To ensure that your knives stay beautifully sharp, the Wusthof Classic Ikon Premium Honing Steel should be used regularly. Over time, knives will deteriorate and lose their edge. Honing realigns the microscopic teeth in the blade that can't be seen with the naked eye. The handle design is made of a highly durable synthetic material known as Polyoxymethylene (POM), which features a tighter molecular structure to resist fading and discoloration. Often, a knife's edge will bend or roll slightly from normal use, after running it across this honing steel it will help to straighten the edge and the knife will be sharp again. By regularly honing your knives, you will maximize the time in between sharpening. Made in Solingen, Germany with a lifetime warranty.