How to Hone a Knife

Most people mistakenly assume that the steel rod usually sold as part of a knife set is used to sharpen knives. What it really does, however, is hone knives. Whereas sharpening knives removes small pieces of metal from a worn blade and reshapes the edge, honing actually straightens the microscopic teeth along the knife's edge, making it cut more efficiently. Follow a few simple steps to hone a knife.

Instructions

  1. Hold the steel rod in one hand so that it is pointing down on a nonskid surface.

  2. Place the heel of the knife, which is the end that is closest to the handle, flush against the steel rod. The tip should point out at a 20-degree angle. Draw the knife down slowly in an arc.

  3. Repeat Step 2 two or three times for each side of the knife.

  4. Keep your knife blades working properly and make sure to hone them each time you use them.