Collection: Knife Sharpening & Knife Sharpener made in Germany

Our F. Herder knife sharpening steels and sharpeners are the perfect addition to maintain the longevity and sharpness of your knives. Specifically designed for precise and gentle care, they keep your high-quality blades in top condition.

FAQ

Why Do You Need a Knife Sharpening Steel?

Our knives come with an ultra-sharp edge as standard, maintaining their sharpness for a long time thanks to high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship. A knife sharpening steel is useful when you want to restore the cutting experience to its original sharpness after extended use. However, you should only use a sharpening steel if you are confident in handling it correctly, as improper use can damage the blade.

Knife Sharpening Steel vs. Sharpening Stone – What’s the Difference?

A knife sharpening steel realigns the blade edge and enhances sharpness by restoring the microscopic edge alignment. A sharpening stone, on the other hand, removes material to completely reshape the edge. We recommend using a sharpening steel only if your knife shows slight wear, as incorrect use can negatively impact the blade.

Tips for Proper Use of a Knife Sharpening Steel

To use your knife sharpening steel safely and effectively, hold the knife at an angle of about 20 degrees to the steel. Glide the blade smoothly from top to bottom along the sharpening steel without applying excessive pressure. If you are unsure about the technique, we recommend watching a professional guide or video tutorial.

Warning: Improper Use Can Damage Your Knife

Incorrect use of a knife sharpening steel can damage your knives. An unsteady technique or the wrong angle can dull the edge or even cause micro-fractures. If you are unsure, avoid using the sharpening steel yourself and have your knives professionally sharpened.

How Often Should You Sharpen Our Knives?

Our knives are known for their long-lasting sharpness and rarely require sharpening. Using a knife sharpening steel is usually only necessary after many months of heavy use. Overusing sharpening steel can put unnecessary strain on the blade, so we recommend using it sparingly and only when needed.

Alternative: Professional Knife Sharpening

If you notice that your knife’s cutting performance is decreasing, you can have it professionally sharpened instead. This ensures your knives are sharpened perfectly without damaging the blade. Our service offers the ideal way to keep your knives in top condition.

Find more information and maintenance tips in our Knife Lexicon.