The Mac Black Ceramic Honing Rod is an extremely hard 81° Rockwell C compared to metal rods ("steels") at 62° and White ceramic rods at 76°. The rod must be significantly harder than the steel blade so that the softer blade "wears" away or hones when rubbed against the harder rod. Mac knives are among the hardest available at 58 - 60° and therefore should only be honed using ceramic rods. Other brands of knives generally range 52°-57° and can easily be honed with the Black Ceramic Honing Rod.

•Black ceramic, harder than white ceramic, harder than steel.
•Unique break resistant design with black polypropylene handle and steel handle cap.
•Works with all brands of knives, blade scuff marks are nearly invisible, won't rust.
•Honing rods are used to fine tune and touch up the edge of your knives.