If you’ve been in the hunt for a new knife, I’m sure you’ve come across ceramic knives. But have you ever looked at them and wondered: “How to sharpen ceramic knives?”. Contrary to popular belief, ceramic knives do get blunt. They keep their edge longer than regular steel, but they still get dull eventually. They are also lightweight and fancy looking, but do you know they’re almost as hard as diamonds?
This is what makes sharpening them troublesome. Ceramic knives are extremely brittle. This means they can easily snap if you accidentally put too much pressure on it. And since it’s harder than steel, the only thing hard enough to sharpen it is – you guessed it, diamonds.
How To Sharpen Your Ceramic Knife
Diamond Sharpening Rods
This is more for honing, than sharpening the knife but it works just as well. Strike the knife against the rod in a careful manner, so as not to chip it, about three times then repeat on the other side. Remember that ceramic knives are just as sharp as steel so make sure to wear cut-resistant gloves.
Diamond Whetstones
This is one of the best and more effective ways of sharpening your ceramic knife at home. Soak your whetstone in water for a minute or two, then put it on a flat surface with a damp towel underneath. This is to make sure it won’t slip while you’re sharpening the knife. Start with 200 grit and work your way up to 1500 grit. Unlike with regular knives, use both hands when sharpening a ceramic knife. Apply very light pressure and slide the knife downwards away from you. Do the same on the other side and move gradually to 1500 grit.
Work Sharp Knife Sharpener
If you’re feeling a bit more confident about your knife sharpening skills (and if you have the budget for it), go with a Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener. It’s a miniature version of the grinder that professional sharpeners use. If you have a whole set of ceramic knives, then this is a good investment for you. Wear your cut-resistant gloves, rest the sharpener on a damp towel and set it to a low grit. Lightly slide the blade on it for about 6 times on both sides then progressively move to a higher grit.
*To check the sharpness of the blade, use either a tomato. If it cuts through the skin effortlessly, then you’re good to go.
How I Keep my Ceramic Knives Sharp?
To keep your ceramic knife-sharp longer, only use it to cut through softer substances like most fruits, vegetables, and your fresh catch. Do not use to cut hard or frozen food.
Always, use a wooden cutting board with your ceramic knife.
Do not put them in the dishwasher or throw them in the sink. Ceramic knives can easily chip. It is best to hand wash them and store carefully, preferably with a sleeve on.
Put simply, it is entirely possible to sharpen your ceramic knives at the comfort of your own home. It takes a bit more effort than sharpening your regular knives. Thus, it’s important to keep your maintenance game on point. They did say beauty comes with a price. 😉
