Zwilling Bob Kramer Double-Cut Sharpening Steel
Best precision honing tool for discerning culinary enthusiasts.
The Zwilling Bob Kramer Double-Cut Sharpening Steel is a 12-inch honing rod designed for maintaining the sharpness of your knives. Voted the best honing steel by America's Test Kitchen, it features a combination of smooth and lightly ridged surfaces for effective honing. Its unique design with a higher number of ridges than most steels contributes to its excellent performance and ease of use, making it suitable for a varied collection of knives, especially those with significant burrs like German steel knives. The handle is made of durable plastic.
$79.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
114
/ 464
#114 in Knife Sharpeners
Price vs Category Average
+0%
Below average
Material
Steel
/ Steel
Who it's for
- Home cooks and professionals needing swift edge maintenance.
- Discerning users investing in high-quality, lasting kitchen equipment.
- Experienced cooks maintaining edges on frequently used, harder working knives.
Who should skip it
- Beginners expecting a tool to sharpen very dull knives.
- First-time users unfamiliar with correct knife honing methods.
- Inexperienced users who might apply excessive force or frequency.
Performance breakdown
Honing Efficiency
Dual-surface design restores edge alignment with professional-grade speed and precision.
Burr Removal
High ridge density excels at smoothing stubborn burrs on German steel.
Ergonomic Handling
Substantial length and balanced weight provide excellent control during the stroke.
Build Durability
Robust steel construction ensures long-term reliability for heavy kitchen use.
Ease of Use
Intuitive design makes consistent edge maintenance accessible for home cooks.
Handle Comfort
Durable plastic grip offers a secure hold but lacks premium tactile feel.
Key Specs
Material
Steel
Handle Material
Plastic
Length
12 inches
Type
Honing Steel
Model Number
34958-310
Cut
Combination
Features
- Voted Best Honing Steel by America's Test Kitchen
- Dual-surface design for versatile honing
- Effective for German steel knives with burrs
- Easy to use and highly effective
- Longest and thickest hone in Kramer lineup
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Zwilling Bob Kramer Double Cut Sharpening Steel for its exceptional quality and remarkable effectiveness. Many highlight its robust construction and the superior feel in hand, attributing these to its premium design. Users find it effortlessly restores knife edges, making routine maintenance simple and highly efficient. The double cut feature is often cited for its ability to quickly bring sharpness back, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and indispensable tool for serious home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its performance justifies the investment for those seeking lasting precision.
Know before you buy
This model features a unique combination of smooth and ridged surfaces. The higher density of ridges allows for more efficient realignment of the knife edge, making it particularly effective at removing burrs from softer German steel blades.
While this steel is highly effective for German-style knives, it is quite aggressive. If you have Japanese knives with very hard, brittle steel, you should use a ceramic rod or a fine-grit stone instead to avoid damaging the delicate edge.
You should use it lightly before or after every major cooking session to keep your edge aligned. Honing does not sharpen the knife by removing metal, but rather straightens the microscopic edge that bends during use.
The 12-inch length provides a longer surface area, which makes it easier to hone longer chef's knives in a single, fluid motion. It is the longest and thickest option in the Kramer lineup, offering excellent stability and control.
The plastic handle is designed for durability and a secure grip. While it is lightweight, it is balanced well against the 12-inch steel rod, ensuring the tool feels steady and comfortable in your hand during use.
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