Start by securing the knife in the clamp, then choose your preferred angle, which is different for different types of cutlery. Use the 17-degree angle for razor blades and X-Acto knives; use the 20-degree angle for kitchen knives; use the 25-degree angle for pocket knives and hunting knives; and the 30-degree angle for heavy duty knives that see a lot of action cutting wire and cardboard. Once selected, attach the hone to the guide rod, slide it in the angle hole and gradually drag it across the knife’s edge—the hone does all of the work for you.