Ceramic knives are now found in many kitchens. They offer key benefits over steel knives. They stay sharp longer. They don’t rust. They don’t stain. Many home cooks love using a ceramic chef knife for cutting tasks.
Kyocera makes some of the best ceramic knives on the market. These blades are made from zirconium oxide. This material is very hard. The hardness helps the knife stay sharp for a long time.
But what happens when your ceramic knife gets dull? Can you sharpen it? Let’s find out.
Can Ceramic Knives Be Sharpened?
Yes, you can sharpen ceramic knives. But the process is not the same as with steel knives.
Many people think ceramic knives never need sharpening. This is not true. Ceramic knives do stay sharp much longer than steel knives. But they will get dull with regular use.
When a ceramic knife loses its edge, you have two main options:
- Sharpen it at home with special tools
- Send it to a pro sharpening service
Why Ceramic Knives Need Special Sharpening
Ceramic blades are much harder than steel blades. On the Mohs scale of hardness, ceramic knife material rates about 8.5. Steel rates only around 4-5. This extra hardness is why ceramic knives stay sharp longer. But it also makes them harder to sharpen.
The hardness of ceramic means:
- Regular sharpening tools won’t work
- You can’t use a honing rod
- You can’t use a sharpening steel
- Standard stones are too soft
- Too much pressure can chip the blade
This is why you need special diamond-based tools for ceramic knives.
DIY Methods for Sharpening Ceramic Knives
If you want to sharpen your ceramic knife at home, here are some ways that work:
Diamond Sharpeners
Diamond is one of the few materials hard enough to sharpen ceramic. A diamond sharpener can fix the edge of your ceramic knife.
When using a diamond sharpener:
- Put the sharpener on a flat, stable surface
- Hold the knife at a 15-20 degree angle
- Draw the blade across the diamond surface
- Make 5-10 passes on each side
- Use light pressure to avoid chips
Brands like Zwilling sell diamond sharpeners that work well for ceramic knives.
Ceramic-Specific Sharpening Tools
Some makers create tools just for ceramic knives. Kyocera sells a ceramic rod made to sharpen their ceramic knives.
These tools use diamond or other very hard materials that can sharpen ceramic. Follow the tool’s instructions for best results.
What NOT to Use
Never use these tools on ceramic knives:
- Regular honing rod
- Regular sharpening steel
- Standard sharpening stones
- Electric sharpeners not made for ceramic
Using these will harm your knife or simply not work. A standard honing rod is too soft to affect the ceramic edge.
Professional Sharpening Services
For many owners, pro sharpening is the safest choice. Many knife makers offer sharpening for their ceramic knives.
Kyocera has a mail-in service for their ceramic knives. They use special tools that can sharpen ceramic without damage.
Other benefits of pro sharpening include:
- The right tools for the job
- Staff with ceramic knife know-how
- Fixing of minor chips
- Pro-level results
Pro sharpening costs about $10-40 per knife. The price depends on the service and knife size.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Ceramic Knives Sharp Longer
Good care can make your knife stay sharp longer:
- Use ceramic knives only on wood or plastic boards
- Never cut on glass, stone, or metal
- Don’t twist or flex the blade
- Don’t use ceramic knives for prying or boning
- Store knives in sheaths or blocks
- Wash by hand only
- Use ceramic knives mainly for fruits, veggies, and boneless meats
These tips will help your ceramic knife stay sharp much longer than a steel knife would.
Signs Your Ceramic Knife Needs Sharpening
How do you know when it’s time to sharpen? Look for these signs:
- The knife crushes tomatoes instead of slicing them
- You need to push harder to cut
- Cuts look ragged, not clean
- The knife doesn’t glide through food
- You can see or feel dull spots on the edge
When you notice these signs, it’s time to sharpen your ceramic knife.
Ceramic vs. Steel Knives: Sharpening Comparison
| Feature | Ceramic Knives | Steel Knives |
|---|---|---|
| How often to sharpen | Every 1-2 years | Every few weeks or months |
| How hard to sharpen | More difficult | Easier |
| Can use honing rod | No | Yes |
| DIY options | Few options | Many options |
| Pro services | Need special service | Widely available |
| Risk when sharpening | Higher | Lower |
Steel knives are easier to care for at home. You can use a sharpening steel often to keep the edge. Ceramic knives stay sharp longer but need special care when they get dull.
Popular Ceramic Knife Brands and Their Sharpening Tips
Kyocera
- Offers mail-in sharpening
- Sells a Kyocera ceramic rod for home use
- Warns against using standard tools
Zwilling
- Suggests pro sharpening
- Offers diamond sharpeners for ceramic
- Recommends sending knives back to them
Other Brands Most ceramic knife makers suggest either:
- Sending knives back for pro sharpening
- Using diamond tools made for ceramic blades
Always check your knife’s warranty before sharpening. Some makers may void warranties if you sharpen the knives yourself.
FAQs About Ceramic Knife Sharpening
Q: How often should I sharpen my ceramic knife? A: With normal home use, ceramic knives need sharpening every 1-2 years. Steel knives need it every few months.
Q: Will a regular knife service know how to sharpen ceramic knives? A: Not all services have the tools for ceramic knives. Ask if they handle ceramic knives before sending yours.
Q: Can I use an electric knife sharpener on my ceramic knife? A: Only if it’s made for ceramic knives. Most standard electric sharpeners will damage ceramic blades.
Q: Is it worth sharpening a ceramic knife, or should I just buy a new one? A: Good ceramic knives are worth sharpening. A well-sharpened ceramic knife can work like new.
Q: Can chips in a ceramic knife be fixed? A: Small chips can often be fixed by pro sharpening. Large chips mean you may need a new knife.
Conclusion
Yes, you can sharpen ceramic knives. But you need special tools or pro help. While ceramic knives stay sharp longer than steel knives, they will get dull over time.
For most home cooks, sending ceramic knives to a pro service is the safest choice. If you want to sharpen at home, buy a good diamond sharpener made for ceramic blades.
With good care and some sharpening, your ceramic knives can last for years. Brands like Kyocera and Zwilling make great ceramic knives that, when well kept, will be key tools in your kitchen.
The hardness that helps ceramic knives stay sharp also makes them harder to sharpen. Take your time, use the right tools, and your kitchen knives will keep working at their best.