Sharpening a knife with a rod is a simple but effective way to keep your knives sharp and in good condition. A honing rod, also known as a sharpening steel, is a cylindrical rod made of steel or ceramic that is used to realign the edge of a knife blade. It does not remove metal from the blade, but rather straightens the edge, making it sharper.
Using a honing rod is an important part of knife maintenance. A sharp knife is not only safer to use, but it will also cut more efficiently and cleanly. A dull knife can be dangerous and frustrating to use, and it can also damage food.