Although they don't play the same role as knives, sharpening steels are essential tools in any culinary or professional setting involving cutlery. Their mission is simple, but vital: to maintain a straight and functional edge, extending the blade's life and improving its performance with minimal wear.
What is a sharpening steel and what is it used for?
A sharpening steel is a type of sharpener. It's an elongated, rod-shaped tool designed to align the edge of a blade with smooth strokes.
Unlike a sharpening stone, it doesn't remove large amounts of material; instead, it corrects the micro-deformations that occur during daily use, returning the edge to its proper position.
Although it's primarily associated with kitchen knives, its function can also be applied to other cutting tools with straight or thin edges. From folding knives to machetes, including certain types of swords. It can be useful in more than one area, provided the correct type is used with proper technique.
Now, there are clear limits. It's not recommended to use it on serrated or wavy knives, household scissors, carpentry tools, razor blades, or gardening axes. Each type of tool has its ideal maintenance method, and forcing a sharpening steel to use it outside of its intended purpose can damage both the blade and the steel itself.
Origin and evolution of the sharpening steel
The use of tools to maintain a metal edge is as old as metalworking itself. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans already used natural stones to shape or sharpen tools. However, the sharpening steel as we know it today originated in Europe during the Middle Ages, evolving from the portable sharpening stones used by blacksmiths and butchers.
For centuries, the sharpening steel has been an essential tool in butcher shops, kitchens, and workshops.
Types of sharpening steels: which one to choose?
There are several types of sharpening steels, each designed for a different use and with different degrees of aggressiveness that you should know before choosing. Some realign with minimal wear, while others can even sharpen gently if the edge needs it.
- The fluted steel sharpening steel is the most classic. It has small grooves that allow for slight wear while aligning the edge. It's used in commercial kitchens and butcher shops.
- The smooth or polished steel sharpening steel realigns the edge without removing material. Ideal for maintaining knives that don't require frequent retouching.
- The ceramic sharpening steel offers intermediate abrasive power. It's gentle but effective for hardened knives or slightly dull edges, ideal for home use.
- The diamond sharpening steel , coated with industrial diamond particles, is the most abrasive. It can restore very worn edges and can even be used on knives or machetes. It is not intended for daily use.
- There are also combined sharpening steels , which combine ceramic and diamond zones to offer versatility and precision depending on what needs sharpening or maintenance.
In all of them, the handle must be ergonomic and non-slip, preferably with a protective guard.
Tips for using a sharpening steel correctly
Although many people believe that simply sliding the knife a few times is enough, there are important details that make the difference between good maintenance and ineffective use.
The angle should always be between 15 and 20 degrees, alternating strokes between both sides of the blade and avoiding excessive pressure, as the objective is to align, not wear.
Remember that the sharpening steel is not a file or a whetstone; its function is subtle and preventative. It's important to ensure that this tool is as long as or longer than the edge being treated, and it's also essential to clean it with a damp cloth after each use to prevent the buildup of metal residue.
A simple but essential tool
In short, if you've ever wondered what sharpening steels actually do, the answer is that they're excellent at realigning edges on long, straight, and fairly hard tools. Everything else is considered occasional and complementary.
Choosing the right one, and learning how to use it accurately, makes a big difference in both performance and safety.
It's a modest investment that extends the life of your tools and ensures clean, controlled, and efficient cuts. Not just for knives: for anything sharp and suitable for their reach and function.
Don't forget to visit our Medieval Shop and discover everything we have for you.
