Best Steel Knife Sharpeners of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Steel knife sharpeners are an essential tool in any kitchen, whether you're a professional chef or a home cook. They are designed to sharpen and maintain the sharpness of your kitchen knives, ensuring that they can effortlessly slice through food. Steel sharpeners are made with a high-quality material that can sharpen even the dullest of knives. They are easy to use and can be used on a variety of different knives, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen. With regular use, steel knife sharpeners can help prolong the life of your kitchen knives, saving you money in the long run.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HENCKELS Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Steel Cover #TOP 1
HENCKELS Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Steel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod Cover #TOP 2
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Cutluxe Artisan Series 10" Honing Rod Cover #TOP 3
Cutluxe Artisan Series 10" Honing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Steel Knife Sharpeners

#TOP 1

HENCKELS Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Steel

32547-232
9-inch
HENCKELS Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Steel Cover
HENCKELS Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Steel, 9-inch, Black/Stainless Steel

The HENCKELS Fine Edge Pro Sharpening Steel is a 9-inch black/stainless steel tool that helps maintain sharp knives between professional sharpenings. It is recommended to use every other time the knife is used. The sharpening steel has a smooth polypropylene handle and is made in China. The product comes with a lifetime guarantee.

What We Like
Maintains sharp knives between professional sharpenings
Easy to use every other time knife is used
Smooth handle for comfortable grip

Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod

NG-XOK2-A3GA
Silver
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod Cover
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod | Kitchen, Home or Hunting | Master Chef, Hunter or Home Gourmet Blade Sharpening Rod or Stick

The Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod features diamond electoplating for precision blade sharpening, an oval shape for higher sharpening efficiency, and requires less force than most sharpening steel. Its elegant design is a pleasing addition to any kitchen or work area.

What We Like
Precision blade sharpening
Higher sharpening efficiency
Requires less force than most sharpening steel
Elegant design
Unconditional lifetime guarantee
#TOP 3

Cutluxe Artisan Series 10" Honing Rod

ART-HON-10-1
Black
Cutluxe Artisan Series 10" Honing Rod Cover
Cutluxe Honing Rod, Sharpening Steel for Kitchen Knives – 10" Honing Steel – Ergonomic Handle Design – Artisan Series

The Cutluxe Honing Rod is designed to keep your knives sharp by quickly realigning the edges. Its non-slip ergonomic handle caters to both right and left-handed users. The durable construction with premium carbon steel ensures long-lasting use without rusting or bending. With a 10-inch length, honing any knife becomes effortless. This classic piece makes a great gift for anyone who loves cooking. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind with your purchase.

What We Like
Keeps knives sharp
Ergonomic handle design
Durable construction
#TOP 4

Utopia Kitchen 12 Inch Honing Steel

UK0354
Black
12 Inch
Utopia Kitchen 12 Inch Honing Steel Cover
Utopia Kitchen Knife Sharpener Rod, 12 Inch High Carbon Steel, Professional Honing Rod for Kitchen Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Steel with Hanging Hook - Black

The Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel is a 12-inch knife sharpening rod designed for all types of knives. Whether you have kitchen, household, sporting, or pocket knives, this sharpening rod is perfect for sharpening both standard and serrated edge knives. Made of carbon steel and plated with nickel-chrome, the fine surface of the steel rod prevents any damage to the cutting edge while sharpening. It features an ergonomic handle that fits all hands, making it easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed individuals. With a slip-resistant rubber bottom, this honing steel is easy to handle and stays in place during use. Keep your knives sharp and ready to use with the quick, safe, and easy-to-use Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel.

What We Like
12-inch size
Carbon steel construction
Ergonomic handle
#TOP 5

ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch

8541909092
A Type-Black
12 inch
ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch Cover
Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, Black 12 Inch

The ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel is a 12-inch sharpening steel that maintains the edge on knives and extends the life of your cutlery with regular use. The steel rod is made of carbon steel and plated with nickel-chrome, and the ergonomic, easy-to-grip polypropylene handle has a hanging hole for easy storage. Customers report that it works great for sharpening dull knives, and is a great value for the price. However, some customers note that it is not suitable for constant use and the plastic handle is not very attractive.

What We Like
Good quality
Very solid
Works great

Little Cook 12" Knife Sharpener Steel

Knife Sharpener -01
Black
One Size
Little Cook 12" Knife Sharpener Steel Cover
Knife Sharpener Rod, Little Cook 12 inch Knife Sharpening Steel, Knife Sharpening Rod with Ergonomic PP Handle (black)

Little Cook Sharpener Rod is a professional-grade stainless steel tool with an ergonomic PP handle. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and corrosion resistance, suitable for all blades. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during use. With its 12-inch length, it can sharpen various knife sizes effortlessly. The fine-grit surface allows for easy sharpening and honing, ensuring precise cutting and safety in the kitchen.

What We Like
Durable Stainless Steel
Ergonomic Handle
Versatile Length
#TOP 7

AITENCY 12" Knife Sharpener Rod

AITENCY
04072024
Steel Gray
AITENCY 12" Knife Sharpener Rod Cover
AITENCY Honing Rod,12" Knife Sharpener Rod Commercial Grade Knife Sharpening Steel Rod Adopt 66HRC Hard Alloy Steel Material With Rosewood handle for Kitchen Knives and Hunting Blade Sharpening

The AITENCY Knife Sharpener features a commercial-grade honing rod made from durable 66HRC hard alloy steel, ideal for both home cooks and professional chefs. Its ergonomic rosewood handle provides a comfortable grip, making sharpening easier and more precise. The 12-inch length is perfect for larger knives, and its vertical honing method helps you maintain the right angle for effective sharpening. Plus, the magnetized rod keeps your workspace clean by preventing debris from contaminating your food, enhancing kitchen hygiene.

What We Like
Durable alloy steel construction
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Vertical honing for precision
Magnetized rod for cleanliness
#TOP 8

SHARPAL 119N Diamond Solid Sharpening Steel Knife Blade Sharpener Honing Rod Professional Kitchen Chef Stick

119N
Black and Silver
10 Inch
SHARPAL 119N Diamond Solid Sharpening Steel Knife Blade Sharpener Honing Rod Professional Kitchen Chef Stick Cover
SHARPAL 119N Diamond Solid Sharpening Steel Knife Blade Sharpener Honing Rod Professional Kitchen Chef Stick

The SHARPAL Diamond Knife Sharpener is a professional-grade tool designed to maintain the sharpness of your knives. With a surface coating of fine diamond particles, this sharpener offers precise and efficient sharpening, extending the lifespan of your knives. It is suitable for sharpening various hard materials, including ceramics and hard alloys. The ergonomic handle and round sharpening bar make the sharpening process safe and easy. After use, simply dry the diamond surface and store it in a cool, dry place. With a 3-year warranty and superior after-sale service, SHARPAL ensures a cost-effective way for consumers to achieve a sharp edge.

What We Like
Precise sharpening
Suitable for various hard materials
Safe and easy to use
#TOP 9

FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener

Original Black
FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener Cover
Knife Sharpener Rod, Kitchen Knives Sharpener Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpening Steel, Honing Rod with Hanging Holes (13 inches)

The FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener is a high-quality sharpening tool made from medium carbon steel and magnetic casting technology. It features an ergonomic handle for easy gripping and a dense sawtooth for quick sharpening. This multipurpose sharpener can be used to sharpen knives, cartilage knives, small kitchen knives, fruit knives, long fruit knives, and chef knives. Customers love the easy of use and the handle's good design.

What We Like
Well-balanced and comfortable grip
Deep striations for effective honing
Great value for the price
#TOP 10

TUO Honing Steel for Kitchen Knives - Fiery Phoenix Series

TUO
TUO-TC0708
Fiery
Honing steel
TUO Honing Steel for Kitchen Knives - Fiery Phoenix Series Cover
TUO Honing Steel for All Kitchen Knives Daily Sharpening Maintenance - High Carbon German Stainless Steel with Pakkawood Handle - 9-inch Sharpening Rod with Case - Fiery Phoenix Series

The TUO Honing Steel is a 9-inch professional sharpening rod made of German high-carbon stainless steel that ensures maximum performance with zero compromises. It features a full tang handle made from high-density Pakkawood composite, which is stable and sanitary even in tough kitchen environments. With its length, it is ideal for most sized knives and features tiny grooves along the steel's surface to bring back and straighten the edge. It comes with a luxury case and a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer defects.

What We Like
Professional solution for daily knife maintenance
Made of high-carbon German stainless steel
Stable and sanitary Pakkawood handle
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is the best knife sharpening steel?

Best Overall: Winware 12-Inch Stainless Steel Sharpening Steel. The most common material for honing steels is stainless steel, and this 12-inch steel is a class option.

2. Do sharpening steels actually sharpen?

Fun fact: Sharpening steels don't actually sharpen knives. It's no secret that keeping your knives in optimal condition is going to require routine maintenance.

3. What is the difference between a sharpening steel and a honing steel?

The main difference between a sharpening and a honing steel is therefore whether or not material is removed. Honing steels are made from steel that has no sharpening function. Sharpening steels are ceramic or have a diamond coating and therefore harder than steel.

4. Can you sharpen steel knives?

You've likely seen someone using a honing rod to "sharpen" a knife. But the steel rod doesn't actually sharpen your knife—it just straightens out the cutting edge on the blade to allow for smoother, safer cuts. Sharpening your knife, on the other hand, actually, well, sharpens it. So yes, you need to do both.

Editor's Notes

During our steel knife sharpener research, we found 24 steel knife sharpener products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 145,004 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel knife sharpeners list. We found that most customers choose steel knife sharpeners with an average price of $26.60.

The steel knife sharpeners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel knife sharpeners, including HENCKELS, Kota Japan, Cutluxe, Utopia Kitchen, ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.