NICHOLSON Vintage 10-In Ribbed Wood Handle Kitchen Sharpening Honing Steel Tool For Sale

This previously owned sharpening steel showcases traditional mid-century American tool craftsmanship. The robust design pairs a deeply ribbed wooden handle and integrated swivel loop with a diamond-shaped steel crossguard for a rustic frontier style.Manufacturer: Nicholson File CompanyProduction Era: Vintage 1940s to 1960sOverall Length: 15 inBlade Length: 10 in Honing RodBlade Width: 3/8 inBlade Edge: Fine Ridged Sharpening TextureBlade Material: High Carbon Plated SteelTang Type: Rod Extension TangHandle Length: 5 inHandle Material: Ribbed Turned Walnut WoodBlade Production: Factory MachinedCutlery Type: Knife Sharpening Honing SteelMade In: United StatesCondition: The rod displays dark patina, surface scratches, and spots of historic rust. The steel guard is tight, while the wood handle shows deep drying, grain chipping, pocket smooth spots, and a small cosmetic chip near the swivel ring loop without any structural split cracks.This piece is identified as an authentic vintage Nicholson honing steel by its hardware blueprints. The tool features the iconic barrel-shaped walnut handle with parallel horizontal grip ridges turned directly into the wood—a non-slip design unique to mid-century Nicholson. This handle styling, combined with the steel swivel hanging ring anchored through the pommel and flat crossguard, serves as a structural fingerprint that establishes its genuine American manufacturing heritage despite the absence of a visible surface etch.