MITSUMOTO SAKARI MS-1118-10-IT/FR 10-inch High Carbon Sharpening Rod

High-carbon steel and a magnetised surface give this sharpening rod a practical role in regular knife care: hone a blade before food preparation and help keep the edge ready for kitchen tasks.

Its 10-inch rod is paired with an ergonomic, non-slip ABS handle and an all-steel grip. The shape is designed to suit most tool sizes, while the handle helps you maintain a secure hold as you work.

For home cooks who want a dedicated honing steel rather than a compact pull-through sharpener, the rod offers a straightforward way to maintain knives at the counter. How does it fit into a routine? Use it as part of regular blade care, following the recommended angle and taking care to protect your hands.

Best use cases

Use the MITSUMOTO SAKARI rod for routine knife maintenance before chopping, slicing or other kitchen preparation. Its 10-inch length gives you a substantial working surface, and the round shape is intended for most tool sizes. The magnetised steel helps keep fine metal particles on the rod while honing, rather than allowing them to float around the blade.

To use it, place the knife tip at the top of the rod at an angle of 20 degrees. Starting near the handle, draw the blade towards its tip, repeat 2–3 times, then work on the other side. Keep your hands protected while honing and use a controlled movement. This approach makes the rod a useful everyday alternative to a sharpener designed for a different maintenance method.

Pros

The high-carbon steel construction, non-slip ABS handle and all-steel grip bring together the main practical features for regular honing. The handle’s shaped design is intended to sit comfortably in the hand, helping you hold the rod securely as you guide the blade. Its light, easy-to-carry form also makes it simple to move between a worktop and storage.

Buyers have highlighted the sharpener’s quality, while views on value for money are mixed. The key appeal is its dedicated rod format, with a full-length working surface and a handle designed for a steady grip—not a promise of results independent of how the tool is used.

Key points

• Type: Round sharpening rod / honing steel
• Material: High-carbon steel
• Handle: Non-slip ABS with an all-steel grip
• Rod length: 10 inches
• Dimensions: 44L x 8W x 4H centimetres
• Weight: 0.55 kilograms
• Model: MS-1118-10-IT/FR

Questions before you buy

What is this sharpening rod for? It is intended for honing kitchen knives as part of regular blade maintenance. Its 10-inch length and round profile suit most tool sizes.

How should I use it? Set the knife at a 20-degree angle, start near the handle and move towards the tip. Repeat 2–3 times, then hone the other side, keeping your hands protected throughout.

How should I care for the rod? Dry it after washing and store it in a well-ventilated place. For storage, the rod can be dried with a cloth moistened with cooking oil.

Final verdict

For home cooks and professional kitchen users who want a dedicated steel for routine knife care, this MITSUMOTO SAKARI rod combines a 10-inch high-carbon steel surface with a shaped ABS handle and magnetised construction. Its straightforward honing method makes it a practical addition to a regular food-preparation routine.