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 when using a whetstone. You can click on it image to see what 22½ degrees looks like on a honing steel.
The Correct Angle For Using A Whetstone Or Knife Steel
This is what a 22½-degree angle looks like.
By Danilo Alfaro, About.com Guide
More About Chef's Knives:
Culinary Arts Knife Skills:
Chef's Knife Basics:
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