Ceramic Steels

What is the Jende Ceramic Sharpening Steel used for?
The Jende Ceramic Sharpening Steel is used to maintain and refine a knife's edge between full sharpening sessions. It gently realigns the edge while also providing light abrasive polishing, keeping knives sharp and ready for daily use without removing significant metal.

How does a ceramic sharpening steel differ from a traditional metal honing rod?
Unlike traditional honing rods, which primarily realign the edge, ceramic rods also sharpen lightly by removing a small amount of material. The Jende ceramic steel offers a harder surface and finer grit, which provides a more refined edge finish, especially on high-quality kitchen or utility knives.

How do you use the Jende Ceramic Sharpening Steel properly?
Hold the steel vertically or at a slight angle, and gently draw the knife down and across the ceramic rod at a consistent angle (usually 15–20° per side). Use light pressure—ceramic is hard and brittle, so there's no need to press hard.

Does the Jende Ceramic Steel require maintenance?
Yes. Over time, metal particles can build up on the ceramic surface. Clean it using a ceramic cleaner or abrasive eraser, or wash with warm water and a mild scrub pad. Avoid dropping it—it can crack or chip due to the hardness of the ceramic material.

How often should I use a honing steel rod on my kitchen knives?
For most home cooks, using a honing steel every few uses helps keep knives sharp and prolongs the time between full sharpening sessions. Regular honing is especially useful for softer steels or knives used frequently, like chef’s knives and paring knives.