Hold the honing steel vertically with the tip resting on a stable surface
Grip the knife handle firmly in your dominant hand
Place the knife heel against the top of the steel at a 15 to 20 degree angle
Draw the blade down and across the steel in a smooth motion
Move from heel to tip while maintaining the angle
Repeat on the other side of the blade
Alternate sides for several passes
Use light pressure
Keep fingers clear of the blade path
Wipe the blade clean after honing
Clean and store the honing steel safely after use