A honing rod, also known as a sharpening steel, is a tool used to maintain the edge of kitchen knives. It is typically made of steel, ceramic, or diamond-coated materials and features a long, slender design. By running the knife blade along the rod at a specific angle, users can realign the edge, making it sharper and more effective for cutting. Honing rods are often confused with sharpening stones, but they serve a different purpose. While sharpening stones remove material to create a new edge, honing rods simply straighten and refine the existing edge. Regular use of a honing rod can prolong the life of knives and improve their performance in the kitchen.