Whether you're sharpening your chef's knife on a whetstone or using a honing steel to keep it aligned, the knife's edge should meet the stone or steel at an angle of 22½ degrees.
The image to the right shows what 22½ degrees looks like. It alternates between whetstone and knife steel, but you can click the image to see each one separately.
The Correct Angle For Using A Whetstone Or Knife Steel
This is what a 22½-degree angle looks like.
By Danilo Alfaro, About.com
More About Chef's Knives:
The Anatomy of a Chef's KnifeSharpening On A WhetstoneUsing A Honing Steel
Culinary Arts Knife Skills:
Basic Knife CutsKnife Cuts Photo GalleryHow to Chop an Onion
Chef's Knife Basics:
How to Use a Chef's KnifeProper Knife MaintenanceHow to Make an Allumette Cut
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