How to sharpen a ceramic knife

The durable and chemically neutral blade of a ceramic knife remains sharp for a very long time. Much longer than steel blades. But sooner or later, owners of such a convenient tool have to look for answers to two serious questions: is it possible to sharpen a ceramic knife and how to do it at home? We will answer them today.

To sharpen or not to sharpen?

Ceramic knife blades are made from zirconium dioxide powder, which is pressed into molds and baked at high temperatures. Then the workpiece goes through several processing stages, one of which is sharpening with diamond discs.

This means that the sharp cutting edge of a ceramic blade is not initially sharp. And this is where the answer to the first question lies: yes, such knives can be sharpened.

Ceramic knives with black blades are more durable than white ones. And if the color is entirely the merit of special dyes, then the strength and cost of black ceramics is the result of longer baking.

But there is one problem. In order to return the former sharpness to a white or black blade, you will need a diamond-coated sharpener..

An ordinary file is useless here, because its hardness on the Mohs scale is 7.This tool easily sharpens steel, the hardness of which on the same scale is 6, but even the highest quality steel file cannot cope with a ceramic blade that proudly displays marks in the range from 8.2 to 8.5 points.

Features of sharpening ceramic knives

Taking into account the fact that a zirconium blade holds an edge for a very long time, it makes sense to entrust this important work to specialists: they will be able to sharpen the blade correctly without damaging it, and will charge a relatively small amount for their work (obviously less than the cost of a new knife).

If for some reason this option is not suitable, there are only two options left: use a manual diamond sharpener or a diamond-coated emery wheel.

Emery wheel

This option is best used only if you have at least experience in sharpening steel knives. In addition, reliable fixation of the frame is also a prerequisite, since the slightest vibration can lead to damage to the blade, which is sensitive to such effects.

If these conditions are met, you can begin sharpening, which will be successful if three rules are observed:

• the machine should operate at low speeds;
• The knife cannot be pressed too hard against the disk;
• The optimal sharpening angle is at least 25 degrees.

Ignoring at least one of the listed rules will lead to the fact that after an unsuccessful attempt to sharpen a zirconium blade at home, you will simply join the society of those who are sure: ceramic knives are an interesting, but disposable toy.

Hand sharpener

This option is good because not only men can use it. Having a mechanical or electric sharpener in her home, any woman can sharpen a ceramic knife.In this case, you will not need any special skills or knowledge. It is enough just to take into account the initial type of sharpening of the blade and use the appropriate groove.