honingkasten

Honingkasten is a German term for a storage or organizing box used for sharpening tools and related accessories. The word combines honing (Schärfen) with Kasten (box) and describes a family of containers rather than a single standardized instrument. In German-speaking workshops, a honingkasten may refer to a dedicated box on a workbench or a portable case used to transport sharpening implements.

Typical construction and contents vary, but a honingkasten is usually made of wood, metal, or durable plastic and is designed with compartments, trays, or inserts. It commonly holds sharpening stones (such as water stones or oil stones), strops, honing oil, lapping papers, and dressing sticks. Some models include a moisture tray for water stones and a lid to protect the contents and keep dust out or prevent slippage during transport.

Usage and purpose are practical: the honingkasten helps keep sharpening equipment organized, protects abrasive surfaces from contamination or damage, and facilitates moving supplies between locations such as different workstations, shops, or field sites. It is valued by woodworkers, metalworkers, knife makers, and hobbyists who regularly sharpen blades or tools.

Historical and regional notes: the term appears in German tool literature from the 19th and early 20th centuries and is still encountered among enthusiasts. Depending on the author or region, a honingkasten may also be referred to as Schärfkasten or Schleifkasten. In general, it denotes a container category rather than a single, standardized device. See also honing, sharpening, and tool storage.