Every kitchen geek knows that food items deserve a reliable knife for optimal performance. So if you intend to make that jaw-dropping meal in the kitchen, you would ask how sharp is your knife?
One of the items that keep the knife up and going is the sharpening steel. And like the knife, the sharpening steel might start to show signs of wearing out.
This makes you wonder do sharpening steels wear out? you should know. Sharpening steels wear out but unlike knives, they would last longer than you think.
Read to find how long sharpening steel lasts and how it is different from honing steel.
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What you must know about sharpening steel
Before we dive right in, we should have a clear understanding of what sharpening steel is. Sharpening steel is not honing steel and vice versa
So what are the differences?
One epic difference between sharpening steel and honing steel is that while sharpening steel as the name implies is meant for sharpening knives, the honing steel is only there to maintain the sharpness of the knife.
Another difference is that you would have to hone your utensils, after every 3 to 4 uses. However, sharpening is more intense and would require you to sharpen every 6 to 12 months. The interval is quite spectacular.
Though depending on how you use it, if you use them correctly they would last for decades.
Many people do the mistake of honing their knives when it is already blunt. For best result hone after use. Sharpen when the knife seems dull.
So to our sharpening steel…
Read: When Must a Knife be Cleaned and Sanitized?
How long does sharpening steel last?
Some steels might last longer than others; the types of sharpening steel include diamond and ceramic steel.
The diamond steel over time would wear out. By the time the abrasive surface is used often or misused, it dislodges and this will decrease the effectiveness of the sharpening steel.
The steel could last up to 5 to 10 years depending on how the owner uses it.
Ceramic steel: the ceramic steel has the tenacity to endure all through and so might last for a long time, if not lost.
However, remember the ceramic is also very brittle so this makes it susceptible to damage. It is best to keep it off of other utensils.
Read: What Dulls a Knife the Fastest? (Find Out)
How often should you use sharpening steel?
Well unlike honing steel, you do not have to use sharpening steel frequently.
So sharpen your knife every 6 to 12 months. This combo: honing and sharpening consistently will to a great extent increase the life span of your knife, this makes using knives much more enjoyable.
Best put sharpen your knife when you notice you are facing your blade through items.
Unless you are not doing anything that dulls the knife fastest, you have no reasons to fret.
What could cause sharpening steel to wear out?
Using your sharpening steel on other hard utensils could easily reduce the life span.
How to know your sharpening steel is wearing out. Your Sharpening steel will begin to clog up with metal shards.
Run your hand around the perimeter of the knife, if you feel the groove then it needs a replacement. You would have to learn how to maintain your sharpening steel for optimal performance.
Read: How to Sharpen a Knife with Household Items (9 Easy Items)
How to maintain sharpening steel
- After use rinse the steel under warm water
- Add some soap and ripe down with a sponge
- You can add vinegar during the process of the steel being entirely clogged up.
Your sharpening steel deserves some TLC (tender loving care)
Read: How Many Times Can You Sharpen a Knife?
Conclusion: Do Sharpening Steels Wear Out?
Hopefully, this detailed guide has cleared your question on do sharpening steels wear out?
You just have to be intentional about your knife. as you may know, the ‘kitchen is the very heart of every household’ so everything that makes up the kitchen needs every maintenance it can get for optimal performance in their respective task.
Do the needful and have your utensils, you sharpening steel inclusive grace you with a rewarding result.