Mikov Sharpening Steel 25 cm Palisander 899-OD-25 – Knife Honing Steel

Mikov Sharpening Steel 25 cm Palisander 899-OD-25 – Knife Honing Steel

Key Features and Appearance

This sharpening steel (model 899-OD-25/) expertly combines functionality with elegance. Its core component is the 25 cm (approx. 10-inch) long steel rod, crafted from highly durable Type 19421 steel. The surface boasts a special hard chrome coating, which not only increases hardness and wear resistance but crucially ensures outstanding efficiency when honing and refining your knife's edge. The steel features a round cross-section, ideal for easily guiding the blade of various knife types during the honing process.

A standout feature is the stunning handle made from genuine Palisander wood (Rosewood). This premium timber lends the steel a luxurious appearance, thanks to its rich dark colour and distinctive grain pattern. The handle is ergonomically shaped, with a slight swell in the centre, ensuring it fits perfectly in your hand for a firm, comfortable, and above all, safe grip whilst in use. Positioned between the handle and the steel rod is a sturdy metal guard (or bolster), designed to protect your fingers from accidentally slipping onto the blade.

At the end of the handle, you'll find a practical metal ring, allowing for easy hanging storage. This keeps the steel readily accessible whilst also making it an elegant addition to your kitchen or workspace. Naturally, the product is fully certified for contact with foodstuffs according to stringent European Union standards.

How to Use Your Sharpening Steel

It's important to remember that a sharpening steel (often called a honing steel) isn't primarily designed to create a new edge on a very dull knife (that requires a whetstone or grinder). Its main purpose is for regular maintenance: realigning the microscopic teeth that form the blade's edge and giving it a fine hone.

1. Hold the steel firmly by the handle. You can position it vertically, with the tip resting securely on a non-slip surface like a chopping board, or hold it horizontally in the air in front of you.
2. Place the knife's edge against the top section (near the handle) of the steel at an angle of approximately 15 to 20 degrees.
3. Using light, consistent pressure, draw the knife down the entire length of the steel towards its tip, whilst simultaneously pulling the blade towards you (moving from the heel to the tip of the knife). Imagine you are trying to smoothly slice a very thin layer off the steel. Each stroke should finish with the tip of the knife passing off the tip of the steel.
4. Repeat the exact same motion on the other side of the steel to hone the other side of the knife's edge.
5. Alternate sides, performing this action several times (typically, 5-10 smooth strokes per side are sufficient) until the edge feels sharp and smooth again. Focus on maintaining a consistent angle and using fluid movements without applying excessive force.

Care Instructions for Your Steel

To ensure your Mikov sharpening steel serves you reliably for years to come:

• Cleaning: After every use, wipe it down with a dry or only slightly damp cloth. This removes the fine metal particles (swarf) produced during the honing process.
• Washing: If the steel becomes significantly dirty, you can wash it carefully in warm water using a small amount of mild washing-up liquid. Crucially, you must dry it thoroughly and immediately afterwards! Never leave the steel, particularly the wooden handle, wet or submerged for any length of time.
• Dishwasher: Under no circumstances should you put the sharpening steel in a dishwasher. The aggressive detergents, high temperatures, and prolonged exposure to moisture will inevitably cause permanent damage to both the metal rod and the beautiful wooden handle.
• Storage: The best way to store it is either hanging by the ring or kept separately in a dry place (such as in a knife block, a dedicated sheath, or a drawer with dividers). This prevents contact with other metal objects that could potentially scratch or damage its finely textured surface.

With this Mikov sharpening steel, your knives will always be maintained in peak condition, ready for any culinary challenge. You are investing not just in the means to achieve perfectly sharp knives, but in a high-quality, durable, and elegantly designed tool built to last.