Knife Steels 101 - Let's Get Something Straight

All over the world, people just got new knife sets as gifts. Almost every one of these sets, especially the ones that came with the butcher-block holder, also came with a knife steel. Unfortunately, most home cooks have no idea what this very important tool is for, and it just sits in the block. Many others think it's a knife sharpener, and when the knives lose their edge, they pull it out and are sorely disappointed that "it doesn't work."

As you'll hear in this video demo produced for About.com, a knife steel is NOT a knife sharpener. Once the knife is dull it's of no use. A knife steel is made to keep a knife sharp, and will do so for quite a while if used properly. Since most cuts in a kitchen are due to dull knives, this video may save you from more than a few nicks. If you don’t own a steel, they are only about $20, and are worth every penny! If your knifes are dull, take them to professional knife sharpening service (every city has one), and for a few dollars per knife you can have a beautiful edge put back on them. Then, using the techniques you learn in this video, you can keep that sharp edge for a very long time.
Click here for the transcript and ingredients.