Knife sets supply some of the most essential tools to a home kitchen—after all, it’s near-impossible to make meals without a few sharp blades to chop vegetables, slice meat and mince herbs.

As evidenced above, great steak knives aren't cheap, and dull ones aren't only less effective, they're more dangerous. So, a sharpening device helps to protect your investment and your fingers.

There's no tool more important in the kitchen than a good chef's knife. Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, swears by knives from this German brand.