Wusthof 4455 10-Inch Sharpening Steel, Ceramic
While most sharpening rods are only useful for realigning knife edges, those made of diamond dust or ceramic--as this rod is made of--actually do sharpen dull knives. An additional benefit to this sharpener’s ceramic shaft is that it never wears down as diamond coating eventually does. Simply hold the steel out in front of you and, with light pressure, draw the blade across the ceramic shaft from heel to tip at a 20-degree angle. Your blade should quickly be restored to its original sharpness. The sharpening steel offers medium to fine abrasion on knives and has a wide bolster to protect hands during the sharpening process. A polymer handle offers a comfortable grip and has a hole for hanging. The 10-inch length is sufficient for tackling all sizes of kitchen knives, from parers to slicers.--Cristina Vaamonde