Do you require to sharpen ceramic razors, which are the most cutting-edge blades available? Despite some common perceptions, ceramic blades may become dull over time. However, they just do so considerably more slowly than metal blades.
Ceramic knives should be sharpened professionally after a few months. But with the correct equipment, you can do it yourself at home like a pro.
As a result, it rounds up to the question of how to sharpen ceramic knives.
Don’t worry; the steps are easy. You just need to know and follow them accordingly.
In the following article, we will talk about the 3 most simple, effective and affordable approaches to maintaining the sharpness of your ceramic knives. So, you can use them for a long time, with the same sharpness and experience.
But, before jumping directly into the details, at first, let’s develop a basic idea about ceramic knives:
So, What are these Ceramic Knives?
Ceramic zirconia, also known as zirconium dioxide, is used to make incredibly durable and hard blades. These are frequently created by solid-state sintering zirconia powder after it has been dry-pressed. In addition, knives made of ceramic have a very strong edge, which considerably reduces the sharpening necessity.
Knives made of ceramic offer benefits in addition to their strong blades. They don’t rust or get stained. The acids present in food do not harm these blades. They won’t retain scents and are also incredibly simple to clean. Additionally, these blades are extremely lightweight.
It’s challenging to sharpen a ceramic knife since you can’t use standard tools designed for steel knives because they aren’t tough enough to polish ceramic blades. Instead, the ceramic knife may be sent back to the maker for sharpening. However, you might find this alternative unpleasant.
Are there any things to consider before sharpening ceramic knives? If so, what are they?
Well, you may think sharpening a ceramic knife is not much of a deal. But, there are some important aspects that you need to consider before going ahead with the process.
So, if you want to sharpen knives at home, make sure to take the following things into consideration beforehand to make things easier:
1. Get safety equipment first
You must get a set of Kevlar gloves first. While other cut-resistant gloves may also function, Kevlar is often reliable. In addition, you require cut-resistant gloves for safety reasons.
You must first eliminate any undesirable results before sharpening any sort of blade. As a result, there will be less chance of the blade slicing into your arm or wrist, and there will also be less chance that sharpening-related flying debris will strike your eyes. Put on gloves and safety eyewear before using any sharpening equipment.
2. Check the sharpness
Get out every knife you intend to sharpen initially. Collecting cardboard is the next step. Using some cardboard as a starting point, slice all along the edges to determine how much the knife can move against typical opposition.
The amount of pressure required to cut a carrot is roughly equivalent to standard friction. Therefore, it is rational to assume that the knife is sharp enough if it easily slices through the cardboard. If not, it will need to be honed to a point where it will proceed without difficulty.
3 Simple & Effective Process for sharpening Ceramic Knives
While all options work, some will work well than others, depending on personal preference. Therefore, use any one of the below techniques that best suits your requirements:
1. Using an Electric Sharpener
Follow the below steps to sharpen a knife using an electric sharpener:
i. Cleanse the ceramic blade.
It is advisable to check that the knife’s blade is clean before proceeding. Warm water should be used to clean the blade gently after that. Dry and clean the knife. Make every effort not to misplace a ceramic knife. Knives made of ceramic are far more fragile than those made of metal, and if used harshly, they might chip or even break.
ii. Set the electric sharpener down on a stable, flat space and connect it.
Check to see that the sharpener won’t sway or fall over when sharpening. As the sharpening process differs from instruments used to sharpen knives made of metal, be sure the electrical sharpener is intended for ceramic knives.
Both manual and battery-operated ceramic knife sharpeners are available. Ensure they are made for ceramic blades before using them; otherwise, they will be equivalent to using the electric sharpening method.
iii. Switch on the sharpening machine and insert the knife’s blade into position one.
Numbered slots on electrical sharpeners indicate the sequence in which you sharpen your knives. To learn the precise meaning of each number, consult the user guide for your sharpener. The ordinal numbers will often fall between 1 and 3, with 1 becoming the least and initial level.
iv. Gradually bring the knife closer to you.
Begin with the knife’s handle and slide it into the gap until you reach the blades. The sound of the electric sharpener operating will be audible.
v. Insert the blade into the 2nd and 3rd slots accordingly.
When sharpening the knife, follow the directions in the handbook accordingly. For example, electrical sharpeners might have two slots or three slots. As there are various blades within the sharpener for each numbered slot, following the sharpener’s sequence is essential.
Be careful you use the correct slot when using an electric sharpener that has a slot designated just for jagged blades.
2. Using a Diamond Stone
Here is the list of the steps to take for sharpening a knife using a diamond stone:
i. Set the diamond rock on a level, non-slip surface.
An excellent temporary workspace may be made by placing a kitchen towel over a kitchen counter. Just ensure it’s all level and that the sharpened stone won’t move while you’re working. If it’s your first time sharpening, it could be challenging to grip the rock in your hands. Put the rough side up if the diamond has two parts.
ii. Keep the blade side of the knife far from you.
The pointy end of the knife must be pointing toward the surface of the rock, flat on the surface.
iii. Circularly move the blade down at a 16-degree slope.
Consider that you are attempting to remove the stone’s top layer. Apply the same shaving techniques you would while using a straight razor. The natural curve of the blade is followed by maintaining the knife’s slope between 16 and 21 degrees.
When pressing on the blade, be delicate to handle it. Because ceramic knives are so fragile, applying too much force might result in the blade snapping or cracking.
iv. Flip the knife over and repeat.
The blade should be turned, so the side that hasn’t been honed is facing the stone. Then, following the knife’s organic contour, raise it upwards through the stone in a circular manner. In essence, you’re employing the same movement as previously but in the opposite direction. Make each side six times sharp. You may maintain track by recording the number of blades drags.
v. Use the diamond’s rock’s opposite side to sharpen the blade.
To access the sharper side, turn the rock over. Then, move the blades at a 16-degree slope over the stone in circular movements. Don’t forget to drag an equal amount of times on either side. The sharper side will make the blade shiny and sleek.
3. Using a Diamond File
Follow the below-mentioned steps to sharpen a knife using a diamond file:
i. Place the blade in the holder for the diamond filing.
Several diamond filers have a knife clip to hold your blades at the ideal position to sharpen. Just place the blade’s dull point within the holder. Place the blades of your file at a 20-degree slope if it didn’t arrive with a stand.
ii. If you want to, damp the diamond file.
Sharpeners made of diamonds don’t need water added to them. However, others claim the oil helps the blade’s sharpness, while certain knife users advise against this.
iii. To massage the file from the blade to the top, move it up and down.
To hold the knife in position, maintain one arm at the knife’s bottom. Then, gently clean the blade with the file from one of the blade’s ends to the other for at least one minute. Use little pressure while polishing ceramic blades since they are exceedingly fragile and can break or flake.
iv. Reverse the knife and continue.
Use the same up and down movements to polish the knife’s edges on the other end. More water doesn’t need to be added to the knife.
To Wrap Up
Hopefully, you have no more queries in your mind regarding how to sharpen ceramic knives.
Although ceramic blades may take some time to get worn, you will ultimately have to polish these. You should get a sharpening rod or an electrical knife sharpener since they work well for honing ceramic blades.
On the other side, if you possess, several ceramic knives would benefit most from a work sharp blade and tool sharpener. Again, adhere to the options provided previously, and you won’t have any issues utilizing any of these products.
No more wasting extra money or failing after several attempts to sharpen your knives!
