J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star 10-Inch Honing Steel
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.--Fred BrackFrom the ManufacturerFirst introduced in 1976, the Four Star® Series is one of the world's most popular knife lines.  Four Star® knives were designed and developed in close cooperation with renowned professional chefs.  The result was a fully forged knife with a unique molded handle. The Four Star® line contains knives for all tasks, and includes  the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, chef’s, granton edge slicer,  santoku, and others. Four Star® knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets.A Higher Standard in Knife ConstructionFour Star® knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under  the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Four Star® knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness,  and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade  and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Four Star® knives use  J.A. Henckels’ Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention.It's All in The Grip:The Four Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps.  These comfortable handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety,  and adds balance.Features:SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness.Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle.Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting.Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance.Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength.High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J.A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting.Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer.Bonded polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safeDishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.