Iron steel for knives
A whetstone is arguably one of the most underrated tools in the kitchen. Many people mistakenly think that a whetstone is a sharpening tool – but it is actually more of a maintenance tool. As you use your knives daily, the edge slowly becomes bent or microscopically dull. A good whetstone straightens the edge and restores sharpness without removing unnecessary steel from the knife blade. This allows you to keep your knives sharp and precise for a long time – without having to pull out the whetstone all the time.
Here at Qookware, we offer two types of ironing steel, each covering different needs and levels of maintenance.
Diamond sharpening steel – for fast and efficient sharpening
Ourdiamond wire cutteris ideal for those who want to both straighten the edge and lightly sharpen the knife at the same time. It is coated with industrial diamond dust, which makes it possible to remove a little steel from the knife's edge while straightening it. This means that you can quickly recreate a truly sharp edge - perfect for those who want a quick and effective solution without compromising on the result.
The diamond stroke is hard enough to work on even very hard steels – including knives in 67-layer Damascus steel with VG-10 core, which you find in Qookware's own knife collection. The ergonomic handle and long shaft make it easy to work with, even for beginners. An ideal tool in the busy everyday kitchen, where time and precision matter.
Ceramic ironing steel – the gentle solution for daily maintenance
Theceramic ironsis the more gentle of the two. It doesn't remove steel from the edge, but instead straightens the edge and restores its original angle. This means the knife retains its shape and sharpness for longer – and you only need to sharpen it less often.
Ceramic sharpening steels are especially good if you already sharpen your knives with a whetstone and want to maintain the result. They are also extremely durable and can last for many years without losing their effectiveness. At Qookware, we have designed our ceramic sharpening steels with a focus on balance, length and grip, so they are easy to use, even without experience.
When should you use a whetstone – and when should you use a whetstone?
A sharpening steel should be used regularly – preferably before or after each time you use the knife. It only takes 10-20 seconds and makes a significant difference. If the knife is no longer sharp from the sharpening steel, it is time for a proper sharpening. Here we recommend our selection ofgrindstone, which are perfect for giving knives new life and straightening the edge from the bottom up.
That's why you should invest in a good ironing steel
A sharp knife blade is not only more comfortable to work with – it’s also much safer. Dull knives require more force and control and increase the risk of slipping and cutting yourself. With a sharpening steel on hand, you can quickly and easily keep your knives at the level they were delivered in – or better.
Whether you choose ourdiamond wire cutterorceramic irons, you get a quality tool that is easy to use and makes a tangible difference in your kitchen.
Try it once – and you'll never go back to dull knives.