STEELPORT Ceramic Honing Rod on a white background
12" Oval Ceramic Honing Rod - STEELPORT
12" Oval Ceramic Honing Rod - STEELPORT
Boxed 12" Oval Ceramic Honing Rod - STEELPORT

12" Oval Ceramic Honing Rod

$120.00

The STEELPORT 12” Oval Ceramic Honing Rod is an ideal tool for anyone who owns a kitchen knife. It’s thoughtfully designed for home and professional chefs alike who care about keeping their knives in peak performance.

Developed in response to the limited options in the market for a large, comfortable honing rod that is versatile and durable enough to hone any blade, the STEELPORT 12” Oval Ceramic Honing Rod sets itself apart in many ways:

  • Versatile Ceramic: Exceptionally hard ceramic, providing an ideal surface and grit for realigning the microscopic edges of any kitchen knife, regardless of their steel hardness.
  • Efficient Oval Shape: Allows more contact with the blade for more consistent honing action. The only oval ceramic honing rod available.
  • Unique Contoured Wood Handle: An ergonomic grip for comfortable regular use, plus a safety guard, all made from US-sourced walnut.
  • Larger 12” Length: Allows for smooth full strokes, ideal for knives of all sizes.
  • Steel Core: Added durability and better balance.
  • Made-in-USA: Each STEELPORT Honing Rod is handcrafted in our factory in Portland, Oregon.

This 12” Ceramic Honing Rod is a natural extension of the STEELPORT line of heirloom cutlery and knife block sets, allowing customers to be self-sufficient in maintaining their kitchen tools, and empowering them to create exceptional culinary experiences.

Ships in 48 Hours
Free Lifetime Sharpening
Made in Portland, Oregon
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Shape

The unique oval shape of the STEELPORT 12” Oval Ceramic Honing Rod is a carefully considered design choice that offers distinct advantages in knife maintenance.

Unlike round rods, the oval shape maximizes the contact area between the dull edge of a knife and the ceramic surface. This increased contact ensures a more consistent and smooth honing action, allowing for efficient realignment of the blade’s microscopic edges.

The oval design enables users to cover more surface area with each stroke, making the honing process quicker and more effective, especially on larger knives. This shape provides a versatile and adaptable honing experience that works well with any kitchen knife. The oval shape’s narrower end allows for honing of serrated edges (like STEELPORT Bread Knife).

The oval shape of the honing rod reflects STEELPORT’s commitment to functional design, offering users a tool that enhances precision and efficiency in maintaining the sharpness of all their knives.

Materials

The STEELPORT Honing Rod is made of fine ceramic, and is the only oval ceramic honing rod available. Ceramic is exceptionally hard, providing an ideal surface for honing and realigning the microscopic edges of a blade. This hardness allows the ceramic rod to match a wide range of knife steels, including high-hardness knives, like the exceptionally hard 65HRC steel that gives a STEELPORT its unmatched long-lasting sharpness.

The fine-grit surface of the ceramic rod strikes a delicate balance between effectiveness and finesse, strengthening the blade’s edge and refining its sharpness. Ceramic is known for its durability and resistance to wear, making it a long-lasting choice for a honing rod material.

The non-porous nature of ceramic also makes it resistant to staining and corrosion, ensuring a hygienic and easy-to-clean tool. There is a misconception that soft steel honing rods should be used for softer steel knives, like German knives, and ceramic rods are only needed for very high hardness knives such as STEELPORT or the Japanese knives. In truth, a fine ceramic rod is the most effective tool for any type of knife, making it the optimal choice for any kitchen. A steel core runs through the ceramic rod and walnut handle, adding durability and balance.

Care
Use a Honing Rod regularly; as soon as you feel the blade is starting to get dull. Caring for a high-quality knife begins with maintaining a sharp functional edge. The best way to keep a knife sharp is to not let it get dull in the first place. “Honing” – the process of strengthening the bent edges before resorting to sharpening – is crucial for extending the life of your knives. A Honing Rod – also sometimes referred to as a sharpening rod, butcher’s steel, chef’s steel, sharpening steel, etc. – delays the need for sharpening a knife, adding life to the knife by removing less steel. While not everyone has the time or interest to learn how to properly sharpen their knives (*STEELPORT offers free sharpening for life!), a honing rod is a tool anyone can use and proper technique can be taught in minutes.
Specifications

Total length: 17″
5″ Contoured Walnut Handle
12″ Ceramic Rod with steel core
Weight: 12oz

Recommended By:

“This American-Made Chef’s Knife Will Become the Most Versatile Blade in Your Kitchen.”

“The Best Made-in-USA Kitchen
Knife: STEELPORT
Chef Knife.”

“Here are some of our favorite kitchen tools…Handcrafted in Portland, the 8-inch STEELPORT Knife Co.”

“…This wickedly sharp, carbon steel 8-inch Chef Knife from STEELPORT should be in your arsenal…”

FAQs

Where is the STEELPORT honing rod made?

The STEELPORT 12" Oval Ceramic Honing Rod is handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, USA, the same factory where every STEELPORT knife is made. The contoured handle is made from US-sourced walnut. Like every product in the STEELPORT line, it's built to be used daily and last a lifetime.

What does the Lifetime Warranty cover?

Every STEELPORT knife comes with a Lifetime Warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, as well as damage under normal use. If something's not right, contact us with photos and details and we'll make it right.

Ceramic vs. steel honing rod, what's the difference?

A ceramic rod is tougher than steel not only lasting for much longer but also allowing for finer finish to remove less steel during honing. Ceramic is also more versatile: it works on any kitchen knife regardless of steel type or hardness.

What is a honing rod used for?

A honing rod realigns the microscopic edge of a knife blade that folds slightly out of position during regular use, without excessive steel removal. It keeps a sharp knife sharp between full sharpenings. Used before or after each session, it takes few seconds  but makes a noticeable difference in cutting performance.

How do I use the STEELPORT honing rod?

There are multiple option. A simple approach is to hold the rod vertically with the tip secured on a cutting board. Draw the blade along the ceramic surface at 15–20 degrees, from heel to tip following the blade curveture, 3–5 strokes per side. This is done with a light pressure as the intent is adusting a thin layer of steel at the tip. The 12" length allows a full stroke on any kitchen knife. Do this regularly to keep your edge aligned.

What should I look for in a ceramic honing rod?

Look for three things: shape, length, and ceramic hardness. The STEELPORT rod is oval rather than round, the only oval ceramic honing rod made, so more surface contacts the blade per stroke. At 12", it covers any knife in one pass. The ceramic hones any steel hardness. Oregon Walnut handle with a safety guard and a steel core for durability of handle attachment.

Does a honing rod wear out?

Ceramic rods wear is unnoticeable compared to honing steels. With regular home use, a quality ceramic rod lasts many years before the surface degrades any. The STEELPORT rod has a steel core for added durability in connection to the handle and brings a better balance. 

Will this honing rod work with my knives?

Yes. The hard ceramic surface realigns the edge on any kitchen knife regardless of steel type or hardness: carbon steel, stainless, Japanese knives, or anything else even with hard steel. At 12", it handles blades of all sizes in a single full stroke.

  • Gabriel Rucker

    STEELPORT is the perfect knife for me. Handles all of my duties at work yet Durable enough to use at home with the family. A knife that embody a true work life balance.

    James Beard Award-winning Chef/Owner of Le Pigeon in Portland, Oregon

    Gabriel Rucker

  • Paul Kahan

    Absolutely exquisite. All aspects of the knife are so special. Design, materials and craftsmanship combine to make a knife that I look forward to using the rest of my life.

    James Beard Award-winning Chef and Owner of Publican and avec in Chicago

    Paul Kahan

  • Elias Cairo

    To me a knife is a tool. It has been a good minute since I put a knife in my hand and it has given me pause. STEELPORT knives are simply stunning, the second you see it or use it you know that this knife is special. I Intend on using this tool for a very long time with much joy.

    Co-Owner/Salumist of Olympia Provisions

    Elias Cairo

  • Katy Millard

    They’re obviously well-made. The handle is super comfortable. The wood is really soft which I think just feels good in my hand. It feels really nice to hold this knife. I think they’re really beautifully designed. Period.

    Chef and Co-Owner of Coquine in Portland

    Katy Millard

  • Lauro Romero

    It’s good for fine work like shallots and chives or breaking down fish, but you can also chop carrots with it. I like it. I like it a lot. The STEELPORT Chef Knife just throws down. It’s pretty dope. On top of that, it’s a beautiful knife…

    Chef and Co-Owner of República in Portland, a Bon Appétit Top 10 Best New Restaurant

    Lauro Romero

  • "I love the STEELPORT knife! I use it every day, the great balance and feel definitely makes the cut!"

    – Aaron Franklin, Owner of Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas

  • "It’s my go-to at-home knife now. Keeps a solid edge over time and is pretty damn indestructible. Would definitely recommend for those at a home level or pro."

    – Eric Rivera, Chef/Owner of ADDO in Seattle

  • "This knife is not only my favorite knife, it quickly became one of the most treasured items in my kitchen. The details are just impeccable, and it’s so light and responsive… Like a Bentley of knives."

    – Mike Thelin, Founder of Feast Portland

  • "Feel how amazingly balanced and well crafted this carbon steel knife is. It will definitely become an heirloom tool that you will use daily for a life time."

    – Carey Schleicher-Haselhorst, Owner of Cord

  • "I own a beautiful collection of carbon steel knives, but nothing as gorgeous as this American-forged, full tang carbon steel knife from STEELPORT, located in Portland, Oregon."

    – Jeffrey B. Rodgers, @TheCulinaryFanatic

  • "It’s made with all US materials and crafted right here in Portland by Eytan and his team. This 8″ chef knife is incredibly well balanced — razor sharp with none of the fuss and holds its edge for what seems like forever. This knife is everything."

    – Bonnie Morales, Chef/Owner of Kachka

  • "Using a STEELPORT feels like it was made by someone with so much experience and passion for the art of knives, because it was. Everything about it feels right, and knowing where it comes from feels even better."

    – Doug Adams, TopChef Season 12 Finalist

  • "Not only for its functionality and design but because it’s made by hand in Portland, Oregon. This knife would make a perfect Father’s Day gift for the man who loves to cook and appreciates the finer things in life. A great knife is an essential part of every kitchen."

    – Melissa Reome, @GrillMomma

  • "I haven’t picked up another chefs knife since I got my STEELPORT."

    – Karl Holl, Founder of Forager Goods & Co and Culinary Director of Smith Teamaker

  • "After using and sharpening these I have to say they have the best of both worlds of soft and hard treatments of 52100."

    – Josh Donald, Owner of Bernal Cutlery SF

Details That Make The Difference

Iconic Design
  • Contoured Oregon Big Leaf Maple burl handle
  • Half octagonal top handle shape with smooth rounded base
  • Integral end cap with engraved STEELPORT logo
  • “Sheepsfoot” blade tip shape
  • Distinctive visible Temper Line
Functional Detail
  • Proprietary differential heat treatment to 65 HRC hardness at blade for edge retention and sharpening while maintaining durability at less than 30 HRC along spine
  • Integral bolster with a smooth transition to polished spine for a comfortable “pinch grip“ hold
  • Full tang construct for ideal balance and added strength
  • Tall 2” blade at handle allows for plenty of hand clearance
Handcrafted Locally With Traditional Processes