. This ceramic sharpening rod measures twelve inches and is available in five different designs to choose from, including the CS2 design – DS0F, DS2E, DS2F, and DSF. each design comes with its own uniquely-crafted handle.

The handle is made with durable plastic that is resistant to slip and offers a firm and sturdy grip. Each ceramic honing rod is durable, lightweight, and very easy to use and requires no oil. Plus, each handle also comes with a hook made of stainless steel for efficient storage. 

Key Features:

Ceramic sharpening rod

Available in five different designs

Measures twelve inches

Sanitary plastic handle with large guard

Specification:
  • BrandDiamond Machine Technology (DMT)
  • Model CS2
  • Weight 8.2 ounces

6
Shenzhen Knives Honing Steel

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Shenzhen Knives Honing Steel
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Up next, we have this https://wShenzhen Knives Ceramic Honing And Sharpening Rod by Shenzhen Knives. If you know Shenzhen Knives, then you know we are talking about quality, durability, and years of trusted experience.

This honing steel rod measures twelve inches and is made from durable white ceramic. But, that is not all, this full alumina rod also comes with Rockwell hardness (HRC) of 68 and a thousand grit. So, you know exactly what you are getting with each purchase – durability, efficiency, and high-quality. Its specifications make it a little harder than other traditional steel sharpening rods. Plus, it does not rust as it is made of ceramic. It is ideal for steel kitchen knives and comes with an ergonomic handle as well as an extra-wide and rectangular blade guard. The blade safety guard has been reinforced with zinc alloy to make it resistant to breakages and keep it durable. Plus, it comes with a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee.

Key Features:

Made from double white ceramic

Measures twelve inches

Ergonomic handle

Extra-wide, rectangular blade guard

Specification:
  • Brand Shenzhen Knives
  • Weight 12.8 ounces

7
Chefast Honing Steel

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Chefast Honing Steel
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Chefast Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Set comes with a complete package for its buyers. This knife sharpening combo kit features one honing steel with a measurement of ten inches. It also features a cleaning cloth as well as a luxury carry bag for the honing steel. The honing steel is ideal for butcher knives, although it can also be used effectively on any kind of kitchen knife.

The honing rod is made of carbon steel and comes with a chromium plating to make it durable and yet safe to use on your knives without causing them any harm on their sharp edges. It also comes with a handle that is made of a non-slip plastic. The handle has an ergonomic design to give you a sturdy and yet comfortable grip. Attached to the handle is a hook made of stainless steel for efficient storing after use. Plus, Chefast is offering a ninety-day guarantee against defects.

Key Features:

Rod measures ten inches

Made of carbon steel

Comes with chromium-plating

Ergonomic handle made of non-slip plastic

Specification:
  • BrandChefast
  • Model8541909098
  • Weight 11.2 ounces

8
Dalstrong Honing Steel

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Dalstrong Honing Steel
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Next on our list is Dalstrong Honing Steel. Just like the Chefast Honing Steel, Dalstrong Honing Steel also measures ten inches. Each honing steel has been carefully crafted by hand using high-quality carbon steel that is resistant to stain and rust. The rod also comes with a triple riveting to make it extra strong and durable. And to give it a touch of elegance and class, the rod is accompanied by a handle that is made of contoured Pakkawood all the way from Spain.

The handle comes with an ergonomic design that offers a sturdy and comfortable grip. The ten inches rod makes it easy to use on most knives without getting cumbersome. And, if you are still a bit hesitant, Dalstrong Honing Steel comes with a hundred percent money-back guarantee and a full lifetime warranty against defects.

Key Features:

The rod measures ten inches

Ergonomic design handle

Handle made of contoured Pakkawood

Rod made of stain-resistant carbon steel

Specification:
  • BrandDALSTRONG
  • Model GS-10inch-honing-steel
  • Weight 1.8 pounds

9
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Honing Steel

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ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Honing Steel
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Up, next, we have ZWILLING J.A. Henckels International 32547-232 Pro Honing Steel. It is time to introduce to you our pick for the best value for this review – the ZWILLING J.A. Henckels International 32547-232 Pro Honing Steel. If you are looking for the best honing steel that will give you a professional finish, you should not be looking any further from this one.

The only shortcoming with this honing steel is that unlike all the others reviewed so far, it is the smallest, and comes with a measurement of nine inches. But that takes absolutely nothing away from the efficiency that it offers. The rod is made of high-quality stainless steel and is accompanied by a smooth polypropylene handle that offers comfort and easy with a sturdy grip. It is lightweight and easy to use as well as clean. Plus, it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Key Features:

Easy to clean after use

Weighs one pound

Lifetime warranty against defects

Lightweight and durable

Specification:
  • Brand ZWILLING J.A. Henckels
  • Model 32547-232
  • Weight 1 pounds

10
Victorinox Honing Steel

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Victorinox Honing Steel
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And, last but not least, we have the Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Swiss Classic Fibrox honing Steel. This honing steel measures ten inches and is made from industrial brush chrome-plated steel. Unlike the other traditional honing steels, this one is used by the professionals. It does an excellent job of rolling the cutting edge of a knife back to its original position after a long period of usage.

It is constructed with industrial brush chrome-plated steel which ensures that the edges of tour knives are safe from chipping off. Just as its name suggests, it features a classic Swiss handle and offers a safe and secure grip. Its weighted honing steel gives it balance and makes it very easy to handle. It also comes with a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship. If you are still not convinced, just trust the Swiss. 

Key Features:

Measures ten inches

Made from industrial brush steel

Chrome-plated rod

Swiss classic handle

Specification:
  • BrandVictorinox
  • Model6.8002.US1
  • Weight 8 ounces

Best Honing Steel Buying Guide & FAQ

Factors To Consider When Buying A Honing Steel

  • Honing Material: Honing steel comes in various materials such as ceramic, steel, and diamond. Both ceramic and steel are ideal options for working on any kind of kind on a regular basis. However, diamond offers an excellent option if honing is not something you often do.
  • Handle: This is very important as it will affect the quality of your work. Ergonomically-designed handles are better since they offer a studier and yet comfortable grip. They require less energy to handle and yet yield the best results.
  • Length Of The Rod: This is also important as the length of the rod will determine the length of the knife that you can sharpen or work on. The lengths range from nine to twelve inches.
  • Price: At the end of the day, you have to go in for what you can afford. Honing steels are available at different costs, but you do not want to break the bank for one.

Types Of Honing Steels

As mentioned earlier, there are three main types of honing steels available to choose from. They are ceramic, steel, and diamond.

  • Ceramic: Ceramic honing steels are ideal for any kind of knife. Usually, they are not used as the main sharpeners as they can only shave off only a little amount of metal per sharpening. However, when used in between proper sharpening, they are excellent.
  • Stainless Steel: This is the popular choice for honing steel as stainless steel honing steels offer more durability. Unlike the ceramic honing steels, stain steel is less likely to break. However, they do chip off larger amounts of metal. Thus they require expert care when using.
  • Diamond: Do not be deceived, diamond honing steels are not made from actual diamonds. Wouldn’t that be something? Instead, they are only coated with diamond dust. They can only shave off small amounts of metal from your knife. Thus, they are quite ideal for sharpening.

Female Butcher Sharpening Knife In Butchery

How To Use A Honing Rod

  1. Hold your honing rod firmly by the handle. The tip of the rod should rest on a surface and, therefore, giving it a vertical posture.
  2. Hold your knife at an angle of about fifteen to twenty degrees against the honing rod.
  3. Drag the knife down along the full length of the honing steel while pulling the knife backward towards you.
  4. Flip the knife over to use at the other side of the honing steel following the same process. Repeat the process as often as necessary until your knife is well-sharpened.

Alternatively, you can hold the honing steel away from you at a horizontal position and follow the same process. The only disadvantage here is that the rod will lack the support it has using the vertical position.

Best Honing Steel FAQ:

Q: What Is The Difference Between A Sharpening Steel And A honing Steel?

A: As indicated in the introduction of this review, there is a difference between honing and sharpening a knife. Honing allows you to realign the cutting edge of the knife to make it straight and effective. After several usages, the edge of the knife begins to develop tiny bends. This causes it to become blunt. Sharpening, on the other hand, deliberately chips away tiny portions of the metal from the cutting edge of the knife to make it sharp.

Q: When And How Often Should I Hone A Knife?

A: There are two main indicators that your knife needs honing.

  • When you realize that it requires more effort to cut with your knife
  • When your knife begins to catch the substance, you are trying to cut.

When it comes to how often to hone a knife, the rule of thumb is to do so before each use. On the other hand, it is recommended that you sharpen your knife once every three to twelve months.

Q: What Length Of Honing Rod To Buy?

A: The ideal length of the honing rod to buy depends on the length of the knives you have. As mentioned earlier, honing rods come in different lengths from nine inches to twelve inches. Nine inches rods, for example, will not be efficient in honing a knife that is longer than it. Thus, if your longest knife measures about ten inches, then it is best to purchase a honing rod that is at least ten inches long.

Q: Do Honing Steels Wear Out?

A: Honing steels are made to be robust and last for decades without wearing out. But they do eventually wear out. Whether it is made of metal steel, ceramic, or has a diamond coating, your honing steel will wear out after decades of use.

Ready to Hone

Our Top Pick

As mentioned earlier, our top pick remains the Utopia Kitchen Twelve-Inch Honing Steel. Here is a quick recap of what we know about its features. It is quick, safe, and easy to use. It is available in two sizes - twelve and ten inches. Plus, it is designed for any kind of knife and comes with a hook for efficient storage. It comes with an ergonomically-designed handle that makes it easy to grip and is made with non-slip rubber. It has a carbon steel rod that is plated with nickel-chrome.

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