Henckels sharpening steels are the key to keeping your knives sharp. In order to sharpen a knife, the steel must have a hardness factor greater than the knife to be sharpened; with a Rockwell hardness factor of 66 degrees, Henckels sharpening steels are harder than even super hard Henckels FRIODUR, ice-hardened blades. To easily sharpen a knife, hold the steel point down on a table or cutting board, at an angle between knife and steel of 20 degrees, pull the knife down and across the sharpening steel in a slight arc. Alternate between right and left sides of the knife 3 to 4 times. All steels are magnetic to hold small particles removed from the knife blade and are made of chrome-plated carbon steel. A sharp knife will provide maximum safety. Use the sharpening steel regularly, preferably every other time the knife is used