Following a few simple steps to sharpen your valuable knives with this honing steel from Wüsthof"s premier line, Grand Prix, will keep the blades as sharp as new for a lifetime. Sharper knives are safer because they don"t slip and require less effort to use. To sharpen, hold the steel in your left hand (reverse if you are left-handed) and simply slide the knife blade down the steel at a 20-degree angle. It takes only a few strokes, and you won"t believe the difference. This steel sharpens all blades from small to large, including shears. Peer into the private kitchens of professional chefs, and chances are you"ll see Wüsthof cutlery. --Amy Adams