Also known as a honing steel, the Cuisine::pro® Damashiro® 8" sharpening steel is an essential tool for maintaining your knife’s edge between sharpening sessions. This is a professional sharpening steel rod is made of high carbon stainless steel for durability and strength. Easy to use and designed for home kitchens, the diamond-encrusted stainless steel helps realign the blade for smoother, safer cuts every time. The blade is made from Japanese stainless steel 420J2, measured at 53 on the Rockwell hardness scale. Handle construction: One-piece seamless stainless steel. Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, then rinse and dry immediately. Do not place in the dishwasher. Backed by the Cuisine::pro lifetime warranty. Recommended uses: Maintaining Knife Edge.