Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Having made the investment in fine cutlery, you must also take the time and effort to maintain those edges. Regular use of a steel will keep the blades effectively honed.
Amazon.com Review
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 Brack From the Manufacturer  | First 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 Construction Four 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 safe
- Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J.A. Henckels).
- Full warranty: J.A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.
| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Keep Sharp with Steel October 1, 2007
Edward C. Demellier (Pelham, Alabama)
If you bought good knives, like the Henckels Four Star series, keep them good by regularly honing the edge with a Henckels steel. A few swipes against my chef's knife keeps the edge keen and ready to cut. I struggled for years with cheap knives only to find that a good sharp knife is a blessing to a cook. So keep it sharp with a good steel.
Top Gun December 30, 2006
Richard Parrot (Houston, Texas, USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I purchased this instrument for a gormet chef who stated that this is the best tool for the honing of knives. Though I'm not a chef, if you ate the food this guy cooks, like I have, you would place your trust in his words. This is a great gift to give.
 Keeps knives 'sharp' October 22, 2005
J. Dormont (New York City)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
As other reviewers have mentioned, this does not actually sharpen your knives in the sense that it won't put an angle on your blade that isn't already there. However, what this is great for is keeping your set of kitchen knives in good (and safe) condition.
Note to novices: make sure to ask a pro or an experienced cook how to use a steel. If you hold the knife at the wrong angle, you may actually be reversing the effect the steel is supposed to have - realigning the blade to its sharpest position.
Note 2: a lot of blades these days are made with the higher-end cobalt alloy steel that is significantly harder than regular stainless. All this really means is that if you have a good knife, you technically won't have to use this every time you slice and dice, but it's still a good idea to keep the knife in the best condition possible.
Great for it's size...and size does matter. January 27, 2004
mojostarz (Kennedyville, Maryland United States)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I cook for a livin' and I have many honing steels, some at 14" for my big knives and this one for my 8" and under knives. I got this one in an upscale set of 4 starz and I do love it. As previously reviewed, it's not for sharpening but used to maintain a sharp edge. If you use this PROPERLY every time you use a new knife then the factory edge will last for months if not years under normal usage.
If you are collecting the 4 star line then this is a must, it is one of the most attractive steels made, the Rockwell rating is harder than any factory production blade made, the grooving is crisp and it is a bargain compared to other brands. A must replacement for a lesser steel in most 4 star sets.
It would be worth your time and money to buy the knife care video and learn how to use this well...an investment for your future enjoyment of Henckels 4 star knives. We hand out 5 mojo*z for this steel Magnolia!!!
shwing, shwing January 3, 2003
Spumanti (Mountain View, CA United States)
3 out of 16 found this review helpful
This honing steel is still keeping my knives sharp several years after purchase. Everyone who owns knives should own a honing steel. Remember, however, that this does not sharpen knives but rather simply sets the edge. There is a difference between a knife sharpener and a honing steel. Not everyone knows how to use one of these. My advice is that you look at a video on [...] - there are several videos that demonstrate how to use a honing steel.
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