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 textured surface. The primary purpose of honing steel is to realign the edge of a blade that may have become misaligned during use, rather than sharpening it. To use honing steel, hold it vertically and glide the knife's edge along the rod at a consistent angle, usually around 20 degrees. This process helps to keep the blade in optimal condition, ensuring better performance and longevity for kitchen tools like knives and scissors.