Keeping knives sharp is easy if you sharpen them often on this 9" sharpening steel.

Many chefs prefer sharpening steel to a slotted sharpener or whetstone for keeping their knife collection in top cutting shape. This particular Wüsthof steel features a nine-inch rod, grooved for ease of use, which is made of magnetic steel that attracts metal fibers during the sharpening process (thus preventing them from flying all over the kitchen workspace). The black composite handle provides a good grip and features a reasonable bolster to help prevent the knife blade from hitting the knuckles. While this model does not have a hanging loop, the steel should fit handily into a provided slot in most wooden storage blocks. The sharpening steel is made in Solingen, Germany, the home of Wüsthof cutlery since 1814, and is covered by a lifetime warranty. --Ann Bieri