Amazon.com Review

The 4-inch blades on these four slender knives convert aporterhouse steak, a lamb chop, or a pork roast into bite-sized pieces,though their blades have serrated edges that tend to tear meat fibersrather than slice precisely through them. Henckels International is aninexpensive cutlery line made in countries outside Henckels's home ofGermany; this particular set is manufactured in Korea. The knives arestamped rather than forged from stainless steel, and the steel is oflesser quality than Henckels's premier lines. These knives aredishwasher-safe and carry a lifetime warranty against defects.--Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher safe for easy clean up
• 4-inch blades easily slices through any kind of steak
• Stamped, high-carbon stainless-steel blades
• Attractive and comfortable handles
• Lifetime warranty

Reviews (16)

Great quality at a reasonable price
I've used these knives before, and also a higher end line of steak knives made by Henckels. To be honest, both seem to cut steak perfectly fine. I do like the single piece construction of these knives over the higher end models, and they cost about half the price. I keep them in a knife block with my other knives, and I tend to use them for all sorts of small cutting jobs. They make short work of raw veggies as well as cooked steak, and they're a breeze to clean because of the one-piece construction.

sharp and economical
Despite another reviewer's experience, these knives are quite sharp. To compare them to plastic cutlery is ridiculous -- either the reviewer was being facetious or has an axe to grind for some reason. Notice that that review mentions that the buyer picked up his set for the same price as Amazon but at his local grocery store. How he knows that he even bought this same set of knives is beyond me.

So, I'll repeat: These knives are sharp. I don't find the handle particularly comfortable, but it's okay. My set arrived looking brand new -- no scratches.

Good value for the money.

Get them only if its for looks
I have a Henckels block with a varied assortment of 11 knives but the 4 slots in the bottom for the steak knives remain empty. Though I have a complete set minus steak knives of the much higher quality 4 stars, I bought this exact same steak knife set from a grocery store chain locally in town for the same price it is listed here on Amazon thinking "what a great deal for Henckels knives!". I'd been looking for a good deal on a set of Henckels steak knives knowing that at any knife shop you could expect to pay upwards of 2 hundered for them.

After unpacking them from the box and cooking up a steak I found that these knives are only slightly better than a plastic untensil available free from a Boston Market. After two cuts into my meal I abandoned the so called Henkels steak knife for the 4" paring knife in my block. I will tell you that they look nice, but in my mind the image was severely cheapened by my attempt to find any kind of good use for them (other than give to people I dont like that are over for dinner!). They pretty much just float around in the standard utensil drawer with the forks and spoons now. I think 2 of them are even lost. Another thing I want to add is someone left one over the weekend in the bottom of the stainless steel sink and it rusted on the bottom and left a rust knife outline where it sat.

I read most of the other reviews on here and noticed a good portion are favorable. I just wanted to share my experience with this product and let you decide what you think based on all the facts. In my opinion, these are only Henckels knives in name and not quality.

Conclusion: A great wedding gift for your EX that gets married to someone else.

Problems with the finish of the handles
When I ordered these knives, they arrived with many noticeable scratches on the handles making the look as if they had been used for several years. Amazon promptly sent a replacement but the new set has the same problems. Unfortunately I'll have to return these knives because they are not acceptable for a nice dining table, especially for new knives.

A Year Later and Still Looking Great!
About a year ago, I wrote a review praising these knives. Well, it's been almost a year since then, and they are still looking great. We use them about once a week, and they go into the dish washer with our regular dishes. They are showing no sign of rust and still cut as well as ever. They really are the best steak knives I've over owned--attractive AND practical! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A great gift, this set provides a cook with enough versatility to accomplish most kitchen jobs. The chef's knife, with its broad blade and curved cutting edge for rocking through a chopping task, chops, minces, slices, and dices. The utility knife slices, cuts, and chops; its 5-inch blade is large enough to trim a chuck roast or subdue a head of lettuce. The paring knife cuts, peels, and cleans fruits and vegetables. Henckels's International Fine Edge is an inexpensive cutlery line made in countries other than the company's home of Germany. These knives don't have bolsters, and their blades are thinner and less strong than those of the company's premier lines. Handles are narrower and shallower, as well--a feature those with small hands might appreciate. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Set contains 8-inch chef's knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3-inch paring knife
• Stamped stainless-steel blades
• Black plastic, three-rivet, full-tang handles
• Dishwasher-safe, but not recommended

Reviews (1)

Henkles Pro 3pc
Having sharp, quality knives in the kitchen is essential. I have owned this set for a couple years and it is still in great shape. Good form, easy to hold and they stay sharp with the right care. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Classically shaped (center-tip style, with curved back and edge), this little knife comes in handy at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the afternoons, when no one is looking, it'll slice open a package. Classic three-rivet handles distinguish Pro S from Henckels' other quality lines: TwinStar, Five Star, and Four Star. While this paring knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Cuts, peels, and cleans small fruits and vegetables
• 3-inch forged, high-carbon stainless-steel blade
• Black synthetic, three-rivet, full-tang handle
• Made in Germany

Reviews (2)

Excellent knife, and a perfect fit
While visiting friends in KC, I happened to try their Henckels 4-star knives and was amazed at their sharpness, balance, and comfort. I immediately decided I NEEDED to get a set of these knives.

I quickly settled on the 4-star chef's and fillet knives, but tried paring knife after paring knife without finding one that really felt right. The 4-star handle is great on the big knives (where one grips the handle with the entire hand), but didn't feel right on the paring knife; it felt like my pinky was in limbo, not meant to be on the handle, but not meant to be off it, either.

Then I tried THIS knife. The Pro-S 3" paring knife just felt *right* - it fit perfectly, it had just the right heft, and it was far more agile than the longer 4" knives. I've had it for six months and it performs exactly as I expected it to; this knife is just a joy to use.

I love the thing, but you'll probably want to do exactly as I did, trying a number of high-quality knives to find the one that feels right to you.

Henckles Pro 3 inch Paring knife
I love my paring knife! I cook a lot of fresh vegetables and find this knife to be wonderful for peeling and cleaning them all. I have small hands and have trouble finding a knife that fells right and fits my hand. The knife is sharp, well balanced and comfortable to hold. I would recommend this product to everyone who loves to cook. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The 10-inch specialty blade on this knife--sometimes called a Granton or Kullenschliff --features a "hollow-ground" edge specially designed for fine cutting duties. Air pockets develop in the hollows along the blade's edge, keeping even the thinnest-sliced meats from clinging to the blade. In addition to its superb meat-slicing abilities, this specialty knife is also great for slicing layer cakes and biscuit bases. Most of the Henckels lines--including the popular Four Star series--feature blades made of Friodur, a special, ice-hardened, no-stain steel created and patented by the company in 1939. This special formula was designed for exceptional hardness and high resistance to corrosion.

Founded in 1731, the J.A. Henckels company is not only one of the world's oldest cutlery manufacturers, it's also one of the most well respected, creating best-selling knives guaranteed to last a lifetime. --Kim Harwell ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• 10-inch blade with hollow-ground edge, great for cutting meats into very thin slices
• High-carbon stainless-steel blade ice-hardened for superior strength
• Sturdy, black molded polypropylene handle
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (2)

it replaces my electric slicer
I eat a lot of Italian cold cuts like prosciutto, which has to be sliced paper thin. Until I got this knife last year, I have been using an electric slicer (a commerical one like those in a deli) to do the job. With some practice, I can slice ham with this knife almost as thin as the machine and it is a lot easier to clean it then an electric slicer. I also use it to slice meat and fish often. The rounded tip makes it easy to work with, at least for me, because the sharp tip of a typical 10 inch slicer makes me nervous. Lastly, the blade is quite flexible and it took me a little while to get used to it.

Great for big meat
This is an excellent knife given the right conditions. If you find yourself cooking large roasts of any sort, this is the knife to carve with.

This thing goes through prime rib like no other knife I've ever used. You want paper thin beef? Done. Big honking thick slices of beef? Done.

The one drawback of this knife is when you are slicing near bones. It's a pretty stiff knife and very long with a blunt tip. If you want to get the tender little bits from the bone, get another knife out, or plan on getting your hands dirty! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The super-sharp 7-inch cutting edge and ergonomic handle make this a top-notch cleaver. Forged in Solingen, Germany, of a combination of ice-hardened carbon and stainless steel for edge retention, rust-resistance, and durability, this knife handles almost any chopping job in the kitchen--whether vegetables or meat and poultry bones and joints--and is perfect for the cook partial to Chinese-style knives.

When it is finally time to sharpen the sturdy blade, worry not, for it lends itself well to both a sharpening stone and steel. Once you've achieved the edge you want, a few quick sweeps along a steel each time you use the knife should keep the edge in fine condition. The ergonomic polypropylene handle lies comfortably in your hand, facilitating strain-free use; the metal bolster acts as a finger-guard; and the blade, bolster, and tang are fused into a seamless piece for easy handling and balance. The absence of rivets and recesses in the synthetic handle allows for dishwasher use. Finally! Still, the best way to care for this cleaver is to hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it well, and then immediately wipe it dry. --Marcela Broussard ... Read more

Features

• 7-inch blade, well suited for most any chopping and cutting job
• Patented Friodur (ice-hardened) stainless-steel corrosion-resistant blade
• Polypropylene ergonomic handle for hygiene, balance, and safety
• Dishwasher-safe
• Lifetime warranty

Reviews (10)

PROFESSIONAL CHEF RATES HENKELS 7 INCH SANTOKU BLADE
With over 26 years of practical experience in professional kitchens, as an Executive Chef, and Corporate Chef, I have used many knives. About four years ago I purchased this knife, and it instantly became my favorite. From its balance, to it's high quality edge holding Solingen German steel blade, I always find myself picking this little sweetie over my former favorite, Wusthof 8 inch Chef knife. Don't get me wrong I still love my Wusthof, but the santoku has become a part of my hand. If this knife lacks anything, it could be stamped from a thicker piece of steel, for more heft, but then it would no longer be a true Santoku. Two small calouses on my hand attest to how much I use this, my most valuable tool! Chef Eddie Ray Chapter

Ultimate power.
I read the review from above and it helped me decide to purchase this knife. The knife is SOLID, much beefier and heavier than I expected. No need to worry about the blade flexing on you as you cut or chop or dice or cleaver. I have a Henkels set, but not the 5 star and I have to sharpen the knives more often than I expected, so far this knife has held a better edge. Forget the mezzaluna do it with the Santoku!

Best Knife in Kitchen
My brother made a salsa with this knife while I was visiting and I asked about the knife. He let me try it and I fell in love. Every member of my family now owns this knife and is it the favorite among all the henckels I own. The heft, balance, edge and handle are perfect. It moves like part of your hand. This knife is worth 120 dollars at least. Buy it and never look back.

5 Stars for the 5 Star
Purchased Jan.'01
For those who understand fine equiptment this knife is a must!
Well balanced, fine edge ... just a quality product.
Very seldom do I have to use a steel.
Effortless performance.
Treat it well, it will reward you equally.

A short but fruitful life
For approximately six months I owned this knife. I used it everyday as it far outshined my other henkel chefs knife in balance, cutting efficiency and need for regular sharpening. Until a few weeks ago when I was peeling a clove of garlic with the knife. Lo and behold...I know have a two inch blade attached to the handle and five inches of steel sitting on the countertop. I am currently looking for other brands of this knife style as I was unhappy with the manufactures complete lack of response regarding my complaint. ... Read more

Features

• Material Blade: High carbon, no stain steel
• Material Handle: Polypropylene and steel
• Blade Length: 7-in.
• Construction: Forged
• Origin: Germany

Features

• Can be used with all popular cook top surfaces: electric, gas, ceramic, halogen and induction
• Set includes: 8" Fry pan, 10" Fry pan, 1qt. Saucepan w/lid, 2qt. Saucepan w/lid, 3qt. Saute pan w/ lid and 6qt. Stock pot
• Hollow cast handle and V-shape connection to pot to keep handle cooler for safety
• Flared rim design for ease of pouring and optimal strength
• Curved Corner design on inside of pan for ease of cleaning

Amazon.com Review

Designed to easily slice through soft or hard breads, this 8-inch serrated bread knife benefits from J.A. Henckels's 260 years in the cutlery business. It's made from high-grade, rolled stainless steel, produced using Henckels's own Sintermetal Component Technology. This process allows different grades of steel to be combined to form a single integral piece capable of withstanding extreme stress--each part of the knife is made from the grade of steel with the optimum characteristics for that component. Cutting edges feature a specially designed serration pattern, ensuring prolonged sharpness without resharpening. The full-length tang (meaning the metal continues all the way through to the end of the handle) gives you a better-balanced and stronger knife. The polypropylene handle with rustproof rivets is nearly indestructible. It's dishwasher-safe, but be careful that the blade doesn't touch other objects; hand washing is recommended to keep steel blades scratch free. --Doree Armstrong ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher-safe, but hand washing preferred
• Special serrated edge never needs sharpening
• 8-inch serrated bread knife for easy slicing of crusty and dainty breads
• High-grade, rolled stainless steel capable of withstanding extreme stress
• Polypropylene handle is impact and shock resistant

Reviews (2)

Powerhouse of a bread knife
This is definitely the sturdiest, sharpest bread knife I've ever owned. The blade is completely rigid, no bending ever. The blade is super sharp, easily cutting through bread or whatever else I put it up against. Makes me wonder how I went so long with my old bread knife.

Wonderful knife, can't beat the price
This bread knife gets the job done in record time with very little hand/wrist effort. Very little pressure on the knife was needed in order to slice through a loaf of very crusty bread from the bakery. In fact, my hand and wrist felt great after slicing the entire loaf into small pieces for appetizers, and the knife created very few crumbs. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The super-sharp 4-inch cutting edge and ergonomic handle make this a top-notch paring knife. Forged in Solingen, Germany, of a combination of ice-hardened carbon and stainless steel for edge retention, rust-resistance, and durability, this versatile little knife ends up doing almost all the knife-work you'd rather not--or can't--do with your chef's knife: peeling, cutting, shaping, and prepping fruit, veggies, and meat.

When it is finally time to sharpen the slim blade of this knife, worry not, for it lends itself well to both a sharpening stone and steel. Once you've achieved the edge you want, a few quick sweeps along a steel each time you use the knife should keep the edge in fine condition. The ergonomic polypropylene handle lies comfortably in your hand, facilitating strain-free use; the metal bolster acts as a finger-guard; and the blade, bolster, and tang are fused into a seamless piece for easy handling and balance. The absence of rivets and recesses in the synthetic handle allows for dishwasher use. Finally! Still, the best way to care for this knife is to hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it well, and then immediately wipe it dry. --Marcela Broussard ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• 4-inch pointed blade, perfect for peeling and cutting food
• Patented Friodur (ice-hardened) stainless-steel corrosion-resistant blade
• Polypropylene ergonomic handle for hygiene, balance, and safety
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (3)

great knife
i love this knife. my wife and i got one as a wedding kife 4 years ago...we lost it and i just got a new one through amazon because its such a great useful knife. the whole 5 star series is nice...its such a pleasure cooking when you have a set of nice knives...

If you only buy one knife
I received this knife for Christmas last year and it is by far the best knife I have ever had. It is the perfect size for all cutting needs in the kitchen. I have litterly used it every day and it is as sharp today as it was the day I received it. This is the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys the kitchen.

The last paring knife I'll ever buy
When you get the feeling that you can cut through anything and you end up using the product to do just that you know it's the best. The knife was made to hold in my hand not someone elses. I'm confident it won't slip. I don't have to push and saw with this blade and I've used it as my general kitchen utility knife. When it's dirty I don't have to baby it I just stick it in the dishwasher and it gets clean without me worrying about it getting damaged. I couldn't ask fo anything better and in a world where value is harder and harder to find this is a steal you can fall in love with. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Removed from their slots in this set's rubber-footed wood storage block, these eight knives slice any steak, chop, or roast into bite-size pieces. Gourmet is one of Henckels's inexpensive cutlery lines. These knives don't have bolsters, but that feature isn't vital when confronting a rib eye. The high-carbon, stainless-steel 4-1/2-inch blades are stamped, not forged, and because they are serrated on the upper halves, they tend to tear meat fibers rather than slice precisely through them the way straight-edge knives do. On the other hand, the fine serrations reduce the tearing effect, and the blades' lower halves are straight. The synthetic, three-rivet, full-tang handles are classically styled. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
Eight 4-1/2-inch steak knives, beechwood storage block ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Set comprises eight 4-1/2-inch steak knives and beechwood storage block
• Blades are serrated on upper half and fine-edge on lower half for cutting ease
• High-carbon stainless-steel blades
• Three-rivet, full tang Novador handle for comfort and balance

Reviews (3)

Knives rust in first washing
After I used them ONCE and washed them in the dishwasher the blades rusted! That's unacceptable. I have cheap stainless steal steak knifes I've had for 25 years that have NEVER rusted in the dishwasher. The box says dishwasher safe although in small print it says not recommended. Now I know why. They are inferior.
I purchased these knifes thinking I was going to get something a cut above. They are not as good as a $10 set of Steak Knifes from a discount store. Save your money!
I am returning mine.

Expensive for what you get.
I had a set of steak knives that didn't cut very well. I was so sick of them I decided to spend what I thought was a considerable sum to get "good" knives. Unfortunately, I did not see the editor's comments on this site before buying--they do tear meat, rather than cut it. Frankly, they are only marginally better than those they replaced. [The block is also fairly useless. Who wants their steak knives sitting on the counter top all by themselves? I have my kitchen knives in a block and do not need or want two blocks sitting out.]

Great knives that stay sharp for a long time!
I bought a set of 4 of these knives about 7 years ago. I use them for all my slicing! I have small hands and they are very comfortable to use when cutting vegetables. They are just now showing signs of needing sharpening.. but they are used a few times everyday in my home. My next purchase will be a set with a block so they don't get bumped around in the silverware drawer. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A super-sharp 6-inch cutting edge and ergonomic handle make this a top-notch chef's knife. Forged in Solingen, Germany, of a combination of ice-hardened carbon and stainless steel for edge retention, rust-resistance, and durability, this knife effortlessly chops vegetables, fruit, or whatever comes in its path. Cutting with this knife is like slicing through butter--no resistance whatsoever to hamper the knife's controlled descent to the cutting board.

When it is finally time to sharpen the broad blade, worry not, for it lends itself well to both a sharpening stone and steel. Once you've achieved the edge you want, a few quick sweeps along a steel each time you use the knife should keep the edge in fine condition. The ergonomic polypropylene handle lies comfortably in your hand, fitting smaller hands like a glove and facilitating strain-free use; the metal bolster acts as a finger-guard; and the blade, bolster, and tang are fused into a seamless piece for easy handling and balance. The absence of rivets and recesses in the synthetic handle allows for dishwasher use. Finally! Still, the best way to care for this knife is to hand wash it with a mild soap, rinse it well, and then immediately wipe it dry. --Marcela Broussard ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• 6-inch blade, perfect for chopping vegetables and herbs
• Patented Friodur (ice-hardened) stainless-steel corrosion-resistant blade
• Polypropylene ergonomic handle for hygiene, balance, and safety
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (1)

Forget the food-processor!
Henckels has always produced an excellent product. The 5-star line is their latest innovation. Not only does the high-carbon steel blade take an edge and hold it, but the ergonomically-designed handle is a real bonus. These are worth the price! ... Read more

Features

• Crafted entirely from stainless steel
• Sleek and timeless design
• Affordably priced
• Nearly 300 years of heritage

Reviews (3)

Great
This peeler is really sharp, and peels really quick. It has a good handle that you can control easily. It's easy to clean too. The only problem that I have is that it has a slightly smaller blade than I am used to, and sometimes peels get a little jammed and I have to give it a shake. Overall a very nice peeler.

Sturdy and sharp
This is a very good peeler with a nice sharp blade. Works very well. My quibble is that the handle design is not the most comfortable I've ever used. It does, however, make it easy to hang up on my WMF tool caddy's hooks. If I were peeling ten pounds of potatoes, I might think twice about this one, wish I'd gotten the WMF and given it a try, it has a cylindrical handle like the rest of their tools.

How to make peeling fun
Sharp and a delight to peel with. Would buy again. ... Read more

Features

• Hardwood construction
• 5 divided spaces for spoons, forks, knives and teaspoons
• Easily fits into most kitchen drawers
• Keeps flatware organized and readily accessible

Amazon.com Review

Gratifyingly heavyweight--as a cleaver should be--this 6-1/2-inch kitchen tool leverages its heft to easily cut through bones and other tough foods--ideal for use in preparing stocks. The molded, synthetic handle fits comfortably in hand and gives the knife a clean, contemporary look. Constructed of high-carbon stain-resistant German steel--although of lesser quality that Henckels’s premiere lines--this reliable Henckels International blade offers an affordable alternative for cost-conscious home chefs. Measuring 3 by 11 inches overall, the knife is dishwasher-safe--though hand washing is always recommended to preserve the cutting edge. Product is backed by a lifetime warranty against defects. --Amy Arnold ... Read more

Features

• 6.5-inch cleaver; heavyweight tool ideal for cutting through bones
• Blade constructed of high-carbon, stain-resistant German steel
• Molded synthetic handle fits comfortably in the hand; contemporary style
• Measures 3 by 11 inches overall; lifetime warranty against defects
• Dishwasher-safe, though hand washing is recommended

Amazon.com Review

Most of the Henckels lines--including the popular Four Star series--feature blades made of Friodur, a special ice-hardened, no-stain steel created and patented by the company in 1939. This special formula was designed for exceptional hardness and high resistance to corrosion. The knives included in this set are some of the brand's most popular and versatile pieces. For vegetable peeling and cutting duties, there is a 3-inch paring knife. Two utility knives--a 5-inch serrated blade and a 6-inch standard--make quick work of most household cutting and slicing jobs, while an 8-inch chef's knife makes chopping and dicing a breeze. An 8-inch carver handles roasts, and an 8-inch bread knife easily slices through fresh-baked loaves. The set also includes a pair of sleek, multipurpose kitchen shears, a 9-inch honing steel for keeping blades at their razor-sharp best, and hardwood block for attractive and secure storage, and more.

Founded in 1731, the J.A. Henckels company is not only one of the world's oldest cutlery manufacturers, it's also one of the most well-respected, creating best-selling knives guaranteed to last a lifetime. --Kim Harwell

What's in the Box
3-inch paring knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 6-inch standard utility knife, 8-inch chef's knife, 8-inch carver, 8-inch bread, kitchen shears, 9-inch honing steel, hardwood block ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Includes 3-inch paring, 4-inch serrated, 6-inch utility, 8-inch chef's, 8-inch carver, 8-inch bread knives
• Kitchen shears, 9-inch honing steel, and block for storage included
• High-carbon stainless-steel blades; sturdy black molded polypropylene handles
• Dishwasher-safe, but hand washing recommended

Features

• Dishwasher safe
• Stainless steel cutting blades
• Feature serrated and bone breaker blade design
• Comfortable ergonomic Santoprene sure grip upper handle
• Specially designed lever safety lock

Amazon.com Review

A crusty loaf yields easily to this knife, whose serrations are big enough to rate--in knife-speak--as "scallops." Henckels' International Classic is a moderately priced cutlery line made in countries other than the company's home of Germany. The steel is of lesser quality than that used in its premier lines. Also, the handles are narrower and shallower--a feature those with small hands might appreciate. While this bread knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Serrated for slicing bread
• Forged stainless-steel blade
• Black plastic, three-rivet, full-tang handle
• Made in Spain

Reviews (1)

Great Knife, Great Life
I bought this knife to accompany my current knife set well over a year ago. It stays sharp and I think it will last forever. ... Read more

Product Description

This shorter wide knife is an excellent choice for smaller chopping and dicing jobs. Those with small hands may also find it more comfortable to hold. ... Read more

Features

• Forged high carbon no stain German steel, ice hardened for increased strength
• High impact, hygienic plastic riveted handles
• Hand washing recommended. Wipe dry after washing and store in a knife block, rack, or sheath
• Maintain knife edge with regular use of sharpening steel to realign the edge of blade

Amazon.com Review

This honing steel serves a vital role in the kitchen by realigning, or "resetting," a knife's edge,which bends this way and that when contacting a cutting surface. (Often called a sharpening steel, or"butcher" steel, a steel doesn't actually sharpen a knife--unless it's a "diamond" steel.) Consisting of a rodof hard steel-alloy and a tough synthetic handle, this steel works well. A loop facilitates hanging it close athand so you can employ the steel often—ideally each time you use a knife. That prevents a blade frombecoming dull and prolongs intervals between professional sharpenings. The rule is that a steel should be atleast as long as the knife blade being drawn across it, and this steel's 10-inch rod is sufficient for nearly allhousehold knives. The steel carries a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty against defects
• 10-inch steel realigns knives' blade-edges
• Long enough to hone nearly all knives
• Hanging loop on black poly handle
• Wipe with dry cloth, if necessary

Reviews (6)

Great for it's size...and size does matter.
I cook for a livin' and I have many honing steels, some at 14" for my big knives and this one for my 8" and under knives. I got this one in an upscale set of 4 starz and I do love it. As previously reviewed, it's not for sharpening but used to maintain a sharp edge. If you use this PROPERLY every time you use a new knife then the factory edge will last for months if not years under normal usage.
If you are collecting the 4 star line then this is a must, it is one of the most attractive steels made, the Rockwell rating is harder than any factory production blade made, the grooving is crisp and it is a bargain compared to other brands. A must replacement for a lesser steel in most 4 star sets.
It would be worth your time and money to buy the knife care video and learn how to use this well...an investment for your future enjoyment of Henckels 4 star knives.

We hand out 5 mojo*z for this steel Magnolia!!!

schwing, shwing
works great...and best thing, it was FREE cuz I signed up w/ AT&T online bill pay... ;-)

It's Just a Honing Steel
Make sure to read what Amazon's editorial reviewer says. Most people think that "sharpening" steels sharpen. They don't. They hone or straighten the edge. For a dull blade, you need a good diamond-impregnated steel. After I got one of the latter, I hardly ever use the Henckels steel. Henckels knives have a pretty hard edge which, in my experience, tends to dull more than bending. The Henckels honing steel will sharpen the knife, but only slightly, and the ridges in the steel will quickly wear out if you use it for this purpose.

HENCKELS - THE REAL CUTTING EDGE!
Most of us know the importance of sharp knives for proper food preparation and gracious serving. Of course, I had to learn the hard way - by mashing a tomato instead of chopping it, by "sawing" a roast rather than slicing it, and by cutting and pulling off a plump roast turkey leg rather than carving it. Those are just a few of the reasons I'm such a fan of my Henckels Sharpening Steel. After trying both a stone and steel, the steel is my favorite for ease of use and appearance. This steel is not only utilitarian but handsome with a ribbed handle that's easy to hold and silvertone handle guard and hanging ring. First off, a good way to test whether or not your knives are sharp is to hold a piece of paper by the top corner and then attempt to "slice" it. If knives won't do this - head for the steel! You'll be amazed - sometimes it takes only a few strokes on the steel to make your knife sharp, sharper, then sharpest. Remember to place the metal end of the steel on a sturdy surface, such as a butcher block table or cutting board then position the base of the blade on the steel and begin. This Henckels sharpening steel is certainly a cut above any other. - Gail Cooke

Helps left handed users
Excellent value. Serrated edge helps left handed users somewhat. ... Read more