1. What is the breakthrough with the SteelPro®?
For the first time, anyone can consistently obtain an incredibly sharp steeled edge.

2. Is this just another Chef'sChoice® manual sharpener?
Absolutely not! The SteelPro's super-hardened miniature steels use a non-abrasive process to develop ultra-sharp, micro-serrations along the entire knife-edge.

3. How is a SteelPro edge different from the edge of a knife sharpened in a Model 120 or 320 sharpener?
The Models 120 and 320 sharpeners produce an astonishingly sharp, super-fine stropped knife-edge with no serrations. The SteelPro develops microscopic ultra-sharp "sharks teeth" along the entire knife-edge.

4. How is the edge created by the SteelPro different from that of a conventional steel?
Because it has precision guides, the SteelPro maintains the original edge geometry. The knife-edge is not rounded off and remains razor sharp.

The precision guides create an "angle-of-attack" that is fixed in one direction. Steeling with the SteelPro creates uniform micro-serrations on the knife-edge that cut better and evenly distribute the cutting load. The edge lasts longer and needs to be steeled less often, thereby extending the life of the knife.

With conventional steels, the "angle-of attack" varies along the length of the edge with every stroke of the knife. The result is non-uniform edge formation, portions of which fail prematurely.

5. How long will the steeling elements on the SteelPro last?
The steeling elements will virtually last a lifetime. They can be rotated to expose 54 different fresh steeling surfaces as needed. Several thousand strokes can be applied in each position.

6. Do I still need a sharpener (or have my knives professionally sharpened) if I use the SteelPro?
Yes. All knife manufacturers recommend periodic professional sharpening in addition to regular steeling. The best professional sharpening can be achieved with a Chef'sChoice® electric sharpener such as the Model 120.

7. So, will the SteelPro actually sharpen my knives?
If the knife is reasonably sharp, you can perfect the edge with the SteelPro. However, if the knife is very dull, it should be sharpened first with a professional sharpener or by a professional service at the original factory angle. (We recommend sharpening with Stage 1 of the Chef'sChoice® Model 120 sharpener.)

8. Does the SteelPro remove metal from my knife-edge?
Yes, any steeling, whether with a conventional manual steel or the SteelPro, removes a microscopic amount of metal from the knife-edge. Much less metal is removed with the SteelPro because of its precision angle guides. After two thousand strokes, less than five (5) milligrams of metal are removed by the SteelPro. That is the approximate weight of only 5 four-inch long hairs!

9. Chef'sChoice manufactures Diamond sharpening steels. Can the SteelPro do as well?
The SteelPro will do a better job. The abrasive surface of a diamond steel will actually sharpen the edge of the knife blade even if the steeling angle is not always correct. Because so many steel users have trouble maintaining the correct steeling angle, diamond steels provide a more satisfactory result. However, the SteelPro is superior to a diamond steel. (See question # 4.)

10. Will the SteelPro maintain the factory edge of my knife?
Yes, as long as you use it regularly and consistently as recommended.

11. At what angle does the SteelPro steel knives?
At approximately 46 degrees (23 degrees on each side.)

12. Why hasn't Chef'sChoice recommended steeling before?
First, because the vast majority of people do not know how to use a conventional steel. Second, conventional steeling removes more metal than necessary and creates an ineffective, rounded-off edge. Improper steeling can do more harm than good.

13. Will the SteelPro work on serrated knives?
No, the SteelPro was not designed for serrated knives. Serrated knives can be sharpened successfully with the Chef'sChoice Model 120 or Model 460 sharpener.

14. Will the SteelPro work on single beveled Japanese Kataba knives?
Yes. See the SteelPro instructions on how to do so.

15. Is the SteelPro recommended for ceramic knives?
No, the SteelPro is not recommended for ceramic knives.

16. For what brands of knives is the SteelPro recommended?
The SteelPro is recommended for all brands of steel knives including Wusthof, Henckels, Chicago Cutlery, Global, Forschner, Russell Harrington, Viking, Cuisinart, Kitchen Aid, Chef'sChoice® Cutlery and many, many more.

17. How can I purchase the SteelPro Model 470?The SteelPro Model 470 is available from leading department, cookware, specialty and cutlery stores as well as mail order and online catalogs. For specific retailers, please call customer service at 800-342-3255. If you prefer to order Chef'sChoice products online, please see our list of online retailers.