Victorinox Diamond Sharpening Steel: 12-in.
Best sharpening tool for home cooks needing to restore dull blades.
Maintain the peak performance of your kitchen knives with the Victorinox Diamond Sharpening Steel. This essential tool features an aggressive diamond edge, perfect for effectively thinning and reshaping dull blades to restore their sharpness. Measuring 12 inches from tip to handle, its oval shape maximizes surface contact for efficient honing. The hollow core design ensures it remains lightweight and easy to maneuver, while the comfortable black plastic handle provides a secure grip. Keep your cutlery in top condition with this reliable sharpening steel.
$50.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 464
#16 in Knife Sharpeners
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
Length
12
/ inches (tip to handle)
Who it's for
- Home cooks needing quick edge restoration for dull blades
- Owners of premium knives made from ultra-hard steel alloys
- Professional chefs requiring long, reliable strokes for large knives
Who should skip it
- Novice sharpeners prone to removing too much blade material
- Users seeking a permanent tool that never requires replacement
- Culinary enthusiasts demanding a refined, mirror-polished edge finish
Performance breakdown
Abrasive Efficiency
Diamond coating aggressively restores dull edges with minimal effort.
Surface Contact
Oval geometry provides superior blade coverage compared to traditional round steels.
Ergonomic Handling
Hollow core construction keeps the tool lightweight for fatigue-free sharpening.
Grip Security
Textured plastic handle ensures a stable, slip-resistant hold during use.
Versatility Range
Highly effective for standard edges but lacks compatibility with serrated blades.
Maintenance Ease
Manual design is simple to use but requires careful hand washing.
Key Specs
Length
12 inches (tip to handle)
Edge Type
Diamond abrasive
Handle Material
Black plastic
Shape
Oval
Model Number
40689
Sharpener Type
Honing Steel
Core Structure
Hollow core
Power Source
Manual
Features
- Aggressive diamond edge for effective sharpening
- Oval shape for increased surface contact
- Lightweight design for easy handling
- Comfortable and secure grip
- Maintains knife sharpness and shape
- Ideal for thinning and reshaping edges
- Durable construction for longevity
What customers say
Customers highly value this Victorinox steel for its exceptional performance in quickly restoring dull edges. The 12-inch length is praised for accommodating larger chef knives efficiently. Reviewers trust the brand's quality, noting the effective diamond coating rapidly sets a new edge. While positioned as a premium tool, its reliability and speed justify the investment for serious cooks. A key point emphasized is the need for a light touch due to the aggressive grit, which removes material quickly. Despite eventual wear on the diamond particles over years of heavy use, the consensus confirms its superior initial sharpening power makes it a worthwhile, highly effective kitchen asset.
Know before you buy
While a standard steel is designed to realign the edge of a blade, this diamond-coated model is abrasive. It actually removes a small amount of metal, making it suitable for thinning and reshaping dull edges rather than just routine maintenance.
No, this tool is not suitable for serrated blades. The diamond abrasive surface is designed for the straight edges of standard kitchen knives and could damage the specific geometry of serrated teeth.
The oval shape provides a wider surface area compared to a traditional round rod. This increases the contact area with your knife blade, allowing for more efficient and consistent sharpening strokes.
No, this sharpening steel is not dishwasher safe. To clean it, simply wipe the rod down with a damp cloth or a non-abrasive sponge after use to remove any metal filings.
This model does not feature an integrated angle guide. It is designed for manual use, so you will need to maintain a consistent angle—typically between 15 and 20 degrees—by hand while sharpening.
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$51