Comparison: Best Honing Rod For Japanese Knives (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When it comes to maintaining the precision and sharpness of Japanese knives, selecting the right honing rod is essential. This guide offers a balanced comparison of top honing rods tailored to meet the unique needs of high-quality Japanese blades. Whether you prioritize material, diameter, or ease of use, we’ll explore key factors to help you make an informed choice. By focusing on durability, performance, and user-friendly design, this overview aims to simplify your decision-making process, ensuring your knives stay razor-sharp for everyday use or professional culinary tasks.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for diamond surface:
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 10 inch Japanese Honing Steel – Flat Diamond Knife Sharpening Rod -
Best for ergonomic design:
Kimura Professional Ceramic Honing Rod -
Best for wood handle:
HOSHANHO Honing Rod -
Best for portable steel:
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 10 inch Japanese Honing Steel – Round Diamond Knife Sharpening Rod -
Best for best budget:
Kimura® Professional Honing Steel -
Best for magnetic safety:
HexClad Honing Rod -
Best for best overall:
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 Inch Round Honing Rod -
Best for long rod:
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 Inch Flat Honing Rod -
Best for premium ceramic:
Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod -
Best for dual grit:
Professional 11.5 Inch Ceramic Honing Rod Has 2 Grit Options
Product Comparison: Best Honing Rod For Japanese Knives
Diamond surface
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 10 inch Japanese Honing Steel – Flat Diamond Knife Sharpening Rod, Professional High Carbon Sharpener with ABS Handle & Powerful Magnet
MITSUMOTO SAKARI
- PROFESSIONAL KNIFE SHARPENER ROD: The kitchen knife sharpener feature a high carbon steel and diamond surface to sharpen dull blades easily and efficiently. Its fine abrasive grains ensure a sharp edge every time, making your cuts easier
- SOPHISTICATED SHAPE DESIGN: The sword shaped design of the honing rod is lightweight and portable, ideal for use at home or on the go. The ergonomic handle of the sharpening steel is easy to grip allowing you to sharpen your knives effortlessly
- SUSTAINED AND EFFECTIVE USE: Japanese honing steel provide a reliable and effective way to care for your knives without easily damaging them. Say goodbye to dull blades that affect cutting accuracy and bring a different kitchen cooking experience
- MULTI-USE KNIFE SHARPENER: Whether you need to sharpen kitchen knives, pocket knives, scissors or other cutting tools, this knife sharpeners will meet all your sharpening needs. It is ideal for home cooks and professional chefs alike
- KNIFE SHARPENER ROD USE NOTE: MITSUMOTO SAKARI products have passed strict quality audits. If you encounter any problems when using your chef's knife, please provide us with suggestions. Our service team will give you a satisfactory solution
Ergonomic design
Kimura Professional Ceramic Honing Rod, 10 inch Honing Steel, Ceramic Knife Sharpener, 1200 Grit Finish, Ergonomic & Balanced Polypropylene Handle, Ideal for All Chef Knives, Japanese Gift Box
Kimura
- [ PREMIUM MATERIALS ] – The 10 inch honing rod is made from pure white ceramic using Kimura's proprietary layering process and smoothened to a 1200 grit finish.
- [ ERGONOMIC HANDLE ] – The ceramic honing rod's polypropylene handle is non-slip and easy to grip offering superior comfort, with an ergonomic shape that allows for steady and accurate honing.
- [ HIGHLY VERSATILE ] – Kimura's ceramic honing steel is highly versatile allowing you to sharpen kitchen knives of various sizes and shapes. The sharpener also comes equipped with a hanging loop for easy and convenient storage.
- [ MADE TO LAST ] – The honing rod is made from a single piece of premium white ceramic with a full tang that is bolstered to the handle, which provides exceptional strength and durability – Kimura’s honing rod is sure to stand the test of time.
- [ HOW TO USE ] – Slide one side of the knife from base to tip at a 15 – 20 degree angle along the rod surface (depending on the angle of the blade). Repeat 1-3 times on both sides of the kitchen knife depending on how dull the chef knife the is.
- [ GREAT GIFT ] – Our ceramic sharpener is packaged in a stylish gift box with a traditional Japanese Kanji design.
- [ LIFETIME WARRANTY ] – We are so confident in the quality of our honing rod that a lifetime warranty is included in your purchase. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase, simply contact us and we will make it right.
Wood handle
HOSHANHO Honing Rod,10 Inch Professional Kitchen Knife Sharpener Rod, Japanese High Carbon Knife Sharpening Steel with Ergonomic Pakkawood Handle, Ideal for All Chef Knives
HOSHANHO
- 【Premium High-Carbon Steel】The knife sharpeners for kitchen knives are made of Japanese high-carbon steel, which is precisely processed using a high-tech vacuum heat treatment process, with a hardness of up to 62HRC, and has unique hardness and good toughness. The knife steel is solid steel to ensure the wear resistance and sharpening ability of the knife sharpener.
- 【Professional Knife Sharpener】The knife sharpening surface coating adopts a fine and uniform fine sand structure, the high-mesh grinding layer can quickly and easily sharpen the blade, fine grooves on the surface of the steel help to restore and straighten the blade. The vertical sharpening method can help you maintain a consistent angle for precise sharpening, it's a practical sharpening rod.
- 【Natural Wood Ergonomic Handle】Shape of the handle fits the curve of the palm perfectly, ensuring optimum comfort, control, and agility, reducing fatigue during long-term use. The handle of the honing steel is made of Pakkawood, durable, will not crack and deform easily.
- 【Wide Range of Use】The blade sharpener is 10 inches long and of moderate size, it is suitable for all types of knives, from paring knives to chef knives. This versatile work sharp knife sharpener keeps every knife in your kitchen sharp, sure your knives stay in top condition while cooking, carving, or preparing food, which is perfect for home chefs and professional chefs.
- 【Practical & Exquisite Gifts】HOSHANHO knife sharpener stick comes with a simple, classic gift box, you can give the sharpening rod as a gift to family and friends, such as Valentine's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Day.
Portable steel
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 10 inch Japanese Honing Steel – Round Diamond Knife Sharpening Rod, Professional High Carbon Sharpener with ABS Handle & Powerful Magnet
MITSUMOTO SAKARI
- PROFESSIONAL KNIFE SHARPENER ROD: The kitchen knife sharpener feature a high carbon steel and diamond surface to sharpen dull blades easily and efficiently. Its fine abrasive grains ensure a sharp edge every time, making your cuts easier
- SOPHISTICATED SHAPE DESIGN: The sword shaped design of the honing rod is lightweight and portable, ideal for use at home or on the go. The ergonomic handle of the sharpening steel is easy to grip allowing you to sharpen your knives effortlessly
- SUSTAINED AND EFFECTIVE USE: Japanese honing steel provide a reliable and effective way to care for your knives without easily damaging them. Say goodbye to dull blades that affect cutting accuracy and bring a different kitchen cooking experience
- MULTI-USE KNIFE SHARPENER: Whether you need to sharpen kitchen knives, pocket knives, scissors or other cutting tools, this knife sharpeners will meet all your sharpening needs. It is ideal for home cooks and professional chefs alike
- KNIFE SHARPENER ROD USE NOTE: MITSUMOTO SAKARI products have passed strict quality audits. If you encounter any problems when using your chef's knife, please provide us with suggestions. Our service team will give you a satisfactory solution
Best budget
Kimura® Professional Honing Steel, 10 inch Honing Rod, Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener, Magnetized Steel, Ergonomic & Balanced Polypropylene Handle, Ideal for All Chef Knives, Japanese Gift Box
Kimura
- [ PREMIUM STEEL ] – The honing rod is made from a premium carbon steel that is grooved and enhanced with Kimura’s proprietary chromium plating process. The honing steel is also magnetized for additional safety.
- [ ERGONOMIC HANDLE ] – The polypropylene handle is non-slip and easy to grip offering superior comfort, with an ergonomic shape that allows for steady and accurate honing.
- [ HIGHLY VERSATILE ] – The Kimura honing rod is highly versatile allowing you to sharpen kitchen knives of various sizes and shapes. The sharpener also comes equipped with a hanging loop for easy and convenient storage.
- [ MADE TO LAST ] – The honing steel is made from a single piece of carbon steel with a full tang that is bolstered to the handle, which provides exceptional strength and durability – Kimura’s honing rod is sure to stand the test of time.
- [ HOW TO USE] – Slide one side of the knife from base to tip at a 15 – 20 degree angle along the rod surface (depending on the angle of the blade). Repeat 2-3 times on both sides of the kitchen knife.
- [ GREAT GIFT ] – Our sharpener is packaged in a stylish gift box with a traditional Japanese Kanji design.
- [ LIFETIME WARRANTY ] – We are so confident in the quality of our honing rod that a lifetime warranty is included in your purchase. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase, simply contact us and we will make it right.
Magnetic safety
HexClad Honing Rod, 9 -Inch Japanese Damascus Stainless Steel Rod, Pakkawood Handle
HexClad
- For the best cutting performance, the minuscule "teeth" on your knife's edge should be periodically straightened. Sharpen the blade from the handle to the tip by placing the bottom of the blade at an angle on top of the sharpening rod. Repeat this process, then switch to the opposite side of the tip until the blade is as sharp as you like it.
- The steel rod's fine surface protects the cutting edge during honing. Our honing rods are magnetic to prevent metal dust from entering the air or falling onto nearby food.
- With proper care, your HexClad pairing knife will last for generations. Use a magnetic knife block for optimal storage, hand wash, and towel dry all of your cutlery. Do not put it in the dishwasher. Hone it frequently.
- This 9-inch honing rod features a total length of 14 inches, with a 9-inch Japanese Damascus stainless steel honing surface. Its 5-inch Pakkawood handle offers a comfortable, ergonomic grip.
- HexClad cutlery carries a lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects. It does not cover damage from improper use or storage, accident, loss, or theft. Cutting on hard surfaces, dishwasher use, dulled blades, rust, discoloration, and bent/broken blades, and foodservice use will also void this warranty.
Best overall
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 Inch Round Honing Rod, Japanese High Carbon Honing Steel (Sourwood Handle)
MITSUMOTO SAKARI
- Superior High Carbon Steel: Sharpening steel rod is made of high carbon steel core and black diamond plating with a hardness of 68 HRC. Uniformly textured and fine 10,000 grit sharpening steel rod helps you to properly maintain and align your blades
- Superb Craftsmanship Treatment: Black diamond sharpening rods use surface carbonization technology to improve the hardness and excellent durability. The honing rod is strictly magnetized to keep metal particles from being inhaled or falling onto food
- Ergonomic Handle: Made of precious sourwood, combined with the octagonal handle design, it provides a firm grip and flexible hand control. The steel hand guard design of the sharpening rod ensures that the knives are not easily touched during use
- Effortless Knife Sharpening: Designed to be lightweight and convenient to use. Hold the knife at a 20 degree angle to the sharpening rod and sharpen 2-5 times from the handle to the tip of the knife, then move to the other side until the blade is sharp
- Knife Sharpener Rod Use Note: MITSUMOTO SAKARI products have passed strict quality audits. If you encounter any problems when using your chef's knife, please provide us with suggestions. Our service team will give you a satisfactory solution
Long rod
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 Inch Flat Honing Rod, Japanese High Carbon Honing Steel (Sourwood Handle)
MITSUMOTO SAKARI
- Superior High Carbon Steel: Sharpening steel rod is made of high carbon steel core and black diamond plating with a hardness of 68 HRC. Uniformly textured and fine 10,000 grit sharpening steel rod helps you to properly maintain and align your blades
- Superb Craftsmanship Treatment: Black diamond sharpening rods use surface carbonization technology to improve the hardness and excellent durability. The honing rod is strictly magnetized to keep metal particles from being inhaled or falling onto food
- Ergonomic Handle: Made of precious sourwood, combined with the octagonal handle design, it provides a firm grip and flexible hand control. The steel hand guard design of the sharpening rod ensures that the knives are not easily touched during use
- Effortless Knife Sharpening: Designed to be lightweight and convenient to use. Hold the knife at a 20 degree angle to the sharpening rod and sharpen 2-5 times from the handle to the tip of the knife, then move to the other side until the blade is sharp
- Knife Sharpener Rod Use Note: MITSUMOTO SAKARI products have passed strict quality audits. If you encounter any problems when using your chef's knife, please provide us with suggestions. Our service team will give you a satisfactory solution
Premium ceramic
Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod, 10-1/2-Inch, Silver
Mac Knife
- Keep you Mac Knives in the best condition with the Black Ceramic Honing Rod
- Use the rod to refresh the edges
- Hones only, Black ceramic is harder than both white ceramic and steel and does not rust,
- Hand wash is recommended Not dishwasher safe
- Made In Japan
Dual grit
Professional 11.5 Inch Ceramic Honing Rod Has 2 Grit Options, a Firm-Grip Handle, Hanging Ring, and Japanese Ceramic. Noble Home & Chef Sharpening Rods are Perfect for Chefs! (Black, 2000/3000 Grit)
Noble Home & Chef
- HIGHEST QUALITY JAPANESE CERAMIC: Our ceramic hones are made with quality Japanese ceramic materials built to withstand years of use and ideal for hard steel knives including Japanese knives.
- CHOOSE FROM 2 GRIT OPTIONS: This knife hone offers 2 different grit options in 1 honer! Choose to sharpen your knife using 2 more aggressive sides of lined/stropped 2000 grit for particularly dull knives, polish the edge up using 2 sides of finer smooth 3000 grit, or use both for progressive knife sharpening.
- SAFER DESIGN AND MATERIALS: No plastic or rubber tips at the end of the ceramic sharpener keeps your knife from being damaged or chipped by accident while honing. Our Japanese ceramic is odorless, non-toxic, never rusts, and is designed not to breed bacteria. A ceramic sharpener you can trust!
- HANGING LOOP FOR EASY ACCESS– We include a stainless steel metal hanging ring so you can access your knife rod quickly and easily in commercial kitchens!
- MAINTENANCE: Our ceramic rods are very hard, and like all ceramics, are sensitive to shocks. Please avoid dropping the knife sharpener tool or hitting it on a hard surface, as it is liable to break. If you have butter fingers, we recommend checking out our steel honing rods!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which honing rod is best for maintaining Japanese knife edges?
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 10 inch Japanese Honing Steel – Flat Diamond Knife Sharpening is ideal for precision honing.
Are ceramic honing rods suitable for Japanese knives?
Yes, the Kimura Professional Ceramic Honing Rod is designed for ceramic honing of Japanese knives.
What is the longest honing rod available?
The MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 Inch Round Honing Rod offers the longest length for extended blades.
Which rod is best for heavy-duty honing?
The HOSHANHO Honing Rod, 10 Inch Professional Kitchen Knife Sharpener Rod provides durable honing for frequent use.
Do any rods combine honing and sharpening?
The MITSUMOTO SAKARI Diamond-coated rods (Flat or Round) both hone and lightly sharpen Japanese knives.
Is there a rod with a unique grip design?
The HexClad Honing Rod features a Pakkawood handle for a secure, ergonomic grip.
Which ceramic rod has multiple grit options?
The Professional 11.5 Inch Ceramic Honing Rod includes two grit options for versatile honing.
