Honing steel is a tool used to maintain the sharpness of knives and other cutting instruments. It is typically a long, slender rod made of hardened steel, often with a smooth or slightly textured surface. The primary purpose of honing steel is to realign the edge of a blade, which can become misaligned with regular use, rather than sharpening it. To use honing steel, hold it vertically and glide the knife's edge along the steel at a consistent angle, usually around 15 to 20 degrees. This process helps to straighten the blade, making it more effective for cutting. Regular honing can extend the life of knives and improve their performance.