This Global Knife Sharpener helps keep your GLOBAL knives sharp. The ceramic rod will hones and sharpens at the same time with a few quick swipes. GLOBAL knives are made from the finest stainless steel material. The blades utilize Molybdenum/Vanadium stainless steel, Ice tempered and hardened to Rockwell C56-58 degrees which holds a razor sharp edge longer than any other steel and resists rust, stains and corrosion. This steel is 9 1/2 inches long.